Whether you’re looking to promote or specialize, SMPD offers pathways to grow. We have opportunities in Investigations, Motors, Field Training, SWAT, Drone Operations, Crisis Negotiation, Peer Support, Crime Suppression, School Resource, and more. We’re large enough to provide variety and small enough for you to be known and mentored through your career path.

We pride ourselves on accessible, supportive leadership. From the Chief down, our leadership team is deeply invested in mentorship, officer development, and transparency. We know good culture starts at the top, and we work hard to maintain high morale and open communication across all ranks.

Training isn’t a checkbox - it’s a commitment. We invest in our officers starting from day one. In addition to academy and field training, we provide robust in-service training, leadership courses, wellness programs, tactical refreshers, and specialty certifications throughout your career. We also support external training and conferences to keep you growing.

Strong. We are a community-first agency. San Mateo is a diverse, engaged city, and we work hard to earn public trust through transparency, education, and authentic outreach. Whether it’s through youth programs, community events, or direct engagement, we are proud of our high approval and strong relationships with the people we serve.

Our compensation is among the most competitive in the region and includes generous retirement, healthcare, and time-off packages. But we also care about sustainability. We offer predictable schedules, minimal forced overtime, and a culture that values time with family and mental wellness. We want you to thrive in and out of uniform.

SMPD maintains a balanced call volume that allows for meaningful patrol work and proactive engagement. We believe in quality over quantity - taking the time to connect, investigate thoroughly, and support our community. You won’t just be going call-to-call. You’ll have the space to do real police work.

We invite transparency. Our department has high retention, strong morale, and a long-standing reputation in the Bay Area. We encourage you to do a ride-along, talk to our officers, and get a feel for our culture yourself. We’re confident you’ll find a welcoming and professional home here.

Ask yourself what matters most: growth, support, service, stability, and impact? If you want a department where you’re treated as a person (not a number), where leadership is involved and invested, and where the community truly respects your service, then San Mateo might be the fit you’re looking for.