FAQ's

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For police recruits, the entry level position for the Glendale Police Department, applicants must be at least 20½ years old by the day of the written exam and 21 years old by the date of graduation from the academy. You must be a U.S. citizen and possess at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D.

The physical assessment exam consists of a 1.5 mile run in 13:59 minutes; 28 sit-ups in one minute and 19 push-ups in an unlimited amount of time. If you fail any portion of the physical assessment exam, you will be eliminated from the testing process.

Many applicants have a misconception that the physical assessment exam is easy. What many applicants fail to acknowledge is that each event must be completed in random succession with little time to rest. If you are not in good shape, you may not have the stamina or strength to complete each event successfully.

If you fail the written exam or any portion of the physical assessment exam, you will be eliminated from the testing process. You will be permitted to reapply for the Glendale Police Department on a later date.

If qualified, applicants do not need to attend our academy, but out of state lateral candidates will be required to challenge AZPOST by taking a waiver test. To qualify, lateral applicants must be in good standing with a law enforcement agency; must have a minimum of one year of law enforcement experience with at least one year spent in patrol, not including training or administrative assignments.

All officers initially enter patrol. Officers who wish to test for any of our specialty assignments must be a patrol officer for a minimum of two years.

No. Recruits are paid employees of the department and live where they want to within Maricopa County. They attend the academy during the week for 18 to 19 weeks. Upon graduating from the academy, they are promoted to Police Officer.

The average length of time to process a successful applicant through the testing and background investigation can take approximately three to six months. However, every candidate is unique, and time needed to process varies with each applicant.

No, there isn't a maximum age limit.

Out-of-state applicants must make an initial trip to Glendale to complete the written exam, physical assessment exam, and interview. These are scheduled over the course of one day. If the applicant passes these exams, the applicant may be moved into the background process which will require at least one additional trip at a later date scheduled with their background investigator. The Glendale Police Department is unable to pay for or coordinate travel arrangements.

Academy start dates will be determined once a final offer has been made. Once an applicant completes the process, they are usually placed in the next available academy class.

No. All applicants must meet the minimum standards without compromise. The minimum standards listed are just the minimum standards. In order to insure the integrity, credibility, and professionalism of the men and women of the Glendale Police Department, the standards and selection process for Police Officers are very high.

We do not offer transition assistance.

An applicant should keep in mind that they must be available for the written exam, physical assessment exam and oral interview. We are able to make some accommodations on a case by case basis.

Yes. The Glendale Police Department’s Personnel Management Unit will conduct their own thorough background investigation.