All five steps must be successfully completed before a final hiring decision is made. Applicants may be removed from consideration at any stage based if requirements are not met. The process typically takes 4–6 weeks, though timelines may vary.

1. Application Accepted
2. Phone Interview
3. Panel Interview
4. Background Investigation
5. Background Review
6. Final Job Offer 

For more information, please contact Tori Hoenisch, CSA Program Manager, at tfiscus@uci.edu

1. Application

The application is scored utilizing a standardized point scale in which certain general requirements must be met. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Currently enrolled full-time UCI student (UCI extension students do not qualify).
• Have at least 1 academic year remaining at UCI.
• Have a cumulative and quarterly GPA of 2.4 or higher.
• Possessing a valid class C driver license (has not been previously suspended or revoked).
• The ability to work 12-19 hours per week, including weekends.

Additional points may be awarded based on the hours that the applicant is available to work, work history, related job experience, current certifications, and any attached letters of recommendation. The accumulation of points in the application phase will be used to determine whether an applicant will proceed to the next phase of the hiring process.

2. Phone Interview

The phone interview is a formal interview which is scored on a standardized point scale. The applicant will be evaluated in various areas including communication skills, general levels of knowledge, and work availability.

3. On-Site Interview

The on-site interview is conducted at the UCI Police Department with a panel of interviewers. The applicant will be evaluated in various areas including problem solving, communication skills, public relations, and general levels of knowledge. The interviewers will pose hypothetical scenarios in an effort to evaluate competency in the above mentioned areas. 

4. Background Investigation and Reference Check

This phase of the hiring process consists of the background investigation and reference checks. The preliminary investigation will cover your education, residential history, employment, driving record, and student conduct. The background investigator will talk to your references about your work ethic, your attitude, and your overall demeanor.

5. Live Scan Fingerprinting

The final phase of the background process involves the fingerprinting background check with the Department of Justice and the FBI.

6. Job Offer

After the background process is complete, selected candidates will receive a job offer with details about assignment, start date, pay rate, and onboarding steps. Once the offer is accepted, we’ll coordinate your paperwork, training schedule, and first shift.

CSAs typically work 12–19 hours per week during the academic year, and may work up to 39.5 hours per week during academic breaks.

Yes. Scheduling is built around your class commitments, including midterms and finals. Most shifts are in the evening, so it typically won’t conflict with daytime classes and activities.

CSA experience builds transferable skills that support almost any career path—discipline, leadership, teamwork, communication, and sound judgment. If you’re considering law enforcement or public safety, it’s also a great way to explore the field and gain relevant experience. Take a look at where some of our alumni have gone.

CSAs start with classroom training and then complete several weeks of field training. After each session, there’s a short written exam to confirm understanding. New CSAs complete 150 training hours before earning a pay increase and being cleared for additional responsibilities.