Police

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

TESTING DATE: SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 28, 2026.

Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to the physical ability test and POST PELLET-B written exam on this date. Candidates who pass the physical ability test and provide proof of a passing POST PELLET-B T-score of 45 or higher will be interviewed the same day.

This is a non-sworn trainee classification. Incumbents are employed by the City of Orange while they participate in required law enforcement training in order to develop and meet the requirements of the position of Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the required law enforcement training, Police Recruits are promoted to the position of Police Officer.

It is important that you read and become familiar with the job flyer in its entirety as pertinent information is provided here regarding application requirements. All fields of the application must be completed. If a field in the application does not apply to you, type N/A. Incomplete applications, or applications directed to other prospective agencies/employers, will result in disqualification from the selection process.

Automatic Disqualifiers:
Before submitting an application for the position of Police Recruit, please read the Automatic Disqualifier Notice (link below) to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Automatic Disqualifiers.

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. The successful candidates will demonstrate a desire for a career as a Police Officer through their education and experience. Those candidates who best meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the selection process, which will include, but may not be limited to, the following steps:

• Application Screening (scored as a pass/fail)
• Physical Ability Test (scored as pass/fail — see below for details)
• POST PELLET-B Written Test (scored as pass/fail — see  for a sample exam)
• Oral Interview (100% of a candidate's score in the selection process)

Applications are continuously screened by the City. Candidates who pass the application screening are invited to participate in steps 2 and 3 of the selection process, which typically occur on the same day (the Saturday noted at the top of this job posting, between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) and at a frequency of every 4 to 8 weeks.

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

Police Recruits sponsored by the Orange Police Department receive a salary of $6,245 per month and generous benefits while attending the Police Academy.

After successful completion of the Academy, Police Recruits will be promoted to Police Officers. The salary for the position of Police Officer is $7,974 - $10,634 per month, plus excellent benefits and salary incentives, some of which are listed below.

• Motor Officers: additional 6.5% of base salary per month
• Detectives: additional 7.5% of base salary per month
• Canine Handlers: additional 6.5% of base salary per month
• Corporals in Patrol: additional 10.0% of base salary per month
• Driving Under Influence (DUI) Team: additional 5.0% of base salary per month
• Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART): additional 5.0% of base salary per month
• Bike Team: additional 5.0% of base salary per month
• Crime Scene Investigators: additional $250 per month
• Drug Recognition Expert: additional $250 per month
• Field Training Officers: up to $475 per month
• SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT): up to $200 per month
• Shift Differential: additional 2% of base salary per month
• Senior Officer Pay: officers with over 6 years of service, not in special assignments,…