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Community Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Police Officer

Longview, WA · On-site

$98K - $121K/yr

... community. Police protection is provided by the City 24 hours a day. Individual officers may be ... assigned to either an 8, 9, 10 or 10.5 hour shifts, depending on shift assignment. Responsible for ...

Lateral Police Officer

Longview, WA · On-site

$98K - $121K/yr

Lateral Incentive - Police officer candidates meeting the criteria of "Lateral Officer" as defined ... community including the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the preservation of the peace ...

Police Officer

River Falls, WI · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

This position is charged with the responsibility of serving the needs of the community through ... Police Officers must possess a high degree of integrity, ethics, and truthfulness to uphold the ...

Denver Police Officer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$71K - $110K/yr

We look for Officers who are community-oriented and strive to collaborate with the community to ... The Denver Police Department offers an excellent salary and benefits package for your career as a ...

Every position within the City is expected to be a leader within our organization, as well as in our community. Police Officer I performs basic level police duties including patrol, investigation ...

POLICE OFFICER

Kissimmee, FL · On-site

$29.80/hr

Police Officer General Statement of Job Under occasional supervision, performs responsible law ... Reports all conditions which may affect community safety, including lighting changes, pedestrian ...

DENVER POLICE OFFICER

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

The City and County of Denver is seeking motivated, professional, and community-oriented individuals to serve as Denver Police Officers. The Denver Police Department (DPD) is recognized nationwide ...

Police Officer - Nights 7:00pm-7:00am FTE: .9 (36 hours per week) 3 - 12 hour shifts Weekend ... Cooperates and collaborates with any and all community police departments, including the City of ...

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Community Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do community police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for community police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, local laws, and public safety procedures, typically supported by police academy training and state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, incident reporting systems, and communication radio technology is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and conflict resolution abilities help officers build trust and effectively engage with diverse communities. These skills are crucial for fostering positive community relations, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Community Police Officers can typically start their careers at age 21 or older, and 27 is generally considered a suitable age to begin training and meet hiring requirements. Many departments value maturity and life experience, which can be advantageous in law enforcement roles.

What are Community Police Officers?

Community Police Officers are law enforcement professionals who focus on building relationships and working closely with members of their local communities. Their primary role is to prevent crime, address safety concerns, and foster trust between the police department and the public. They often engage in outreach activities, attend community meetings, and collaborate with local organizations to identify and solve neighborhood issues. By being visible and accessible, Community Police Officers aim to create safer, more connected communities.

What are some typical challenges faced by Community Police Officers when building trust within diverse neighborhoods?

Community Police Officers often encounter challenges in building trust with residents from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Establishing open communication and demonstrating consistent, fair enforcement of laws are key to overcoming skepticism or past negative experiences some community members may have had with law enforcement. Officers need to engage actively with local organizations, attend community meetings, and participate in outreach events to foster relationships and understand residents' unique concerns. Patience, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for creating lasting, positive partnerships with the community.

What is the difference between Community Police Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectCommunity Police OfficerPolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy training, possibly community policing certificationsHigh school diploma, police academy training, standard law enforcement certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, neighborhoods, public eventsVarious locations including streets, crime scenes, patrol areas
Employer & IndustryLocal police departments, community agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Job FocusCommunity engagement, crime prevention, building public trustEnforcing laws, investigating crimes, maintaining public order

Both roles require law enforcement training and serve in police departments, but Community Police Officers focus more on community engagement and crime prevention, while Police Officers handle broader law enforcement duties across various settings.

Do community officers carry guns?

Community police officers typically do not carry firearms as part of their standard duties, focusing instead on community engagement, crime prevention, and problem-solving. However, in some areas or specific assignments, officers may be authorized to carry guns, often after specialized training and certification. Policies vary by jurisdiction and department protocols.

Which actor is a cop in real life?

Several actors have played police officers on screen and are not actual law enforcement officers. However, some actors, like Dennis Farina and Fred Ward, had real police experience before acting. For a community police officer role, the job requires law enforcement training and certification, not acting experience.

What does a community cop do?

A community police officer is responsible for engaging with the local community to prevent crime, build relationships, and address public safety concerns. They often conduct patrols, provide crime prevention education, and work with residents and organizations to improve neighborhood safety. Community officers typically have strong communication skills and may use tools like community meetings and social media to connect with residents.
What cities are hiring for Community Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Community Police Officer job openings:
What states have the most Community Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Police Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Community Police Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 56% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Officer - 2026

$115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The City of Topeka is seeking individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. We believe in recruiting the best, brightest, most diverse candidates to serve our citizens and make our community safer. A Police Officer is primarily responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. Police Officers detect and prevent crime, complete assignments and participate in community safety programs.


La ciudad de Topeka est buscando individuos interesados en seguir una Carrera en la aplicacin de ley. Creemos en reclutar los mejore, ms brillantes y candidatos ms diversos para servir a nuestros ciudadanos y hacer que nuestra comunidad sea ms segura. Un oficial de polica es el principal responsable en hacer cumplir la ley y proteger al pblico. Lo oficial de polica detectan y previenen delitos en reas particulares, terminan tareas y participan en programas de seguridad comunitaria


Interested candidates must schedule, complete and pass the written test and the Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) to be eligible for consideration.
To register for an upcoming test date, please click Start Your Application on the City of Topekas careers site at https://www.topeka.gov/careers.

What to expect in the recruitment process:

  1. Register for and complete the Written Test and Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT)
  2. Background Investigation
  3. Interview Process (Initial, Staff, and Civil Service Interviews)
  4. Exam Process (Polygraph, Psychological and Medical Exams)
  5. Final Offer

Annual entry rate of pay: $65,374.40
Click here to view a full position description, Please right-click to open in a new tab.
Questions? Contact our Recruiting Team! Call Sgt. J. Joyce at 785-368-2419 or email tpdrecruiting@topeka.org.


Benefits & Incentives

  • Starting pay of $31.43 per hour / $65,374.40 per year in 2026
  • Approximately $1 per hour increase per year (for 15 years) up to $49.52 per hour / $103,001.60 per year in 2026
  • Shift differential Pay ($1 per hour for shifts starting after 12:00 p.m.)
  • Premium pay for detectives (base salary up to $110,676.80 per year) and sergeants (base salary up to $115,523.20 per year)
  • Attend paid Police Academy in Topeka
  • Lateral Transfer Program: starting pay up to $44.64 per hour / $92,851.20 per year in 2026, accelerated hiring process, shortened police academy and FTO phase (upon approval of the Chief)
  • Receive GI bill benefits throughout the academy and FTO phase
  • Department issues all required gear
  • Granted 24 core Criminal Justice credits at Washburn University for academy completion
  • 10-Hour workdays for patrol officers and academy
  • Monthly Education Bonus (Associates Degree: $25, Bachelors Degree: $100, Masters Degree: $125)
  • 11 paid holidays per year (triple-time pay if working)
  • Minimum 4.5 hours of compensatory time or 3 hours overtime pay for off-duty court appearances
  • Physical incentive pay (up to $90/quarter) with On-site Gym - Workout on Duty
  • Compensation for certified bilingual officers (up to $2,500 per year)
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per year
  • Employee Assistance Program. Ride Share Reimbursements
  • Health/Dental/Prescription Insurance with Free Onsite Health & Wellness Clinic
  • Top notch training and access to our Regional Training Center
  • $2 per hour incentive for field training officers and supervisors
  • Personal Leave (2 days awarded annually), Perfect Attendance Leave (1 day per quarter), Funeral Leave (3 days per use), Vacation Leave (96 hours per year, increases with years of service), Sick Leave (96 hours per year)
  • Promotion and specialty unit selection points for military service and formal education
  • Medical expense reimbursement (up to $1,300)
  • Contractual agreement between the city of Topeka and FOP lodge #3
  • Specialty Units and Assignments Include K-9 Unit, Response Team, CSI, Detectives, Bomb Unit, Narcotics Officers, Behavioral Health Unit, Motorcycle Unit, School Resource Officers, Youth Education OFC, ATV Unit, Community Police, Crisis Negotiator, Security Preservation Team (SPT), FBI, ATF, & U.S. Marshals Task Force, Accident Reconstruction, Accident Investigation Unit, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Honor Guard, Pipe and Drum Corps, EVOC Instructor, Polygraph Examiner, Training Unit, and UAV Unit
  • Retirement is under Kansas Police & Fire. Full retirement is available at 25 years of service & 50 years of age. For more information click here: KP&F Retirement Services
  • Click here to see other benefits offered: Other Benefits Available