1

Lateral Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Police Officer

Redding, CA · On-site

$81K - $119K/yr

June 18, 2025 The City of Redding is accepting applications for the position of Lateral Police Officer within the Redding Police Department. We are seeking motivated individuals with a strong ...

Lateral Police Officer: The Redding Police Department is now offering up to a $60,000 signing bonus to qualified Lateral Police Officers as well as two weeks of vacation upon successful completion of ...

Lateral Police Officer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$86K - $116K/yr

Continuous Job Summary The City of DeKalb is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer to establish an eligibility list. Applications will be reviewed on the 1st Monday of each month. The ...

We're looking for Lateral Police Officers. The Albany Police Department is currently seeking to fill multiple police officer positions due to recent and upcoming retirements. Additionally, this ...

Lateral Police Officer

Albany, OR · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

If you do not meet the definition for a lateral police officer as noted below, please apply through our Entry Level posting, if currently open. Entry level applications submitted through this posting ...

Lateral Police Officer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$35.87 - $51.98/hr

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER PAY RATES: * Less than 1 year experience starts out at $35.87 per hour * 1 year experience = $37.66 (5% above the minimum of the range) * 2 years of experience = $39.55 (5% ...

Regardless of verified years of experience, lateral police officer hourly rates are capped at $50.47 per hour. HIRING INCENTIVE: $5,000 paid in two installments, $2,500 paid upon hire with first ...

Police Officer- Lateral

Columbus, OH · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Job Summary The Gahanna Division of Police is now seeking applications for lateral police officer positions. Applications will be accepted all year. For information on the hiring process, including a ...

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

The Police Department is seeking Lateral Police Officers of sound moral character. The Police Officers are expected to be self-disciplined and highly motivated, while demonstrating honesty and ...

Job Summary The City of DeKalb is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer to establish an eligibility list. Applications will be reviewed on the 1st Monday of each month. The position will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lateral Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do lateral police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral 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 do lateral police officers do?

Lateral police officers are experienced law enforcement professionals who transfer from other agencies and perform duties such as patrolling, investigating crimes, making arrests, and enforcing laws. They often use their existing skills, certifications, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures to quickly adapt to their new department. Lateral officers may also participate in community engagement and crime prevention activities as part of their role.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Lateral police officers often start their careers after gaining experience in other law enforcement roles, and 27 is generally not too late to become a cop. Many departments accept applicants in their late 20s or early 30s, provided they meet age, education, and physical requirements, and have relevant experience or training such as police academy completion.

What is the difference between Lateral Police Officer vs Police Detective?

AspectLateral Police OfficerPolice Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certification, often additional investigative training
Work EnvironmentPatrol duties, community policing, on-duty law enforcementInvestigations, case analysis, interviews, often desk-based
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, investigative units
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding career paths, qualifications, and dutiesExploring investigative roles, career progression in law enforcement

While both roles are integral to law enforcement, a Lateral Police Officer primarily focuses on patrol and community policing, whereas a Police Detective specializes in investigations and case solving. Lateral Police Officers often transition into detective roles after gaining experience, making their skills and certifications highly overlapping.

What is a Lateral Police Officer?

A Lateral Police Officer is an experienced law enforcement professional who transfers from one police department to another, typically with prior service as a sworn officer. Lateral officers are hired for their existing skills, training, and experience, allowing them to bypass entry-level police academy training or probationary periods. This role helps departments bring in seasoned officers who can quickly integrate and contribute to the agency. Lateral hires often receive credit for their previous years of service, which may affect pay and benefits. The specific requirements and transfer processes can vary by department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lateral Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lateral Police Officer, you need prior law enforcement experience, knowledge of criminal law, and a valid POST certification or equivalent. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, evidence management systems, and radio communication tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, stress management, and interpersonal skills help you excel in diverse and dynamic situations. These skills and qualifications are essential for effective law enforcement, community engagement, and ensuring public safety.

What are some common challenges lateral police officers face when transitioning to a new department?

Lateral police officers often face challenges such as adapting to new departmental policies, learning different reporting systems, and building rapport with new colleagues and the community. While their prior experience is valuable, each department may have unique procedures and a distinct organizational culture that requires adjustment. Strong communication skills and proactive relationship-building can help make the transition smoother and more successful.

How much does a lateral police officer make?

A lateral police officer's salary typically ranges from $55,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and department size. Many agencies offer additional benefits such as overtime pay, shift differentials, and opportunities for advancement.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

For police officers, holding up four fingers can symbolize various things depending on the context, such as indicating the number of suspects, a specific unit or team, or a signal used within the department. It is not a universally recognized hand signal with a fixed meaning and often depends on departmental protocols or informal communication among officers.
More about Lateral Police Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lateral Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Lateral Police Officer job openings:
What states have the most Lateral Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lateral Police Officer jobs include:

$77K - $98K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description Job Number: 2026-21 Closes: Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 11:59pm Springfield Police Department Job Hours: Shift Work Represented: SPA Grade: 220 Non-Exempt, Full-time, Full Benefits *Please See Compensation Below Relocation reimbursement for actual costs up to $5,000 may be available if incumbent is relocating greater than 100 miles. Want to learn more about joining Springfield PD. Check this out: https://springfield-or.gov/city/police-department/join-spd/ Position Overview: The City of Springfield has exciting opportunities in our Police Department for experienced Lateral Police Officers

SPD is dedicated to providing the best available law enforcement and accountability services to our community. This includes our 100 bed Municipal Jail located in our Justice Center- the largest municipal jail in the State of Oregon. Because of this tremendous resource, Springfield does not have a capacity-based release program for misdemeanor cases.

For more great information about the City of Springfield Police Department, check this out: http://www.springfield-or.gov/city/police-department/ Lateral Police Officer Requirements: We are interested in finding Police Officers who are in good standing with their current/ most recent employer as a sworn Police Officer for a recognized state, county, city or municipal entity. Those who are currently certified as Police Officers in Oregon, or able to obtain Oregon DPSST certification if a police officer in another state through a DPSST Career Officer Development Course, are eligible to apply for the lateral police officer position. Police certification must be VALID and CURRENT

Military Police, federal officer, reserve officer, security officer and corrections experience do not meet the requirement for relevant experience. For specific questions on lateral qualifications, please contact Lt. Kyle Potter at kpotter@springfield-or.gov For the complete Police Officer job description, please see the City's classifications page: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/springfieldor/classspecs/1335915?keywords=police%20officer&pagetype=classSpecifications Compensation: Job Title Grade Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 Police Officer 220 $37.15 $39.01 $40.96 $43.01 $45.16 $47.42 Assignment/ Scheduling Pay $0.82 $37.97 $39.83 $41.78 $43.83 $45.98 $48.24 Assignment/ Scheduling Pay and 5% incentive pay [5%] $39.83 $41.78 $43.83 $45.98 $48.24 $50.61 Assignment/ Scheduling Pay and 10% incentive pay [10%] $41.68 $43.73 $45.88 $48.13 $50.50 $52.98 Assignment/ Scheduling Pay and 15% incentive pay [15%] $43.54 $45.68 $47.92 $50.28 $52.75 $55.35 Assignment/ Scheduling Pay and 20% incentive pay [20%] $45.40 $47.63 $49.97 $52.43 $55.01 $57.72 Successful laterals will be offered a pay step commensurate with their related years of experience as a certified Police Officer and in accordance of the Oregon Equal Pay Act

Additional Pays: -Longevity Incentive: 10 years: 2%, 15 years: 3%, 20 years: 4% -Assignment or Scheduling Pay -DPSST Certification: 5% (intermediate) or 10% (advanced) -Bilingual/Second Language Pay: 5% added -Education Pay: 5% -Other Incentives: Additional wellness incentives available for ORPAT and Mental Health Vacation: Laterals will be placed on the vacation tier accrual based on the employee's months of public safety service within the same classification consistent with the definition of lateral sworn employee. Years of Service Monthly Hours Annual Hours 0 - 4 (0-59 months) 8 96 5 - 9 (60-119 months) 10 120 10 - 14 (120-179 months 12 144 15 - 19 (180-239 months) 14 165 20 - 24 (240-287 months) 16 192 25+ (288 months & beyond) 18 216 Testing & Selection Process: Candidates considered for the Lateral Police Officer position will be identified through a series of screening tools and tests including an Employment Application, Qualifying Questionnaire (part of the application), Psychological Exam, Comprehensive Background, Medical Examination to include drug screening for controlled substances, and Oral Interviews. All testing and selection processes will be done in accordance with the Oregon Veterans' Preference in Public Employment Law.

Aptitude, personality profile, mental and physical fitness, and communication skills will all be evaluated. ***Please note: Lateral Police Officers will NOT be required to complete the entry-level written or physical ORPAT exam. Oral Boards: Candidates advancing in the process will be contacted directly to schedule Oral Boards (Interviews).

Please do not indicate 'See Resume' in the 'Work Experience' part of the application. The information you provide in the application 'Work Experience' and 'Job Duties' will be used to determine if you will proceed to the next phase in the selection process. Information related to education and experience must be verifiable on your application to be given credit.

NOTE: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Springfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.