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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

$60K/yr

... police or law enforcement may qualify. Train and work with an elite team of professionals whose ... Being a BPA makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

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

Entry Level Police Officer information

See Indiana salary details

$30.9K

$59.1K

$98.5K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Indiana is $59,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $70,900.00 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.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs? Cities in Indiana 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 Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,138 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Non-Township, Part-time School Police (Resource) Officer - Event Work

Metropolitan School District of Warren Township

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$37.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Security/Part-time Police Officer (Events)
Date Posted:
2/2/2026
Location:
Warren Police Department
Closing Date:
Continuously hiring
JOB TITLE: Part Time School Resource Officer (Non-Township Police Officers)
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, hourly employee
WORK DAYS: School Calendar Year Scheduling
STANDARD HOURS PER DAY: Part Time Shifts, Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday, scheduling window of time is 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
WORK YEAR: The work year for the Part Time School Police (Resource) Officer begins on the first weekday in July, and ends 12 months later on the last weekday in June.
SALARY SCHEDULE & BENEFITS: The Part Time School Police (Resource) Officer is $37.50 per hour, as indicated on the "School Police" salary schedule, and is not eligible for benefits.
REPORTS TO: The Part Time School Resource Officer reports directly to the Chief of Warren Police.
SUPERVISES: The Part Time School Resource Officer does not directly supervise any other employee(s).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Under direction, the Part Time School Police (Resource) Officer provides for the security and environmental safekeeping of an assigned location(s) of the District. Employees in this classification are responsible for ensuring all persons entering and/or exiting District facilities are authorized to be on the premises, and perform interview and investigation activities in response to incidents, accidents, or unauthorized activities throughout the District. The Part Time School Resource Officer addresses security violations in accordance with prescribed District policies and procedures, is responsible for reporting illegal activities to appropriate administration or enforcement entities and performs related work as directed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Responds to emergencies and critical incidents such as fire alarms, medical emergencies, altercations, threats of violence, etc. for the purpose of confining, resolving, or preventing injury or otherwise hazardous situations.
  2. Conducts security checks of facilities and perimeter grounds for the purpose of identifying and resolving any suspected or real security breaches or violations.
  3. Manage traffic and crowd control in high volume areas, i.e. school buses, student/staff & pedestrian traffic.
  4. Performs investigative activities in response to complaints, incidents, accidents or other reported concerns, i.e., auto accidents, illness or injury, missing students.
  5. Conducts Resource and security related routine tasks, i.e., inspecting operating condition of security equipment, conducting fire drills, testing and inspecting fire equipment.
  6. May provide escort or transport of various persons, i.e., personnel leaving after hours, truant students, sick or injured persons, visitors.
  7. Maintains security and environmental safekeeping of the assigned district location; monitors the weather station and scanning radios.
  8. Inspects suspicious packages; inspects designated areas for suspicious devices prior to meetings; monitors board meetings.
  9. Inspects facilities for potential hazards, i.e., equipment left running, gas leaks.
  10. Provides security for entrances and gateways by checking visitor and parent identification and authorization information; provides direction and information as requested.
  11. Assists persons with vehicle problems, such as having locked keys inside their cars or dead batteries.
  12. Records various information about security and monitoring activities, i.e., daily activities, incident reports, maintenance requests, sign in logs.
  13. Operates assigned transportation vehicle and provides routine washing and maintenance according to prescribed policies.
  14. Provides training, guidance and instruction to other district Resource personnel.
  15. Keep up to date on current technology, as job appropriate, being used by the district.
  16. With support of the district, attends training to ensure skill level in various technologies is at the level required to perform in current position.
  17. Maintain timely and accurate information.
  18. Perform other related duties as assigned.

ENTRY-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. EDUCATION/TRAINING: High school diploma or GED is required. Satisfactory completion of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) training program is preferred or sworn designation from a state certified Resource department and satisfactory completion of first aid and CPR/AED training.
  2. EXPERIENCE: A minimum three years of Police, military or law enforcement experience, with demonstrated investigative and interpersonal communication skills for addressing potentially hazardous circumstances is required.
  3. CERTIFICATIONS &/OR LICENSES: Eligible for designation as a "Special Deputy" by the Marion County Sheriff is required. Ability to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license is required.
  4. OTHER: Ability to perform the essential functions, meet the performance aptitudes, and fulfill the physical/sensory/environmental requirements of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) is required.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:
  1. Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria. Includes exercise of discretion in determining actual or probable consequences, and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
  2. Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations.
  3. Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate standard radio communication equipment, standard office equipment, and assigned motorized security vehicle.
  4. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and advisory data and information.
  5. Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction multiplication and division.
  6. Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership. Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
  7. Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Some tasks may involve the ability to exert extreme physical effort in very heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials in excess of 100 pounds, such as when transporting sick or injured persons. The Part Time School Resource Officer is expected to routinely and continuously (through the entire time on duty) wear a bulletproof vest and utility belt with radios, telephone and pager, gun and ammunition, handcuffs, and other equipment.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Tasks are regularly performed with some risk of exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dust, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, traffic hazards, and violence.

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