Recruitment

Have you ever dreamed of a career in law enforcement?

It is never too early to recruit a potential officer. Making the decision to embark on a career in law enforcement isn't always an easy one to make. If you have questions, we are here to help.
Making a difference

Police officers create programs that help steer juveniles down pathways that lead to success and good decision making. Police officers have a chance with every interaction to change lives, opinions and influence the world for the better.
Applying your skills

K-9 Hardy and his handler Officer Torres provide a demonstration to the community at Menlo Park Police Foundation's annual Paws for Paws event. Events like Paws for Paws let our staff's hard work take center stage while benefiting the community. Our efforts to engage and educate those that we serve continue year-round.
Enjoy a collaborative atmosphere

With so many exceptional people working together it comes as no surprise that so many of our staff members forge life-long friendships with one another. The Police Department is full of characters whose personalities shine as brightly as their polished brass.
Achieving great heights

Sergeant Soares and Duke take trust to a new level. Sergeant Soares was already a veteran officer when he adopted Duke as a puppy. Duke has since become a cherished member of the team all thanks to Sgt. Soares's idea to make Duke an official K-9. Bring your vision into a career as a police officer and learn for yourself the heights you can reach.
Recognizing talent, skill and ability

Menlo Park appreciates all the capable and dynamic female officers who serve our community. These three are shooting for the top and have all moved up the ranks serving as school resource officer, corporal and detective. We hope to add many more like them in the years to come.
Experiencing a colorful career

Officers love pink and purple paint as much as anyone else! Become a police officer and keep the community safe while still simultaneously improving your arts and crafts skills. Every day as an officer is an adventure. You'll be amazed at the diversity of your day-to-day work and won't ever have to worry about falling into a monotonous routine.
Working for a worthy purpose

It is rewarding to put in a hard day of work but it feels even better when that work serves the higher purpose of keeping people safe. The satisfaction of working for more than just a paycheck is priceless. Dedicate yourself to something greater.
Championing causes that matter

Our staff bring their own life experiences, interests and unique talents to the organization. Many officers here find a way to apply their best attributes to the job of policing. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is one such example and has become a popular tradition which benefits Special Olympics.
Preventing and reducing crime

Officers evaluate and process potential evidence at the scene of a call.
Training for success

Training requirements are part of the job and ensure that everyone makes it home safely but training days are some of the most fun!
Two ships passing in the night(shift)

Officers pass each other in their patrol vehicles as one shift ends and another begins. Many staff prefer the non-traditional business hours of police work. Operations that run 24-hours offer employees the ability to choose shifts that best suit the needs of them and their families.
Traffic Unit

Our motor officers enforce traffic laws, create special event safety plans, educate the public about vehicular safety and ride Harleys all day long. If you love riding a motorcycle why not choose a career that pays you to ride all day long? For those looking to stay green while enforcing the law, we've got you covered with two Zero Bikes in our fleet.

The Police Department embraces the power of community policing. Our officers establish genuine community connections, seek innovative solutions to local problems, and maintain high customer service standards.

We are currently recruiting individuals who will bring high-energy, innovation, self-motivation and passion to the time-honored profession of law enforcement.

Menlo Park officers have access to an array of professional and educational options to ensure continued upward mobility. Some of the specialty assignments available include

K-9 handler
Detective
School resource officer
S.W.A.T.
Hostage negotiation
Motorcycle officer
Community response team
Field training officer,
Special investigations.

Many specialty assignments enjoy a fixed 4/10 schedule while patrol teams avoid peak Bay Area commute times by working a rotating 4/12 plan.

The City of Menlo Park provides incentives to employees who enrich their minds through continued education. Officers who obtain their Intermediate POST Certificate receive an additional 5% in pay, while a 10% incentive is offered upon obtaining an Advanced POST Certificate. Bilingual officers also receive an additional 2%.

The Police Department utilizes crime and traffic analysis, mapping, and records management tools to make possible unparalleled crime solving techniques and county-wide interoperability. Each officer is equipped with the modern hardware and software necessary to perform the functions of the job. A Taser, body camera, electronic citation device, department issued smartphone, rifle-rated ballistic vest, tactical helmet, and other tactical safety equipment are provided by the department.

If you’re interested in applying or learning more about our department, join us for a ride along and get to know the people behind the badge. You can also talk to someone about recruitment directly by calling 650-330-6330. We look forward to meeting you!

Visit menlopark.org/jobs to view our current openings or visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Eventbrite page to see upcoming testing dates for the police academy.

Salary schedule

	Step	Annual	Monthly	Bi-weekly	Hourly
Police officer	A	$104,378	$8,698	$4,015	$50.18
	B	$109,597	$9,133	$4,215	$52.69
	C	$115,076	$9,590	$4,426	$55.32
	D	$120,830	$10,069	$4,647	$58.09
	E	$126,872	$10,573	$4,880	$60.99
Police recruit					$40.64

Recruitment

Have you ever dreamed of a career in law enforcement?

Making a difference

Applying your skills

Enjoy a collaborative atmosphere

Achieving great heights

Recognizing talent, skill and ability

Experiencing a colorful career

Working for a worthy purpose

Championing causes that matter

Preventing and reducing crime

Training for success

Two ships passing in the night(shift)

Traffic Unit

Salary schedule

Contact us

Nicole Acker

Contact us

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