About Anaheim Police Department

With over 590 officers, 408 of whom are full-time sworn personnel, Anaheim Police Department (APD) is the largest law enforcement agency in California’s Orange County. The department is nationally recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation and upholds all suggested standards of the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Below, you can learn more about this renowned agency, the Anaheim police department test, as well as how you can enlist to join the police academy.

Motto: “We Are Here for You.”

History: Established in 1870, Anaheim Police Department is the oldest police department in Orange County. The department started out simply, to conduct night patrol services in the city of Anaheim, which witnessed a sudden increase in population during the 1860s. Its 6 patrol officers were headed by an elected Marshal David Davies. However, police officers became full-time employees only after a period of 20 years. Since its founding, 4 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Size: The Anaheim Police department covers an area of just over 51 square miles, in which a population of just over 336,000 people resides. The city is divided into east and west districts and each district has its own station, where calls for service are answered.

Headquarters: 425 S. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States

Divisions: The department is divided into 5 major functional divisions: Investigations division – which carries out criminal and special investigations. The division comprises a crimes person section, a crimes property section, a crime suppression section, and a special operations section; operations division – which carries out patrolling in the city’s 2 districts and other community policing services; operations support division – which provides logistic support, manage traffic in the city and controls the air support section; support services division – which maintains records of previous perpetrators and handles all communications; administration division – which is responsible for allocation of finances, ensuring maintenance of professional standards, recruiting and training officers.

How to become an officer: Currently, candidates must take the Anaheim police department test, which comprises of a written test, a physical agility test, a personal history statement, and a background investigation questionnaire. The department employs the nationally accepted PELLETB exam to assess candidates’ aptitude for the job by testing their skills and competencies in problem-solving, logical reasoning, grammar, report writing, and comprehension. Candidates are also required to have a well-rounded knowledge of how the department functions and must demonstrate their teamwork and, network communication.

Average salary: $58,800-$63,000 annually, rising with position and experience.

Police academy: The highest-scoring candidates who pass the Anaheim police exam will be enlisted into the police academy. The training program is for a duration of 24 weeks, where candidates acquire all the necessary skills to become a successful and equipped law enforcement officer – including operation of firearms, police vehicles, basic principles of law enforcement, and best practices.

Registration: Further information on the application process for the Anaheim police exam can be found on their website. Demand for places is high and only the best candidates will make it through to the next round.