Salinas Police Department is taking significant steps to enhance officer wellness and recruitment efforts, as discussed during the Police Advisory Committee Meeting on September 25, 2025. The department is expanding its organizational wellness initiatives, which include comprehensive training programs aimed at supporting officers' mental, physical, and financial health.

Commander Johnson highlighted the importance of these wellness programs, noting that they are designed to help officers manage the stresses of their demanding roles. The department has established a peer support team trained to assist officers following critical incidents, such as shootings or traumatic events. This team will provide timely follow-ups, ensuring officers receive the necessary support in the days and weeks following such incidents.

In addition to mental health support, the department is focusing on physical wellness through training sessions led by experts. Notable presentations include those by Dr. Kevin Gilmartin on emotional survival in law enforcement and Dr. Steve James on the importance of sleep for officers working irregular hours. These initiatives aim to prevent burnout and promote overall well-being among officers.

The meeting also addressed recruitment challenges, with 11 professional staff positions currently unfilled due to non-competitive salaries. Discussions included the potential for salary audits to make these positions more attractive. The department is working with the city to conduct salary studies and adjust pay where possible.

Despite the challenges, the department is optimistic about future recruitment efforts. The starting salary for new recruits is approximately $7,300 monthly, with lateral transfers earning between $8,100 and nearly $11,000 monthly. However, recent recruitment workshops have seen limited success, with no candidates from a recent session making it through the background process.

As the Salinas Police Department continues to navigate staffing and wellness initiatives, the community can expect ongoing efforts to enhance officer support and attract new talent to the force.