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Lateral Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of DeKalb, IL

Lateral Police Officer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$86K - $116K/yr

Police Department Division: Patrol Opening Date: 04/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary The City of DeKalb is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer to establish an eligibility ...

City of DeKalb, IL

Lateral Police Officer

Lincoln, IL

$86K - $116K/yr

Police Department Division: Patrol Opening Date: 04/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary The City of DeKalb is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer to establish an eligibility ...

City of Gahanna

Police Officer- Lateral

Columbus, OH

$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 ...

City of Gresham, OR

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 ...

City of Farmington

Lateral Police Officer

Farmington, NM · On-site

$31 - $41.86/hr

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1+ DEPARTMENT: Police/Operations WORK LOCATION: Farmington Police Department PAY CLASS: PU1 HIRING RANGE : $31.0063 - $41.8678 - DOE DAYS WORKED: Varied ...

City of DeKalb

Lateral Police Officer

Dekalb, IL

$86K - $116K/yr

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 ...

City of Farmington

Lateral Police Officer

Farmington, NM · On-site

$31 - $41.86/hr

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1+ DEPARTMENT: Police/Operations WORK LOCATION: Farmington Police Department PAY CLASS: PU1 HIRING RANGE : $31.0063 - $41.8678 - DOE DAYS WORKED: Varied ...

City of Gresham

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR

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 ...

Port of Portland

Police Officer - Lateral

Portland, OR · On-site

The Position We are hiring Lateral Police Officers for the Port of Portland! The Port of Portland Police Department is looking for dedicated and experienced police officers to join our dynamic team.

City of Gresham

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR

$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 ...

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Lateral Police information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do lateral police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral police 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 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.

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 bringing prior training, experience, and certifications. Unlike entry-level recruits, lateral officers usually do not need to repeat basic police academy training and may qualify for higher pay and faster integration based on their background. Agencies often seek lateral candidates to quickly fill vacancies with seasoned personnel familiar with police procedures and community policing.
More about Lateral Police jobs
What cities are hiring for Lateral Police jobs? Cities with the most Lateral Police job openings:
What states have the most Lateral Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Lateral Police jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lateral Police jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lateral Police jobs are:
Lateral Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Police job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

City of DeKalb, IL

Lincoln, IL • On-site

$86K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary : $86,299.20 - $116,001.60 Annually
Location : Police Department - 700 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00272
Department: Police Department
Division: Patrol
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: 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 position will remain open until filled.
Essential Functions
Please click HEREto view the recruitment brochure and application instructions.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must currently possess certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board in order to be considered for the position.
Minimum Qualifications
The selection process for the Lateral Police Officer includes oral interviews with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The process and the minimum qualifications are dictated by the Board's Rules and Regulations and are detailed in the recruitment brochure.
Please submit the following at time of application:
  1. Certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
  2. High School Diploma or Equivalent.
  3. Valid Driver's License.
  4. U.S. Citizen
  5. No felony convictions and or crime involving moral turpitude as specified in Section 5/10-2.1-6 Part C of the

Residency: 40-mile residency requirements after 15 months of employment.
Supplemental Information
**APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND REVIEWED ON AN ONGOING BASIS. POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED. POSTING MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. **
The City will screen candidates based on specific qualifications and departmental needs at the time of review. Interviews or further consideration are not guaranteed by the City of DeKalb.
For more information about the DeKalb Police Department and to view the Annual Report, please click the links below:
  • Police Department Annual Report 2025
  • DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 115 Current Collective Bargaining Agreement

Please click here to view the City's policy regarding the hiring of immediate family members of a current City employee, elected official, or appointed official prior to completing an application for employment.
The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that beings on the first day of employment and includes:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Retirement Plans through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund or the Fire/Police Pension Funds
  • Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance program

01
What prompted you to apply for the Lateral Police Officer position with the City of DeKalb?
02
Do you possess certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board?
  • Yes
  • No

03
I have submitted my certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1, et seq by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board.
  • Yes
  • No

04
I understand I will not be considered for the position if I do not have the required certification as a full-time Permanent Police Officer
  • Yes
  • No

05
Have you applied and/or interviewed with the City of DeKalb? If so, for what position and when?
06
Do you have a valid driver's license? NOTE: You are required to attach documentation of your license to your application.
  • Yes
  • No

07
I understand this position has a residency requirement, 40 miles from the DeKalb Police Department at 700 W. Lincoln Hwy after 15 months of date of hire.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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