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Police Officer Requirements Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Police Officer Requirements: Position performs all aspects of police duties. Lateral applicants must have 2 years of prior law enforcement experience as well as a Basic Certification or out ...

Police Officer DEPARTMENT: Police ACCOUNTABLE TO: Captain/Sergeant PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION ... The physical requirements include sitting, walking, stooping, bending, running short distances ...

Police Officer DEPARTMENT: Police ACCOUNTABLE TO: Captain/Sergeant PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION ... The physical requirements include sitting, walking, stooping, bending, running short distances ...

Police officers maintain order and protect people's lives and property. They enforce local, state ... Note that the eligibility requirements and hiring process for becoming a federal officer may be ...

Police Officer

Katy, TX · On-site

$33.85 - $42.32/hr

Police Cadet candidates must meet the City's eligibility requirements and successfully complete the ... Officer, we invite you to join the City of Katy Police Department and serve with purpose.

Police Officer

Asheville, NC · On-site

$24.55 - $36.83/hr

Education and Experience Requirements: MUST HAVE: Certification as a Police Officer through the NC ... Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission;ORCompletion of NC BLET program. NC BLET ...

Police Officer

Asheville, NC · On-site

$24.55 - $36.83/hr

Education and Experience Requirements: * MUST HAVE: Certification as a Police Officer through the ... NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission; OR Completion of NC BLET program. NC ...

POLICE OFFICER

Minot, ND · On-site

$26.83 - $39.83/hr

... position of Police Officer in the Minot Police Department. All qualified applicants must ... requirements: * 60 or more accredited college credits * Possess a current North Dakota (or other ...

Police Officer

Katy, TX · On-site

$33.85 - $42.32/hr

Police Cadet candidates must meet the City's eligibility requirements and successfully complete the ... Officer, we invite you to join the City of Katy Police Department and serve with purpose. Job ...

Police Officer

Katy, TX · On-site

$33.85 - $42.32/hr

Police Cadet candidates must meet the City's eligibility requirements and successfully complete the ... Officer, we invite you to join the City of Katy Police Department and serve with purpose.

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

All candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the Cooper (physical agility) Test. Applicants passing the Cooper Test will take the Police Officer Selection Test ...

Lateral Police officer

West Linn, OR · On-site

$39.80 - $46.60/hr

Qualifications Lateral Police Officer Requirements: Position performs all aspects of police duties . Lateral Applicants must have 2 years of prior law enforcement experience as well as a Basic ...

Requirements Help Conditions of employment Your completed application and required documents must ... Written Exam - The Police Officer Selection Test (POST) will test the candidate's knowledge of ...

Police Officer

Provo, UT · On-site

$89K - $94K/yr

Maintain Utah Peace Officer Standards and training requirements each year Preferred: * Experience ... Police Officer I/FTO, Police Officer II, Senior Police Officer, Master Police Officer Police ...

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

Current out-of-state certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience must meet the below requirements: Proof of State Certification as a Certified Police ...

Police Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$78 - $95/hr

Police Officer Announcement number/Req ID: req792 Closing date: 8/31/2026 Pay scale & grade: LP 01 ... Supervisory status False Promotion potential 03 Requirements Your completed application and ...

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Police Officer Requirements information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police officer requirements jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer requirements 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 requirements to become a police officer?

To become a police officer, candidates typically need to have at least a high school diploma or GED, though some agencies may require college coursework or a degree. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, be at least 18 or 21 years old depending on the jurisdiction, and possess a valid driver’s license. Passing a background check, physical fitness test, written exam, psychological evaluation, and completing police academy training are also standard requirements. Additional steps may include interviews and medical examinations. Requirements can vary by state and department, so it’s important to check with the specific agency.

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

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, criminal law, and physical fitness, typically supported by a high school diploma (or GED), police academy training, and state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement technologies such as radio communication systems, body cameras, and report management software is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and ethical judgment help officers effectively interact with the public and manage high-pressure situations. These combined skills ensure public safety, uphold the law, and foster community trust and effective policing.

What are some common challenges faced by new police officers during their probationary period?

New police officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the shift-based work schedule, managing high-stress situations, and building effective communication skills with both the public and colleagues. The probationary period is designed to test practical skills and decision-making in real-world scenarios, which can be demanding as officers learn to apply academy training on the job. Support from experienced team members and ongoing mentorship are crucial during this time to help new officers successfully transition into their roles and develop confidence.

What is the difference between Police Officer Requirements vs Police Detective Requirements?

CriteriaPolice Officer RequirementsPolice Detective Requirements
EducationHigh school diploma or GEDHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies prefer college coursework
TrainingPolice academy trainingPolice academy training; additional investigative training often required
CertificationsPeace officer certificationPeace officer certification; specialized investigative certifications
Work EnvironmentPatrol, community engagement, emergency responseInvestigations, case analysis, surveillance

While both police officers and detectives require similar foundational credentials and police academy training, detectives typically have additional investigative experience and may pursue specialized certifications. Police officers focus on patrol and immediate response, whereas detectives handle investigations and casework. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths within law enforcement.

Is it hard to get hired as a police officer?

Getting hired as a police officer can be competitive, as applicants typically need to meet specific requirements such as a minimum age, a clean criminal record, and a high school diploma or equivalent. The process often includes written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and interviews, making the selection process rigorous. Strong communication skills, physical fitness, and relevant training or certifications can improve chances of hiring.
More about Police Officer Requirements jobs

What cities are hiring for Police Officer Requirements jobs?

Cities with the most Police Officer Requirements job openings:

What states have the most Police Officer Requirements jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Police Officer Requirements job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Lateral Police officer

City of West Linn

West Linn, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Lateral Police Officer

The City of West Linn is seeking individuals to join our team of dedicated and caring law enforcement professionals as a Lateral Police Officer. A career with the City of West Linn Police Department offers exposure to a variety of opportunities including working with neighborhoods, businesses, community groups, and citizens as well as protection, prevention, enforcement, investigations, and emergency response. All individuals interested in a rewarding and challenging career providing excellence in policing to a community where equity, diversity and inclusion are valued are encouraged to apply. Up to 17% pay incentives possible at time of appointment. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties; however, these examples do not include all the specific tasks that an employee may be expected to perform:

  • Contributes to a positive work environment.
  • Maintains a positive relationship with fellow employees and with persons outside the City organization.
  • Performs active patrol of City roads and residential and business areas of the City and enforces traffic laws, criminal laws and City ordinances.
  • Takes and prepares full and comprehensive reports on activities within the officer's jurisdiction.
  • Responds to a variety of radio calls, including traffic accidents, thefts, burglaries, rapes, family disputes, juvenile disputes, large parties, animal related calls, etc., taking appropriate action. May provide delivery services as requested.
  • Investigates accidents and criminal complaints, make arrests and issues citations. May transport prisoners as required by law.
  • Assists the public by answering questions regarding directions, laws, and ordinances; aiding stranded motorists; checking roads and street signs; reporting defects; and giving any other assistance needed by the public.
  • May assist in crime prevention and public relation activities including making presentations to various groups.
  • Appears in court as a witness, when necessary.
  • Performs minor first aid at scenes of accidents, which sometimes include serious injuries, and directs traffic if necessary.
  • Ensure the security of sensitive information and limit its dissemination to only approved certified personnel. This includes communications on the MDC, report writing computers and radio communications.

Lateral Police Officer Requirements: Position performs all aspects of police duties. Lateral applicants must have 2 years of prior law enforcement experience as well as a Basic Certification or out of state equivalent. Please include certificate with job application.

Prior to appointment, successful candidate must pass pre-employment testing and screening process Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED Certificate (An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university is preferred/desirable.) Up to 17% pay incentives possible at time of appointment. Must be 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and possess a valid Driver's License at time of appointment and a good driving record required.

Training: Specialized skills and abilities to perform job include skill in Intoxilyzer and radar operation; firearms proficiency; safe motor vehicle operation in emergency situations, i.e., high speeds; ability to communicate effectively and clearly in written and verbal form; providing comprehensive and objective reports; and ability to comprehend instructions and act upon them accordingly. Preference will be given to applicants who have been assigned to a detective position and/or have significant investigative experience.

Supervision: Received: Limited supervision from a Police Sergeant or an officer of higher rank who assigns work details and reviews work for conformance to departmental rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Federal, State and City laws.

Exercised: Supervision is not a normal responsibility of this position. May have input on the training of reserves. May give direction to other personnel in similar job function at comparable or subordinate levels, when serving as a primary officer on calls for service.

Communication: Relationships outside the City organization include other police or enforcement agencies, children's services, behavioral health units, county courts, district attorney's office, county and state parole and probation officers, schools and criminals on a fairly frequent basis either in written or verbal form. Contacts are made with other City departments (largely with municipal court) and on a less frequent basis all other departments. Contact with the City's residents is frequent providing assistance, taking reports, issuing warnings, citations, arrests, etc. Often contact is of a negative enforcement nature with the general public. Sensitive information is communicated both in the taking of reports and in the investigation of alleged criminal activity.

Cognitive Functions: This position is not normally responsible for the development of new policies, procedures, systems and methodologies, though assistance may be requested in said development. There is precedent available on which to base decisions made in most incidents. With the variety of situations an officer encounters, an officer is expected to judge each situation and act accordingly in a relatively short period of time. The officer has discretionary decision making power on a regular basis regarding enforcement decisions; i.e., arrest or not arrest, issue a verbal warning or a citation, least likely, shoot or not shoot. Errors that could be made in the normal course of work may result in civil or criminal suit against the officer and/or City or injury to or death of an officer or civilians.

Working Conditions:

Employees in this position drive and work in all types of weather and traffic conditions. Officers are exposed to a variety of physical risks on a frequent and unpredictable basis which could result in personal injury, death, or property damage. Such exposures include but are not limited to exposure to threats against self and family members, verbal and physical assaults, communicable diseases, and mental or physical illnesses. Dangers are caused by contact with violent and ill people in unpredictable situations.

Rotating shifts, working weekends, and holidays is expected and occurs as a normal course of duty. Changes in shifts may occur with limited notice. Overtime, split days off and shifts, and double back shifts may occur on an unexpected but regular basis. Call back for court duty on a regular day off is to be expected. Resource Accountability: Officers are held accountable for the vehicles they drive and the equipment provided therein.

Officers make reports and maintain notebooks with sensitive information; however, they are not normally responsible for the maintenance of these records. The job classification description does not constitute and employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the need of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of West Linn is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Some positions require pre-employment drug testing, passing a medical exam and/or a police background check. Job related reference checks will be conducted prior to employment being offered. EEO Policy: The City of West Linn is committed to equal employment opportunity as a way to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified employees. Moreover, it is the intent of the City to actively support and comply with local, state and federal law.

Accordingly: We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. Veterans Preference: The City of West Linn provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law.

Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application, providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.