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.
Under general supervision, performs functions related to the incarceration and care of inmates during a shift.
Salary listed does not include incentives, some of which are listed below:
Career Development Pay:
Associate's Degree: 5%
Bachelor's Degree: 7.5%
Master's Degree: 10%
Longevity Pay: (total years of City service) will be assigned at the following benchmarks:
*Completion of 15 years: 5% *Completion of 20 years: Additional 5%
For more information on incentive pay, please see Articles IV, V & VI of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding.
Ensures the safety of inmates and staff in a direct supervision correctional environment. Adheres to state and federal laws related to the confinement and supervision of inmates. Completes the arrestee booking process and conducts searches of those in custody. Conducts interviews with inmates. Performs record checks and issues citations. Fingerprints and photographs inmates. Accepts and secures property to be used for evidence or held for safekeeping. Dispenses clothing and linen to inmates. Inspects jail facilities for cleanliness and maintains appropriate security and maintenance standards. Supervises inmates assigned to the various housing units; supervises a variety of housing unit activities that include meal distribution, use of the showers, use of phones, visitation, recreation, and ensure inmates maintain general housing unit sanitary standards. Supervises the administering of oral medication to inmates by medical staff. Performs administrative duties such as scheduling and prepares basic incident reports. Records daily activities on electronic logs documenting inmate meal distribution, headcounts, inmate visitation, property distribution, bookings, and other significant events. Oversees and instructs groups of inmates assigned work details. When necessary, physically restrains inmates, uses defensive weapons as directed by the on-duty supervisor; secures inmates into restraint chairs or similar equipment, when necessary. Monitors visitors/contract employees entering and exiting the facility and supervises their contact with inmates. Processes inmate correspondence, monitors inmate phone calls and processes inmate request slips. Responds to inmate grievances and conducts disciplinary hearings. Prepares for the transportation of inmates by applying restraint equipment and inspecting vehicles for safety. Escorts inmates throughout the facility. Processes inmates for release. Oversees and controls jail movement from a central control room. Testifies in court. May be assigned to transport inmates outside of jail facility if assigned to the Jail Transport Unit. Performs related functions as required.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PERFORMERS: Successful performers are courteous and fair-minded when dealing with prisoners and the public. Logical and level headed, these individuals display common sense and maturity and exercise good judgment when evaluating and responding to situations. They react appropriately and quickly in both crisis and routine situations. In addition, they have excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work well with people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Sufficient training and/or experience conducive to the skills and abilities listed below. In addition, candidates must possess and retain a valid California Class C driver's license as a condition of employment.
Skill in: Using effective communication skills to influence behavior and gain compliances; basic typing and computer knowledge; organizational skills; dealing effectively with a wide variety of people; and writing reports.
Ability to: Maintain security, control, and custody of inmates in an assigned facility; effectively and expeditiously search persons and identify contraband and potentially dangerous items; escort and restrain inmates; respond to emergency or stressful situations quickly, calmly and decisively; observe situations and recall facts; interact with people of varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds; communicate in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner to relay information and gain compliance; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; render emergency first aid; understand and follow rules and oral and written instructions; perform basic arithmetic computations; and maintain records and prepare reports.
Special Requirements: Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, nights, holidays, and weekends. Officers will work any time of day as required, including times of city and/or civil emergencies.
Please refer to this link to see a list of Santa Ana Police Department's Hiring Guidelines: Hiring Guidelines*
Candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete an eight-week Correctional Officer training academy within the one-year probationary period.
Applications, as well as responses to the supplemental questionnaire, will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and 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. Applicants that possess the most recent and pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which includes:
1. REACT Test: (50%) includes multiple-choice video simulations and computer administered test in which candidates must complete the following four components: a video-based human relations test, a reading test, a math test and a report writing test. Testing takes approximately 2 hours. The examination is administered by the National Testing Network. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE REACT EXAM UNTIL YOU RECEIVE AN E-MAIL STATING THAT YOU MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. Candidates need a score of 75% or higher on the Video Section, 70% or higher on the Count Section, and 80% or higher on the Reading Section to pass this examination.
The following three selection components (#2 Physical Agility Examination, #3 Oral Interview Examination and #4 Background Review) are all consolidated in one full day of testing.
2. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION: (Qualifying) will evaluate each applicant's physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components:
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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.
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50 YARD SPRINT: Sprint on a straight track within 30 seconds.
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OBSTACLE COURSE: Complete the following: Start 15 yards back from the beginning of flight of stairs or bleacher steps, walk or jog the 15 yards, climb up 10 steps, return down the stairs and jog or run back to the original starting point within 30 seconds.
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BODY DRAG: Lift and drag 165-pound lifelike dummy 20 feet within 20 seconds.
Each of the above events are timed. Candidates must successfully complete all four events to pass the physical agility test.
Tentative 2026 CO PAT Dates: 02/19/26, 03/14/26, 04/25/26, 05/16/26, 06/13/26, 07/11/26, 08/08/26, 09/12/26, 10/10/26, 11/14/26, 12/12/26
3. ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (50%) will evaluate experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
4. BACKGROUND REVIEW: (Qualifying) prepare personal statement, receive background packet and meet with background investigator.
5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND MANAGEMENT ORAL INTERVIEW: (Qualifying) candidates will be investigated regarding employment, neighborhood conduct, references, financial stability, criminal history, driving history, educational history, and other related factors. Management will evaluate each candidate's experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
6. 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 Correctional Officer.
7. 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 Correctional Officer.
BILINGUAL ORAL FLUENCY EXAM: (If applicable) Applicants interested in receiving bilingual pay must be fluent in both English and any one of the following languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages designated by the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Candidates do not need to pass this examination in order to continue in the selection process.
NOTE: Prior to appointment, candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine minimum acceptable physical qualifications.
Applicants must pass every component of the selection process in order to be further considered. Those who are successful in steps 1 -7 above will be placed on an eligible list and will be considered for appointment as vacancies occur.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
