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Entry Level Police Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Police Officer The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a ...

Entry Level Police Officer The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a ...

Police Dispatcher

Montclair, CA ยท On-site

$60K/yr

Type 40 Net Words Per Minute (WPM) SELECTION PROCESS The Montclair Police Department offers full testing services for the position of Entry-Level Police Dispatcher through National Testing Network ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Olympia, WA ยท On-site

$84K - $122K/yr

The Tumwater Police Department is continuously looking for Entry Level Police Officer candidates. We're searching for individuals to diversify and enhance our excellent team. To be considered for the ...

$46.53 - $52.77/hr

Department: Police Services Division: Police The Richland Police Department is currently seeking Exceptional Entry Level Police Officer applicants. If you are currently a sworn Police Officer who ...

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Entry Level Police Department information

Can you work in an entry level police department without being a police officer?

Entry level positions in police departments often include roles such as administrative support, community service officers, or cadets, which do not require police officer certification. However, most law enforcement roles that involve policing duties require completion of police academy training and certification, and non-officer roles typically do not have the same authority or responsibilities as sworn officers.

What is an entry level police department job?

Entry level police department jobs typically refer to positions such as Police Officer, Patrol Officer, or Police Recruit. These roles are responsible for enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, patrolling assigned areas, conducting investigations, and writing reports. Candidates usually must meet minimum education and physical requirements, pass written tests and background checks, and complete police academy training. Entry level officers work under the supervision of experienced officers and may have opportunities for advancement with experience and further training.

What types of training and mentorship can new hires expect in an entry level police department role?

Newly hired entry-level police officers typically undergo a comprehensive training program that includes both classroom instruction and field training. Recruits attend a police academy where they learn about laws, procedures, defensive tactics, and community policing. After graduation, they are usually paired with experienced officers through a Field Training Officer (FTO) program, providing hands-on mentorship and guidance as they transition into active duty. This structured support system helps new officers build skills, confidence, and professionalism while adjusting to the unique demands of law enforcement.

What do entry level police officers do?

Entry level police officers perform duties such as patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergency calls, enforcing laws, conducting investigations, and writing reports. They often work under supervision, complete training at a police academy, and may use tools like radios and patrol vehicles to maintain public safety.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Department vs Police Officer?

AspectEntry Level Police DepartmentPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, community engagementLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigations
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal, state, or federal agenciesMunicipal, state, or federal agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Police Department roles typically refer to the initial positions within law enforcement agencies, requiring basic credentials and training. Police Officers are the standard frontline personnel performing patrols, investigations, and community safety duties. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Entry Level Police Department' emphasizes the starting point, while 'Police Officer' describes the role itself.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and a clean background, often followed by successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement tools, such as radios, firearms, body cameras, and report management systems, is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and integrity help officers build trust and effectively manage high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and fostering positive community relations.
More about Entry Level Police Department jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police Department jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police Department job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Department jobs? The most popular types of Police Department jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police Department jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police Department jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Department job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Police Officer - Entry Level

Town of Oro Valley, AZ

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

ORO VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER

Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is accepting applications for entry level police officers. Interested applicants are REQUIRED to complete an on-line application. Once complete, the applicant will receive an email from Guardian Alliance Technologies within five business days. The email will include a sign-on and instructions on establishing a secure online account. This account will serve the purpose of collecting information and documents required for the personal history questionnaire.

Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) now requires that ALL police officer applicants complete AZPOST's electronic personal history questionnaire in addition to ALL law enforcement agency applications. Visit my.azpost.gov to create an account. Upon completion of AZPOST's questionnaire indicate Oro Valley Police Department as your agency of interest. AZPOST will provide you a Form ID. Please email the Form ID to ovpdrecruiting@orovalleyaz.gov.

Qualified applicants, who have completed the personal history questionnaire and meet AZ POST minimum requirements, will be scheduled for a Physical Agility Assessment. Additional assessments include: Written Exam, Oral Board, Polygraph Exam, Drug Screen, Psychological Exam, Medical Exam. Qualified applicants will be provided with the location and time of the individual assessments. If you have any specific questions about the position or the process please contact Mitch Olive at (520) 229-4962 or ovpdrecruiting@orovalleyaz.gov.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of Police work in an assigned area of patrol in order to protect life and property, prevent and investigate crimes and apprehend criminals through the enforcement of Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances to maintain public safety within the community.

Essential Functions

  • Performs a variety of Police work in an assigned area of patrol in order to protect life and property, prevent and investigate crimes and apprehend criminals through the enforcement of Federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
  • Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service involving criminal activities and public complaints and concerns.
  • Arrests suspects for criminal violations.
  • Writes search warrants and serves orders of protection.
  • Prepares reports, complaints and other related documents.
  • Gathers evidence, verifies information pertinent to the investigation and assists in the resolution of a variety of criminal incidents.
  • Maintains safe and orderly flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and enforces traffic laws and ordinances.
  • Responds to threats, complaints, safety issues and hostile environments.
  • Administers first aid and gives assistance to injured persons.
  • Maintains proficiency in the use of hand guns, other department weapons and equipment and vehicles.
  • May provide and teach crime prevention concepts and implementation techniques.
  • Develops partnerships within the community to promote the prevention of crime and create a safe environment to enhance the quality of life and safety trends and establish public relations.
  • May coordinate and prepare special events for crime prevention and education on law enforcement.
  • May perform additional duties according to specialized area of assignment.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

  • Knowledge of applicable Town, State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, administrative orders and case law governing municipal law enforcement.
  • Knowledge of Town and Department policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of modern law enforcement trends and practices.
  • Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
  • Skill in the use of firearms, assigned weapons and first aid practices.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be of excellent character.
  • United States citizen.
  • At least 21 years old upon graduation from the police academy.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license (Out of state applicants shall obtain an Arizona driver's license at time of hire.)
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English.
  • If prior military, must have been honorably discharged.
  • No unlawful use of marijuana within the last three years.
  • No unlawful use of a narcotic drug or dangerous drug within the last seven years.
  • No pattern of drug abuse.
  • No pattern of disregarding traffic laws.
  • No felony convictions.
  • Not have been previously denied certified status, have certified status revoked, or have current certified status suspended, or have voluntarily surrendered certified status in lieu of possible disciplinary action in this or any other state if the reason for denial, revocation, suspension, or possible disciplinary action was or would be a violation of R13-4-109(A) if committed in Arizona.
  • Not have illegally possessed, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana for sale or sold marijuana.
  • Not have ever illegally possessed or used marijuana other than for experimentation.
  • Must be willing to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.
  • Successfully complete background investigation and polygraph examination.

Environmental Factors and Working Conditions

  • Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments.

The Town of Oro Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Town does not discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; create discriminatory work conditions; or use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, the person's race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information or marital status.