ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lateral Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Big Spring

Lateral Police Officer

Big Spring, TX

$67K - $81K/yr

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 ...

City of Lynnwood

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

Lynnwood, WA

$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 ...

City of Lynnwood, WA

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 ...

City of Hillsboro

Lateral Police Officer

Hillsboro, OR

$83K - $105K/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 ...

City of Hillsboro, OR

Lateral Police Officer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$83K - $105K/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 ...

City of Pasco, WA

Lateral Police Officer

Pasco, WA · On-site

$94K - $115K/yr

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 ...

City of Bellevue, WA

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 ...

City of Bellevue

Lateral Police Officer

Bellevue, WA

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLateral Police Jobs

Lateral Police information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do lateral police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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

Lateral Police Officer

City of Auburn (WA)

Auburn, WA

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Details JOIN TEAM APD AS A LATERAL POLICE OFFICER! * UP TO $30,000 LATERAL HIRING BONUS & TAKE HOME CAR PROGRAM * The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking experienced, motivated, and service-driven law enforcement professionals to join our team as Lateral Police Officers. This is anopportunity to servea continuously growing community within a modern, well-resourced police department thatvalues professionalism, trust, integrity, and officer wellness. Our community is policed by professional officers who are not afraid to bravely stand up to danger and adversity.

Officers serve with a noble purpose and make decisions based on trust and honesty. All employees of the APD are committed to providing exceptional customer service to the citizens we serve. As a Police Officer at APD, you will perform meaningful, challenging workthat directly impacts community safety and quality of life. Team APD supports its officers with competitive compensation and benefits, wellness resources, specialty assignments, and clear pathways for career advancement.

The department is comprised of 150 staff to include: Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, Five (5) Commanders, 13 Sergeants, 108 Officers/Detectives, 16 Non-Commissioned staff, a Crime Analyst, Public Information Officer, Wellness Program Designer, and three (3) Administrative Assistants. This is a full-time position represented by the Police Officers Guildwith a current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective 1/1/25 - 12/31/27. The salary listed on the announcement is the base salary, and the salary upon hire will be based on your months of service as a commissioned officer. Officers also have opportunities to receive additional compensationand pay incentives based multiple factors, as outlined in the CBA.

These include longevity paystarting after five (5) years of service, bilingual payafter completing field training and proving proficiency through a bilingual exam, and education payfor police-related Associate or Bachelor (or higher) degrees. Many specialty assignmentsalso come with premium pay, starting at 2% of the straight-time hourly base rate. Officers may have multiple specialty assignments, but at no time will an officer receive more than 10% premium pay from these assignments. Primary Duties As a member of APD, you will perform general police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance of order, and prevention and investigation of crimes.

This work involves a substantial element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion in emergencies. All officers are responsible for recognizing the social importance of police functions, for tactful and courteous treatment of the public, and for conscientious and efficient performance of duties under little direct supervision. In this role, you will: * Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service * Patrolling assigned areas to deter crime and provide a visible public safety presence * Investigate crimes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests when warranted * Prepare thorough, accurate reports, logs, and documentation * Handle domestic disputes, juvenile matters, and incidents involving individuals in crisis * Pursue suspects on foot and in vehicles, safely performing physically demanding tasks * Use appropriate levels of force to protect life and property * Provide first aid and life-saving assistance * Communicate effectively orally and in writing in all settings * Maintain professionalism while managing stressful, hostile, or emotionally charged situations This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list.Please view the class specification for a full list of job responsibilities.

Apply