Police Officer Lateral Transfer Salary
$105,816.00 - $128,628.00 Annually
Location Santa Ana, CA
Job Type Full-time
Job Number 2026-00189 (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 Officer-Lateral Transfers Police Officer-Lateral Transfers are trained and experienced police professionals who can assume the full range of policing duties after a brief orientation. Police Officers are key participants in a partnership of the City and community to identify and resolve crime problems affecting the quality of life of all residents.
The City of Santa Ana The City of Santa Ana has a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic population with a rich Hispanic heritage and a history of support for the Police Department. This diversity and community support combine to make the Santa Ana Police Department an exciting and demanding place to work.
Salary Listed Does Not Include Incentives Salary listed does not include incentives, some of which are listed below:
Incentive Pay
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 Applicants must meet the minimum requirements set forth by CA P.O.S.T. in addition to those set forth by our agency. Some of the requirements are listed below.
Requirements Please refer to this link for a list of Santa Ana Police Departments Hiring Guidelines:
Hiring Guidelines
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: Online Employment Application Guide.
Application Process Please complete the application form 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.
Applications, CA P.O.S.T. Certificates, and Supplemental Questionnaires Applications, CA P.O.S.T. certificates, and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department & Police Department. A Personal History Statement and Background Investigative Questionnaire, completed by candidates prior to the end of the selection process, will also be reviewed by the Police Department and used as a screening tool.
Selection Process Components If you pass the initial application, supplemental questionnaire, and background screenings, and possess the most pertinent training and qualifications, in order to be placed on the eligible list, you must pass each of the following components (except the bilingual fluency exam):
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.
PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM: (qualifying) will evaluate each applicants physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components:
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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!
Summary of Benefits (under POA)
Certification 01 I certify that I have read and understand the Santa Ana Police Department Hiring Guidelines
Additional Questions 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?
03 Do you possess a CA Class C drivers license as of today? If you are out-of-state, do you possess a drivers license in your state of residence as of today, and are you willing and able to obtain a CA drivers license if offered the position?
04 Are you at least twenty and a half years of age as of today?
05 Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
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?
07 Have you ever been convicted of any crime that prohibits the possession or use of a firearm?
08 Within the past 5 years from todays date, have you ever been terminated from employment as a peace officer OR resigned in lieu of termination from employment as a peace officer?
09 If you were terminated from employment as a peace officer or resigned in lieu of termination as a peace officer, please explain below. As part of your explanation, please include the year and agency in which it happened. If this does not apply to you, please indicate "N/A".
10 Do any of the scenarios below apply to you WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS?
11 If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide an explanation below.
12 Have you passed probation as a law enforcement officer in your current or former agency?
13 Do you possess a CALIFORNIA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or higher (Requalification Certificates, Basic Course Waivers and out-of-state academy certificates do not count) AND have you attached the certificate to your application?
14 Have you been employed on a permanent basis as a law enforcement officer within the last 2.5 years? (If you are currently working as a law enforcement officer, select YES. If you separated from employment as a law enforcement officer 2.5 years ago or more, please select NO)
15 Have you taken the oral interview for the police officer position with the CITY OF SANTA ANA WITHIN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FROM