Custody Officer

Job Summary

Join Our Team as a Custody Officer!

The Santa Monica Police Department is seeking motivated individuals who are interested in starting or continuing a career in law enforcement. The Custody Officer position is an excellent entry point for those pursuing a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, or for anyone considering a future career as a Police Officer.

Custody Officers play a key role in the department by supporting jail operations and working closely with sworn personnel. This position provides hands-on exposure to the law enforcement environment, policies, procedures, and daily operations, and valuable experience for those who want to advance into sworn roles in the future.

In this role, you will perform custody-related, administrative, and clerical duties while maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful environment within the detention facility. You’ll work alongside police officers, supervisors, and professional staff in a team-oriented setting.

Upon hire, you must successfully complete a 14-week Detention Officer Academy, which includes classroom instruction and physical training. This academy prepares you to perform the duties safely and professionally.

Why consider this position?

• Gain real-world law enforcement experience and exposure
• Work directly with sworn officers and professional staff
• Build a strong foundation for a future Police Officer career
• Receive paid training and develop job-relevant skills in custody operations, communication, and public safety

If you’re interested in a law enforcement career and want to start with meaningful, hands-on experience, we encourage you to apply.

Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Custody Officer salary range.

Salary and Benefits Breakdown

Step (1)

Top Step (5)

Annual Base Salary

$68,316

$84,336

Education

$1,315/annual

2% - Bachelor’s degree 1% - Associate’s degree

$1,623/annual

2% - Bachelor’s degree 1% - Associate’s degree

Bilingual Pay

$1,800/annual (for Spanish, $69.23 paid bi-weekly)

$600/annual (for non-Spanish, $23.08 paid bi-weekly)

$1,800/annual (for Spanish, $69.23 paid bi-weekly)

$600/annual (for non-Spanish, $23.08 paid bi-weekly)

Uniform Allowance

$910/annual ($35 paid bi-weekly)

$910/annual ($35 paid bi-weekly)

Bio-Hazard & Safety Pay

$1,950/annual ($75 paid bi-weekly)

$1,950/annual ($75 paid bi-weekly)

Total

$74,291

$90,619

Additional Compensation Opportunities :
Other incentives not included in total above: Fully-paid Medical Insurance Premiums , Wellness Benefit of $100 annual, Paid Winter Closure , Overtime, Shift Differentials, Call Back Pay, Filming Assignment, Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), Holiday Pay (13 Holiday Pay plus 3 non-cashable), Military Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Personal Leave, Family Leave, Bereavement Leave, Sick Leave Buy Back, Vacation Cash-Out, Employee Parking, City Paid Deferred Compensation, Tuition Reimbursement, Training/Professional Development.

PLEASE REVIEW THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW :

The job posting will remain open on a continuous basis. However, the initial cutoff for screening applications is 11:59 PM on March 15, 2026. Applications received after this time will be reviewed in the next screening cycle. Please ensure your application is submitted by the 15th for consideration in this round.

PLEASE NOTE TEST DATES:

• Written Exam: April 22, 2026
  (Application window: February 23 - March 15, 2026)
• In-Person Oral Interview: May 14, 2026

Please ensure you are available on the respective dates.

For more information about the Santa Monica Police Department, visit Join SMPD.com

DEFINITION

Performs a variety of duties associated with the secure custody, management, and operation of a 92 bed City jail facility, ensuring the safety, well-being, and orderly conduct of arrestees.

SUPERVISION

Works under the general supervision of the Public Services Administrator - Jail and/or designee who outlines work and frequently and carefully reviews work. Provides work direction to custodial staff and provides technical oversight to sworn personnel, as needed, when in the jail, including enforcing rules and regulations, and providing information and instruction.

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Takes custody of arrestees from arresting officers.

Conducts appropriate arrestee searches to identify contraband and dangerous items.

Controls the movement and activities of arrestees.

Searches arrestees who may be unkempt or in squalid condition.

Books and processes arrestees including fingerprinting and photographing of arrestees and inputting such information in the Los Angeles County Regional Identification System. Collects DNA samples as required.

Obtains on-site medical clearances for arrestees.

May transport and/or release arrestees after completion of the booking process.

Provides arrestees transportation to pre-arraignment courthouses and other Los Angeles County facilities.

Ensures the security, health, safety and well-being of arrestees.

Conducts security checks of the detention facility both physically and via closed circuit camera.

Recognizes and responds appropriately to mental or psychiatric disorders. Coordinates mental health evaluations for arrestees as required or requested.

Assist service providers with interviewing arrestees in custody.

Prepares, orders, and maintains inventory control of food and supplies for those in custody. Serves meals to arrestees.

Quells disturbances and maintains order in the facility.

Oversees the movement and ensures the safety and security of medical staff, outreach personnel, and outside contractors.

Coordinates visits and telephone communications involving arrestees, bail bond companies, attorneys, clergy, and personal visitors.

Completes thorough and accurate written reports as required.

Ensures adherence to Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations.

Performs custodial duties to ensure cleanliness of the facility as required by the state regulation.

Appears and testifies in court.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Clerical practices and procedures

Principles and practices used in dealing with the public

Effective customer service and communication techniques

Ability to:

Read and comprehend basic penal and vehicle codes and court procedures

Learn and apply first aid techniques

Handle arrestees under very difficult, violent and stressful conditions

Understand departmental policy and procedures

Follow written and oral instructions

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities and approaches.

Provide effective customer service

Maintain composure during stressful situations

Respond swiftly and efficiently in emergency situations

Demonstrate sound observation skills to confront and solve problems

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with City employees and the general public

Skill in:

Operating motor vehicles

The use of a personal computer and applicable software applications

Dealing courteously and diplomatically with individuals

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Experience: One year of recent, paid work experience involving public contact.

Desirable Qualifications:

Experience working for a law enforcement agency.

Passenger endorsement license for arrestee transportation.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Upon hire must complete a 16-week Detention Officer Academy that requires both physical and academic requirements including P.C. 832. Failure to successfully complete this course will result in termination.

Custody Officers are required to complete 24 hours of mandatory Standards and Trainings for Corrections (STC) annually.

Custody Officers must also complete bi-annual re-certifications, including Safe Food Handling and CPR/First Aid.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY : All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: Only permanent employees are eligible for a transfer. Employees submitting transfer applications must notify the recruitment analyst via email upon submission of their application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified o n the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:

• In- Person Written Examination: 40%
• In- Person Oral Interview: 60%

Medical Examination : Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough examination, including a drug screen, to determine if they meet the City's medical standards for the position of Custody Officer.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for person with disabilities. Call (310) 45-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• City of Santa Monica

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