Become a police officer

Police Recruit is a non-sworn trainee class for protective service work in the Police Department. Recruits spend 17 weeks in the Phoenix Police Academy learning various topics related to law enforcement. Upon successful completion of the Academy, recruits are sworn and promoted to Police Officer ($30,139 - $44,657).

Police Trainee serves as a non-sworn entry level trainee class prior to becoming a Police Recruit. Employees in this class work under close supervision of sworn personnel, providing assistance in nonenforcement activities. Successful performance as a Police Trainee may lead to an appointment as a Police Recruit.

Salaries

Experience

Police Recruit: requires that applicants be at least 20 years of age; be citizens of the United States; have completed high school or have a GED; be in sound physical and mental health; have 20/200 vision in each eye, correctable to 20/20 in each eye; meet polygraph, psychological and background standards appropriate to the Police Department; have no felony convictions or dishonorable discharges; and must not have illegally used any hard narcotic or dangerous drug in the past seven years or any use other than for experimentation. All applicants who pass the written test will be subject to pre-employment drug screening.

Police Trainee: Requires that applicants be at least 18-20 ½ years of age. At age 20 ½, they will be processed as potential Police Recruits. ADDITIONALLY, APPLICANTS MUST MEET ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS STATED ABOVE FOR POLICE RECRUIT APPLICANTS

Also required

Use of City vehicles is required in the performance of assigned duties. Individuals must be physically capable of operating these vehicles safely; possess and maintain a valid Arizona Operator's license and have fewer than 8 driving violation points, fewer than two chargeable accidents, no convictions for DUI and no loss of license as a result of a moving violation, within the previous 36 months. Police Officer positions require working irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Residency

Waived. Maricopa County residency is required within twenty-four months of date of hire. Residents of Maricopa County apply at the Personnel Department Application Office. Residents outside Maricopa County call (602) 262-6277 or write for application.

Evaluation

Based on written exam. A passing grade is required. THESE ELIGIBLE LISTS WILL EXPIRE TWELVE (12) MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF CERTIFICATION.

GENERAL TEST CONTENT

Approximately 70% based on study guide information: 30% based on judgment, reasoning, and reading comprehension items.

HOW TO APPLY

All completed applications must be turned in at the exam site.

GENERAL TEST CONTENT

Approximately 70% based on study guide information: 30% based on judgment, reasoning, and reading comprehension items.

REFERENCE

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Programs