Police Recruit (Police Officer Recruit)

Salary : $87,492.00 - $106,368.00 Annually
Location : Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00183 (IM)
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: POA


Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to the community.


Police Recruits are non-sworn (civilian) employees who attend a police academy to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Upon successful completion of this training, they are sworn in as Police Officers at a salary of $8,818.00 - $10,719.00** per month, plus benefits and salary incentives, some of which are listed below:
Incentive Pay

Specialty Pay

-Career Development Pay:


* Level 1: 5% * Level 2: 10% * Level 3: 15%

- Advanced Post: 2%

- Shift Differential: 5%

- Field Training Officer, Detective/Investigator, Motor Officer: 2.5%

- Bilingual: $535.95 or $267.98 depending on the level of fluency


-K9 Officer, Helicopter Pilot: 5%
For more information on incentive pay, please see Articles IV, V & VI of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding.

Police Officers are key participants in a partnership with the City and community to identify and resolve crime problems affecting the quality of life of all residents. This community support and the diversity of cultures in Santa Ana make it an exciting and demanding place to work.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PERFORMERS :
Successful officers are characterized by the ability to make sound decisions which are based on fact, not emotion, quickly and repeatedly throughout the day. They demonstrate a strong sense of fairness and the ability to apply both the spirit and letter of the law within legal parameters of discretion. They embrace the principles of Community Oriented Policing by exhibiting a genuine concern for the safety of the community and the quality of life of its citizens, successful Police Officers are alert and ready to take action. They enjoy both working alone and as an integral part of a team effort. Ideal candidates are proficient in writing reports and handling paperwork and willingly work varying shifts, weekends and holidays.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To


Please refer to this link to see a comprehensive list of job functions:
Minimum Qualifications
To be further considered, all applicants must meet all requirements defined by P.O.S.T. in addition to those set forth by our agency. One year of work experience in any field, A.A. or B.A. degree, and/or military experience is highly desirable. Please refer to this link for a list of requirements:


Please refer to this link to see a list of Santa Ana Police Department's Hiring Guidelines: *
Bilingual fluency is not required at this time. Applicants interested in receiving bilingual pay upon completion of the academy must be fluent in both English and any one of the following languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Samoan, Hmong, Korean, or Cambodian.

NOTE : If you have failed the written examination or oral interview examination, you must wait at least three months to reapply. Individuals who have failed the psychological evaluation or Chief's file review must wait one year before reapplying.
Selection Process


All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online, as well as complete the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:


NOTE: THE APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. WORK HISTORY MUST GO BACK AT LEAST 10 YEARS (IF APPLICABLE). PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE 'REASON FOR LEAVING' FIELDS, AND 'DATES OF EMPLOYMENT (YEAR)' FIELDS. ANY APPLICATION WITH ONE OR MORE UNANSWERED FIELDS WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.
If you pass the initial application, supplemental questionnaire, and background screenings, and possess the most pertinent qualifications, in order to be placed on the eligible list, you must pass each of the following components (except the bilingual fluency exam):

Please note, all dates listed below are subject to change depending on organizational needs.
1. FRONTLINE NATIONAL EXAMINATION: (qualifying) includes multiple-choice video simulations and computer administered test in which candidates must complete the following three test components: a video-based human relations test, report writing, and reading comprehension. The examination is administered by the National Testing Network. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE FRONTLINE EXAM UNTIL YOU RECEIVE AN E-MAIL STATING THAT YOU MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. Candidates need a score of 60% or higher on the Video Section, and an overall score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
The City of Santa Ana is now accepting PELLETB scores from other agencies. The PELLETB exam must have been completed within one year of application date in order for scores to be used in lieu of the Frontline National Examination. The minimal acceptable score is 46.
The next three selection components (Physical Agility Exam, Oral Interview Examination and Background Orientation) are all consolidated in one full day of testing.
2. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM: (qualifying) will evaluate each applicant's physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components:

• 1.5 MILE RUN The 1.5 mile run must be completed within 14 minutes to pass the City of Santa Ana physical agility test.
• 500 YARD RUN Run 500 yards
• SOLID FENCE CLIMB Run 5 yards to a 6-foot solid fence, climb over fence, and continue running another 25 yards
• CHAIN LINK FENCE Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over fence, and continue running another 25 yards
• OBSTACLE COURSE/AGILITY RUN Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle
• BODY DRAG Lift and drag 165 pound lifelike dummy 32 feet

***Some components may be waived
Each of the above events are timed. Candidate's performance times are converted to points and summed. Candidates must successfully complete the 1.5 mile run AND accumulate a minimum total score of 384 points in the remaining five events to pass the physical agility test.
Tentative 2026 PAT Dates: 01/10/26, 01/13/26, 02/07/26, 02/10/26, 03/10/26, 03/14/26, 04/25/26, 04/28/26, 05/16/26, 05/19/26, 06/13/26, 06/16/26, 07/11/26, 07/14/26, 08/08/26, 08/11/26, 09/12/26, 09/15/26, 10/10/26, 10/13/26, 11/14/26, 11/17/26, 12/12/26, 12/15/26
3. BACKGROUND ORIENTATION: (qualifying) prepare personal statement, receive background packet, meet with background investigator
4. ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (weight of 100%) will evaluate experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
NOTE: Prior to appointment, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, a psychological examination, and a medical examination to determine minimum acceptable qualifications as established by Government Code 1031 Section (f) and POST Commission Regulation 1954.

Applicants must pass every component of the selection process in order to be further considered. Those who are successful in steps 1 - 4 above will be placed on an eligible list and will be considered for appointment as vacancies occur.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

(under POA)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01


I certify that I have read and understand the *

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a U.S. High School graduate or have passed the General Education Development (GED) or equivalency test indicating high school graduation level?

• I am a graduate of a US High School or have passed the General Education Development (GED) or equivalency test indicating high school graduation level, or higher education.
• I currently DO NOT have a US High School diploma or the General Education Development (GED) or equivalency test indicating high school graduation level, or higher education; however, I am in the process of acquiring status.
• I do not meet the aforementioned requirements. Selecting this option would disqualify you from applying for this position.

03


Do you possess a CA Class C driver's license as of today? If you are out-of-state, do you possess a driver's license in your state of residence as of today, and are you willing and able to obtain a CA driver's license if offered the position?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you at least twenty and a half years of age as of today?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

06


Have you been convicted of a DUI or any DUI plea agreement to a lesser charge within three (3) years from the date of application?

• Yes
• No

07


Have you ever been convicted of any crime that prohibits the possession or use of a firearm?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you been terminated for a cause, other than reduction in workforce or layoff, or have you resigned in lieu of termination within the last five (5) years from the date of application?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain below. As part of your explanation, please provide the year in which it happened.
10


Do any of the scenarios below apply to you WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS? • I was referred to the background unit in another law enforcement agency and was notified that I was not selected to continue in the background investigation phase but I was not officially disqualified • I was referred to the background unit in another law enforcement agency and was advised to withdraw in lieu of possible disqualification from the background investigation

• Yes
• No

11


If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide an explanation below.
12


Do you have AT LEAST one year of work experience in ANY type of work/field? Work experience can be in ANY field. It does NOT have to be work experience in law enforcement. Volunteer work does not apply.

• Yes
• No

13


Have you taken the oral interview for the police officer position with the CITY OF SANTA ANA WITHIN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FROM TODAY'S DATE?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you had any contact with the PD Recruitment Team during any point in your application process.

• Yes
• No

15


If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the name of the person you interacted with or the event you attended.
16


Were you referred to this position by a current City of Santa Ana employee?

• Yes
• No

17


If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please provide the employee's First Name and Last Name.
18


I certify that all the information I provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that purposely providing false information, or omitting information as requested, may be grounds for disqualification from the process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question