Lateral / certified officer · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Police Officer Lateral Transfer
Pay
$110,052 to $133,776$110,052.00 - $133,776.00 Annually
Closes
ContinuousContinuous
Bonus
None stated
Laterals
Not stated
In the posting's words
The sentences our figures come from.Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Basic certificate or higher (if you do not have one, you do not qualify for the Lateral Transfer position).Successful completion of the probationary period, and/or been employed on a permanent basis, within the past two and one-half (2½) years as a sworn law enforcement officer in the state of California, preferably a municipality.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.
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 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, 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%
Longevity Pay: (total years of law enforcement service) will be assigned at the following benchmarks:
*Completion of 10 years: 5% *Completion of 15 years: 10% *Completion of 20 years: 15%
For more information on incentive pay, please see Articles IV, V & VI of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding .
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 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.
1. Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Basic certificate or higher (if you do not have one, you do not qualify for the Lateral Transfer position).
2. Successful completion of the probationary period, and/or been employed on a permanent basis, within the past two and one-half (2½) years as a sworn law enforcement officer in the state of California, preferably a municipality.
Please refer to this link for a list of other requirements: Requirements
Please refer to this link to see a list of Santa Ana Police Department's Hiring Guidelines: Hiring Guidelines *
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 a test component, you must wait at least three months to reapply (except the physical agility test or bilingual fluency exam). Individuals who have failed the psychological evaluation must wait at least 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.
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.
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):
Please note, all dates listed below are subject to change depending on organizational needs.
1. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM: (qualifying) will evaluate each applicant's physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components:<ul style=
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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