Entry Level Police Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

APPLY BY
July 13, 2026
JOB LOCATION
25950 E Quincy Ave Aurora, Colorado 80016-2026
City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Aurora Civil Service Commission is accepting Entry Level Patrol Officer applications for the Aurora Police Department to establish the 2027-1B Group A Certified Eligibility List. The academy is projected to begin on January 11, 2027 and end on July 8, 2027. The academy dates are subject to change.
The deadline to submit an application is July 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
The Aurora Police Department is looking for individuals who represent diversity in thought and experiences, which are shared by our citizens. Candidates must have strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Candidates should possess good interpersonal skills, common sense, and have the ability to problem solve.
Examples of Duties
A comprehensive list of a police officer's duties is not possible, but officers working within the Aurora Police Department perform some of the following functions:

• Handle (emergency and non-emergency) calls for service received by our Communications Center.
• Investigate and determine what type of, or if, crimes have occurred.
• Make sound decisions using knowledge, training and experience.
• Positively interact with the public.
• Problem solves complex community issues and look for innovative solutions to reduce repeat calls for service.

Learn more about a career with the Aurora Police Department.
Salary:
When hired with a start date in 2026, the hiring rate for Patrol Officer Grade IV is $33.65385 hourly/$70,000 annually.
The hiring rate for a start date in 2027 has not yet been determined. It will follow the guidelines within the 2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) contract when it is completed and released.
This position is considered non-exempt. You will be eligible for overtime per the Fair Standards Labor Act. Annualized salary represents an estimate of yearly earnings based on the hourly rate and a standard full-time schedule.
The comprehensive breakdown of the rates of pay per the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) contract is listed below.

• Year 1, Grade IV: $33.65385 hourly/$70,000 annually
• Year 2, Grade III: $37.27500 hourly/$77,532 annually
• Year 3, Grade II: $41.18702 hourly/$85,669 annually
• Year 4, Grade I: $45.72452 hourly/$95,107 annually
• Year 5, Grade I(B): $57.24616 hourly/$119,072 annually

Upcoming Deadlines & Test Dates:

• FrontLine Exam - Complete and submit scores no later than July 20, 2026.
  • Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will receive detailed instructions on how to take the FrontLine Exam through the National Testing Network (NTN). To register for the exam, go to the National Testing Network website and ensure that you select 'Aurora Civil Service Commission' as a department to send your scores to.
  • Aurora Police Department will pay for your exam! Contact the APD Recruiting Team to receive a one-time paid voucher for the NTN FrontLine Exam fee.

• Job Functionality Test (JFT) - Scheduled for July 24th & 25th
  • Start preparing now for the physical fitness test by watching a descriptive video of the test.
  • Invitations to schedule will be sent after you pass the FrontLine Exam.

• Video Oral Board Interviews
  • Following successful completion of the FrontLine Exam and Job Functionality Test, applicants will be invited to complete a video interview. Invitations will be sent out at varying times.
  • Video interviews must be completed and submitted within seven (7) days of receiving the invitation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Eligibility
Minimum qualifications and automatic disqualifiers are available for your review in Section II, Rule 2a & 2b in the Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. They are as listed below:

• Minimum qualifications for original appointment include:

i) Entry-Level Police applicants shall be 21 years old by the projected end date
of the Academy.
ii) Be a citizen of the United States of America or a person who is lawfully
admitted for permanent residence in accordance with the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
iii) Have completed a minimum education of high school completion, or GED
equivalency.
iv) Must have a valid driver's license and if not a Colorado driver's license, be
able to obtain a Colorado driver's license by the start of the Academy.
v) Be able to perform minimum essential job functions of the recruit position.

• Automatic grounds for disqualification from the hiring process include:

i) Conviction of, or deferred judgment for, a crime which is a felony under state
or federal law; or military conviction by a court-martial that is comparable to
a felony conviction.
ii) Conviction of any crime or ordinance violation, which would bar the applicant
from possessing a firearm or ammunition under Federal or Colorado law.
iii) Conviction of, deferred judgement for, or combination of any misdemeanor
causing disqualification under POST standard 24-31-305.
iv) Illegal distribution of any controlled substances or drugs, including steroids, in
the last (3) years.
v) Conviction of or deferred judgment for any driving offense listed below within the last three (3) years from the projected start date of the Academy:
1. Homicide or assault with a vehicle;
2. Leaving the scene of a crash (hit and run);
3. Eluding a Police Officer;
4. Any vehicle related felony;
5. Drag Racing/Exhibition of Speed;
6. Reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury/death;
7. Driving while intoxicated (DUI, DWAI, DUID)
vi) Any applicant who tests positive for marijuana during the pre-employment drug test will
not be hired and will be ineligible to be employed within the City of Aurora for one year.
Applicants are advised that it can take several days to more than a month for a marijuana
user to pass a drug test.

• Review disqualifying incidents that may impact your eligibility per CO POST.
• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required

Benefits: Benefits & Retirement- City of Aurora
Uniforms:

• A Glock Model 45 will be furnished by the Department at no cost.
• Officers receive a $1500 soft body armor vest allowance once every four years.
• All uniforms and equipment are furnished in conformance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Personal Time Off (PTO):

• 160 hours of personal leave

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance:

• The City of Aurora offers contributions to a variety of health insurance plans, including some where the monthly premium is completely covered by the city. Employees have optional dental, vision and life insurance plans available to them. Employees can also add life insurance coverage for their dependents. Flexible spending accounts are an option. Insurance does not take effect until the 1st day of the month following the date of hire (ex. Hire date of May 5th, insurance effective June 1st).

Disability:

• The City contribution provides death and disability coverage through the Fire & Police Pension Association (FPPA).

Retirement:

• Options include the Aurora Police Money Purchase Pension Plan or the Police Defined Benefit Hybrid Option plan. To view more information, please visit the APMPPP website.
• Officers and the City both contribute 12% bi-weekly into a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan with a 5-year vestment.

Deferred Compensation:

• Officers can contribute a percentage of their pre-tax salary on a bi-weekly basis into a 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, managed by Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
• Additionally, officers will also have the option to contribute funds (post-tax, and up to a certain dollar amount) into a Roth plan, also managed by Nationwide Retirement Solutions.

Training:

• Annual in-service training. Officers are also eligible for job-related sponsored training.

Should you be given a conditional job offer with the City of Aurora and Aurora Police Department, you will be required to pass the following in backgrounds:

• Job Suitability Assessment
• Polygraph/CVSA Exam
• Post Job Suitability Assessment
• Medical Exam and Drug Screening (Includes THC Products)
• Fingerprinting
• Chief's Final Review

For Veterans points: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.