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Recruitment FAQ
Officer ♦ Dispatcher ♦ Records
- I’m in college right now. What degree should I get to prepare me for a career in law enforcement??
-
We recommend you follow your passion. When you pick your degree, and you’re likely to find a correlation to law enforcement. Just to give you an example, some of our officers have degrees in communication, psychology, public administration, sociology, business, criminal justice, accounting, digital forensics, law, etc.
- I’m not ready to apply yet. Are there certain jobs I should work at to prepare me to be a police officer?
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Recruiters are looking for well-rounded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Be deliberate in what jobs you choose and ensure they include a team atmosphere, service to the community, problem solving, and communication.
- I’m interested in becoming a police officer. Where do I start?
-
Everyone should start the hiring process with a ride along. Come meet the team you could potentially be working alongside! In addition, ensure you have enough college credits to apply. We require the equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college. Lastly, be sure you’ve completed the PELLETB and WSTB exams. Additional requirements are listed in the application.
- Can I go on a ride along to meet your officers?
-
Yes. Please visit our Ride Along Program website for further details.
- What are the minimum requirements to apply for police officer trainee?
-
- Free of felony convictions or other disqualifying conduct (GC 1029).
- Age not less than 21-years-old at time of appointment to the rank of police officer.
- Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California driver’s license.
- Equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college.
- Possession of a POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) PELLETB written examination certificate with a preferred T-Score of 52 or higher and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination. Or possession of a National Testing Network Law Enforcement written examination certificate with a preferred score in the 90th percentile and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.
- Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must meet all department, medical, physical, and psychological standards.
- What examinations do I have to take before applying?
-
We require you to complete the PELLETB and WSTB prior to applying for the position.
The POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) measures skills that are associated with successful performance as a California peace officer. Because the PELLETB is an aptitude test, the skills measured are acquired gradually over a long period of time (usually years). There is no quick or easy way to improve these skills in preparation for the exam. The only way to predictably improve scores on an aptitude test is through extensive learning and practice (e.g., coursework, training).
The POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) measures your fitness level to perform the duties of a peace officer. The examination includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 32-foot body drag, fence climbing, 500-yard spring, and 1.5 mile run.
- Do you require the PELLETB and WSTB examinations to apply?
-
Yes. The preferred PELLETB T-Score is 52 or higher and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.
- Where do I sign up for the PELLETB and WSTB examinations?
-
- What are your minimum scores for the PELLETB and WSTB examinations?
-
The preferred PELLETB T-Score is 52 or higher and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.
- Do you accept scores from the National Testing Network (NTN)?
-
Yes. The preferred score would be in the 90th percentile and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.
- Is there a minimum or maximum age to apply?
-
The minimum age is 21 years of age per Government Code 1031.4. There is no maximum age.
- What are the education requirements?
-
Our minimum education standard is the equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college.
- Do I have to live in San Mateo to apply?
-
No. If you don’t live in San Mateo, you should consider it. The city of San Mateo is a great place to live, work, and play. We also have a great school system if you are raising children.
- Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
-
Effective January 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. There are no specific citizenship requirements per Senate Bill 2. California Government Code Section 1031(h) limits employment authorization documents to those consistent with Section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Specific documentation requirements can be found on the I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification form issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Government Code section 1031(g) permits departments to adopt additional and/or higher standards.
- Where do I apply?
-
If you meet the minimum requirements, visit our recruiting page for current job openings.
- Is there a minimum time commitment once I’m hired?
-
No.
- How many police officer vacancies are there?
-
We currently have a handful of vacancies. This is a great time to apply!
- Do veterans get preferential hiring?
-
Although we do not have a preferential hiring program, several veterans work for the City of San Mateo and are thriving in their duties.
- Can active, reserve, or military veterans apply?
-
Yes.
- Is there a lateral officer testing timeline to avoid multiple trips to San Mateo, California?
-
Yes. We work with laterals to ensure a streamlined process.
- If my name is listed on the National Decertification Index, am I disqualified?
-
Yes.
- If I’m a lateral and I have Internal Affairs complaints, am I disqualified?
-
Applicants seeking employment as a peace officer are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes.
- If I’m a lateral and I have an active Internal Affairs investigation, should I apply?
-
It is recommended you wait until your case is adjudicated before applying.
- How does the testing process differ for laterals versus new police officers?
-
We have several laterals who work at the police department. Lateral applicants are treated with respect for the career they’ve had at previous agencies. From the initial interview to the job offer, laterals have found the process to be streamlined and efficient.
- Does the police department issue uniforms and equipment?
-
Yes. The City of San Mateo purchases all required equipment and uniforms.
- Can you tell me more about the exclusive hiring bonus?
-
We currently have two different lateral applications open. One is for laterals with less than three years of experience and the other is for laterals with more than three years of experience. In order to qualify for the $30,000 hiring bonus, you must be an active police officer, possess a basic POST certificate, and have at least three years of California law enforcement experience to patrol services with a municipality. If you have less than three years of experience, you qualify for the $1,500 hiring bonus.
- Are there other lateral incentives?
-
Yes. Laterals typically start at a higher step. In addition, we frontload 40-hours of vacation time and 40-hours of sick-leave.
- I’m a police officer in another state. Can I apply as a lateral officer?
-
We’ve hired people from other states! To see if your qualifications meet California POST standards, you should reach out to POST and have them do a basic course waiver assessment for you.
- What are the milestones in the hiring process for candidates?
-
- Initial Department Interview
- Background Investigation
- Lieutenant’s Interview
- Captain’s Interview
- Conditional Offer
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Evaluation
- Internal Hiring Panel Evaluation
- Police Chief’s Interview
- How long does a background investigation take?
-
Background investigations can be complex, so it depends on the applicant’s history. They typically take two to four months.
- What are possible disqualifiers for police officer applicants?
-
Government Code Section 1029 lists all disqualifications for employment for peace officers, including felony convictions.
- What will disqualify an applicant during a background investigation?
-
Applicants seeking employment as a peace officer are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes. Bottom line, be honest from the start. In dealing with legal issues, we take into consideration the seriousness of the offense, the age of the candidate at the time of the offense, how recently the offense occurred, the career path of the candidate at the time of the offense, any mitigating circumstances, and the impact, if any, upon the candidate’s potential credibility as a witness in a court of law.
- If my juvenile background is sealed, will my history affect recruitment?
-
Applicants seeking employment as a peace officer are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes. It is important to underscore that a sealing or expungement usually does not relieve the applicant from providing information about the underlying conduct that led to such a sealed or expunged record. One possible exception might be an arrest/conviction expunged by a court pursuant to PC §851.8, in which case the court made a factual finding of innocence, as there is no underlying conduct to disclose.
- Will debt and bad credit disqualify an applicant during the background investigation?
-
Although this is an important area of investigation, the evaluation of a candidate’s behavior regarding the handling of finances is careful and judicious. It is critically important for the background investigator to understand the full circumstances surrounding any apparently negative financial information. Commission Regulations 1953(e)(11) and 1959(e)(10) require that a credit check be performed on peace officer candidates, “to determine the candidate’s credit standing with lenders, as an indication of the candidate’s dependability and integrity.”
- Do points on my driving disqualify me during the background investigation?
-
The City of San Mateo requires applicants to possess of a valid California driver’s license. The candidate’s driving record, in particular the nature and number of moving violations and the number of accidents, can provide useful information about the individual’s driving ability as well as other job-relevant personal characteristics.
- Are drugs or excessive alcohol use disqualifiers?
-
Applicants seeking employment as a police officer are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes.
- I’ve been arrested before. Does this disqualify me?
-
It depends. We recommend you disclose the arrest and adjudication for evaluation.
- How long is the police academy?
-
It’s about six months long. If hired, we will pay you to attend the police academy and provide City benefits. After graduating, you will be promoted to the rank of police officer.
- Is the police academy live in?
-
No.
- Does your department have its own police academy?
-
No. We currently partner with the following police training facilities: College of San Mateo, South Bay at Coyote Valley, Alameda County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Center, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Academy.
- Will I be paid while attending police academy if I’m hired?
-
Yes.
- Do I have to buy my own equipment and uniforms to attend the academy?
-
No. The City of San Mateo supplies all required equipment for the police academy.
- Does the department provide extra help while I'm attending the academy?
-
Absolutely! We are here for you every step of the way. We have over 30 specialty assignments at the department, so you're just a phone call away from talking to an expert. During your police academy experience, we usually set aside time to provide extra support with physical fitness, scenario training, range, driving, defensive tactics, and academics.
- Can I have a beard as a police officer?
-
Yes. Review San Mateo PD Lexipol Policy Section 1044 for specific details.
- Can I have tattoos as a police officer?
-
Yes. Review San Mateo PD Lexipol Policy Section 1044 for specific details.
- Do officers have a take home car?
-
The Police Officers’ Associate negotiated take-home-cars for detectives and the public information officer. Patrol officers have assigned vehicles they leave at the police station after their shifts. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- What type of work schedule do your officers have?
-
Patrol officers currently work a rotating four days on and four days off schedule. Officers in specialty assignments typically work four days on and three days off. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- What is the base salary range for officers?
-
Effective July 9, 2023, the base salary is $122,927 - $146,493. This does not include incentives. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- What incentives do you have if applicable?
-
The Police Officers’ Association has negotiated the following incentives: Education (3%-7%), Bilingual ($5,200/year), Uniform Allowance ($999/year), Master Officer (3%-7%), Specialty Unit (5%), Field Training Officer (8%), a take-home-car program for detectives and the public information officer. The City of San Mateo also offers free fitness classes through Parks and Recreation for employees. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- Do you offer a pension?
-
The Police Officers’ Association has negotiated CalPERS 3% @ 55 with 3-year average final compensation for “Classic” members and 2.7% @ 57 with 3-year average final compensation for “New” members. Retirement program reciprocity is available for those who qualify. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- Is there lifetime medical for officers?
-
The City of San Mateo contributes into the PORAC Medical Trust account for members of the Police Officers’ Association. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- What medical benefits are available?
-
A choice of medical plans with individual coverage of 100% and City paid family coverage up to 90% of the Kaiser family plan or $160 per month if waived. City paid premiums for dental, vision, and life insurance. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- How many vacation, and sick time hours would I receive?
-
The Police Officers’ Association has negotiated 88-200 hours of annual vacation (depending on years of service), 13 paid holidays per year, and 96 sick hours per year. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- Are there housing programs for police officers?
-
The City of San Mateo created barracks for employees. We have sleeping quarters at headquarters and the substation for employees to refresh themselves between shifts or before their commute home. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- Do you have an on-duty work out program?
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Yes. Officers are encouraged to work out on-duty. For the most current information, please review the San Mateo POA MOU.
- What are the different ranks at the police department?
-
We invest in our employees with mentoring, development, and training. You can learn more about our organizational structure by reviewing the San Mateo Police Department Organizational Chart.
Ranks in Order
- Chief
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Sergeant
- Officer/Detective
- Officer Trainee
- How many specialty assignments are there?
-
We currently have 30 specialty assignments. Some of these include detectives, school resource officer, defensive tactics, K-9, field training, and SWAT.
- Can I apply to be a Crime Scene Investigator?
-
We currently do not have this position. Our police officers and community service officers are trained to process crime scenes. For larger events, we partner with the San Mateo County Crime Lab.
- Can I apply to be a detective and skip working patrol?
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No. All of our police officers must learn the fundamentals of policing before entering a specialty assignment. Patrol is the backbone of our department and you must master it before learning a new job.
- Can I be a SWAT officer?
-
The San Mateo Police Department participates in a regional SWAT team. Our SWAT team is comprised of an elite group of members who train in the latest special weapons and tactics. After learning the fundamentals of patrol and successfully passing probation, you may test for SWAT.
- Do I have to work the jail before becoming a patrol officer?
-
No. The Sheriff’s Office manages the jail. You will go directly into field training.
- I am interested in becoming a dispatcher. Where do I start?
-
Anyone interested in becoming a dispatcher should schedule a sit along. You will be able to meet the current dispatchers, explore the Communications Center, and see what a typical day in the life of a dispatcher is. You can schedule a sit along by emailing JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org.
In addition, ensure you’ve completed the twelfth grade or it’s equivalency to apply. Lastly, having scores from CritiCall or the POST Dispatcher Test is preferred. Additional requirements are listed in the application.
Take the CritiCall examination for free. Email a recruiter at JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org to receive the virtual link.
- What skills would your idea candidate possess?
-
Knowledge of:
- English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Standard radio or telephone communications receiving, and transmitting equipment.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Ability to:
- Learn standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
- Learn to operate a computer aided dispatch system quickly and accurately.
- Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
- Speak clearly and precisely.
- Work various shifts and work well under pressure.
- Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
- Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
- Learn department procedures and policies.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
- Where do I apply?
-
If you meet the minimum requirements, visit our Recruiting Page for current job openings.
- What are the minimum requirements to apply for Dispatcher I?
-
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
- Must pass the CritiCall exam or POST Dispatcher Test.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must meet all department, medical, physical, and psychological standards.
- Some telephone or dispatch experience is highly desirable.
Take the CritiCall examination for free. Email a recruiter at JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org to receive the virtual link.
- What are the minimum requirements to apply for Dispatcher II?
-
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- One year of public safety dispatch experience comparable to that of a Dispatcher I in the City of San Mateo.
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
- Is being bilingual a plus?
-
Yes! We also offer a pay incentive for those who qualify.
- What are the minimum education requirements?
-
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
- Do I have to take an examination before applying?
-
Yes. Submit your scores for the POST Dispatcher Test and/or the CritiCall Exam with your application. Take the CritiCall examination for free. Email a recruiter at JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org to receive the virtual link.
- Where do I sign up for the POST Dispatcher Test and/or the Criticall Exam?
-
Take the CritiCall examination for free. Email a recruiter at JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org to receive the virtual link.
Examination dates can also be found in the following links:
- What would be the minimum preferred scores for CritiCall Exam and/or the POST Dispatcher Test?
-
- CritiCall Exam: Pass
- POST Dispatcher Test: 48 or higher
- Is there a minimum or maximum age to apply?
-
The minimum age is 18 years of age. There is no maximum age.
- Do I have to live in San Mateo to apply?
-
No. If you don’t live in San Mateo, you should consider it. The city of San Mateo is a great place to live, work, and play. We also have a great school system if you are raising children.
- Is there a lateral dispatcher testing timeline to avoid multiple trips to San Mateo, California?
-
Yes. We work with laterals to ensure a streamlined process.
- Can you tell me more about the exclusive hiring bonus for dispatchers who qualify?
-
We currently have two different lateral dispatcher incentives. One is for merit (full-time) and the other is for per diem (part-time).
Merit Lateral Dispatcher Hiring Bonus
- $15,000 hiring bonus over a 3-year timeline.
- 40 hours of vacation time upon completion of training.
Merit Lateral Dispatcher Requirements
- Be an active law enforcement dispatcher.
- Possess a Basic Dispatch Certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
- Have at least two years of full-time experience as a California law enforcement dispatcher.
- Attach a résumé to your application packet.
Per Diem Lateral Dispatcher Hiring Bonus
- $3,000 hiring bonus after working 500 hours within two years.
Per Diem Lateral Dispatcher Requirements
- Possess a Basic Dispatch Certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
- Have at least two years of full-time experience as a California law enforcement dispatcher.
- Attach a résumé to your application packet.
- Are there other lateral incentives?
-
Yes. Laterals typically start at a higher step.
- I’m a dispatcher in another state. Can I apply as a lateral?
-
Out of state dispatchers may apply as laterals, they must have completed a POST certified training program comparable to California POST standards. This will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- What are the milestones in the hiring process for dispatchers and records specialists?
-
- Initial Department Interview
- Background Investigation
- Interview with Police Technical Services Administrator
- Conditional Offer
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Evaluation
- Internal Hiring Panel Evaluation
- Police Chief’s Interview
- How long does a background investigation take?
-
Background investigations can be complex, so it depends on the applicant’s history. They typically take two to four months.
- What are possible disqualifiers for dispatcher and records specialist applicants?
-
No amount of standard-setting will eliminate the need to make case by-case judgments based on specific facts presented by each candidate’s background. Rarely is one fact a sufficient basis for disqualifying an individual; rather, it is generally necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding each fact in order to make an educated determination of the candidate’s suitability, taking into consideration such factors as:
- The patterns of past behavior and specific combinations of fact and circumstances.
- The consequences if past undesirable behavior occurs again or becomes generally known.
- The likelihood of recurrence of the undesirable behavior
- The relevance of the past behavior to the job demands and requirements.
- The length of time between the particular undesirable act and the application for employment, with consideration given to the intervening behavior of the candidate.
- Positive attributes and/or behaviors that may mitigate past behaviors.
- The legal rights of the candidate.
- What will disqualify an applicant during a background investigation?
-
Applicants seeking employment are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes. Bottom line, be honest from the start. In dealing with legal issues, we take into consideration the seriousness of the offense, the age of the candidate at the time of the offense, how recently the offense occurred, the career path of the candidate at the time of the offense, any mitigating circumstances, and the impact, if any, upon the candidate’s potential credibility as a witness in a court of law.
- If my juvenile background is sealed, will my history affect recruitment?
-
Applicants seeking employment are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes. It is important to underscore that a sealing or expungement usually does not relieve the applicant from providing information about the underlying conduct that led to such a sealed or expunged record. One possible exception might be an arrest/conviction expunged by a court pursuant to PC §851.8, in which case the court made a factual finding of innocence, as there is no underlying conduct to disclose.
- Will debt and bad credit disqualify an applicant during the background investigation?
-
Although this is an important area of investigation, the evaluation of a candidate’s behavior regarding the handling of finances is careful and judicious. It is critically important for the background investigator to understand the full circumstances surrounding any apparently negative financial information. Commission Regulations 1953(e)(11) and 1959(e)(10) require that a credit check be performed, “to determine the candidate’s credit standing with lenders, as an indication of the candidate’s dependability and integrity.”
- Are drugs or excessive alcohol use disqualifiers?
-
Applicants seeking employment are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes.
- I have been arrested before. Does this disqualify me?
-
It depends. We recommend you disclose the arrest and adjudication for evaluation.
- What type of work schedule do your dispatchers have?
-
Dispatchers currently work on one of the following two teams:
- Team 1: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday off.
- Team 2: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday off.
Current Shifts
- Day Shift: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Swing Shift: 1:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
- Night Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
- What is the base salary range for dispatchers, not including qualifying incentives?
-
Effective July 9, 2023, the base salary for Dispatcher I/II ranges from $85,543 - $112,284 per year. This does not include incentives. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- What incentives do you have if applicable?
-
The Police Officers’ Association negotiated the following incentives for dispatchers: Shift Differential (5%), Bilingual ($3,599/year), Uniform Allowance ($208/year), Training Officer (8%), and a PORAC Trust account funded by the City. The City of San Mateo also offers free fitness classes through Parks and Recreation for employees. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- Do you offer a pension?
-
Yes. CalPERS retirement 2% @ 55 with 3-year average final comp for “Classic” members and 2% @ 62 with 3-year average final comp for “New” members. Dispatchers also participate in the Social Security Program. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- Is there lifetime medical for dispatchers?
-
The City of San Mateo contributes $500 per month into the PORAC Medical Trust account for members of the Police Officers’ Association; this includes dispatchers. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- What medical benefits are available?
-
A choice of medical plans with individual coverage of 100% and City paid family coverage up to 90% of the Kaiser family plan or $160 per month if waived. City paid premiums for dental, vision, and life insurance. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- How many vacation, and sick time hours would I receive?
-
88-200 hours of annual vacation (depending on years of service), 13 paid holidays per year, and 96 sick hours per year. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- Are there housing programs for dispatchers?
-
The City of San Mateo created barracks for employees. We have sleeping quarters at headquarters and the substation for employees to refresh themselves between shifts or before their commute home. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the San Mateo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding (SMPOA MOU).
- What skills would your idea candidate possess?
-
- You are able to perform general clerical work including maintenance of police records.
- You are able to learn basic methods, rules and policies of a municipal law enforcement agency.
- You are able to adhere strictly to the City’s Organizational Principles and Policies as defined in City and Division manuals.
- You are able to learn to perform records searches quickly and accurately using modern office computers.
- You are able to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
- You are able to receive and respond to questions from the public, outside agencies and other City departments.
- You are able to work effectively to provide quality service to the public, City staff and other agencies in a manner that is responsive, timely and courteous.
- You are able to work cooperatively towards the success of team goals in a positive and respectful manner.
- You are able to exhibit a professional image and communicate in a clear and informative manner both verbally and in writing.
- You are able to use a personal computer and a variety of software applications and type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
- You are able to work various shifts as assigned.
- You are able to manage time efficiently to accomplish work assignments; work effectively on multiple tasks.
- You are able to maintain detailed logs and records.
- You are able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- You are able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- You have knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- You have knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
- You have knowledge of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
- You have knowledge of principles and practices of customer service.
- You have knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping.
- Where do I apply?
-
If you meet the minimum requirements, visit our Recruiting Page for current job openings.
- What are the minimum requirements to apply for Police Records Specialist I/II?
-
Police Records Specialist I
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized clerical courses.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must meet all department, medical, physical, and psychological standards.
Police Records Specialist II
- One year of clerical experience in a police department setting comparable to that of a Police Records Specialist I with the City of San Mateo.
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized clerical courses.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must meet all department, medical, physical, and psychological standards.
Bonus Points
- One year of general clerical experience
- Previous experience as a Police Records Specialist
- Experience with Sunridge RIMS
- Experience with CLETS
- Is being bilingual a plus?
-
Yes! We also offer a pay incentive for those who qualify.
- What are the minimum education requirements?
-
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
- Do I have to take an examination before applying?
-
No.
- Is there a minimum or maximum age to apply?
-
The minimum age is 18 years of age. There is no maximum age.
- What are the milestones in the hiring process for dispatchers and records specialists?
-
- Initial Department Interview
- Background Investigation
- Interview with Police Technical Services Administrator
- Conditional Offer
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Evaluation
- Internal Hiring Panel Evaluation
- Police Chief’s Interview
- How long does a background investigation take?
-
Background investigations can be complex, so it depends on the applicant’s history. They typically take two to four months.
- What are possible disqualifiers for dispatcher and records specialist applicants?
-
No amount of standard-setting will eliminate the need to make case by-case judgments based on specific facts presented by each candidate’s background. Rarely is one fact a sufficient basis for disqualifying an individual; rather, it is generally necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding each fact in order to make an educated determination of the candidate’s suitability, taking into consideration such factors as:
- The patterns of past behavior and specific combinations of fact and circumstances.
- The consequences if past undesirable behavior occurs again or becomes generally known.
- The likelihood of recurrence of the undesirable behavior
- The relevance of the past behavior to the job demands and requirements.
- The length of time between the particular undesirable act and the application for employment, with consideration given to the intervening behavior of the candidate.
- Positive attributes and/or behaviors that may mitigate past behaviors.
- The legal rights of the candidate.
- What will disqualify an applicant during a background investigation?
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Applicants seeking employment are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes. Bottom line, be honest from the start. In dealing with legal issues, we take into consideration the seriousness of the offense, the age of the candidate at the time of the offense, how recently the offense occurred, the career path of the candidate at the time of the offense, any mitigating circumstances, and the impact, if any, upon the candidate’s potential credibility as a witness in a court of law.
- If my juvenile background is sealed, will my history affect recruitment?
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Applicants seeking employment are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes. It is important to underscore that a sealing or expungement usually does not relieve the applicant from providing information about the underlying conduct that led to such a sealed or expunged record. One possible exception might be an arrest/conviction expunged by a court pursuant to PC §851.8, in which case the court made a factual finding of innocence, as there is no underlying conduct to disclose.
- Will debt and bad credit disqualify an applicant during the background investigation?
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Although this is an important area of investigation, the evaluation of a candidate’s behavior regarding the handling of finances is careful and judicious. It is critically important for the background investigator to understand the full circumstances surrounding any apparently negative financial information. Commission Regulations 1953(e)(11) and 1959(e)(10) require that a credit check be performed, “to determine the candidate’s credit standing with lenders, as an indication of the candidate’s dependability and integrity.”
- Are drugs or excessive alcohol use disqualifiers?
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Applicants seeking employment are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes.
- I have been arrested before. Does this disqualify me?
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It depends. We recommend you disclose the arrest and adjudication for evaluation.
- What type of work schedule do your records specialists have?
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Records Specialists work 8-hour shifts, 5 days a week. The Records Unit is operational from 0700-2100 hours. Shift start times vary.
- What is the base salary range for Police Records Specialists, not including qualifying incentives?
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The current base salary for Police Records Specialist I/II ranges from $59,163-$77,492 per year. This does not include incentives. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the General Unit Memorandum of Understanding.
- What incentives do you have for Police Records Specialists, if applicable?
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The General Unit negotiated the following incentives for police records specialists: Shift Differential (4.5%), Bilingual ($2,340/year), Uniform Allowance ($208/year), 0.5% deferred compensation funded by the City. The City of San Mateo also offers free fitness classes through Parks and Recreation for employees. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the General Unit Memorandum of Understanding.
- Do you offer a pension for Police Records Specialists?
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Yes. CalPERS retirement 2% @ 55 with 3-year average final comp for “Classic” members and 2% @ 62 with 3-year average final comp for “New” members. Police records specialists also participate in the Social Security Program. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the General Unit Memorandum of Understanding.
- What medical benefits are available for a Police Records Specialist?
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City contributes $160/month toward health insurance. City provides a maximum cost of 90% of Kaiser. Dental and vision insurance offered. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the General Unit Memorandum of Understanding.
- How many vacation, and sick time hours would I receive as a Police Records Specialist?
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11-25 days per year depending on years of service, 13 paid holidays per year, and 12 days per year earned for sick hours. For the most current salary and benefits, please read the General Unit Memorandum of Understanding.
Don't see your question? Email us at JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org.