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Police Officer Trainee Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Police Officer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$62K/yr

High School Diploma or a GED Certificate, plus six (6) months experience as Police Recruit or trainee with the Pascua Yaqui Police Department. Preferred: Lateral Police Officer applicants must be ...

Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ

Police Officer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

High School Diploma or a GED Certificate, plus six (6) months experience as Police Recruit or trainee with the Pascua Yaqui Police Department. Preferred: Lateral Police Officer applicants must be ...

City of Mesa

Police Officer Recruit

Mesa, AZ

$73K - $103K/yr

Police Officer Recruits hired with a Bachelor's Degree will receive a $500 incentive upon ... This class is responsible for performing related duties as required This is a trainee class for ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Police Officer Recruit

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$73K - $103K/yr

Police Officer Recruits hired with a Bachelor's Degree will receive a $500 incentive upon ... This is a trainee class for protective service work in the Police Department. An employee in this ...

Mohave County

Deputy Sheriff

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Graduation from the academy requires trainees successfully complete the Arizona Post POPAT (Download PDF reader) (Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test). Minimum Qualifications High School diploma ...

Maricopa

Deputy Sheriff Lateral

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$73K - $102K/yr

Out of state candidates may be able to waive a trainee academy through an Arizona POST waiver ... thePOPAT(Police Officer Physical Agility Test), administered by Arizona POST, within sixty (60 ...

Maricopa County

Deputy Sheriff Lateral

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$73K - $102K/yr

Out of state candidates may be able to waive a trainee academy through an Arizona POST waiver ... thePOPAT(Police Officer Physical Agility Test), administered by Arizona POST, within sixty (60 ...

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All JobsPolice Officer JobsPolice Officer Trainee JobsPolice Officer Trainee Jobs in Arizona

Police Officer Trainee information

See Arizona salary details

$30.3K

$57.9K

$96.5K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee in Arizona is $57,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $69,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police officer trainee?

Police Officer Trainees are individuals who have been hired by a law enforcement agency to undergo training in police academy programs. During this period, they learn the fundamental skills, laws, procedures, and ethics required to perform the duties of a police officer. Trainees are not fully sworn officers yet; they must successfully complete the academy and field training before becoming full-fledged police officers. The role is designed to prepare candidates for the physical, mental, and legal challenges of police work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, legal knowledge, and a clean background check. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and completing police academy training are typically required. Strong communication, sound judgment, and emotional resilience help trainees effectively interact with the public and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring safety, upholding the law, and building public trust in the community.

What are some common challenges faced during the police officer trainee program and how can they be overcome?

Police officer trainees often face challenges such as adapting to a strict training regimen, mastering legal procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. The physical and academic demands can be intense, requiring strong time management and resilience. Building camaraderie with fellow trainees and seeking guidance from experienced officers can help ease the transition. Staying organized, maintaining a positive mindset, and proactively asking for feedback are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and succeeding in the program.

What is the difference between Police Officer Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Officer TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies require college courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty, patrol, enforcement, and community engagement
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning laws, procedures, and skills; assisting officersEnforcing laws, patrolling, responding to incidents

The main difference between a Police Officer Trainee and a Police Officer is that trainees are in a learning phase, undergoing training and supervision, while officers are fully qualified and perform active law enforcement duties. Trainees focus on gaining skills and knowledge, whereas officers carry out the responsibilities independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Police Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Police Officer Trainee job openings:

Police Officer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Officer Trainee job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,915 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Lake Havasu City, AZ • On-site

$32.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description


*POLICE OFFICER-TRAINEE*
LAKE HAVASU CITY
CLOSING DATE: CONTINUOUS
Status: Full-time, Classified (Nonexempt)
Trainee Salary $29.90/hr.
Grade: P1
Department PD Patrol
Police Officer Rate following graduation from Police Academy: $32.35/Hourly
At the Lake Havasu City Police Department, we protect more than just people - we protect a way of life. With 300 days of sunshine, a world-famous lake, and a tight-knit community, we're looking for future officers ready to serve with heart, integrity, and courage.
Whether you're cruising past the London Bridge or responding to a call in the desert, no two days are the same here - and we like it that way.
The ideal candidate for the Lake Havasu City Police Officer Trainee position is a motivated and community-focused individual who is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and public service. They possess strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
If you are looking for the opportunity to start your career in law enforcement, working for a growing and busy agency, submit your completed application at www.lhcaz.gov. Only completed applications will be considered and resumes in lieu of application will not be accepted.
TO VIEW DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION, Click Here
Why Lake Havasu?
  • 300+ days of sunshine
  • Stunning natural environment
  • Epic community events
  • Strong sense of community + Arizona sunsets
  • Your new favorite off-duty spot: London Bridge

HIRING INCENTIVE:
  • May be eligible for hiring incentives to include relocation expenses.

Fully Equipped Like a Pro
  • Officers are provided with department-issued uniforms, which are professionally dry cleaned at the department's expense.
  • All necessary equipment and duty gear are supplied by the department.

TECHNOLOGY:
  • Department patrol vehicles are equipped with Axon Fleet in-car cameras, an in-car mobile computer, and in-car mounted speed radar.
  • AI report writing software is utilized, which streamlines the report writing process.

WORK SCHEDULE & CONDITIONS:
  • Shift work requires day, night, weekend, and holiday shifts
  • Depending on the assignment, officers may work 10- or 12-hour shifts. Based on shift start time, a pay differential of 3% or 5% is added to the hourly rate.
  • Officers may work outdoors and may be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Requirements to Roll With Us:
  • Police Officer - AZ State certification as a Police Officer
  • United States Citizenship
  • Ability to pass a background investigation
  • High school diploma or GED (preferably supplemented by coursework in Criminal Justice, and/or Military Service experience).
  • Arizona driver's license (or the ability to get one)

You vs. Pre-Approved Testing Process:
o Running
o Jumping
o Climbing Stairs
o Low Crawling
o Jumping (broad-type)
o Moving/dragging a weight (150 pounds).
o Climbing a fence (chain-link/four feet).
o Climbing through a window.
o Changing direction on the run.
Writing assignment:
  • The topic to be announced at successful completion of the physical agility testing.

Oral Board Interview:
  • Those who successfully complete the Oral Board Interview will be given a background questionnaire that will be used to complete the background investigation phase of the selection process, which can take several weeks.
  • Upon completion, candidates who are selected to move forward will be contacted at a later date to schedule a polygraph examination.

*********PRE-APPROVED TESTING PROCESS - BY INVITATION ONLY*********
  • TBD - National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) ONLINE. Lake Havasu City Police Department has partnered with Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) to administer the POST exam. This exam will consist of Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing. This component will be approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. An overall passing score of 70% is required in order to move forward. Candidates who successfully complete the POST exam will be invited to participate in the Physical agility test. Candidates may purchase at their own expense a Practice National Police Officer Selection Test and POST Study Guide at https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/.

Physical agility testing: Candidates will be required to complete the following:
  • Running
  • Jumping
  • Climbing Stairs
  • Low Crawling
  • Jumping (broad-type)
  • Moving/dragging a weight (150 pounds).
  • Climbing a fence (chain-link/four feet).
  • Climbing through a window.
  • Changing direction on the run.

Writing assignment: The topic to be announced at successful completion of the physical agility testing.
Oral Board Interview: Those who successfully complete the Oral Board Interview will be given a background questionnaire that will be used to complete the background investigation phase of the selection process, which can take several weeks.
Upon completion, candidates who are selected to move forward will be contacted at a later date to schedule a polygraph examination.
Additional Comments
Lake Havasu City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
BENEFITS:
  • Employer provided Medical/Rx (Health Savings Plan, Exclusive Provider Organization)
  • Dental/Vision
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
  • Employer Provided Basic Life Insurance
  • Optional Additional Life Insurance
  • Optional Insurance-Critical Illness, Hospitalization Indemnity, Accident
  • 11 Paid Holidays Annually
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Sworn Police Officers participate in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).
  • Optional Deferred Compensation
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Service Awards

Applicants for employment opportunities should be aware of the Lake Havasu City policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy. All positions within the City are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment.
The City reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants. The succeeding examination processes may be required: training and experience, testing, panel interview, employment eligibility verification (EEV) requirements, psychological evaluation, polygraph test, background investigation and alcohol/drug screening test. Appointment subject to successful background investigation and City paid post-employment medical examination after an offer of employment has been made.
About Us
Lake Havasu City sits comfortably on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu along the Colorado River border of California and Arizona. The city was established in 1963 by Robert P. McCulloch, Sr. as a self-sufficient, planned community.
Lake Havasu City is located on what is known as "Arizona's West Coast," just 3 hours west of Phoenix, 2½ hours south of Las Vegas and 4-5 hours east of the Los Angeles area. As part of the northern and western limits of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area feature outstanding biodiversity absolutely loaded with beautiful experiences.

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