City of Santa Monica, CA

07/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/09/2025 18:50

Santa Monica Police Department Launches New Recruitment Website to Attract Top Talent

July 9, 2025 5:18 PM

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is proud to announce the launch of https://www.JoinSMPD.com, a modern, user-focused recruitment website designed to connect with the next generation of high-quality police officers and civilian professionals. The site reflects SMPD's commitment to fostering a diverse, skilled team that embodies the values of service, integrity, and community excellence.

"Recruitment is one of our greatest challenges," stated Police Chief Ramon Batista during the City Council meeting on June 10, 2025. As highlighted in his presentation, SMPD has experienced historically high vacancy rates and increasing competition in attracting qualified candidates. Chief Batista emphasized that the department must adapt and innovate in response. https://www.JoinSMPD.com is the centerpiece of this strategic shift.

Key features of JoinSMPD.com include:

  • Streamlined application journey, integrating the City's online portal with information on the National Testing Network written exam, physical fitness qualifier, oral review, background investigation, and post-offer testing
  • Engaging multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles that spotlight the deep impact of serving Santa Monica
  • Clear, dynamic timelines and tips for each recruitment phase: from applying and testing through academy training and onboarding
  • Dedicated sections for sworn and civilian roles, emphasizing SMPD's goal to build a diversified workforce

Chief Batista emphasized at the Council meeting: "We must meet today's talent where they are-online, informed, and engagement-driven." The new platform is a direct response to that mandate.

Why SMPD? Santa Monica offers a highly competitive compensation package along with a strong support system for wellness, training, professional development, and a deep sense of civic pride.

"We're not just filling vacancies," said Chief Batista. "We're investing in a future where our department reflects the strength, resilience, and excellence of our city. JoinSMPD.com is the first step toward meeting that vision."

The site officially launched on June 23, 2025, and the department encourages anyone passionate about public service to explore current opportunities and begin the application process.

Media Contact

Lewis Gilmour Lieutenant Lewis.Gilmour@santamonica.gov

Departments

Police

More Information

Join SMPD

City of Santa Monica, CA published this content on July 09, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 10, 2025 at 00:50 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io