Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Trained)

Salary : $95,688.00 - $127,608.00 Annually

Location : Orange, CA

Job Type : Full Time Safety

Job Number : 01547

Department : Police Department

Opening Date : 01 / 14 / 2025

Definition of the Position

JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT AS A POLICE OFFICER!

TESTING DATE : SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 22, 2025

CANDIDATES WHO PASS THE APPLICATION SCREENING WILL BE INVITED TO THE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST ON THIS DATE. CANDIDATES WHO PASS THE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST WILL BE INTERVIEWED SAME DAY.

10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE

5,000 upon hire

5,000 upon successful completion of probation

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS :

The City of Orange is looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in the community they serve by becoming a member of one of the best Police Departments in Orange County. Successful candidates will demonstrate a desire for a career as a Police Officer through their education and experience. Those candidates who, based on their application, best meet the needs of the City will be contacted for participation in the selection process which will include, but may not be limited to, the following : Physical Ability Test (scored as a pass / fail - see below for details) and an in-person appraisal interview (100% of a candidate's score in the selection process).

PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST COMPONENTS :

• Obstacle Course (Foot Pursuit) : 99-yards in length. Involves various turns, balance beams, and a hurdle.
• 2 Six-foot Walls : Climb over one solid concrete wall and one chain-linked wall. (Candidates may make up to three attempts to get over each wall.)
• Dummy Drag : Lift, drag, and pull a 165 lbs. dummy for 35 ft.
• 500-Yard Run : Timed completion of the distance.

POLICE OFFICER SALARY AND BENEFITS :

The salary for Police Officer is $7,586 - $10,117 per month, plus very generous benefits and salary incentives.

Retirement Benefits

An employee who is a Classic member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 3.0% @ age 50 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 12.0% of salary on a pre-tax basis as their full share of their member contribution. Employees do not pay into Social Security.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired sworn employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% at age 57 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation, in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New members will be required to pay half of normal retirement costs of pension reportable salary as their full share of their member contribution.

Salary Incentives

Officers assigned as the following receive :

Motor Officers- receive additional 6.5% pay per month

Detectives- receive additional 7.5% pay per month

Canine Handlers- receive additional 6.5% pay per month

Corporals in Patrol- receive additional 10.0% pay per month

Driving Under Influence (DUI) Team- receive additional 5.0% per month

Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART)- receive additional 5.0% per month

Bike Team- receive additional 5.0% per month

Crime Scene Investigators- receive additional $250 per month

Drug Recognition Expert- receive additional $250 per month

Field Training Officers- receive up to $475 per month

SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT)- receive up to $200 per month

Shift Differential- receive additional 2% pay per month

Educational Incentive Program- receive the following incentives per month for college degree / units and P.O.S.T. Certificates.

Senior Officer Pay- Officers not in special assignments with over 6 years of service with the Orange Police Department receive additional 5% of base salary per month.

Longevity / Retention Pay- Officers with over 10 years of sworn service receive $200 per month, officers with over 15 years of sworn service receive $300 per month, officers with over 20 years of sworn service receive $400 per month, and officers with over 25 years of sworn service receive $500 per month.

Bilingual Pay- If qualified, officers may receive $300 per month.

Other Benefits

Orange Police Officers work a 3 / 12 schedule for Patrol Officers and a 4 / 10 schedule for all special assignments. Employees receive 105 hours per year of holiday accrual, and 80 hours of vacation for the first 4 years of service. Vacation accrual increases to 120 hours upon 5 years of service, and increases to a maximum of 220 hours after 30 years of service. The City also pays court standby pay. In addition to retirement, the City offers an optional Deferred Compensation Plan.

For complete Police Officer benefits information contained in the City of Orange Police Officers Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), click here.

Automatic Disqualifiers

Prior to submitting an application, please read the to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the position.

Examples of Duties

Enforces city, county and state laws; patrols assigned areas; responds to calls for protection of life and property; conducts preliminary investigations of matters involving possible violations of law; investigates criminal cases; directs and controls traffic flow; stops violators; warns against unlawful practices, issues citations, testifies in court; prepares and submits reports; inspects business premises; investigates suspicious persons and circumstances; gives information and directions to the public; reviews case records and reports; collects and identifies evidence; apprehends and arrests criminal law violators; enforces parking regulations; attends training assignments and target practice; performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Lateral Police Officer Requirements

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent.

2. Candidates must be a graduate of a California certified POST Basic Police Academy and possess and maintain Basic POST Certificate. A physical ability test is required graduation from Police Academy occurred more than 6 months ago.

3. Must be currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer with a minimum of one year of full-time experience as a sworn Peace Officer.

4. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

5. Possession of a valid California driver license with good driving record.

6. All personnel hired by the Orange Police Department shall be a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters.

Academy-Trained Police Officer Requirements

1. Successful completion of a California certified P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy or current enrollment in an Academy.

2. Graduation from high school or equivalent.

3. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

4. At least 20 years of age at time of application and at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.

5. Possession of a valid California driver license with good driving record.

6. All personnel hired by the Orange Police Department shall be a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters.

Supplemental Information

Employees must meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the City. Tasks involve frequent driving, walking and standing, and occasional running; frequent light lifting and occasional lifting of heavy objects or persons; employee must have the physical ability to apprehend and restrain subjects and to defend one's self from attack. Tasks involve the operation of vehicles, firearms, and other equipment in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and productive operations. Tasks may require exposure to extreme heat or cold, extreme weather conditions, strong odors and / or smoke, dust, or pollen. Tasks require visual, color, depth, and sound perception as well as oral communications ability.

BENEFITS FOR CITY OF ORANGE POLICE ASSOCIATION (SWORN)

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries.

The following is a partial list of benefits :

Salary Range. Salary ranges are composed of seven (7) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart, with the exception of the last step, which is approximately two percent (2%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.

If in the Police Academy, the salary is $5,824.00 per month. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy salary increases to Police Officer - Entry Level Salary.

Salary Incentives.

Officers assigned as the following receive :

Motor Officers - additional 6.5% pay per month

Detectives - additional 7.5% pay per month

Canine Handlers - receive 6.5% pay per month

Corporals - receive 10.0% pay per month

Driving Under Influence (DUI) Team- additional 5.0% per month

Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART)- additional 5.0% per month

Bike Team- additional 5.0% per month

Crime Scene Investigators - receive $250 per month

Drug Recognition Expert- additional $250 per month

Field Training Officers - receive up to $475 per month

SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) - receive up to $200 per month

Shift Differential - 2% shift differential

Educational Incentive Program - Officers receive the following incentives per month for college degree / units and POST Certificates.

Senior Officer Pay - Officers not in special assignments with over 6 years service receive 5% pay / month

Longevity / Retention Incentive Pay - Officers with over 10 years of service receive $200 per month, officers with over 15 years of service receive $300 per month, officers with over 20 years of service receive $400 per month, and officers with over 25 years of service receive $500 per month

Bilingual Pay - if qualified, officers may receive $300 per month

Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired sworn employees who are " New " CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ age 57 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation, in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.

An employee who is a " Classic " Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 3.0% @ age 50 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 12.00% of salary on a pre-tax basis as their full share of their member contribution. Employees do not pay into Social Security.

PORAC Retiree Medical Trust. Employees pay $50 per pay period towards the PORAC Retiree Medical Trust and after ten (10) years are eligible for partial reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon retirement.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays $2,045 per month (Family), which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and / or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $400 per month.

Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $50,000 .

Vacation. Police employees earn 80 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 220 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.

Holidays. Employees receive 105 hours of holiday accrual each year to be taken as time off or converted to cash.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.

Other Benefits. Employees work a "3 / 12.5" alternate work schedule or "4 / 10" alternate work schedule , dependent upon assignment. An Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500 / fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and / or available to employees.

For more information, please click for the City of Orange Police Association Memorandum of Understanding.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination , Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA ), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

All benefitted employees shall be subject to a eighteen (18) month probationary period as a condition of employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express 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 contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City Mission, Vision, and Values

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties : The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.

For which position are you applying? NOTE : If neither of the options below apply to you, please consider submitting your application for our Police Academy Trainee position.

Were you referred to the City of Orange by a current employee(s)?

If yes, who may we acknowledge and thank? If no, type "N / A" below.

Have you applied for this position, or a similar position, with the City of Orange within the past six (6) months? If so, list the date(s) and position(s) you have applied for, as well as the status of your application. If not, type "No" below.

Are you currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer with at least one (1) year of full-time experience as a sworn Peace Officer, AND, possess a recognized POST Basic Police Academy Certification or Re-Certification?

If you are currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer with at least one (1) year of experience as a sworn Peace Officer, AND, possess a recognized POST Basic Police Academy Certification or Re-Certification, type the name of the law enforcement agency you are currently employed by below. If you are not, type "N / A" below.

Are you currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, a recognized POST-certified basic Police Academy, but NOT a current sworn Peace Officer with at least one (1) year of full-time experience?

If you are a candidate who is currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, a recognized POST-certified basic Police Academy, but NOT a current sworn Peace Officer with at least one (1) year of full-time experience, list the name of the academy and your graduation date (past or anticipated) below. Otherwise, indicate "N / A" below.

Do you have the legal authorization to work in the United States?

Are you at least 20 years of age at time of application, and at least 21 years of age at time of appointment?

Are you currently, or will be by date of hire, a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Police Headquarters (1107 N. Batavia St, Orange, CA 92867)?

Have you completed high school in the United States or at an accredited U.S. Department of Defense institution, OR passed a proficiency exam or the G.E.D. test, OR completed a 2-year or 4-year degree from an accredited college or university? NOTE : If Yes, the institution name, city, state, and dates of enrollment must be listed in the Education section of your application.

Indicate the highest level of formal education you have completed :

Have you included all work history for at least the past ten (10) years, including the accurate dates of employment and the reason for leaving an employer? (Failure to include this information may lead to disqualification from the entire selection process.)

Do you possess a valid driver license, good driving record, and automobile insurance?

If you do not currently possess a valid California driver license, can you obtain one by date of hire?

Has your driving privilege ever been formally suspended?

If you answered Yes to the question above, list the date of violation, location, and offense. If you answered No, type "N / A" below.

Have you ever been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony? (Click all checkboxes that apply.)

If you selected felony and / or misdemeanor in the question above, explain the felony or misdemeanor below. If you answered No, type "N / A" below.

Have you ever sold, manufactured, grown, and / or transported illegal or prescription drugs?

Have you illegally used, ingested, possessed, distributed, sold, or furnished Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Nitrous Oxide, Inhalants, and / or Illegal Injectable Steroids within the past seven (7) years?

Have you ever used Heroin or Hallucinogens (i.e. LSD, PCP, Mushrooms, Peyote)?

If you answered Yes to any of the previous four drug related questions, explain below. If you answered No, type "N / A" below.

Have you ever accessed pornography involving children, or accessed pornography on a work computer?

Have you ever cheated on a written examination? If Yes, provide an explanation of how many times and whether it was in high school, college, or some other time. If No, type "No" below.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime that prohibits the possession or use of a firearm as prohibited by Penal Code 29800 and Penal Code 29900?

If you answered Yes to any of the background questions, provide the date(s), incident(s), and provide an explanation of the circumstances. If no, type "N / A" below.

Have you ever been arrested for, or accused of, any assault (domestic violence) against anyone you have had a relationship with, lived with, or with whom you had a child?

Have you ever been a suspect in, or arrested for, ANY type of crime(s)? This includes both as a juvenile or adult , and being cited and released for a criminal offense (i.e. petty theft, DUI, alcohol violations, vandalism, etc.). Do not include traffic infractions.

Have you ever taken a polygraph examination? If Yes, provide the date, agency, and results. If not, type "No" below.

Have you ever been disqualified during the background process for any position within a law enforcement agency? This does not include failing a physical ability, written exam, or oral interview. If yes, indicate the date, agency, and the result. If not, type "No" below.

Indicate your military service (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard).

If you served in the military, were you ever subject to discipline under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice? If so, provide the date(s) and an explanation. If not, or not applicable, type "N / A" below.

If you served in the military, did you receive a general discharge under other than honorable conditions?

Why are you interested in this position with the City of Orange?

The Orange Police Department values leadership and professionalism. How have you demonstrated these qualities?

All information in the application is subject to verification through a thorough background investigation including a polygraph test. I certify that all the information I provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand purposely providing false information will be grounds for disqualification from the process.

Successful candidates for law enforcement employment must pass a thorough background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, employment history verification, driving history check, educational history check, credit check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, medical examination, and drug test. Do you acknowledge and understand this information?

Required Question

Salary : $95,688 - $127,608