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Police Academy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Marina, CA

$6.6K/mo

Police Opening Date: 03/26/2025 SUMMARY DEFINITION Under direct supervision, this At-Will classification must attend and successfully pass the State of California POST Basic Police Academy.

City of Antioch

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA

$66K/yr

TRAINEE SALARY (While Attending the Academy) is $31.80/hour plus medical, vision, and dental benefits After successful completion of the Police Academy, and you transition to a sworn Police Officer ...

City of Antioch, CA

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA · On-site

$66K/yr

TRAINEE SALARY (While Attending the Academy) is $31.80/hour plus medical, vision, and dental benefits. After successful completion of the Police Academy, and you transition to a sworn Police Officer ...

Denver Police Department

DENVER POLICE OFFICER

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

SALARY BREAKDOWN (Effective July 1, 2025) • Police Officer Recruit -- $75,257.00 Starting salary on day one of the Denver Police Academy • Police Officer 4th Grade -- $81,046.00 Upon graduation ...

Largo

Police Cadet - Academy Sponsorship

Largo, FL · On-site

$28.76/hr

A Police Cadet serves as a paid, at-will employee while attending training at an approved Police Academy. The City of Largo currently utilizes the Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI ...

Denver Police Department

Be Seen First

Denver Police Officer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$71K - $110K/yr

Police Officer Recruit: $ 71,633 (Starting day one of the Denver Police Academy) Police Officer 4th Grade: $ 77,143 (Graduation from the Denver Police Academy) Police Officer 3rd Grade: $ 82,653 ...

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All JobsPolice Academy Jobs

Police Academy information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police academy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for police academy 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 the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

The easiest law enforcement job to enter is often a community service officer or a civilian support role, which typically require less rigorous training and may not require a full police academy graduation. These positions often focus on administrative tasks, traffic control, or community outreach and may have lower educational or experience requirements compared to sworn officer roles.

What is a police academy?

A police academy is a training school where aspiring law enforcement officers receive the education and physical preparation needed to become police officers. Recruits learn about criminal law, procedures, ethics, firearms use, emergency response, and community policing. The academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure candidates are ready for the demands of police work. Upon successful completion, graduates are typically eligible to join a police force or law enforcement agency.

Do cops make $100,000?

Police officers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with overtime, experience, specialized units, or in high-cost areas. Entry-level salaries are typically lower, but with years of service and additional duties, pay can increase significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by trainees during Police Academy, and how can they prepare for them?

Police Academy trainees often face challenges such as adapting to rigorous physical training, mastering a wide range of academic subjects, and learning to work effectively as part of a disciplined team. Balancing classroom learning with hands-on exercises and maintaining high ethical standards can also be demanding. To prepare, applicants should focus on improving their physical fitness, brushing up on relevant laws and procedures, and developing strong communication and teamwork skills. Approaching the Academy with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn will help trainees succeed and build a solid foundation for their law enforcement careers.

What is the difference between Police Academy vs Police Officer Training Program?

AspectPolice Academy
PurposeTo train recruits in law enforcement skills and knowledge before becoming officers
DurationTypically several weeks to months
CredentialsCertification or diploma upon completion
Work EnvironmentClassroom, training grounds, simulated scenarios

The Police Academy is a comprehensive training program that prepares individuals to become police officers. It covers law enforcement procedures, physical training, and legal knowledge. The Police Officer Training Program refers to this initial training process that equips recruits with the skills needed to serve as officers. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but the Police Academy specifically denotes the training institution and curriculum.

What actor was a cop in real life?

Several actors who played police officers in films or TV shows have had real-life law enforcement experience. Notably, actor and former police officer Fred Williamson served as a police officer before his acting career. Such backgrounds can add authenticity to their portrayals of law enforcement roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Academy cadet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Academy cadet, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and a basic understanding of law enforcement principles. Training involves learning to use firearms, radio communication systems, and law enforcement databases, often supplemented by certifications in CPR and first aid. Strong ethical judgment, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and responding to high-pressure situations. These competencies ensure cadets are prepared to handle the demands of policing, maintain public safety, and uphold community standards.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police academies typically accept applicants of various ages, and starting a law enforcement career at 27 is common. Many officers begin training in their late 20s or early 30s, and prior life experience can be an asset in the profession.
More about Police Academy jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Academy jobs? Cities with the most Police Academy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Academy jobs? The most popular types of Police Academy jobs are:
What states have the most Police Academy jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Academy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Academy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Academy jobs are:
Police Academy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Academy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer (122nd Police Academy)

City of Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, NC • On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: $57,220.00 Annually
Location : (Greensboro Police Department ) 100 Police Plaza Greensboro, NC
Job Type: Active Full-Time
Job Number: 05420
Department: Greensboro Police Department Academy
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Join a Purpose-Driven Team Committed to Building a Stronger Greensboro
The City of Greensboro is proud to serve alongside our community in shaping the quality of life our residents deserve. At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to public trust, community partnership, and a shared vision for a safer, stronger future. We believe in fostering a workplace culture where dedication to public service is more than a job-it's a calling.
If you're driven by a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we invite you to explore the Greensboro Police Department and consider becoming part of our mission.
BENEFITS:
The Greensboro Police Department is one of only a few police departments in North Carolina that will pay you while you train. Get the best training in one of the best cities in the state.
COMPETITIVE PAY:
• Salaries starting at $57,220 with a 4% salary increase once recruits become sworn officers
PLUS BONUS PAY:
• Signing Bonus of at least $2,800.00
• Night Shift Premium Pay of $3,600 annually
• Educational Bonus up to $5,000.00
• Military Bonus of $2,500.00
• Bilingual Pay up to $2,500.00 annually
Law Enforcement Certificate Pay up to $1,250.00 annually
PAID TIME OFF:
13 Paid Holidays • 11 Days Paid Vacation
• 96 Hours Sick Time
4 DAY WORK WEEK:
4 Days On
4 Days Off
HEALTH AND RETIREMENT:
The City offers a comprehensive retirement and benefits package including 401 (k), Health, Vision, Dental, Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, and more.
GROWTH POTENTIAL:
With the excellent training GPD officers receive, they are always encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
Tuition Assistance up to $2,000 annually
SUPPORT FOR WHOLE FAMILY:
At the Greensboro Police Department, we support the whole family. After one year of service, six weeks of paid caregiver leave are available for those with new children or caring for a sick family member. In addition, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period. For mothers returning to work, we offer a lactation-friendly work environment, including a clean and private lactation room and sufficient breaks during the workday.
Please visit: ) to view a complete list and learn more about joining the GPD Team.
Work Schedule/Requirements:
40-hour work week
The employment procedure for the Police Trainee position is a multi-step process. An applicant must pass each step in sequential order to progress to the next step. An applicant who misses a scheduled appointment (unless a verified emergency) may be voluntarily withdrawn from any further consideration. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions that would restrict their ability to safely perform these duties. These conditions must be met at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the application process. No residency requirements presently exist to apply for the position of Police Officer. Upon acceptance to the police academy, all candidates must be residents of North Carolina. Qualified applicants will be scheduled periodically throughout the year for hiring consideration.
Recruit training is an intense 25-week program that demands high academic performance in areas such as law, human relations, first aid, firearms, driver training, defensive tactics, and modern law enforcement techniques. The academy also includes daily rigorous physical activity, weight training, aerobic activities, periodic assessments on the physical abilities course, etc. Police Trainees must successfully complete all topical areas and the State Comprehensive Examination. Sworn status is conferred upon successful completion of the Greensboro Police Department Academy and the State Examination administered by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
New officers then receive an additional 12 weeks of field training followed by assignment to one of four districts of the Patrol Bureau. Officers patrol a designated area of the City and are responsible for the prevention of crime, investigation of offenses, and apprehension of violators. The officer must also respond to automobile accidents, crimes in progress, and other emergencies and is required to exercise judgment and initiative in handling both routine and complex problems.
Please refer to for information on pre-employment testing and the application process. Specific questions may be directed to the Greensboro Police DepartmentRecruiting at 336-373-4361 or 336-840-7425. The job is NON-EXEMPT under FLSA.
Ready to Answer the Call?
If you're ready to serve with integrity, protect your community, and build a meaningful career in law enforcement, take your next career step by joining the Greensboro Police Department and help shape a safer future together!
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or have passed the General Development Test (GED), indicating high school equivalency
  • Must not have committed or been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor
  • Must meet the physically demanding requirements of the job
  • Must be a United States citizen
  • Must have a valid North Carolina driver's license before the start of the Police Academy
  • Must be 20 years old before completion of the Police Academy
  • Must successfully pass a rigid physical examination and drug test, psychological examination, and polygraph examination if extended a Conditional Offer of Probationary Employment
  • Corrected vision shall be at least 20/20 (Titmus) for both eyes together, and each eye separately. Uncorrected vision shall be at least 20/100 (Titmus) in both eyes together, but must correct to 20/20 with glasses or soft contacts; color vision deficiency is not acceptable, monocular vision is not acceptable
  • Hearing-cumulative loss shall not exceed at pre-determined frequencies in either ear, shall not have a combined loss of greater than 160 dB in both ears, and hearing aids are not acceptable
  • POPAT test time will be used to predict whether or not a candidate may be successful in the Academy
  • Must meet the State-mandated reading level requirement of 11th grade or higher (reference NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Administrative Rules - 12 NCAC 09.0203(e)

Requirements
Special Notes Concerning This Position:
  • Applicants selected to participate in the first phase of testing will be administered a reading comprehension test. Applicants must meet the State-mandated reading level requirement of 11th grade or higher (reference NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Administrative Rules - 12 NCAC 09.0203(e). Applicants not meeting the State-mandated reading level will be discontinued from the Police Academy application process.
  • The North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission has mandated minimum requirements for employment as a law enforcement officer. Individual agencies may require higher standards. See 12 NCAC 09B .0101 and 12 NCAC 09B .0111 - Minimum Standards for Certification.
Documentation of Criminal Charges - When an applicant has a criminal record, he/she must list ALL charges, regardless of the disposition or the date of the charge, on the Form F-3 (LE) - Personal History Statement. Even if a charge was dismissed by the court or the district attorney, it still must be listed under the Criminal Offense Record section of these forms. Every charge listed must be accompanied by true/certified copies of the warrant for arrest, citation/magistrate's order, etc., and the court disposition/judgment. This documentation may be obtained from the Clerk of Court's Office in the county in which the applicant was criminally charged. Failure to list ALL charges may result in denial of certification or suspension/revocation of an existing certification.
01
Are you a current or previous City of Greensboro employee? If so, please enter your Lawson ID and the department you work/worked for. If not applicable or you can't remember, please enter N/A.
02
Have you previously applied with the Greensboro Police Department?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If you have previously applied to the Greensboro Police Department, please list the month and year of all previous applications. If you have never applied before, enter N/A.
04
How did you hear about this opportunity with the Greensboro Police Department?
  • Social Media (FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter etc.)
  • Internet
  • College Program
  • Movie Theaters
  • iApplyGreensboro
  • Newspaper Advertisement
  • Billboards
  • WUPN (Channel 45)
  • The WB (Channel WBFX)
  • Cable TV (BET, Weather Channel, Lifetime, ESPN 2)
  • Calendar
  • Direct mail out
  • Friend/Family Member
  • City Employee
  • Other advertisement

05
Please select the "class" category driver's license you posses.
  • No Driver's License
  • NCID (North Carolina Identification Card)
  • Type C
  • Type A CDL
  • Type B CDL
  • Out of state Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • Out of state non/commercial Driver's License

06
Please provide your Driver's License Number in the space below or type "Not Applicable" or "N/A" if you do not possess a Driver's License.
07
Have you ever used Marijuana? If so, please indicate the last time.
  • "NA" or Not Applicable
  • Less than 1 year ago
  • 1 year, but less than 3 years ago
  • 3 years, but less than 5 years ago
  • 5 years, but less than 7 years ago
  • 7 years, but less than 10 years ago
  • 10 or more years ago

08
If you answered yes to using Marijuana, please indicate the month, year, and State of when and where you last used it. If this doesn't apply, enter N/A.
09
Have you ever used any of the following drugs illegally? If so, please check all that apply.
  • "NA" or Not Applicable
  • Ecstasy
  • Powder Cocaine
  • Crack Cocaine
  • PCP (Phencyclidine)
  • Amphetamines
  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
  • Methamphetamine
  • Steroids
  • Mushrooms (Hallucinogens)
  • Opiates (Morphine and Codeine)

10
If you indicated that you've used any of the drugs listed in Question 9, please indicate the last time.
  • "NA" or Not Applicable
  • Less than 1 year ago
  • 1 year, but less than 3 years ago
  • 3 years, but less than 5 years ago
  • 5 years, but less than 7 years ago
  • 7 years, but less than 10 years ago
  • 10 or more years ago

11
Have you ever used any prescription medication that was not prescribed to you?
  • Yes
  • No

12
If you selected "Yes" in the question above, please explain below. **Incomplete answers will not be processed.** If you selected "No" in the question above, please type "Not Applicable" or "N/A"
13
Have you ever sold, distributed or manufactured, any amount of marijuana, any other legal or illegal drug?
  • Yes
  • No

14
If you selected "Yes" in the question above, please explain below. **Incomplete answers will not be processed.** If you selected "No" in the question above, please type "Not Applicable" or "N/A"
15
Have you ever had a Domestic Violence Orderissued against you?
  • Yes
  • No

16
If you selected "Yes" in the question above, please provide the Date of Issuance and the Date of Expiration.. **Incomplete answers will not be processed.** If you selected "No" in the question above, please type "Not Applicable" or "N/A"
17
Have you ever committed an act of Domestic Violence (reported or non-reported)? Domestic Violence includes acts against immediate family members, spouses, or anyone you were living with at the time or anytime previous to the act.
  • Yes
  • No

18
If you selected "Yes" in the question above, please explain below. **Incomplete answers will not be processed.** If you selected "No" in the question above, please type "Not Applicable" or "N/A"
19
Have you ever been arrested for DWI or DUI? please indicate the last time.
  • "NA" or Not Applicable
  • Less than 2 years ago
  • 2 years, but less than 4 years ago
  • 4 years, but less than 6 years ago
  • 6 years, but less than 8 years ago
  • 8 years, but less than 10 years ago
  • 10 or more years ago

20
Have you been convicted of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No

21
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor?
  • Yes
  • No

22
If you indicated that you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, please explain below. If not, please type "Not Applicable" or "N/A" **Incomplete answers will not be processed.**
23
Have you ever received any of the following types of military discharge?
  • "Not Applicable" or "N/A"
  • Uncharacterized
  • Honorable
  • General (Under honorable conditions)
  • Under other than honorable conditions
  • Bad Conduct Discharge
  • Dishonorable Discharge
  • Dismissal

24
Have you ever been arrested by a law enforcement officer or otherwise charged with a criminal offense?

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