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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Recruit

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$68K/yr

This is the entry-level classification for Police Officer Recruits who will participate in a 22-week Police Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy, Recruits will be promoted to Police Officers ...

Police Officer Recruit

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$68K/yr

This is the entry-level classification for Police Officer Recruits who will participate in a 22-week Police Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy, Recruits will be promoted to Police Officers ...

If you fail, you can retest, but you cannot move on until you have passed. 2026 POLICE OFFICER ... DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This class is entry level. Candidates are expected to attend the ...

NV

$94K/yr

About the Position RECRUITMENT INFORMATION ONLY Entry Level Law Enforcement Positions If you would ... Police Department and Fremont Street Experience security As sworn officers they may: Enforce local ...

Cadet

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site

$45K - $67K/yr

Police Protective Association, Civilian Employees Position Type: Open Competitive Ranked vs. Pool ... Must meet all minimum standards for appointment to perform duties of a peace officer under NAC 289 ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See Nevada salary details

$33.1K

$63.3K

$105.4K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Nevada is $63,286.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $75,900.00 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 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 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 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 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.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,286 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description:

POSITION TITLE: Police Cadet

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Law Enforcement

SUPERVISOR: Police Chief

GRADE: NE7 $15.29 ($31,807.36) - $22.93 ($47,694.40)

Position Summary:

The Washoe Tribe Police Department is seeking individuals with an interest in serving the Washoe Tribe Communities with a career in law enforcement. The Police Cadet is an entry level, non-safety position that will participate in initial departmental training and orientation programs, including attending a Police Academy.

The Police Cadet is the police trainee classification designed specifically and solely for the purpose of employing police officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial basic police officer academy training. Incumbents will be afforded the opportunity to be appointed to and sworn in as a probationary entry-level police officer with full police authority upon successful and satisfactory completion of academy training. Candidates hired as Police Recruits will be expected to complete a 12-month probationary period from the time of hire. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

· Attend a basic Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police officer training academy designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, police practices and procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical conditioning.

· Participates in initial departmental training and orientation programs, including field training under direct supervision for the purpose of developing awareness of functions, activities and responsibilities of a police officer.

· Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, federal/state/ local agencies and associations, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California administration and staff, and the public.

· Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

· High School Diploma or GED. Must be 21 years of age.

· No felony convictions. No misdemeanor convictions related to Domestic Violence or moral turpitude. No DUI convictions within seven (7) years.

· Must be able to successfully pass a medical examination, physical fitness test, pre-employment drug/alcohol screen, psychological evaluation, voice stress analysis and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

· Basic understanding of criminology and the Criminal Justice System.

· Basic understanding of principles of mathematics.

· Basic knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

· Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.

· Basic understanding of standard office procedures, practices and equipment.

· Basic understanding of modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.

· Knowledge of methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

· Ability to successfully and satisfactorily complete the Nevada POST basic academy (Category I); learn laws, police practices and procedures, and first aid.

· Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.

· Ability to interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately.

· Ability to organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team.

· Ability to make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response.

· Ability to follow written and oral directions, observe safety principles, and work in a safe manner.

· Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

· Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

· Ability to safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

Physical Demands:

Strength: Heavy Work - Lifting, carrying and/or pushing 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Vision: Corrected to 20/20 in one eye, 20/30 in the other. Hearing: Sufficient to communicate via radio. Physical fitness: Sufficient to climb, crawl, sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

• Incumbents are subject to mandatory overtime and shift rotation.

• Periodically required to train and qualify in the use of firearms, vehicles and specialized law enforcement practices and equipment.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed outdoors where exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts and mists may occur. Prolonged standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground, in remote, steep, rugged, mountainous areas with unimproved dirt roads and trails. Situations may occur where prolonged sitting, driving, walking, or waiting is required. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work will be required. Travel required for academy training.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following:

  • Negative alcohol and drug screen
  • Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630
  • Obtain or possess a valid driver’s license for either the state of Nevada or California within 30 days

· Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribe’s driving policy

· Preference will be given to qualified Native American Indians.