Lateral / certified officer · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Police Officer Academy Graduate
Pay
$110,052 to $133,776$110,052.00 - $133,776.00 Annually
Closes
ContinuousContinuous
Bonus
None stated
Laterals
Not stated
The posting
From GovernmentJobs.com · read Oct 1, 2026 · originalThe 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.
Salary listed does not include incentives, some of which are listed below:
Incentive Pay
Specialty 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 for more information.
Police Officer Academy Graduates are initially assigned to a Field Training Officer Program for a minimum of 20 weeks; subsequently, they assume the full range of professional law enforcement duties.
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. 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 work experience in any field, an 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 *
Moreover, Academy Graduate candidates MUST meet one of the following requirements to be considered:
1. Successful completion of any California P.O.S.T. approved police training academy within 2.5 years. Please make sure you attach a copy of your academy graduation certificate to your online application ( your application will be considered incomplete without this attachment)
------- OR -------
2. Current enrollment in any California P.O.S.T.-approved police training academy. Successful completion of the academy by 1 week prior to the date of the consolidated testing date is required for further consideration. Please make sure you attach official proof of academy enrollment that indicates expected date of completion to your online application.
Bilingual fluency is not required at this time. Applicants interested in receiving bilingual pay 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 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.
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: 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.
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.
About Santa Ana PD
Full department page- Starting pay$105,816
- Top of scale$133,776
- Sworn officers (2025)344
- Open jobs7
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