Police Recruit

Salary: $6,245.00 Monthly
Location : Orange Police Dept - 1107 N. Batavia, Orange, CA
Job Type: Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number: 01739
Department: Police Department
Division: Police Support Services
Opening Date: 09/15/2026

JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT AS A POLICE RECRUIT!

NEXT TENTATIVE TESTING DATE: FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 16, 2026
CANDIDATES WHO PASS THE APPLICATION SCREENING WILL BE INVITED TO THE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST AND POST PELLET-B WRITTEN EXAM ON ABOVE TENTATIVE TESTING DATE.
THE POSITION:

This is a non-sworn trainee classification. Incumbents are employed by the City of Orange while they participate in required law enforcement training in order to develop and meet the requirements of the position of Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the required law enforcement training, Police Recruits are promoted to the position of Police Officer.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
It is important that you read and become familiar with the job flyer in its entirety as pertinent information is provided here regarding application requirements. All fields of the application must be completed. If a field in the application does not apply to you, then please indicate so by typing "N/A". Incomplete applications, or applications directed to other prospective agencies/employers, will result in disqualification from the selection process.

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS:

Before submitting an application for the position of Police Recruit, please read the Automatic Disqualifier Notice (link below) to determine if you are eligible to apply.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The City of Orange is looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in the community they serve by becoming a member of one of the best Police Departments in Orange County. The successful candidates will demonstrate a desire for a career as a Police Officer through their education and experience. Those candidates who best meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the selection process, which will include, but may not be limited to, the following steps:

1. Application Screening (scored as a pass/fail)
2. Physical Ability Test (scored as pass/fail - see below for details)
3. POST PELLET-B Written Test (scored as pass/fail with the passing T-Score set at 45 or higher - see for a sample exam)
4. Oral Interview (100% of a candidate's score in the selection process)

Applications are continuously screened by the City. Candidates who pass the application screening are invited to participate in steps 2 and 3 of the selection process, which typically occur on the same day (the Friday noted at the top of this job posting, between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) and at a frequency of every 4 to 8 weeks.
PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST COMPONENTS:

• Obstacle Course (Foot Pursuit): 99-yards in length. Involves various turns, balance beams, and a hurdle.
• 2 Six-foot Walls: Climb over one solid concrete wall and one chain-linked wall.
• Dummy Drag: Lift, drag, and pull a 165 lbs. dummy for 35 ft.
• 500-Yard Run: Timed completion of the distance.

POLICE RECRUIT SALARY & BENEFITS :
Police Recruits sponsored by the Orange Police Department receive a salary of $6,245 per month and generous benefits while attending the Police Academy. See the BENEFITS tab of this job bulletin for complete information.
POLICE OFFICER SALARY & BENEFITS:
After successful completion of the Academy, Police Recruits will be promoted to Police Officers. The salary for the position of Police Officer is $8,378 - $11,174.50 per month, plus excellent benefits and salary incentives, some of which are listed below.


POLICE OFFICER SALARY INCENTIVES :


Motor Officers: additional 6.5% of base salary per month
Detectives: additional 7.5% of base salary per month
Canine Handlers: additional 6.5% of base salary pay per month
Corporals in Patrol: additional 10.0% of base salary per month
Driving Under Influence (DUI) Team: additional 5.0% of base salary per month
Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART): additional 5.0% of base salary per month
Bike Team: additional 5.0% of base salary per month
Crime Scene Investigators: additional $250 per month
Drug Recognition Expert: additional $250 per month
Field Training Officers: up to $475 per month
SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT): up to $200 per month
Shift Differential: additional 2% of base salary per month
Senior Officer Pay: officers with over 6 years of service, who are not in special assignments, receive additional 5% of base salary per month
Bilingual Pay: additional $300 per month
Educational Incentive Program: officers receive the following incentives for college degree/units and POST Certificates.

• Bachelor's Degree

$450.00 per month

• Master's Degree in an area related to Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or Management from an accredited university, as approved by the City Manager or a duly authorized designee

$700.00 per month

• POST Intermediate Certificate

$200.00 per month

• POST Advanced Certificate

$250.00 per month
Longevity/Retention Pay:

10 Years of Service

$200.00 per month

15 Years of Service

$300.00 per month

20 Years of Service

$400.00 per month

25 Years of Service

$500.00 per month


OTHER BENEFITS:
Upon promotion from Police Recruit to Police Officer, employees work the 3/12 schedule in Patrol. Employees receive 105 hours per year of holiday pay, and 80 hours of vacation for the first 4 years of service. Vacation pay increases to 120 hours per year upon 5 years of service, and increases to a maximum of 220 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also pays Court Standby Pay. In addition to a CalPERS pension plan, the City offers an optional Deferred Compensation Plan.

For a complete list of Police Officer benefit information, click here.

Examples of Duties
This is a non-sworn trainee classification. Incumbents are employed by the City of Orange while they participate in required law enforcement training in order to develop and meet the requirements of the position of Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the required law enforcement training, Police Recruits are promoted to the position of Police Officer.
Police Recruits are employed to train, prepare, and graduate from the Police Academy in order to successfully perform the following duties as a Police Officer: Under supervision, performs community-based law enforcement and crime prevention duties; enforces city, county and state laws; patrols assigned areas; responds to calls for protection of life and property; conducts preliminary investigations of matters involving possible violations of law; investigates criminal cases; directs and controls traffic flow; stops violators; warns against unlawful practices, issues citations, testifies in court; prepares and submits reports; inspects business premises; investigates suspicious persons and circumstances; gives information and directions to the public; reviews case records and reports; collects and identifies evidence; apprehends and arrests criminal law violators; enforces parking regulations; attends training assignments and target practice; performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Graduation from high school, or equivalent.
2. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
3. At least 20 years of age at time of application, and at least 21 years of age by date of hire.
4. Possession of a valid California driver's license, auto insurance, and a satisfactory driving record.
5. All personnel hired by the Orange Police Department shall be a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters.

SELECTION STANDARDS:
POST sets the minimum standards for Peace Officers in the State of California. POST guidelines provide for the following five (5) major categories that we consider during the hiring process:

1. Moral Character : Integrity, Impulse Control, Attention to Safety, Substance Abuse, and Other Risk Taking Behavior.
2. Work Habits : Conscientiousness, Dependability, and Attention to Detail.
3. Interactions with Others : Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork.
4. Intellectually-Based Abilities : Decision Making and Judgment, Learning Ability, and Communication Skills.
5. Handling Stress and Adversity : Stress Tolerance as well as Confronting and Overcoming Problems, Obstacles, and Adversity.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees must meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the City. Job tasks involve frequent driving, walking and standing, and occasional running; frequent light lifting and occasional lifting of heavy objects or persons; employee must have the physical ability to apprehend and restrain subjects and to defend oneself from attack. Job tasks involve the operation of vehicles, firearms, and other equipment in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important requirements for safe and productive operations. Tasks may require exposure to extreme heat or cold, extreme weather conditions, strong odors and/or smoke, dust, or pollen. Job tasks require visual, color, depth, and sound perception and discrimination as well as oral communications ability.

Supplemental Information
Questions regarding this employment opportunity can be directed to the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. The Human Resources Department is located at City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866. City Hall hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For information on the City of Orange Police Department, click here , or visit
BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME & LIMITED DURATION RESOLUTION (BENEFITED)

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries.

The following is a partial list of benefits that would be provided to a 40 hour full-time employee. Benefits for part-time employees are prorated based upon number of hours scheduled to work each week (i.e., 20, 25, 30, or 35 hours per week). However, 19-hour per week positions and "seasonal" positions are considered non-benefited.

Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.


Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are " New " CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.

An employee who is a " Classic " Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ age 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.


Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $1,960 per month (Family), which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $400 per month.


Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $40,000 .

Vacation. Employees earn 80 hours of vacation during the first four years of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 200 hours per year after 25 years of service.

Holidays. The City observes 11 paid 9 hour fixed holidays and provides 1 paid 9 hour floating holiday annually.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.

Other Benefits. Flexible scheduling is available to benefitted employees. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.

For more information, please click for the Part-Time and Limited Duration Employees Resolution.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination , Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA ), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express 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 contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01


I have read the Automatic Disqualifier Notice and understand that if any of the listed items apply, it will lead to my automatic disqualification from the selection process.

• Yes, I have read the Notice and understand the statement above.

02


Were you referred to the City of Orange by a current employee?

• Yes
• No

03


If Yes, who do we have to thank? If No, type N/A.
04


Have you included all work history for at least the past ten (10) years, including the accurate dates of employment and the reason for leaving an employer? NOTE: Failure to include this information in your application may lead to disqualification from the selection process.

• Yes
• No

05


Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you at least 20 years of age, and will you be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you currently, or will you be by date of hire, a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters (1107 N. Batavia St, Orange, CA 92867)?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you either graduated from a U.S. high school, an accredited or approved nonpublic school, or an accredited U.S. Department of Defense high school; passed the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test or other state-approved high school equivalency test; passed the California High School Proficiency Examination; or completed a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university?NOTE: If yes, the institution name, city, state, and dates of enrollment must be listed in the Education section of your application.

• Yes
• No

09


Please indicate the highest level of formal education you have completed:

• High School
• Technical or Vocational Certificate
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

10


Do you possess a valid driver's license, good driving record, and automobile insurance?

• Yes
• No

11


If you do not currently possess a valid California driver's license, can you obtain one by date of hire?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable - I currently possess a valid California driver's license

12


Have you completed a POST-certified Basic Police Academy within the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

13


Are you currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer with at least one (1) year of full-time experience AND possess a recognized P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy Certification or Re-Certification?

• Yes
• No

14


Are you currently enrolled in a recognized POST-certified basic Police Academy? If so, list the name of the academy and your anticipated graduation date below. If not, indicate No.
15


Have you ever been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony? (Check all that apply.)

• Yes, misdemeanor
• Yes, felony
• No

16


If you answered Felony and/or Misdemeanor for question #15, explain the arrest(s) below. If you answered No, indicate N/A.
17


Have you received five (5) or more traffic citations in the past seven (7) years (excluding parking citations)? Include any violations for which you attended traffic school, and citations that were dismissed.

• Yes
• No

18


Have you been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the last two (2) years?

• Yes
• No

19


Has your driving privilege ever been formally suspended?

• Yes
• No

20


If you answered Yes to question #19, list the date of violation, location, and offense. If you answered No, type N/A.
21


Have you sold, manufactured, grown, and/or transported illegal or prescription drugs?

• Yes
• No

22


Have you ever used Heroin or Hallucinogens (i.e. LSD, PCP, Mushrooms, Peyote)?

• Yes
• No

23


Have you illegally used, ingested, possessed, distributed, sold, or furnished Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Nitrous Oxide, Inhalants, and/or Illegal Injectable Steroids within the past seven (7) years?

• Yes
• No

24


If you answered Yes to any of the drug-related questions above, please explain the circumstances. If you answered No, indicate N/A.
25


Have you ever been arrested for or accused of any assault (domestic violence) against anyone you have had a relationship with, lived with, or with whom you had a child?

• Yes
• No

26


Have you ever been a suspect in or arrested for any type of crime(s)? Include incidents at all ages ( juvenile and adult ). Include incidents where you were cited and released for a criminal offense (i.e. petty theft, DUI, alcohol violations, vandalism, etc.). NOTE: Do not include traffic infractions.

• Yes
• No

27


Have you been convicted of a crime that prohibits you from currently possessing or using a firearm per Penal Code 29800 and Penal Code 29900?

• Yes
• No

28


Have you ever accessed pornography involving children for pleasure?

• Yes
• No

29


Have you ever accessed pornography on a work computer for pleasure?

• Yes
• No

30


Have you shoplifted in excess of $950 or committed theft in excess of $950 within the last five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

31


If you answered Yes to any of the background-related questions above, please provide the date(s), incident(s), and provide an explanation of the circumstances. If you answered No to these questions, indicate N/A.
32


Have you ever taken a polygraph examination? If yes, provide the date, agency, and results below. If no, type No.
33


Have you ever been disqualified during the background investigation process for any position within a law enforcement agency? NOTE: This does not include failing a physical ability test, written test, or oral interview.If yes, indicate the agency(ies), date(s), and the result(s) below. If no, type No.
34


Have you applied for this position, or a similar position, with the City of Orange within the past six (6) months?If so, please list the date(s) and position(s) you have applied for, as well as the status of your application. If not, type No.
35


Have you failed an oral interview for the Police Recruit position with the City of Orange Police within the last six (6) months?

• Yes
• No

36


Please indicate your military service below.

• No Military Service
• Active US Military
• Active US Military Reserve
• Former Military Service

37


If you served in the military, were you ever subject to discipline under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice?If so, provide the date(s) and an explanation. If not, or not applicable, type No.
38


If you served in the military, did you receive a general discharge under other than honorable conditions?

• Not applicable - I did not serve in the military
• No
• Yes

39


Applicants who have taken the POST PELLET-B written exam within 12 months of the date of the upcoming City of Orange physical ability testing date and received a total T-Score of 45 or higher may request to waive the written exam step of our agency's process. To waive the written test step, you must attach your T-Score letter on agency letterhead containing your name, the agency you tested with, the date of the test, and your T-Score breakdown. You will also need to bring this letter with you to the physical ability test. If you have not yet attached your T-Score letter and would like to, save your work and go back to Step 1 of your application.Please indicate your intent below.

• I have attached my POST PELLET-B total T-Score letter indicating a score of 45 or higher dated within the last twelve (12) months on agency letterhead with the intent to waive this step of the City of Orange recruitment process.
• As of now, I will need to take the POST PELLET-B written exam with the City of Orange if I am selected to proceed further in the recruitment process.
• I recently took the POST PELLET-B written exam with another agency and am awaiting my score. If I receive it before the upcoming physical ability testing date, and the score is a 45 or higher, I will bring it with me to the testing date and request to waive the written exam step of the City of Orange recruitment process. If I do not receive the score in time, and i pass the physical ability test, I will provide it as soon as it is received and would like to be considered for an oral interview at a later date.

40


Have you taken the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam (PELLET-B) and received a total T-Score of 45 or higher within the previous twelve (12) months?

• Yes
• No

41


Explain in detail your interest in this position and how your qualifications and professional goals align with the role of Police Officer.
42


Describe in detail the steps you've taken to prepare for the academic demands of a 24-week police academy.
43


Explain the specific ways you've prepared for the physical demands of a 24-week police academy.
44


The City of Orange Police Department values leadership and professionalism. Explain in detail how you have demonstrated these qualities, using specific examples to support your response.
45


Successful candidates for law enforcement employment must pass a thorough background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, employment history verification, driving history check, educational history check, credit check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, medical examination, and drug test. Do you acknowledge and understand this information?

• Yes
• No

46


All information in your application is subject to verification through a thorough background investigation including a polygraph test. Do you certify that all the information you provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief, and do you understand that purposely providing false information will be grounds for disqualification from the selection process?

• Yes, I certify that all the information I have provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and I understand that purposely providing false information will be grounds for disqualification from the selection process.

Required Question