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Lateral Transfer Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Transfer Police Officer

Waco, TX · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Police Officer

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$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 ...

Police Officer

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$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 ...

Police Officer

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$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 ...

Police Officer

Olathe, KS · On-site

$104K/yr

Lateral transfer police officers can receive all or partial credit for their previous years of service. The pay rate will be established based on comparable wages with Olathe Police Officers. Top out ...

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Lateral Transfer Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do lateral transfer police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral transfer police officer 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 is a lateral transfer police officer?

A Lateral Transfer Police Officer is an experienced law enforcement officer who moves from one police department to another, typically retaining their rank, pay, and sometimes seniority. This process allows officers to bring their skills and training to a new agency without starting at the entry-level. Requirements for lateral transfers often include a minimum amount of prior experience, successful completion of training, and a background check. The process can help departments fill vacancies quickly with qualified personnel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lateral transfer police officer?

To thrive as a Lateral Transfer Police Officer, you need prior law enforcement experience, state certification, and a solid understanding of criminal and civil law. Familiarity with department-specific technology such as body cameras, computer-aided dispatch systems, and report management software is typical. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and sound judgment help officers integrate quickly and effectively into new teams and communities. These competencies ensure smooth transitions, uphold public safety standards, and foster trust within the department and the community.

How does the onboarding process for lateral transfer police officers differ from that of new recruits?

Lateral transfer police officers typically undergo an expedited onboarding process compared to new recruits. While they must still complete orientation and department-specific training, they often bypass basic police academy training due to their prior experience. The focus is on familiarizing them with local protocols, technology, and community expectations. This process helps ensure a smooth integration into the team and allows lateral officers to begin field duties more quickly. Additionally, lateral transfer officers may be paired with a field training officer to help adjust to the new jurisdiction’s procedures.

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

AspectLateral Transfer Police OfficerPolice Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, police academy, often additional investigative training
Work EnvironmentPatrol duties, community policing, uniformed presenceInvestigations, case analysis, undercover work
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles are within law enforcement, a Lateral Transfer Police Officer primarily performs patrol and community policing duties, whereas a Police Detective focuses on investigations and case solving. The transfer allows officers to move laterally within the department, often with similar credentials, but the roles differ in daily responsibilities and specialization.

More about Lateral Transfer Police Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Lateral Transfer Police Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Lateral Transfer Police Officer job openings:

What states have the most Lateral Transfer Police Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lateral Transfer Police Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lateral Transfer Police Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% 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.

POLICE OFFICER: LATERAL (PRE-CERTIFIED) TRANSFER

Village Of Lemont

Lemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 hours 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).