Police Officer; Lateral​/Academy Trained

Testing Date: Saturday morning, September 27, 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 the same day.

Salary and Incentives:

• $10,000 hiring incentive: $5,000 upon hire and $5,000 after successful completion of probation.

Application and Selection Process:

The City of Orange seeks dedicated individuals eager to serve their community by joining our Police Department. Successful candidates will demonstrate a desire for a career in law enforcement through their education and experience. The selection process includes, but is not limited to, a Physical Ability Test (pass/fail) and an in-person interview, which will constitute 100% of the score.

Physical Ability Test Components:

• Obstacle Course (Foot Pursuit): 99 yards with turns, balance beams, and hurdles.
• Climb over two six-foot walls: one solid concrete and one chain-linked. Candidates may attempt each up to three times.
• Dummy Drag:
  Lift, drag, and pull a 165 lbs dummy for 35 feet.
• 500-Yard Run:
  Timed completion.

Police Officer Salary and Benefits:

The salary ranges from $7,586 to $10,117 per month, plus comprehensive benefits and incentives.

Retirement Benefits: Employees are enrolled in CalPERS or other California retirement systems, with specific benefit formulas depending on hire date and membership status.

Salary Incentives: Additional pay for specialized roles such as Motor Officers, Detectives, Canine Handlers, and others, as well as educational and service-related incentives.

Other Benefits: Work schedules, holiday and vacation accruals, court standby pay, and optional deferred compensation plans are provided. For full details, see the Police Officers Association MOU
.

Disqualifiers: Please review the Automatic Disqualifier Notice before applying.

Job Responsibilities: Enforce laws, patrol, investigate crimes, direct traffic, issue citations, testify in court, and perform related duties.

Requirements for Lateral Police Officers: High school diploma, California POST certification, current employment as a sworn officer, legal work authorization, valid driver license, and residency within 100 miles of Police Headquarters.

Requirements for Academy-Trained Officers: Completion of a California POST Basic Police Academy, high school diploma, legal work authorization, age requirements, valid driver license, and residency within 100 miles of Police Headquarters. Physical fitness standards must also be met.