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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Police Officer

Redding, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $119K/yr

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 ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Sumner, WA ยท 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 ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Duvall, WA ยท 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

Olympia, WA ยท On-site

$6K - $9K/mo

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 ...

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 ยท On-site

$91K - $119K/yr

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. Exceptional Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA ยท On-site

$6K - $8K/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 ...

POSITION DEFINITION We are ONLY accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA POLICEAPP.COM The East Hartford Police Department is on the lookout for a ...

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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 Jun 9, 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.

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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% 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 Redding

Redding, CA โ€ข On-site

$81K - $119K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description *UPDATED: 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 commitment toward providing excellent service to the members of the community. The Mission of the Redding Police Department is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our City.

The Redding Police Department has a reputation as a progressive agency offering excellent training and career development programs and providing our officers with modern equipment. Assignment opportunities include: Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics, Field Evidence Technicians, Field Training Officers, Investigations, Motor Unit, Canine, Bicycle Patrol and the Neighborhood Police Unit The City of Redding provides an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance, paid time off and a CalPERS retirement program along with a great work environment. Please Note: We are currently only considering candidates for the Entry Level Police Officer position who have already completed a 6 month law enforcement academy.

If you have not yet completed a law enforcement academy, please apply for the Police Recruit position. We are looking for someone to Please view the job classification for Entry Level Police Officer to learn more about the duties performed. Scan the QR code below to learn what the Redding area and Police Department have to offer.

Qualifications we're looking for Knowledge of practices and procedures of administration of justice and criminal law, City ordinances and regulations. Knowledge of investigation and crime prevention methods. Knowledge of rules of evidence and laws governing the apprehension, arrest, custody, and prosecution of law violators and effective public relations.

Ability to interact effectively with the public and employees. Ability to read, understand, and carry out departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations. Ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action.

Education and Experience: Typical education includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical experience would be less than one year of "street" experience with a municipality, Sheriff's Office or equivalent. Applicants must attach a copy of a Basic POST certification.

Special Requirements: Applicants must attach a copy of a California POST Academy certificate. POST Academy Certificates over three years require proof of completion of a POST Academy update course. Minimum age of 21 years at time of appointment as a peace officer per government code section 1031.4 No felony convictions

Shall be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Possession of the appropriate California driver's license, or the ability to acquire one within ten days of appointment. For the full job description click here What to expect from the Application and Exam Process You will receive notifications pertaining to this recruitment at the e-mail address and text message number provided on your application.

Email correspondence may go to your spam or junk mail folder. Examination process: The examination process may include an oral board examination, a written examination, practical examination or any combination thereof. This recruitment will be establishing an eligibility list and may be used to fill current and future Police Officer vacancies.

This recruitment will be open until filled and may close at any time with little or no notice. IMPORTANT: Applicants must meet minimum age requirement of 21 years at time of appointment as a peace officer per government code section 1031.4 Selection Process: Final appointment is contingent upon: Positive past employment references Passing a city paid fingerprint criminal conviction check Passing a pre-employment medical exam and drug and alcohol screening test Successful completion of a polygraph examination Successful completion of a psychological evaluation Positions within the Police Department require applicants pass an extensive background investigation prior to appointment. Veteran's Credit: Applicants who attach a copy of the DD-214 to their application indicating "Honorable Discharge" from military service and receive a passing score on the examination process will have two (2) additional points added to their final examination score

The City of Redding adheres to Cal/OSHA COVID-19 requirements. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/FEDERAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER