Job Information

SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT
60 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701
714-245-8670
http://www.santa-ana.org/pd/

Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=1196&jobid=1&agentid=656

Updated: July 17, 2019

Job Classification: Police Recruit (Bilingual and Non-Bilingual)

The city of Santa Ana is currently building an eligibility list for Police Recruit (Bilingual and Non-Bilingual) positions. To be considered for this position, all candidates are required to submit a department application, located here, as well as complete the FrontLine National exam through National Testing Network.

Salary Information: $5,382 - $6,542 Monthly

Benefits Information: For an extensive list of employee benefits, please visit https://www.santa-ana.org/hr/employee-benefits

Department Overview: The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

At the Santa Ana Police Department, our commitment to service is simple: we strive to enhance the quality of life by employing Community Oriented Policing with Traditional Policing efforts for the betterment of everyone in our community. This approach requires members of the Santa Ana Police Department to be men and women of great character with selfless compassion and empathy in service.

We are looking for strong applicants who will support the mission of the Santa Ana Police Department with a lifelong commitment in service to others, focused on servant leadership.

City Information: Santa Ana, Orange County

Population: 334,217

Job Requirements

Age: 21

US Citizen: Must be a U.S. citizen OR a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship.

High School Grad/GED: Be a high school graduate of one of the following: (A) A U.S. public school, or (B) An accredited U.S. Department of Defense high school, or (C) An accredited or approved public or non-public high school. OR (2) pass the General Education Development (G.E.D) test indicating high school graduation level OR (3) pass the California High School Proficiency Exam, OR (4) have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

Valid CALIFORNIA State Driver's License: Must possess a valid Class C California driver's license at the time of application. Out-of-state applicants must possess a driver’s license in their state of residence at the time of application, and must be willing and able to obtain a CA driver’s license by the time of appointment.

Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes

Vision: Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20. For hard contact or glasses wearers there is an additional uncorrected minimum of 20/40 (no uncorrected minimum for soft contact wearers). Refer to P.O.S.T. Vision guidelines for more information: http://www.post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual.aspx

College: A.A. or B.A. degree is highly desirable.

Prior Experience: One year of work experience in any field

Schooling Prior and Post Hiring : Post Hiring: Orange County Sheriff’s Academy (Paid Training)

Hiring Process:

Application
Written Exam
Personnel/PD Application Review
Fast Track Testing
Background Investigation
Background Oral Interview
Police Chief’s Background File Review and Oral Interview
Medical Exam, Polygraph Exam, Psychological Evaluation
Bilingual Oral Fluency Exam (If applicable)

Criminal Activity Disqualifiers:

No felony convictions.

No conviction of any crime that prohibits possession or use of a firearm.

Driving Disqualifiers:

Three (3) sustained moving violations over the past three years from the time of application dependent on severity.

Two (2) at fault collisions over the past three years from the time of application dependent on severity.

Any DUI conviction or any DUI plea agreement to a lesser charge within three years from the time of application.

Drug Use Disqualifiers:

No use or possession of Marijuana within the last two years from the time of application.
No use or possession of any non-prescription opiate (includes Heroin), Cocaine, Amphetamine (includes Methamphetamine) or Ecstasy within the last five years from the time of application.
No use or possession of any hallucinogen (includes LSD, PCP, Ketamine) within the last 10 years from the time of application.
No use or possession of non-prescription steroids within five years from the time of application

Description:
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 $6768 - $8229 per month (reflects base salary only, does not include pay additives such as bilingual pay, senior officer pay, etc).

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. With 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.

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 (Download PDF reader)

Tattoo Policy: Tattoos shall not be visible while employees are on-duty. If you have any visible tattoos on or behind the ear, on the hands or fingers, on the neck or head that cannot be covered by a standard collared uniform shirt, you do not meet our tattoo policy and you will not be able to continue in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the tattoo policy, please contact Background Unit Supervisor, Corporal Pedro Duran via e-mail at PDuran@santa-ana.org.

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 6 months to reapply. Individuals who have failed the psychological evaluation or Chief's file review must wait one year before reapplying.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To:
The following is a comprehensive, although not all-inclusive, description of the functions, skills and abilities associated with the job of a police officer.

Ability to read and understand English language documents and legibly hand write accurate and grammatically correct reports.
Communicates effectively orally, in writing and by using the police radio.
Drives a vehicle safely under varied and sometimes difficult conditions, including emergencies.
Lifts, carries, drags, pulls and pushes objects and persons of varying weight and size; stands, walks and runs for extended times over various distances and conditions such as when pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls.
Ability to physically control individuals with the minimum and reasonable use of force as prescribed by law and departmental policy.
Writes extensive and complex reports which are used as a basis for potential prosecutions in court.
Observes and recognizes people, vehicles, activities, street signs and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during day and night; distinguishes colors on traffic signals, clothing on suspects and victims, and other activities during which distinguishing specific colors is critical.
Does not pose a direct threat to the safety of the public, other officers or him/herself.
Exercises good judgment in dealing with routine and unusual situations.
Learns and comprehends factual information, policies, procedures and rules, and uses good judgment and discretion in applying same to changing conditions in similar and varied situations.
Maintains composure and takes appropriate action during emergency or tense situations.
Confronts problems and enforces laws professionally and within established guidelines.
Provides ethical leadership and upholds ethical standards by setting an example, and promotes the vision and goals of the organization in a focused and systematic manner.
Operates a variety of firearms, equipment and weapons in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with departmental standards.
Is able to recognize, refuses to participate in and does not tolerate unethical behavior in the performance of duties.
Is not subject to impeachment in court due to character, reputation, history of dishonesty or violation of law, including drug-related violations in the past.
Acts courteously toward others and takes directions from supervisors, while maintaining good working relationships with other members of the Department and City.
Accepts criticism and applies it to his or her performance.
Meets scheduled assignments on time and provides dependable service to the community.
Works extended and irregular hours when required, and uses all skills and abilities in his or her possession in performing the duties of the position, including the ability to speak and write a foreign language.
Works with the community and other City departments within the legal and moral standards of the community to address crime, reduce fear and improve police-community relations.
Participates in community policing efforts and problem-solving projects; conducts a thorough analysis of problems in assigned areas to identify root causes of crime and applies problem-solving principles.
Organizes or assists in the organization of community meetings aimed at solving specific problems or improving community living standards.
Recognizes visible signs of disorder which often lead to neighborhood deterioration and takes positive action to improve situations through coordination of actions with investigators and other officers, as well as community groups and individuals.
Administers first-aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured or ill persons in compliance with departmental training and standards.
Examines and controls crime scenes of all types; provides effective traffic control and management of traffic accident scenes; writes traffic accident reports and draws related diagrams.
Performs other duties as required.

Selection Process:
NOTE: 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.

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):

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 (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com). Practice test available at https://ergopracticetests.com/?FLB/.

The next three selection components (Physical Agility Exam, Oral Interview Examination and Background Orientation) are all consolidated in one full day of testing.
PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM:(qualifying) will evaluate each applicant's 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
Each of the above events are timed. Candidate's 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.
ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (weight of 50%) will evaluate experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
BACKGROUND ORIENTATION: (qualifying) prepare personal statement, receive background packet, meet with background investigator.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: (qualifying) candidates will be investigated regarding employment, neighborhood conduct, references, financial stability, criminal history, driving history, educational history, and other related factors.
BACKGROUND ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (weight of 50%) will evaluate each candidate's background, experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
POLICE CHIEF'S BACKGROUND FILE REVIEW AND ORAL INTERVIEW: (qualifying) contents of the background file and results of the background investigation will also be evaluated by the Police Chief.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: (qualifying) candidates will take a polygraph examination designed to determine the truthfulness of the candidate's responses about his/her qualifications and suitability as a Police Reserve Officer.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: (qualifying) candidates will be interviewed by a licensed psychologist to assess the candidate's behavior and character to determine if an individual is at significant risk for employment problems as a Police Reserve Officer.

NOTE: Prior to appointment, candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine minimum acceptable physical 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 - 9 above will be placed on an eligible list and will be considered for appointment as vacancies occur.

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