UPCOMING EVENTS
HIRING PROCESS
CURRENT OPENINGS

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 RECRUIT

$6,563 – $8,377 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:

California Government Code Section 1031(a) requires that Police Officers be citizens of the United States.  California Government Code Section 1031.5 requires that permanent resident aliens who desire to be employed as Police Officers be eligible for and have applied for citizenship.

License:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Apply Today

POLICE OFFICER

$7,391 – $9,432 per month (DOE/DOQ)

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.

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.

Apply Today

COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER

$5,641 – $7,199 per month (DOE/DOQ)

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.

Apply Today

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.

Jessica Sanchez, Police Call Taker and Records Specialist

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.

Alexis Nielsen, Lead Communications Dispatcher

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.

Rebecca Delatorre, Police Call Taker and Records Specialist

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.

Liz Paez, Communications Dispatcher

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
APPLY TODAY

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).

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

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.

Joseph Jordan, Police Officer

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.

HIRING PROCESS
APPLY TODAY

What’s Happening

Events

2021 Lighted Boat Parade

Sunday, December 12, 2021 @ 6:00 pm

A Marin County holiday tradition since 1966! Rain or shine, beautifully decorated boats will parade from the east end of the canal (near Pickleweed Park and Marin Yacht Club) to the turning basin behind Montecito Shopping Center and back.

Our San Rafael Police Department Recruitment Team will be present to answer any questions you may have about your future career with the San Rafael Police Department.  Actual location information to be determined, please check back for more information.

Request More Information