How Much Can I Earn as a Downey Police Officer?

Downey Police Officers enjoy highly competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, and multiple opportunities to increase their earnings throughout their careers.
Top Step Compensation
Under the current labor agreement, Top Step Police Officer base salary is scheduled to increase to:
$137,804 annually
Officers with common incentives, including a Bachelor’s Degree, 5-Year Longevity Pay, and Specialty Assignment Pay, can earn:
Over $152,000 annually

Education & Longevity

Educational Incentive Pay

  • Associate Degree: +7%
  • Bachelor’s Degree: +12.5%

Longevity Pay

  • 5 Years: +2.75%
  • 10 Years: +5.5%
  • 20 Years: +8.402%
  • 25 Years: +13%

Additional Premium Pays

  • Motor Officer: +11%
  • Corporal: +5.5%
  • Bilingual Pay & Overtime/Court Overtime opportunities
  • 12 Paid Holidays

Specialty Assignments

Specialty Assignment Pay (+3.5%)
Many dedicated assignments receive an additional 3.5% incentive, including:

  • Field Training Officer (FTO)
  • Detective Bureau
  • Narcotics & Gang Investigations
  • Robbery/Homicide Investigations
  • K-9 Officer
  • Traffic & School Resource Officer
  • Special Enforcement Team (SET)

What Benefits Does City of Downey Offer?

Downey Police Officers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Kaiser medical coverage with no employee premium contribution
  • Up to 90 hours of Physical Fitness Leave annually
  • Physical Fitness Leave may be used as additional paid time off or cashed out if unused
  • Paid academy tuition and required equipment for Police Recruits
  • Tuition reimbursement for approved coursework
  • Educational incentive pay
  • Bilingual pay opportunities
  • Retirement benefits through CalPERS

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Become a Police Officer?

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • At least 21 years old by academy graduation
  • Valid California driver’s license
  • Vision correctable to 20/20
  • Hearing within normal limits
  • United States citizen or application for citizenship submitted within the previous 12 months
  • Meet all California P.O.S.T. selection standards

Applicants must also successfully complete the written examination (if applicable), physical agility testing, oral interview, background investigation, psychological examination, and medical examination.

Are Police Officer Recruits Paid While Attending the Academy?

Yes.
Police Officer Recruits are full-time employees of the City of Downey and receive a salary while attending the police academy. Our Department also pays academy tuition and provides the equipment required for academy training.

Do Recruits Live at the Academy?

No.
Police academy recruits commute to and from the academy each training day.
The academy is not a residential program.

What Physical Fitness Level Should I Have Before Entering the Academy?

Police academy training is physically demanding.
Applicants should arrive prepared to participate in regular running, strength training, defensive tactics, and other physically challenging activities.
As a general guideline, recruits should be capable of:

  • Running 3.5 to 4.5 miles comfortably
  • Completing multiple sets of push-ups and sit-ups
  • Climbing a six-foot wall
  • Participating in sustained physical activity for extended periods

Applicants are encouraged to begin a fitness program at least six to eight weeks before the academy.

What Hours Do Downey Police Officers Work?

Patrol Officers work a 3/ 12.5-hour shift weekly schedule with one additional 10-hour payback shift each month.
Many specialized assignments and investigative positions work a 4 / 10-hour days each week.
Work schedules vary by assignment and operational needs.

Does Downey Hire Lateral Police Officers?

Yes.
The Downey Police Department accepts lateral applications year-round.
Qualified lateral candidates must possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.
The written examination requirement is waived for qualified lateral applicants.
Downey also offers:

  • $25,000 Lateral Officer Transfer Incentive
  • Vacation accrual based on total sworn law enforcement experience
  • Recognition of prior qualifying service for longevity eligibility
  • Opportunities for specialized assignments and advancement

What Specialty Assignments Are Available?

Downey officers have opportunities to work in a variety of specialized assignments, including:

  • Motorcycle Officer
  • Corporal
  • Field Training Officer
  • Detective Bureau
  • Crime Suppression Operations
  • Narcotics Investigations
  • Gang Investigations
  • Robbery/Homicide Investigations
  • K-9 Officer
  • Traffic Investigations
  • School Resource Officer
  • Special Enforcement Team (SET)
  • Community Engagement
  • Drone Operations

How Long Is the Field Training Program?

Following a one-week departmental orientation, newly hired officers enter a comprehensive 22-week Field Training Program.
Officers train with multiple Field Training Officers and gain experience in patrol operations, traffic enforcement, gang enforcement, and crime suppression activities before being released to solo patrol duties.

Are There Incentives for Bilingual Officers?

Yes.
Officers who successfully demonstrate proficiency in speaking and translating a foreign language receive bilingual pay.
Downey serves a diverse community, and bilingual officers play an important role in strengthening communication and community relationships.

Does Downey Offer Tuition Reimbursement?

Yes.
The City of Downey reimburses approved educational expenses related to career development and professional growth, including required textbooks.
The Department strongly supports continuing education and professional development.

What Could Disqualify an Applicant During the Background Investigation?

Every applicant’s background is reviewed individually and in context.
Factors that may result in disqualification include:

  • Dishonesty during any phase of the hiring process
  • Deliberately omitting relevant information
  • Recent illegal drug use
  • Theft or fraud
  • Felony convictions or felony-level conduct
  • Domestic violence incidents
  • Significant driving history issues
  • Serious workplace misconduct
  • Harassment or discriminatory conduct

The Most Important Requirement: Honesty

Many applicants have made mistakes in the past. What often disqualifies candidates is not the mistake itself, but failing to disclose it.
Integrity is the foundation of our profession. Complete honesty throughout the hiring process is expected and required.

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