Police Recruit (Police Officer Recruit)

Police Recruit (Police Officer Recruit) Salary

$84,132.00 - $102,276.00 Annually

Location 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

• 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:

Requirements

Please refer to this link to see a list of Santa Ana Police Departments 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 Chiefs 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:

Online Employment Application Guide.

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.

Certification

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):

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
• 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.

2. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM

(qualifying) will evaluate each applicants 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. Candidates 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, 03/07/26, 03/10/26, 04/25/26, 04/28/26, 05/15/26, 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

(qualifying) 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!

Summary of Benefits (under POA)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the Citys 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.

Certification

01 I certify that I have read and understand the Santa Ana Police Department Hiring Guidelines

• 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