Police Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $93,734.00 Annually
Location : Central Marin Police Authority, 250 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-03-10
Department: Central Marin Police Authority
Opening Date: 03/10/2026
Description
The Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) is currently recruiting Police Officer Trainees to attend a regional Police Academy. As a trainee, you will earn a competitive salary and receive full benefits while completing the academy.
CMPA also provides all required uniforms and safety equipment, along with departmental mentoring and ongoing support to help ensure your success throughout your training at a California Police Academy.
Click to learn more about the Central Marin Police Authority!
Regular Police Officer base salary is currently $7,811 - $10,453 per month (does not include any incentives).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under general direction of a police supervisor and/or police academy supervisor, and in a non-sworn capacity, attend and participate in a comprehensive training program at a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified basic police academy; to learn, train and successfully perform all related learning and testing activities relative to the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities required to perform in the capacity of a sworn police officer; and to successfully complete the police academy. Perform related duties as required.
Examples of Duties
Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T. approved basic police academy.
Successfully perform all related learning, both academic and physical (defensive tactics, firearms, driving, etc.), and testing activities.
Care for and maintain departmental equipment.
Attend all academy courses and training in accordance with the academy schedule which may include varied days and/or hours.
Report criminal activity.
Perform in specialized functions when assigned.
Participate in related training programs.
May do research into law, policies, and related matters.
May be subject to recall/call-out.
Perform work as a designated Disaster Service Worker per California Government Code 3100 -03109 as required of all public employees during natural and manmade disasters.
Perform related work as required.
Typical Qualifications
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
SKILLS:

• Listening, hearing and understanding.
• Public speaking.
• Independent decision making.
• Communicating with others in a positive and effective format.
• Presenting a positive image.
• Preparing detailed, accurate reports.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Goals and objectives of the Central Marin Police Authority.
• Organization and structure of police department and general functions of a municipal government.
• The functions and procedures of the criminal justice system as related to job performance.
• Interview and interrogation techniques.
• Handling and processing of evidence.

ABILITIES:

• Read, understand and comply with laws, ordinances, rules, and departmental regulations and orders.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, recognize potential dangers and decide proper course of action.
• Cope with stressful situations firmly, tactfully, and with respect of individual rights.
• Learn/use investigative techniques and special equipment.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers and with persons from varied racial, ethnic, political, social and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and/or non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle.
• Develop skills in the proper use of firearms as well as proper care techniques.
• May be required to work varied shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Learn and apply principles and practices of contemporary law enforcement.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Competently follow both verbal and written directions.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalency. 60 college semester units in Police Science or closely related field is preferred.
• Must be at least 20.5 years of age at time of testing and at least 21 years of age at time of appointment to sworn peace officer.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Peace officer applicants must obtain citizenship within three years after filing an employment application.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicles.
• Be able to meet the current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) medical standards for a peace officer and be free from any physical condition, which might adversely affect the exercise of power as a peace officer.
• Pass a POST background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination or voice stress analyzer examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and a firearms clearance.
• Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
• Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry and meet department firearms qualification requirements.
• Pass all required department and POST training.
• Possess and maintain CPR, AED and First Aid Certificates within six (6) months of hire.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Questions regarding this job posting, application and selection process may be submitted to Robert French, Professional Standards Unit Sergeant, at rfrench@centralmarinpolice.org or by telephone at (415) 927-7391. Email contact is preferred.
Application Process:

1. Submit an application online by clicking on the Apply button at the beginning of this job posting.
2. Attach your high school diploma or GED certificate

Optional:

• Attach your college diploma or transcript, if available

Selection Process:

1. Oral Interview before a panel of law enforcement personnel
2. Hiring Interview with CMPA Command Staff
3. Conditional Offer: Candidate accepts or declines
4. POST Personal History Statement
5. Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) - truth verification test
6. POST Background Check
7. Psychological Examination
8. Medical Examination and Drug Screening
9. Final Offer of Employment

Candidates hired as a Police Officer Trainee will attend an area POST-approved Police Academy. The Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) will pay the Police Officer Trainee a salary and provide benefits while attending the police academy.
Applicants for Police Officer Trainee are encouraged to learn more about the Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) by:

1. Scheduling a ride along with an officer - contact the Watch Commander at (415) 927-5150 and request a ride along
2. Visiting the CMPA website at
3. Visiting the communities of Corte Madera, Larkspur, and San Anselmo

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Central Marin Police Authority does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
ADA - Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who may qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) may submit a request for reasonable accommodation in writing at time of application.
Health care provided at Kaiser Bay Area rates for employee and dependents; additional health plans available
Dental Plan for employee and dependents
Term life insurance plan of $25,000
15 Holidays
Vacation and sick leave
Educational reimbursement and incentive benefits (Intermediate POST certificate or Associates degree - 3% of base salary; Bachelor's degree - 5% of base salary; Advanced POST certificate or Advanced Degree - 7% of base salary
CalPERS pension - Sworn employees - 3% @ 55 for Classic members; 2.7%@ 55 for PEPRA (hired after 12/31/2012). Non-sworn employees - 2.5% @ 55 for Classic employees; 2.0% at 60 for PEPRA members (hired after 12/31/2012)
Uniforms/safety equipment procvided; uniforms provided for non-sworn
Retiree Health Savings Account
457k deferred compensation with up to 1% employer match
Long Term/Short Term Disability plans available
Wellness benefit - up to $600 per fiscal year
Specialty Pay for assignments to Corporal, Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO Sergeant, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Master Officer (Special Response Team), Motorcycle, Training & Support Sergeant
Bilingual Pay for qualified employees ($250/month)
Longevity Pay - Year 8 - 2.5% of base salary; Year 12 - 5% of base salary
01
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

04
Please describe why you have chosen law enforcement as a career and what specifically interests you about serving with the Central Marin Police Authority.
Required Question