Which department/city are you talking about? I can find no California city where police make "well over $100,000 per year" as you have stated.
A Police Officer works 40 hours per week on different shifts and overtime may be required. San Francisco offers excellent benefits and the current starting salary is $80,574 per year. After seven years of service a Police Officer may earn up to $112,164 per year.
I can also tell you that I have three relatives that work at PDs in San Diego County. They all have a HS diploma and make well over $100,000 when all pay (to include OT) are added in. They've done that since they hit the 5 year point.