Description

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

Under general supervision, the Correctional Officer performs functions related to the incarceration and care of inmates during a shift.

This recruitment is specific for candidates who are laterals with experience from another agency and will not be required to attend an eight-week Correctional Officer Training Academy.  Lateral candidates will have:

• Completed a Correctional Officer training academy and possess a valid BSCC Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Adult Corrections Officer or Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Course Certificate.
• At least one year of experience (with completion of probation) as a full-time Corrections Officer within the last two years. 

Those who have less than one year of experience, have not passed probation, and/or separated from the Corrections Officer position more than two years ago DO NOT qualify for this Lateral Transfer recruitment but may apply for the non-lateral Correctional Officer I recruitment: 
Salary listed does not include incentives, some of which are listed below:

Incentive Pay

• Shift Overlap: 3% of monthly base
• Career Development Pay:
  • Associate's Degree: 5% of monthly base or; 

  • Bachelor's Degree: 7.5% of monthly base or;

  • Master's Degree: 10% of monthly base

• Bilingual: $300/month

Longevity Pay: (total years of City service) will be assigned at the following benchmarks:     

• Completion of 15 years:  5% of monthly base    
• Completion of 20 years: Additional 5% of monthly base    

For more information on incentive pay, please see Articles IV, V & VI of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA)  Memorandum of Understanding.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

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.

Selection Process

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:
 The following three selection components (#1 Physical Agility Examination, #2 Oral Interview Examination and #3 Background Review) are all consolidated into one full day of testing. 
1. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION: (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.
• 50 YARD SPRINT: Sprint on a straight track within 30 seconds.
• 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.
• 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.           ***Some components may be waived

Tentative 2026 CO PAT Dates: 09/12/26, 09/15/26, 10/10/26, 10/13/26, 11/14/26, 11/17/26, 12/12/26, and 12/15/26.

2. BACKGROUND REVIEW: (Qualifying) prepare personal statement, receive background packet and meet with background investigator.  

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 INVESTIGATION: (Qualifying) candidates will be investigated regarding employment, neighborhood conduct, references, financial stability, criminal history, driving history, educational history, and other related factors.   
5. MANAGEMENT ORAL INTERVIEW: (50%) 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.
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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 : Exercising safe and effective physical restraint tactics
• 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*:

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Santa Ana Police Department is Martin Rivera.