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Lateral Police Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Lateral

Provo, UT · On-site

$33.21 - $54.26/hr

Police Officer Lateral Job Posting Closing Date: ***OPEN FILE RECRUITMENT*** [Applications will be considered in the order they are received for any positions available at that time. They will remain ...

Police Officer Lateral Job Posting Closing Date: ***OPEN FILE RECRUITMENT*** [Applications will be considered in the order they are received for any positions available at that time. They will remain ...

Police Officer

American Fork, UT · On-site

$30 - $53.07/hr

As a lateral officer, you will not only leverage your experience but also play a vital role in ... As a Police Officer with American Fork City, you will play a crucial role in the enforcement of ...

Police Officer

American Fork, UT · On-site

$30 - $53.07/hr

As a lateral officer, you will not only leverage your experience but also play a vital role in ... As a Police Officer with American Fork City, you will play a crucial role in the enforcement of ...

Police Officer

American Fork, UT · On-site

$30 - $53.07/hr

As a lateral officer, you will not only leverage your experience but also play a vital role in ... As a Police Officer with American Fork City, you will play a crucial role in the enforcement of ...

POLICE OFFICER (LATERAL) LEHI CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT [This job listing is for Applicants with prior experience as a law enforcement officer] The Lehi City Police Department is accepting applications ...

POLICE OFFICER (LATERAL) LEHI CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT [This job listing is for Applicants with prior experience as a law enforcement officer] The Lehi City Police Department is accepting applications ...

POLICE OFFICER (LATERAL) LEHI CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT[This job listing is for Applicants with prior experience as a law enforcement officer]The Lehi City Police Department is accepting applications ...

Police Officer II - Lateral

Moab, UT · On-site

$34.75 - $41.79/hr

Upon employment, must possess a valid Utah driver's license At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates who possess ...

Police Officer III - Lateral

Moab, UT · On-site

$40.63 - $48.86/hr

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates who possess Utah P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Officer Certification or a ...

Police Officer II - Lateral

Moab, UT · On-site

$34.75 - $41.79/hr

Upon employment, must possess a valid Utah driver's license At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates who possess ...

Police Officer III - Lateral

Moab, UT · On-site

$40.63 - $48.86/hr

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates who possess Utah P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Officer Certification or a ...

Upon employment, must possess a valid Utah driver's license At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates who possess ...

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates who possess Utah P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Officer Certification or a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lateral Police information

See Utah salary details

$29.6K

$56.6K

$94.2K

How much do lateral police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral police in Utah is $56,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $67,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, POST certification, a solid understanding of criminal and civil law, and often a clean background check. Familiarity with police databases, body-worn camera systems, and evidence management tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with diverse communities and handle stressful situations. These competencies ensure public safety, uphold legal standards, and foster trust within the community.

What is the difference between Lateral Police vs Police Officer?

AspectLateral PolicePolice Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy certification, law enforcement training, state licensingPolice academy certification, law enforcement training, state licensing
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigationsLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigations
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, county, state police departmentsMunicipal, county, state police departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding lateral transfer options, qualifications, career pathsEntry-level roles, career progression, job duties

Both Lateral Police and Police Officers require similar credentials and work in law enforcement environments. The key difference is that Lateral Police are experienced officers transferring from other agencies, while Police Officers are typically new recruits. Lateral Police often have prior experience, making their transition smoother, whereas Police Officers are starting their careers. Understanding these differences helps candidates identify the right role based on their experience level and career goals.

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

Lateral police officers often face challenges adjusting to new departmental procedures, community expectations, and team dynamics. While their prior experience is valuable, learning a new agency’s policies, software systems, and patrol areas can require additional training and adaptation. Building trust with new colleagues and supervisors may also take time, as each department has its own culture and operational style. However, many departments offer structured onboarding and field training programs to support lateral hires during this transition.
Infographic showing various Lateral Police job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,578 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

City of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Lateral Police Officer
Job Description:
We're looking for well-qualified police officers who want to work for Utah's capital city! Continue your career with Salt Lake City Police Department and discover endless opportunities for growth and development.
To qualify, you must have:
  • At least one full year of experience working in a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) capacity for an agency whose primary responsibility is responding to calls for service in the community.
  • A current Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate as a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) or successfully passed the Utah POST waiver exam (if you are an out-of-state candidate).

INCENTIVE OPTIONS
  • Eligible lateral hires may receive a one-time cash bonus up to a maximum of $7,000.00, less all applicable taxes and withholdings.

Or
  • Eligible lateral hires may receive a one-time cash bonus up to a maximum of $3,500.00, less all applicable taxes and withholdings, and 80 hours of front- loaded Vacation Leave. Vacation hours will be credited upon completion of onboarding and may be used in accordance with department scheduling policies.

Modification, or termination of this program is at the discretion of the Chief's office.
IN ORDER TO QUALIFY:
Must be hired as a lateral police officer.
Must have at least two years as a law enforcement officer.
Must have a current POST Certification or POST Waiver.
Must successfully complete all pre-employment requirements and
onboarding
Other conditions apply and will be discussed at the time of hire
NOTE FOR APPLICANTS REGARDING SLCPD TATTOO POLICY
Employees are permitted to display tattoos and body art on their hands, arms, and legs when they do not distract or interfere with the employee's on-duty actions and responsibilities. Employees are not permitted to display tattoos that are located on the neck above the collarbone, the face, or head; an exception to this would be cosmetic micro-blading tattoos. Tattoos that are found to be offensive, obscene, vulgar, depict graphic nudity, or are prejudicial to any segment of the population are strictly prohibited. Any tattoos that may potentially bring discredit upon the Salt Lake City Police Department are also prohibited. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Office of the Chief.
A full list of typical duties and qualifications can be found here: https://www.slcdocs.com/HR/Hire/SLCPD_PoliceOfficer_JobDescription.pdf.
Opportunities are limited; this position may be closed at any time without notice. Apply today to avoid missing this opportunity!
Ready for the change? Select the Apply button above and submit your application with your resume and Utah POST certificate (or equivalent) attached. We'll review your application and reach out with the next step.
We welcome all out-of-state police officers!
Applying from out-of-state? No problem! Here's some information to get the ball rolling:
  • You don't have to start the waiver process (or "challenge" POST) before applying to SLCPD. Feel free to submit your application at any time!
  • The POST waiver process consists of (1) a successful POST application, (2) a knowledge-based exam, and (3) a physical fitness test. The exam and the physical fitness test are held once a month in Sandy, Utah. Find out more information about the waiver here: https://post.utah.gov/waiverreactivation-process/.
  • We can help consolidate your trips to Utah! If you submit your application to us and complete your background packet before completing the waiver process, we'll work with you to get your in-person background components done while you're in Utah for the waiver testing.
  • Coordinate directly with Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training at (801)256-2300 to complete the Utah Waiver Process. Questions about your SLCPD application can be directed to Taylor Saunders, HR Recruiter, at (801) 360-6473 or by email at Taylor.Saunders@slc.gov.

Why SLCPD?
  • Get year-for-year credit towards your starting pay and vacation accruals! We value your experience; all of your qualifying experience is credited towards your pay rate, so you don't have to start over. If you have four years of qualifying experience, you'll start at our four-year rate!
  • Receive full City benefits starting day one! That includes health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a variety of discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/.
  • We have specialty assignments galore! Whether you prefer to have boots on the ground with our SWAT team or bike patrol, prefer working behind the scenes with our intelligence and detective divisions, or if you want to train our next generation of officers with our training unit, there's something for everyone.
  • All your equipment is provided for you! Everything from take-home vehicles and uniforms to handcuffs and body cams is included and paid for by the department to ensure you're fully equipped for success.
  • Enjoy competitive pay incentives! Whether it's your regular merit increases, Career Path incentive pay for your bachelor's degree, or overtime opportunities, SLCPD has plenty of opportunities to increase your earning potential.

Position salary range:
Entry $36.69
2 Year $38.89
4 Year $41.23
6 Year $43.71
8 Year $46.32
10 Year $49.10
12 Year $52.05
Disqualifying conditions and legal requirements can be found here: https://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/qualifications/ and here: https://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/legal-requirements/.
You can find more information on the lateral recruitment process and the Salt Lake City Police Department Recruitment rules here:
  • Lateral Recruitment Process: https://www.slcdocs.com/HR/Hire/SLCPD_LateralRecruitmentProcess.pdf
  • Salt Lake City Police Department Recruitment Rules: http://www.slc.gov/hr/policies-and-administration/fire-police-rules/
  • SLPA (Police Union) Labor Agreement: https://www.slc.gov/hr/policies-and-administration/labor-agreements/

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City policy and applicable law. Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment.
Department
Police
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40