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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Police Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Police Opening Date: 06/04/2026 Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more ...

August 26, 2025 The City of Redding is accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer within the Redding Police Department. We are seeking motivated individuals with a strong ...

Class Title: Entry Level Police Officer Department: Police Department Union: Yes-Duvall Police Officers' Association (DPOA-FOP) This is a continous recruitment GENERAL PURPOSE: The Duvall Police ...

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 ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Duvall, WA · On-site

$38.64 - $40.17/hr

Class Title: Entry Level Police Officer Department: Police Department Union: Yes-Duvall Police Officers' Association (DPOA-FOP) This is a continous recruitment GENERAL PURPOSE: The Duvall Police ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Sumner, WA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Exceptional Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Exceptional Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Enhanced Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Enhanced Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Enhanced Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Police Officer

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$67K - $81K/yr

We are accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA Motivation, enthusiasm, and commitment to the community are mandatory. An application and additional ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 entry level police officers?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level police officers can typically start their careers at age 27, as many departments accept applicants up to their late 20s or early 30s. Age requirements vary by jurisdiction, but physical fitness, background checks, and training are standard parts of the hiring process regardless of age. Being physically prepared and completing necessary certifications like police academy training are essential steps to entering the field at this age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What is the lowest level of police officer?

The lowest level of police officer is typically a probationary or entry-level officer, who has completed basic police academy training and is beginning their field duties. Advancement to higher ranks such as corporal or sergeant usually requires additional experience, training, and testing. Entry-level officers often perform patrols, respond to calls, and enforce laws under supervision.

Can you apply to be a police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officer positions typically do not require prior law enforcement experience, but applicants must meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Having relevant skills like communication, problem-solving, and physical fitness can improve chances of hiring. Most agencies provide training after hiring, so prior experience is not always necessary.

What Does an Entry-Level Police Officer Do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

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

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

Entry-level police officer positions are generally considered among the more accessible law enforcement roles, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a civil service exam, and completing basic training. These roles typically have a straightforward hiring process compared to specialized or federal law enforcement jobs, which may require additional qualifications or experience.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Entry Level Police Officer

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Tigard

Portland, OR • On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and testing process, or visit Join Tigard Police. Learn more about the Tigard Police Department by watching our latest video and checking out our YouTube channel.

Examples of Duties Tigard Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement and crime prevention work, including patrol and investigation. Sworn officers enforce state and local laws, regulations and ordinances and perform a variety of duties including, but not limited to, the following: Responds to a variety of radio calls including theft, domestic disturbances, welfare checks and CPR calls. Investigates crashes, deaths, and criminal complaints.

Makes arrests and issues citations when required. Patrols roads, highways, businesses and residential areas of the City. Enforces applicable criminal and traffic laws.

Prepares case records and reports. Participates in the prosecution of cases in court. Serves criminal warrants, applicable court orders, and subpoenas.

Accomplishes the Police Department Mission to "To protect and serve all who live, play and work in Tigard." The Tigard Police Department provides a variety of career possibilities for Police Officers in specialty assignment positions including K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis Negotiations, TNT (Tactical Negotiations Team), Commercial Crimes Unit, Drug Investigations and more. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Completion of high school or GED One (1) year of experience working with the public Some college-level coursework and/or volunteer law enforcement experience desirable REQUIREMENTS: Must be a US citizen Must be 21 years or older at time of hire Possess a valid Oregon/Washington driver's license Must be legally authorized and physically able to carry a firearm Ability to work all shifts, including swing, nights, weekends, holidays on a rotating basis Must be able to read and write the English language Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred Applicants must have the ability to learn and apply laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and procedures; ability to give credible testimony in a court of law; ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully, safely and in conformance with applicable laws and department policies; ability to prepare accurate, concise, informative and grammatically correct reports; ability to understand and act upon complex oral and written instructions; ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public, other agencies and all levels of City staff. Supplemental Information TESTING PROCESS: The City of Tigard partners with the National Test Network (NTN) to administer a portion of the entry level police officer testing (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement)

In-person and remote testing options are available. A list of frequently asked questions and answers are available here. Please be aware there is a fee associated with taking this test.

Proctored tests at alternative sites (NTN Testing Centers) are available upon request. For additional information, interested candidates are encouraged to call 855-821-3761. Sign Up for Testing on the National Testing Network website: Go to National Testing Network Law Enforcement Positions.

Scroll to Tigard Police Department and check the box to select our agency, hit continue. Confirm you meet the requirements, hit continue. Select your testing location (in-person or virtual), hit continue and follow the additional instructions.

Please note: if you don't have an account with NTN you will need to create one. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants who pass the reading, writing and video portions of the NTN test with a score of at least 70% each will be invited to submit a job application (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement). An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once verified NTN scores are received.

HIRING PROCESS: Take the NTN test (must pass with at least 70%) or submit a degree waiver via email Candidates will receive an email to schedule an in-person panel interview called an Oral Board Take a Pre-Offer Suitability Evaluation (test proctored at Tigard Police Department) Pass an Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) (see details below) Background Investigation (detailed and time-intensive process that can take weeks to months to complete) Interview with the Chief of Police Upon a conditional job offer, you will be required to undergo: Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination Drug Test OREGON PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (ORPAT): The Tigard Police Department will request proof of passing the ORPAT within the last 12 months prior to entering the background process. We use the ORPAT as a screening tool to help select the most qualified applicants to continue in our application process for police officer positions. Applicants may provide ORPAT scores from other agencies or testing companies, however, we require all the standards set by the DPSST (obstacle course, push pull complex, dummy drag).

Please watch the ORPAT video from DPSST for more information. If you have not yet completed the ORPAT, several local testing options are available. The Tigard Police Department hosts ORPAT testing days on occasion.

UNION RESPRESENTION: TPOA (Tigard Police Officers' Association)