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Lateral Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 : $31.7815 - $42.9145 - DOE DAYS WORKED: Varied ...

Lateral Police Officer

Big Spring, TX

$67K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Lateral Police Officer Recruit Program Lateral Police Officer means entry into the Big Spring Police Department by an officer already trained and experienced in law enforcement at the Police Officer ...

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

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

The Lateral Police Officer position is covered under the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. The Police Department will review applications every two to three weeks and will conduct ...

The Lateral Police Officer position is covered under the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. The Police Department will review applications every two to three weeks and will conduct ...

Lateral Police Officer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$100K - $128K/yr

A Lateral police officer is defined as a Police Officer: Who possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State ...

Lateral Police Officer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$100K - $128K/yr

A Lateral police officer is defined as a Police Officer: * Who possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington ...

Applicants hired as lateral police officers will receive a twenty five thousand dollar ($25,000) incentive. Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) will be paid following the start of employment. Five ...

Lateral Police Officer

Pasco, WA · On-site

$94K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Public Lateral Police Officer Department: Police Department Division: Field Operations Opening Date: 12/23/2022 FLSA: Non-Exempt SUMMARY OF POSITION The Lateral Police Officer process: * Interested ...

SUMMARY OF POSITION The Lateral Police Officer process: Interested candidates reach out to a recruiter E-mail Daniela Segura, segurad@pasco-wa.gov Verified lateral applicants are invited to apply ...

Lateral Police Officer I

Academy, SD

$60K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Starting salary is commensurate with years of experience Lateral/Police Officer I (Y22) Pay Grade Range - $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Lateral/Police Officer II (Y23) Pay Grade Range - $60,094.40 - $94 ...

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$51.14 - $61.96/hr

Applicants hired as lateral police officers will receive a twenty five thousand dollar ($25,000) incentive. Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) will be paid following the start of employment. Five ...

Lateral Police Officer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lincolnwood Police Department is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer. Hiring Range: $89,693.09 - $115,140.60 Salary Range: $82,808.64 - $117,454.92 * Current Collective Bargaining ...

Showing results 21-40

Lateral Police information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do lateral police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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:

Infographic showing various Lateral Police job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

City of Farmington, NM

Farmington, NM • On-site

$31.78 - $42.91/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

JOB OPENING

CITY OF FARMINGTON

JOB POSITION #92: LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1+

DEPARTMENT: Police/Operations

WORK LOCATION: Farmington Police Department

PAY CLASS: PU1

HIRING RANGE: $31.7815 - $42.9145 - DOE

DAYS WORKED: Varied

HOURS WORKED: Varied

TYPE OF POSITION: Regular, Full-Time, Shift

POSITION CLOSES: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

JOB DUTIES

You must submit the following documents when applying for Lateral Police Officer:

  • Completed City of Farmington Application
  • Copies of all advanced law enforcement training hours
  • Course curriculum from the academy you attended
    • Please send a syllabus or class schedule that lists the names of all classes and the amount of hours for each class.

You will receive emails regarding all processes and purchasing of study materials as you apply – please thoroughly read any and all emails and follow the instructions.

To be eligible for the lateral position, officers must have maintained their position and certification for at least two years prior to their employment with the City of Farmington.

Lateral Police Officers will be eligible for the $29,100 sign-on bonus, the requirement is a commitment to three years of continuous employment as a Police Officer with the City of Farmington.

Please not the following sign-on bonus structure:

*$9,700 upon hire

*$9,700 upon successful completion of Field Training Program

*$9,700 upon successful completion of probation. This final payment is subject to reimbursement contingent that the officer commits to three years of continuous employment as a Police Officer with the City of Farmington.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Required to perform shift work which may include days, evenings, and nights including weekends and holidays.

Works on performing security patrols, traffic control, investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.

Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.

Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone to respond to police matters.

Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.

Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations; and to otherwise serve and protect.

Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.

Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests or cites violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene.

Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.

Prepares a variety of reports such as offense/incidents, field interrogation cards, DWI, towed vehicle, and accident reports.

Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse, traffic and bicycle safety, etc.

Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits, obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing charges, testifying in court, and related activities.

Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of law, and conduction patrol activities.

Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney or district attorney's office regarding cases, policies and procedures as needed and assigned.

Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about department activities.

Using excellent customer service skills establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public.

Operates a motor vehicle to carry out the business of the department and the City.

Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.

Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.

Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.

Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police operating activities.

May serve as a member of various employee committees.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position is subject to the City of Farmington's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy which includes, pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing.

Extensive background checks required.

Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories are not allowed.

Must have LE certification.

Must not have used any illegal drugs within the past three years.

Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Must be a United States Citizen.

Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.

Must have completed 669 law enforcement training hours (Academy Training, Advanced Training, or combination of both).

Must have ability to become a certified law enforcement officer in the State of New Mexico within three year.

Must have all advanced certificates available for review.

Must submit a copy of course curriculum from police academy attended.

Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid New Mexico driver's license with acceptable driving record for past three years.

Must be able to read and write the English language.

Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations.

Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to learn the City's geography.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Ability to operate a police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, straight baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, cell phone, on-board video camera, first aid equipment and chemical agent. Extensive use of computers for dispatching, reporting and communicating is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to frequently lift and/or move heavy objects or persons. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to sit, stand, talk and hear. Must be able to use hands and fingers to feel objects or controls. Must be able to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, run and physically subdue combative subjects.

The employee is required to perform shift work which may include days, evenings, and nights including weekends and holidays.

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:

Written exam; oral board interview; psychological examinations (both written and oral); polygraph examination; medical examination; and extensive background investigation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed inside/outside in all types of weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F.