Police Recruit Police Officer Recruit

Salary : $84,132. 00 - $102,276. 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 PaySpecialty 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 Y…