ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

City of Yuma, AZ

Police Officer (Non-Certified)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$31.36 - $44.19/hr

Candidates will be invited to complete an online Police Entry Level Exam. * Candidates may * Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) * Information regarding the POPAT and minimum standards for ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Police Officer Recruit

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$73K - $103K/yr

Police Officer Recruits hired with a Bachelor's Degree will receive a $500 incentive upon ... an entry-level Arizona peace officer, which include interacting with a culturally and socially ...

City of Mesa

Police Officer Recruit

Mesa, AZ

$73K - $103K/yr

Police Officer Recruits hired with a Bachelor's Degree will receive a $500 incentive upon ... an entry-level Arizona peace officer, which include interacting with a culturally and socially ...

City of Yuma

Police Officer (Non-Certified)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$31.36 - $44.19/hr

Written Examination Candidates will be invited to complete an online Police Entry Level Exam. Candidates may purchase a study guide and/or practice test. Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT ...

City of Chandler, AZ

Police Officer Recruit

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$35.87/hr

The NTN is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional ... Police Department, consisting of 348 sworn officers and 192 civilians, serves a growing population ...

City of Chandler

Police Officer Recruit

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$35.87/hr

The NTN is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional ... Police Department, consisting of 348 sworn officers and 192 civilians, serves a growing population ...

City of San Luis, AZ

Police Recruit

San Luis, AZ · On-site

$21.30/hr

Police Department Division: Patrol - Patrol Services Opening Date: 04/07/2026 Closing Date ... Entry level classification for purpose of acquiring training to achieve Arizona Peace Officer ...

City of San Luis

Police Recruit

San Luis, AZ · On-site

$21.30/hr

... Entry level classification for purpose of acquiring training to achieve Arizona Peace Officer ... As a Police Recruit you will: Attend a minimum of a twenty-two week training program under the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolice Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer Jobs in Arizona

Entry Level Police Officer information

See Arizona salary details

$30.3K

$57.9K

$96.5K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Arizona is $57,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $69,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

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?

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.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,915 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Police Officer - Entry Level

Oro Valley, AZ

Oro Valley, AZ • On-site

$66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $66,384.00 Annually
Location : 11000 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/27 - 00007
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY
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.
Why Apply
Oro Valley is a planned community cradled in the shadows of the magnificent Santa Catalina Mountains, with hiking trails through Catalina State Park, hiking and bicycle trails throughout the Town, world-class golf courses, horseback riding and a long-valued cultural tradition, vibrant for over a thousand years. Oro Valley has received many accolades through the years and is proud to have been named: Best Places to Live in Arizona, Best Towns for Families and Best Places in America to Live and Launch a Small Business.
Oro Valley is located in northern Pima County, just three miles north of Tucson, and a quick drive to the University of Arizona and Tucson International Airport. With average high temperatures of 83.4 degrees, average lows of 53.8 degrees, the town sits at an elevation of 2,640 feet, covers more than 34 square miles and has a current population of 41,011. Oro Valley was incorporated in April, 1974. Oro Valley is also quickly developing a strong reputation as home to the emerging bioscience and biotech industries. We are a young, diverse, dynamic community with a responsive government and our schools are among the finest in Arizona.
The Town of Oro Valley has a council/manager form of government. Six council members and the mayor are elected for four-year terms. The town manager is appointed by town council. The Town of Oro Valley provides high-quality services including: police, planning, zoning, construction, inspection, transit services, traffic engineering, street maintenance, storm water management, flood control, water utility, parks, recreation, aquatics, library, cultural resources, economic development, constituent services, community and media relations, budget development, debt and investment management, attorney services, magistrate court and more.
Town of Oro Valley currently has a benefits program that is currently offered to employees of the Town who work 20 or more hours per week on a regular basis. (Part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week may qualify for participation in the individual plans, dependent upon the specific terms of coverage.) Please click on the following link to get a full description of all the benefits that the Town of Oro Valley offers.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Will you be at least 21 years old upon graduation from the police academy?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you a United States Citizen?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you agree to possess a valid Class D Arizona driver license upon the first day of employment?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have any felony convictions? Please explain. If you do not have any, please put N/A.
06
Have you ever been denied or revoked from certified status in any other law enforcement agency?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply