Police Recruit (Police Officer Recruit)

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

• Career Development Pay:
  • Level 1: 5%
  • Level 2: 10%
  • Level 3: 15%
• Advanced Post: 2%
• Bilingual: $535.95 or $267.98 depending on the level of fluency

Specialty Pay

• Shift Differential: 5%
• Field Training Officer, Detective/Investigator, Motor Officer: 2.5%
• 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.

Please refer to this link to see a comprehensive list of job functions: Essential Functions

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: Requirements

Please refer to this link to see a list of Santa Ana Police Department's Hiring Guidelines: 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.

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

Frontline Examination 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. 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.

2. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM

This component evaluates each applicant’s physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components:

• 1.5 MILERUN 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
• SOLIDFENCE 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.