Our employees are our greatest asset, and we seek individuals who are excited about a challenge, are creative and dare to make a difference. We are committed to working with and enhancing the quality of life for our residents and our local businesses, in a problem solving partnership with our communities, our public safety partners, service groups, and other city resources and individuals of San Rafael.
Professional Staff
Professional Staff
Our professional staff include Communication Dispatchers, Records Specialists, Property and Evidence Technician, Community Service Officers, and more.
Police Officers
Police Officers
The San Rafael Police Department employs more than 63 sworn officers.
Police Cadets
Police Cadets
Our Police Cadets have a significant role with our department and gain experience to further their law enforcement career.
current job openings
POLICE OFFICER
$7,723 – $9,857 per month
Plus Excellent Benefits
Pay Incentives:
Shift Differential (3%-5%);
P.O.S.T. Certificate Pay (3% Intermediate, 5% Advanced)
Bilingual Pay (2.5%, 5%, 10%)
Additional Specialty Pays:
Detective (5%), Motor Officer (5%), FTO (2.5-5%), SDAT/Firearms Instructor (2.5%), SWAT (2.5%), HNT (1%), MAIT (1%) & CSI (1%)
Retirement: The City is part of the Marin County Employees Retirement Association (MCERA) plan, which offers reciprocity between agencies in CalPERS.
Health Insurance: Full-flex cafeteria plan ($781.06 employee only; $1,563.18 employee+1; $2,032.33 family level), which can be applied to available health plans or converted to cash (max opt out $300.00).
Dental & Vision Insurance: Dental Premium for Family paid; Vision Premium for Employee paid
Deferred Comp: Available to all employees
Annual Leave: Vacation 10-25 days (based on years of service); 12 days sick leave; 13 holidays.
The City of San Rafael is recruiting for a Police Officer. This position performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression. Police officers prepare cases and provide courtroom testimony, provide information and assistance to the public and perform special assignments in areas such as patrol, traffic, investigations and gang enforcement. General supervision is provided by the Police Sergeant. Responsibilities may include the direct supervision of officers in training and/or the indirect supervision of other officers and/or support staff.
To be eligible for this position you must have knowledge of:
- Modern police methods and procedures.
- Statutory and case laws and ordinances related to evidence, search and seizure.
- City and Department policies and procedures.
- Local geography, demographics and community concerns and/or issues.
- Community oriented policing and problem-solving.
- Information technology, personal computers and related software applications.
To be eligible for this position you must possess the ability to:
- Think and act quickly in emergency situations.
- Understand and follow written and verbal directions.
- Interpret and explain laws, rules and regulations.
- Operate a variety of public safety equipment, including computers and related applications.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and fellow employees.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Must possess a California P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate. Candidates must have completed the P.O.S.T. Basic Academy. Note: In conformance with P.O.S.T. regulations, applicants separated from active law enforcement in excess of three years must repeat the State Basic Training Standards and would not be considered for appointment on a lateral entry basis.
All persons applying for peace officer must be eligible to possess a certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) under Penal Code 13510.1. A lateral peace officer currently employed in California must be in good standing and possess a valid certificate or be eligible to possess a certificate issued by POST. All lateral peace officers currently employed outside California must be eligible to possess a certificate issued by POST.
Candidate must be high school graduate or its equivalent. Completion of 45 semester (or equivalent quarter) units from an accredited college or university is preferred. Prefer candidates with bilingual skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Age:
Must be at least 21 years of age.
POLICE RECRUIT
$6,668 – $8,511 per month
Shift Differential (3%-5%)
Bilingual Pay (Conversational-2.5%; Full-5%; Fluent-10%)
Uniform Allowance – $325.00 (June/December)
Retirement: The City is a part of the Marin County Employee Retirement Association (MCERA) plan, which offers reciprocity between agencies in CalPERS (this is part of the 37 Act County System);
Classic Employees – 2.7% @ at 55 formula, highest single year of compensation.
PEPRA employees – hired after 1/1/13 or Classic employee with 6-month break in service are eligible for a 2.7% at 57 formula, highest 3 year average compensation.
Health Insurance: Full flex cafeteria plan which can be applied to a health plan or converted to cash (Employee Only – $781.06; Employee+1 – $1,563.18 Employee+Family – $2,032.33; Waive Coverage $300.00)
Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment: $5,000 each
Dental Insurance: Fully paid premium
Vision Insurance: Fully paid employee premium
Deferred Comp: Employee option
Annual Leave: Vacation ranges from 10 to 25 days (depending on years of service), 12 days of Sick Leave, 13 Holidays.
And more……
This is a non-sworn, civilian training classification to be used while incumbent is attending a certified P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy. Incumbent in this classification receives the same employee benefits as Police Officers, with the exception of being placed in the “Miscellaneous” retirement category until successful completion of a designated police academy, and as a civilian employee, will not be covered by government code sections 4850 and 3300 through 3311. Upon successful completion of an academy, incumbent shall be sworn as a Police Officer, placed in the safety retirement category and begin an 18-month probationary period as a Police Officer on the date of swearing in.
Education:
High school graduate or its equivalent.
Completion of 30 semester (or equivalent quarter) units from an accredited college or university preferred.
Physical Capabilities/Vision:
Must be capable of performing the full range of work assigned to a Police Officer free from physical, mental or emotional restrictions, which would adversely impact job performance.
All vision must be corrected to 20/20.
Must be free from color blindness and have a normal field of vision.
Hearing:
Normal hearing acuity.
Height/Weight:
Weight in proportion to height, age and frame.
Age:
Applicant must be 21 years of age minimum by completion of Police Academy.
Citizenship:
In accordance with Government Code Section 1031, 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.
License:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER
$5,731 – $7,314 per month
Plus excellent benefits
Pay Incentives:
Shift differential (3% Swing, 5% Nights)
P.O.S.T. Certificate Pay (3% Public Safety Dispatcher)
Bilingual Pay (2.5% Conversational, 5% Full, 10% Expert)
Additional Specialty Pays:
CTO (5%), HNT (1%), CSI (1%)
Retirement: The City is a part of the Marin County Employee Retirement Association (MCERA) plan, which offers reciprocity between agencies in CalPERS (this is part of the 37 Act County System);
Classic Employees – 2.7% @ at 55 formula, highest single year of compensation.
PEPRA employees – hired after 1/1/13 or Classic employee with 6-month break in service are eligible for a 2.7% at 57 formula, highest 3 year average compensation.
Health Insurance: Full flex cafeteria plan which can be applied to a health plan or converted to cash (Employee Only – $781.06; Employee+1 – $1,563.18 Employee+Family – $2,032.33; Waive Coverage $300.00)
Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment: $5,000 each
Dental Insurance: Fully paid premium
Vision Insurance: Fully paid employee premium
Deferred Comp: Employee option
Annual Leave: Vacation ranges from 10 to 25 days (depending on years of service), 12 days of Sick Leave, 13 Holidays.
And more……
The City of San Rafael Police Department is recruiting for a full-time, Police Communications Dispatcher. This is a specialized police civilian classification and performs all duties required to effectively dispatch police services including operating police radio communication equipment to communicate with the public and police. Receives, interprets, and transmits information essential to the delivery of emergency and non-emergency police services.
To be eligible for this position you must have knowledge of:
- CAD procedures
- Police dispatch radio and phone equipment
- City and Department policies and procedures
- Information technology, personal computers and related software applications
- City geography and beat structure
- Use of reference maps and code manuals
- Civil and criminal codes
To be eligible for this position you must possess the ability to:
- Operate a variety of police specific and general office equipment
- Accurately dispatch personnel and equipment
- Speak and think clearly in emergency situations
- Listen and ascertain relevant information quickly and accurately
- Understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions
- Deal tactfully and courteously with the public
- Classify and prioritize service requests
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and fellow employees
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- One (1) year experience in public safety work or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL/REASONING SKILLS:
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively to the public and police personnel in emergency and high stress situations.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to video display and regularly works in evenings or weekends. The employee occasionally works in inside environmental conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
POLICE CALL TAKER & RECORDS SPECIALIST
$5,253 – $6,704 per month
Plus excellent benefits
Pay Incentives:
Bilingual Pay (2.5% Conversational, 5% Full, 10% Expert)
Additional Specialty Pays:
CTO (5%), HNT (1%), CSI (1%)
Retirement: The City is a part of the Marin County Employee Retirement Association (MCERA) plan, which offers reciprocity between agencies in CalPERS (this is part of the 37 Act County System);
Classic Employees – 2.7% @ at 55 formula, highest single year of compensation.
PEPRA employees – hired after 1/1/13 or Classic employee with 6-month break in service are eligible for a 2.7% at 57 formula, highest 3 year average compensation.
Health Insurance: Full flex cafeteria plan which can be applied to a health plan or converted to cash (Employee Only – $781.06; Employee+1 – $1,563.18 Employee+Family – $2,032.33; Waive Coverage $300.00)
Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment: $5,000 each
Dental Insurance: Fully paid premium
Vision Insurance: Fully paid employee premium
Deferred Comp: Employee option
Annual Leave: Vacation ranges from 10 to 25 days (depending on years of service), 12 days of Sick Leave, 13 Holidays.
And more……
The City of San Rafael Police Department is recruiting for a full-time, Police Call Taker & Records Specialist. This position routinely takes all non-emergency calls for service both over the telephone and in person at the police department counter; provides information and assistance to the public both over the telephone and in person; processes, maintains, and disseminates all police reports and a wide variety of confidential police reports and a wide variety of confidential police department records. This position is a journey level specialized police civilian classification and performs all duties required to effectively dispatch police services.
This position performs the following essential job duties: (including but not limited to the following):
- Answers and evaluates all non-emergency calls for service and responds to each individual call with appropriate action and may be required to take some emergency calls for service.
- Enters information into the CAD system about calls for service including type, location, nature and description of the event; researches, interprets, and applies the appropriate law, code, or statute to all police records related issues.
- Evaluates and handles all in-person requests for service at the front counter of the police department and responds to each request with appropriate action, including advice, information, referrals, assistance with counter reports, and taking of supplemental reports.
- Provides callers and walk-in customers with assistance, information, or referral on situations that they determine not to be police-related; serves as a conduit of information from the police department to other public safety agencies and service providers.
- Operates a complex computerized records management system; processes and maintains a wide variety of police reports, documents, and records in both electronic and paper format; enters and retrieves information from other law enforcement data bases and resources.
- Maintains and ensures the integrity and security of all confidential police records and reports; provides for the appropriate release of information in accordance with all state laws governing confidentiality and the release of police records; researches, purges and seals records.
- Prepares mandated statistical and other reports for the State Department of Justice; prepares, codes, categorizes, tabulates, enters, and audits a variety of data, forms, and reports.
- Prepares both standardized and specialized letters, records, and reports; prepares releases for impounded and stored vehicles and criminal record clearances. Collects fees, posts and balances monies.
- Orders and maintains office supplies; delivers reports to other agencies; may be asked to perform matron duties.
- Performs related duties as required.
To be eligible for this position, you must have knowledge of/ability to:
- Modern police methods and procedures.
- Statutory and case laws and ordinances related to evidence, property, and records.
- City and Department policies and procedures.
- State and Federal regulations regarding records retention, distribution, and destruction.
- Information technology, personal computers and related software applications.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Interpret and explain laws, rules, regulations and technical procedure manuals.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and fellow employees.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Language/Mathematical/Reasoning Skills:
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak to customers and groups of employees.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- One (1) to three (3) years related experience and/or training, OR
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to video display and frequently works in inside environmental conditions. The employee occasionally works in evenings or weekends. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
POLICE CADET
$20.51/hour
Fixed-Term/20 hours per week
Flexible work schedule to accommodate school needs
Limited Term Appointment (not to exceed 3 years)
Pay Incentives:
Bilingual Pay (2.5% Conversational, 5% Full, 10% Expert)
Retirement: Participation in PARS (Public Agency Retirement System). Employer contribution of 3.75% and employee contribution of 3.75% of their salary to the retirement plan.
Health Insurance: Receives $600 towards the cost of health insurance premiums.
Sick Leave: Twelve (12) days of paid sick leave per year. Pro-rated based on hire date.
Vacation: Ten (10) days per year. Pro-rated based on hire date.
Other Leave: Twelve (12) City holidays and one (1) floating holiday.
The City of San Rafael is recruiting for the position of Police Cadet (3 positions available). This is an excellent job opportunity for students interested in law enforcement. Under direct supervision, this fixed-term/limited term, civilian position provides general and specific information and assistance to the public. The position also provides logistical assistance to all police department functions. The primary assignments for the Cadet position are crime prevention, patrol support, and records/front office support.
This position performs the following essential job duties:
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment
• Photocopies documents, files reports and manages additional work requests
• Uses personal computers and software applications for data entry and records maintenance
• Ensures proper calibration and maintenance of technical equipment and instruments
• Cleans and maintains work areas and machinery
• Assists with vehicle fleet cleaning and maintenance
• Performs related duties as required
To be eligible for this position you must have knowledge of:
- Basic office practices and procedures
- City and Department policies and procedures
- Information technology, personal computers and related software applications
- Correct English usage including spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Alphabetical and numeric filing systems
To be eligible for this position you must possess the ability to:
- Deal tactfully and effectively with the public
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
- Maintain accurate records and files
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
- Process documents, maintain accurate records and files, and perform routine clerical duties
- Operate large vehicles, move heavy equipment, and tow equipment and trailers
- Use a computer to prepare documents and spreadsheets
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and fellow employees
- Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately
- Work evenings and weekends
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Some related experience preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to meet City of San Rafael Police Department requirements for security clearance.
- Must accept “limited term” appointment requirement as a condition of employment.
- Must possess a valid California drivers’ license and have a safe driving record.
- Preference given to college students preparing for a career in law enforcement.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to grasp, finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, bend squat, climb, kneel and twist. The employee must frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds. The employee must occasionally move or carry up to 100+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
professional staff
I enjoy being part of the Records Department because no day is ever the same. Each day the citizens of San Rafael present different challenges that help me stay focused and interested.
I’ve been with the San Rafael Police Department for 19 years. Prior to becoming a dispatcher, I was a police cadet for 2 ½ years. As a dispatcher, you are always kept on your toes and each day is different than the next. It’s not an easy job but it is so rewarding to know that when you walk out the door at the end of your shift, that you were one of the people to help someone in their time of need.
Every day is different, no call is ever the same. There is never a dull moment with my co-workers and I enjoy helping the community.
I was with a different Bay Area agency as a 911 dispatcher for three years before lateraling to the San Rafael Police Department. I’ve now been with San Rafael for a little over a year. I decided to make the change to be closer to home and work with a community that I spent a lot of my childhood in.
Join Our Team
Whether you want to become a San Rafael Police Dispatcher or a Records Specialist, you will work closely with the public. As a Professional Staff member you must have experience in operating communications equipment or equivalent public contact work, preferably involving emergency situations or police related services. A San Rafael Police Department Professional Staff member must have knowledge of English usage and spelling, must be able to have record keeping methods, and principles of human relations. It is important to have the ability to act quickly in an emergency and adopt an effective course of action, work under stress, and speak clearly and concisely.
hiring process
Professional Staff
Police Officer
Apply today using the CalOpps website
The oral board is a chance for members of the hiring authority to meet and talk with you face to face. Oral interviews serve as a chance to discuss your qualifications and gauge your fit with the agency. During the oral interview, you may be evaluated on your:
- Communication skills
- Understanding of and interest in policing as a career
- Response to questions and scenarios.
After successfully completing the Oral Board, you will then have an introductory interview with Chief Spiller. The interview with the Chief will determine if you will continue with the hiring process.
CVSA: Computer Voice Stress Analyzer
Personal History Statement: Accurately complete personal history. Honesty is the best policy. Make sure to complete the PHS truthfully and take the time to carefully evaluate your background and experiences before completing it.
A thorough background check will be conducted to ensure that you do not have any personal or professional issues that would preclude you from police service. Background investigators will review your employment history, character references, academic records, residency history, criminal history, and credit history.
A background investigation typically includes a fingerprint check and interviews with those who know you, including previous employers, school or military personnel, neighbors, and family members
A conditional job offer is an offer of employment provided that you meet the job requirements and pass the background process. Once the pre-employment medical examination and psychological examination are completed and passed, a final job offer may be presented.
Psychological examination consists of taking written psychological exams supplemented with an interview with a psychologist.
Medical examination consists of a physical exam to evaluate if you are medically fit to meet the requirements of the job.
The Chief may extend a “Final Job Offer” upon the report of satisfactory completion of the required medical and psychological evaluation(s).
These tests can be taken at (link)
This is a standardized test (Pellet B) developed and approved by The Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training. It is designed to assess competency reading and language skills that are required of Police Officer.
The PELLETB is a timed, 2-1/2 hour written test consisting of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions designed to measure reading and writing ability.
You will be required to complete a physical agility test that will includes:
- 32 yard 165 lb dummy drag
- Climbing a 6 foot wooden wall and a 6 foot fence
- 99 yard obstacle course
- 500 yard run
- 1.5 mile run (scored separately)
Apply today using the CalOpps website
The oral board is a chance for members of the hiring authority to meet and talk with you face to face. Oral interviews serve as a chance to discuss your qualifications and gauge your fit with the agency. During the oral interview, you may be evaluated on your:
- Communication skills
- Understanding of and interest in policing as a career
- Response to questions and scenarios.
After successfully completing the Oral Board, you will then have an introductory interview with Chief Spiller. The interview with the Chief will determine if you will continue with the hiring process.
CVSA: Computer Voice Stress Analyzer
Personal History Statement: Accurately complete personal history. Honesty is the best policy. Make sure to complete the PHS truthfully and take the time to carefully evaluate your background and experiences before completing it.
A thorough background check will be conducted to ensure that you do not have any personal or professional issues that would preclude you from police service. Background investigators will review your employment history, character references, academic records, residency history, criminal history, and credit history.
A background investigation typically includes a fingerprint check and interviews with those who know you, including previous employers, school or military personnel, neighbors, and family members
A conditional job offer is an offer of employment provided that you meet the job requirements and pass the background process. Once the pre-employment medical examination and psychological examination are completed and passed, a final job offer may be presented.
Psychological examination consists of taking written psychological exams supplemented with an interview with a psychologist.
Medical examination consists of a physical exam to evaluate if you are medically fit to meet the requirements of the job.
The Chief may extend a “Final Job Offer” upon the report of satisfactory completion of the required medical and psychological evaluation(s).
law enforcement officers
I came to San Rafael PD with nearly 15 years of law enforcement experience and what makes San Rafael such an awesome place to work is the camaraderie is like nothing I’ve experienced before. The teamwork and willingness to jump in and help to make a complicated case easy to manage is fantastic (“many hands make small work”). Additionally, the administration is supportive and eager to let an Officer conduct their own investigations from start to finish with minimal intervention. As an icing on the cake, the citizens are extremely supportive and they show it on a daily basis.
Join Our Team
As a San Rafael Police Officer, you will contribute to the team effort of maintaining a presence in the community that helps to deter crime and provide support to citizens. It is important to collaborate in building strong relationships with community members. A San Rafael Police Officer has integrity, leadership skills, excellent judgment under pressure, and ability to thrive in diverse populations. You will respond to calls for service, observe violations, make arrests and citations when necessary. As a San Rafael Police Officer you will conduct criminal investigations by gathering evidence and interviewing victims and witnesses. You will fulfill court orders by testifying in court regarding criminal investigations and citations. Also, you will be expected to maintain safe traffic conditions by monitoring and directing traffic, enforcing laws and ordinances and investigate collisions.
