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Lateral Transfer Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Waco

Lateral Transfer Police Officer

Waco, TX

$40.61 - $48.50/hr

To qualify as an applicant for a Lateral Transfer Police Officer position with the City of Waco Police Department, the applicant must meet all requirements of the Waco Local Rules and Waco Meet ...

Provo City

Police Officer Lateral

Provo, UT · On-site

$33.21 - $54.26/hr

Lateral transfers must be currently employed as a certified law enforcement officer, or have been ... Police Officer II - In addition to the minimum qualifications above, requires a minimum of two ...

Provo

Police Officer Lateral

Provo, UT

$33.21 - $54.26/hr

Lateral transfers must be currently employed as a certified law enforcement officer, or have been ... Police Officer II - In addition to the minimum qualifications above, requires a minimum of two ...

City of Lenexa, KS

Police Officer

Lenexa, KS

$101K/yr

The City of Lenexa police department is currently accepting applications for Police Officers and lateral transfers to join our team! We are an agency with an excellent reputation that is identified ...

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Lateral Transfer Police information

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$24K

$60.6K

$84K

How much do lateral transfer police jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral transfer police in the United States is $60,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common second careers for retired cops?

Retired police officers often pursue second careers in security, private investigation, or consulting due to their law enforcement experience and knowledge of safety protocols. Many also transition into roles such as security management, training, or community outreach, leveraging their skills in communication, crisis management, and law enforcement procedures.

What is a lateral transfer in police work?

A lateral transfer in police work refers to an experienced police officer moving from one law enforcement agency to another at the same rank or position, rather than starting as a new recruit. This process allows officers to bring their skills and experience to a new department, often with a streamlined hiring process compared to entry-level applicants. Lateral transfers may be eligible for benefits such as retaining their rank, pay, and sometimes seniority, depending on the policies of the hiring agency.

How much does a lateral police officer make?

A lateral police officer's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and department size. Many agencies offer additional benefits such as overtime pay, shift differentials, and opportunities for advancement.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Lateral transfer police officers can often join or transfer at age 27, depending on department policies and prior experience. Many agencies accept candidates in their late 20s or early 30s, provided they meet requirements such as physical fitness, background checks, and relevant training or certifications. Age limits vary by department, so it's important to check specific agency criteria.

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

To thrive as a Lateral Transfer Police Officer, you need a valid law enforcement certification, substantial patrol experience, and thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws. Familiarity with police information systems, report management software, and advanced investigative tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to quickly integrate into a new department set standout officers apart. These skills and qualities ensure effective law enforcement, smooth transitions, and the maintenance of public trust in a new jurisdiction.

What unique challenges might a lateral transfer police officer face when integrating into a new department?

Lateral transfer police officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new departmental policies, learning different community dynamics, and building rapport with new colleagues. While their prior experience is valuable, each agency may have distinct procedures, technologies, and cultural norms. Success in the role typically involves proactively seeking training, open communication, and demonstrating flexibility to quickly become an effective team member.

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

AspectLateral Transfer PolicePolice Officer
Required CredentialsBasic police academy certification, valid state licenseBasic police academy certification, valid state license
Work EnvironmentSame as police officer, often within the same department or jurisdictionPatrol, investigation, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Comparison Search IntentSeeking transfer options within the same department or agencyGeneral police duties and roles

In summary, a Lateral Transfer Police moves within the same or similar police departments, maintaining the same credentials and work environment as a Police Officer. The main difference lies in the transfer process rather than job functions or qualifications.

What is a lateral transfer in law enforcement?

A lateral transfer in law enforcement involves an officer moving from one police department or unit to another at a similar rank without a break in service. This process often requires meeting specific qualifications, such as experience, certifications, and passing departmental assessments, and allows officers to change locations or specialize while maintaining their seniority and benefits.
More about Lateral Transfer Police jobs
What cities are hiring for Lateral Transfer Police jobs? Cities with the most Lateral Transfer Police job openings:
What states have the most Lateral Transfer Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Lateral Transfer Police jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lateral Transfer Police jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lateral Transfer Police jobs are:
Lateral Transfer Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Transfer Police job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,629 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

POLICE OFFICER: LATERAL (PRE-CERTIFIED) TRANSFER

Village Of Lemont

Lemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:

Solicitation is being conducted to fill full-time current Police Officer vacancies and to establish a Second Eligibility Register (Lateral Entry) of certified candidates for available positions in compliance with 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-14.

Each candidate on the Second Eligibility Register will remain eligible for two years from the date of placement on the register.


Selection Process:

Each phase of the process is pass/fail and required to proceed to the next. All portions of the alternate testing process are mandatory. Failure to attend and complete any portion of the process will result in elimination from employment consideration.

  • Review of application materials
  • Interview
  • Background investigation
  • Post-offer examinations, including but not limited:
    • Psychological assessment
    • Polygraph
    • Medical examination
    • Drug screening
  • All appointments are subject to a required probationary period.

Lateral Eligible Police Officer Candidate Pool:

  • Lateral transfer Police Officer candidates will be placed on the Second Eligibility register following conclusion of application materials and candidate interviews
  • Inclusion in the lateral transfer candidate pool shall be based upon the relative excellence of the applicants.
  • The candidate list of lateral transfer Police Officers will be certified by the Police and Fire Commission.
  • If the selection process identifies applicants who have certain knowledge, skills and abilities that make those applicants more desirable for the position sought to be filled, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners may choose to appoint those applicants at the discretion of the Board.
  • Each candidate on the Second Eligibility Register will remain eligible for two years from the date of placement on the register.


Applications are considered complete when the application has been completed AND the required documents and forms have been uploaded in system.


Requirements:

Applicants for lateral transfer Police Officer appointments must meet the following minimum qualifications and requirements at the time of application:

  • Must be a current, non-probationary, full-time sworn municipal police officer, state police officer, county sheriff's deputy, or college/university police officer who possesses a law enforcement officer certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
  • Current status as Police Officer for a minimum of 2 years as outlined above, and currently in good standing in the Police Department in which the person serves with no adverse employment actions.
  • Completion and submission of an online application and all required documentation. Further documentation may be required to complete the background investigation process.
  • United States Citizen
  • Individuals must be at least 23 years old
  • Education: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Must agree to comply with all requirements of the position and have the ability to pass all examination and training requirements
  • Ability to furnish upon request, a copy of the following, to the extent applicable:
    • A resume
    • Professional licenses
    • Training certificates
    • Documents confirming work experience
    • Birth certificate
    • High school diploma or GED certificate
    • Transcripts of higher learning
    • Naval or military service board and discharge papers (DD214/Copy 4)
    • Last two employee evaluations


The Lemont Police Department accepts for employment and promotes its employees without regard to perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, order of protection status, physical or mental handicap unrelated to ability to perform the essential job functions or any other status or class protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Lemont Police Department bases its hiring practices and promotions on merit, experience, education and other qualifications applied to all applicants and in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and as required by any other applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Lemont Police Department complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).