We are currently only excepting “lateral candidates” who have prior law enforcement experience. Candidates must possess a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificate, meet California POST and SB2 requirements, and have no “active” misconduct investigations. Applicants must also be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license (out of state candidates must obtain a California driver’s license prior to hire date).

We are currently seeking lateral candidates who have prior law enforcement experience. It is preferred that lateral candidates have experience working in a law enforcement patrol capacity, however other experience such as working in a custody or court facility will be considered.

Yes. Out-of-state applicants are welcome; however, you must obtain a California POST certification prior to employment. Please contact California POST directly for guidance on the certification and equivalency process.

Yes. Non-probationary employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement of up to $3,000 per fiscal year for approved educational programs.

Yes. Officers are supported throughout their careers with ongoing training and professional development opportunities. We are committed to helping our personnel grow by providing access to advanced training, skill-building programs, and specialized assignments that enhance both individual career goals and overall effectiveness in the field.

Yes. Shift assignments vary depending on department needs, and officers should be prepared to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Our scheduling ensures a fair rotation while providing opportunities to gain diverse experience across different patrol situations.

Yes. We encourage prospective applicants to connect with a recruiter to learn more about the department and the application process. Station tours are also an option depending on availability of personnel. Please contact us at talent@cityoflancasterca.gov to schedule a conversation.

  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance: Current carriers are United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare HMO, Kaiser HMO and MetLife Dental & Vision.
    • Employees receive no cost family HMO medical, family dental, and family vision coverage or no cost individual PPO medical, dental and vision.
    • Employee’s who elect employee +1 or family PPO medical coverage will have a premium payment.
    • Employees who enroll in employee-only medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a monthly contribution of $75.00 into a Retiree Health Savings account
    • Employees who opt out of medical, dental and vision coverage under the City’s health plans will receive a monthly contribution of $175 into a Retiree Health Savings account.
  • Health Savings Plan: The City will contribute $175 per month into a Retiree Health Savings plan. There is a five-year vesting period for benefits under the HSP.
  • Long Term Disability: The City pays 100% of the premium. Coverage provides 60% of base pay through Social security’s normal retirement age.
  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment: The City pays 100% of the premium. Coverage is $100,000 or one times (1x) annual salary, up to a maximum of $225,000.
  • Voluntary Product Offerings: Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Additional Life Insurance, Additional AD&D, Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts. (These offerings are employee paid)
  • Holidays and Time Off
    • 14 Paid Holidays
    • Floating Holiday: Employees receive twenty (20) hours of floating holidays at the beginning of each calendar year.
    • Sick: 96 hours annually with unlimited accumulation.
    • Vacation: 80 hours annually during the employees first year of service. Accrual rates increase with each year of service.
  • Bilingual Pay: $50.00 per month
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Non-probationary employees may receive up to a $3000 reimbursement per fiscal year for approved programs.
  • Compensatory Time Off (CTO): FT-Hourly employees are eligible to transfer overtime hours into CTO.

City of Lancaster – Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 25 – 26

Classification Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
Police Officer H – $51.89
M – $8,994.27		 H – $54.49
M – $9,444.93		 H – $57.22
M – $9,918.13		 H – $60.07
M – $10,412.13		 H – $63.07
M – $10,932.13		 H – $66.23
M – $11,479.87
Sergeant H – $61.33
M – $10,630.53		 H – $64.40
M – $11,162.67		 H – $67.62
M – $11,720.80		 H – $70.99
M – $12,304.93		 H – $74.55
M – $12,922.00		 H – $78.28
M – $13,568.53
  • California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS): Retirement benefits are provided under the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): 2.7 @ 57 formula.
  • Medicare: Both the City and the employee contribute 1.45 % into Medicare.