Yes. Effective January 5, 2025, the annual base salary for Police Officer Trainees is $9,508 per month. 

For the most current salary information, please review the City of San Mateo Merit Salary Schedule.

No. The City of San Mateo supplies all required equipment for 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.

The police academy is not a live-in. We utilize police academies from all across the Bay Area. Many of our academy recruits either live near the academy or have a short commute in.

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.

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.

While there are no rules prohibiting attending college, attending the Basic Police Academy is a highly challenging, full-time commitment. In addition to attending a full day of classes, police officer trainees must find time after hours to study for tests, complete regular homework assignments, and maintain their uniform and equipment. Some night sessions are also scheduled. Although police officer trainees in the past have successfully completed the basic academy while attended college, doing so is generally discouraged and diminishes the employee's chances for success.