Arizona Lateral Officer

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Application Information

One Day Testing Process

Applicants may now complete the entire initial testing process in one day. Testing consists of a Physical Assessment Exam, an Oral Board Interview, and a Written Essay. The next available testing date is Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Once all applications have been received and screened, applicants will receive an email allowing them to schedule their testing.

Starting Salary Range

The starting pay for police officer is $35.28 hourly / $73,389.16 Annually (Effective 12/28/2024). Based on a candidate’s years of prior law enforcement service, a higher starting step may be available.

View the full salary range.

Shift differential and bilingual pay are also available.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be an Arizona POST Certified Police Officer with one-year patrol experience

Special Requirements

  • Must be in sound physical and mental health
  • Hearing: Uncorrected hearing with no loss greater than 25 dB in the 500, 1000, 2000, or 3000 hertz frequencies
  • Vision: Must have at least 20/80 vision, correctable to 20/20 contact lenses or glasses; or 20/200 vision, correctable to 20/20 with soft contacts
  • Must meet the hiring guidelines on drug usage
  • Any involvement in felony related activity, identified in a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination is disqualifying
  • Applicants must have an Arizona Class D operator’s license at the time of appointment

Preference is given to those who have a minimum of one year of law enforcement experience in a sworn capacity.

Waiver Process

Upon appointment, qualified applicants will be required to successfully pass the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board qualification process. The waiver process consists of a series of written exams and a three-part proficiency test which includes:

  • Firearms qualification
  • Tactical driving
  • Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT), a timed, pass/fail test. The test contains four events as follows:
    1. 500 yard run
    2. Scaling a 6’ chain link fence and a 6‘ solid wood fence
    3. 99 yard obstacle course
    4. 165 lb. “dummy” drag

Field Training

AZPOST Certified Officers will complete a Field Training Program of up to 14 weeks.

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