Join the Downey Police Department
A Career Worth Investing In
The Downey Police Department is seeking motivated men and women who are ready to serve their community, challenge themselves professionally, and build a rewarding law enforcement career.
Located in the heart of Southern California
Downey offers the best of both worlds: the resources and opportunities of a major metropolitan region combined with the culture and teamwork of a department where employees are valued and supported.
Law Enforcement Journey
Whether you are beginning your law enforcement journey or looking to continue your career as a lateral officer, Downey provides exceptional compensation, outstanding benefits, specialized assignments, and opportunities for advancement.
Earn More. Keep More. Do More.
Downey provides strong supplemental earning power to maximize your compensation. Officers qualify for competitive bilingual pay incentives, alongside robust departmental overtime availability and court appearance overtime opportunities.
Competitive Pay with Scheduled Raises
Under the current labor agreement, a Top Step Police Officer’s base salary is scheduled to increase to:
$137,804
Specialty Assignments & Incentives
Officers with common incentives, including a Bachelor’s Degree, 5-Year Longevity Pay, and Specialty Assignment Pay, can earn: Over $164,115 Annually
Compensation Opportunities
Education: Up to 12.5%
Longevity: Up to 13% • Motor: 11%
Corporal: 5.5% • Specialty: 3.5%
Plus Other Incentives
Keep More of Your Paycheck
Many law enforcement agencies require employees to contribute toward their medical premiums.
Downey Police Officers receive Kaiser medical coverage with no employee premium contribution, helping officers keep more of what they earn.
In addition, officers may earn up to 90 hours of Physical Fitness Leave each year, which can be used as additional time off or cashed out if unused.
Build the Career You Want
Downey officers have opportunities to work in a wide variety of assignments throughout their careers, including:
- Patrol
- Corporal
- Motorcycle Officer
- Field Training Officer
- Detective Bureau
- Narcotics Investigations
- Gang Investigations
- Robbery/Homicide
- K-9
- Traffic Investigations
- School Resource Officer
- Special Enforcement Team (SET)
- Community Engagement
- Drone Operations
- Crime Suppression Operations
- Forensics
Whether your goal is becoming a detective, motor officer, supervisor, or future executive leader, Downey offers numerous pathways for growth and professional development.
We Invest in Our People
From the academy through retirement, we are committed to helping our employees succeed.
Paid Police Academy Tuition
Academy Equipment Provided
Tuition Reimbursement
Leadership Development Opportunities
Modern Equipment and Technology
Comprehensive Training Programs
Career Advancement Opportunities
Lateral Officers Welcome
Experienced California peace officers are encouraged to apply. Downey accepts lateral applications year-round and offers:
- $25,000 Lateral Officer Transfer Incentive
- Vacation Accrual Based on Total Sworn Experience
- Recognition of Prior Service for Longevity Eligibility
- Streamlined Hiring Process
- Immediate Opportunities for Specialized Assignments
Why Downey?
Because this is more than a job.
It is an opportunity to serve a diverse community, work alongside dedicated professionals, build lifelong friendships, and create a career you can be proud of.
Your future starts here.