Police Officer - Trainee & Lateral

A hiring bonus for lateral, sworn Police Officers may be provided up to $50,000. $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Field Training Program, $10,000 shall be paid 1 year after completion of the Field Training Program, $15,000 shall be paid 2 years after completion of the Field Training Program, and $15,000 shall be paid 3 years after completion of the Field Training Program.

• Lateral Sworn Police Officers who apply on or after January 27, 2026.
• Lateral Sworn Police Officers must currently be employed as a full-time CA Police Officer with another LE agency and have successfully completed a POST Certified Patrol Field Training Program and probationary period.
• Police Officer "re-hires" are ineligible for the Hiring Bonus.
• Part-time Police Officers are ineligible for the Hiring Bonus.
• The PD employee’s name (only one employee may be specified) must be listed as recruited by on the original Lateral Sworn Police Officer’s employment application when it was submitted.
• The City Manager reserves the right to discontinue the Hiring Bonus at any time.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency; higher education preferred
• Valid California driver's license and a safe driving record
• 21 years of age at time of appointment
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports and communicate effectively orally
• Spanish bilingual skill highly desirable
• Ability to skillfully and effectively deal with various racial, ethnic and economic groups
• Ability to work under physical and mental pressures and in potentially hazardous situations as determined by a pre-employment psychological exam
• Willingness to work night shifts and weekends
• Physical health, strength, stature and agility to meet physical demands of police work as determined by an agility test and a pre-employment physical exam
• Vision correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Normal color acuity; non-restricted peripheral vision
• Use or possession of a drug classified as a hallucinogenic within 5 years prior to application for employment may result in disqualification
• Other illegal use or possession of drug not mentioned above (including cocaine) within 3 years prior to application for employment may result in disqualification
• Per SB960, effective Jan 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law but do not have to be U.S. citizens or applying for citizenship

• Alcohol/Tobacco Compliance Teams
• Auto Theft Task Force
• Bike Patrol
• Corporal/Field Training Officer
• County Gang Task Force
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Detective
• Downtown Officer
• K-9 Unit
• Mental Health Liaison
• Motor Officer
• Professional Standards Unit
• School Resource Officer
• Special Investigations Team (Gang Team)
• Special Response Unit (SWAT)
• Training Unit

Applicants who successfully pass both the written exam and physical agility tests (PELLETB score of 44 or higher) will be screened to determine suitability for hiring. South Bay Regional Public Safety Training in San Jose, CA offers the test on behalf of the Watsonville Police Department. The written portion may also be taken through  These exams must be taken prior to submitting an application with our department.

We, the members of the Watsonville Police Department dedicate ourselves to impacting our community in positive ways, everyday, through strong relationships and problem solving. We commit ourselves to public safety through engagement, education, enforcement, and professional development.

Our core values are;
Character, Competency, Compassion, and Communication.

• Intermediate POST certificate or AA/AS: 2.5% differential pay
• Advanced POST certificate or BA/BS: 5% differential pay
• Masters degree 7.5% differential pay
• Spanish bilingual pay: 5% differential pay
• Specialized assignment differential pay
• Uniform allowance: $1,200 p er year
• Tuition reimbursement $2,000 per year
• Participation in CalPERS retirement
• 96 to 160 hours of vacation per year
• 120 hours paid holidays per year
• 120 hours paid sick leave per year
• $50,000 life insurance policy
• Longevity pay 2% at 10 years and 4.5% at 20 years
• Health, dental and vision plan coverage
• Graveyard shift pay differential