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Police Officer Trainee Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer - Lateral or Trainee

Moab, UT · On-site

$32.98 - $39.67/hr

Trainee will be sponsored through Utah P.O.S.T. Academy* *Moving reimbursement: $2,000-$5,000 for ... The Police Officers receive general supervision in the carrying out of duties and close supervision ...

Trainee will be sponsored through Utah P.O.S.T. Academy* *Moving reimbursement: $2,000-$5,000 for ... The Police Officers receive general supervision in the carrying out of duties and close supervision ...

... police, fire and emergency personnel in response to emergency and assistance calls for service ... Trainee program. Hold current certifications for Peace Officer Standards and Training Dispatcher ...

Police Officer Trainee information

See Utah salary details

$29.6K

$56.6K

$94.2K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee in Utah is $56,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $67,800.00 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 Utah?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Police Officer Trainee job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,578 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Police Officer - Lateral or Trainee

City of Moab

Moab, UT • On-site

$32.98 - $39.67/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

*Lateral Hire Bonus: $15,000 for qualified individuals with a year or more of law enforcement experience. (Bonus is paid at $5,000 a year for three years.)*

*Trainee will be sponsored through Utah P.O.S.T. Academy*

*Moving reimbursement: $2,000-$5,000 for approved moving expenses to relocate within 60 miles of Moab, Utah*

General Purpose

Performs a variety of entry-level professional and technical law enforcement duties related to enforcing laws, maintaining the peace, providing security, rendering aid and protecting the citizens of and visitors to the community. Responds to situations involving threats to public safety and makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others, including in circumstances and at times when personal life or personal safety may be at risk.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received: The Police Officers receive general supervision in the carrying out of duties and close supervision in activity review by the Police Sergeant.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Essential Functions
  • Performs duties that put life and/or personal safety at risk; performs duties that actively prevent or detect crime and enforce criminal statutes or ordinances of the state of Utah.
  • Responds to situations involving threats to public safety, makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others; performs various duties consistent with ensuring and providing community protection.
  • Patrols an assigned area of the City in a radio/Mobile Data Computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order.
  • May be assigned to a foot patrol, extra patrol, bicycle patrol, motorcycle.
  • Checks businesses/residences, discovering/preventing the commission of crimes.
  • Enforces State and municipal laws and city ordinances.
  • Enforces all applicable city, state, and federal laws and ordinances by apprehending, citing and arresting violators as appropriate.
  • Investigates criminal activity, gathers evidence, interviews victims, witnesses and suspects and takes appropriate action to solve case and to bring suspects before proper judicial process.
  • Investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic and parking violations; directs traffic and assists motorists as needed.
  • Responds to calls for service and renders aid to distressed citizens by maintaining the peace, supplying information, and aiding in assisting the citizens as applicable.
  • Completes detailed and accurate reports of daily activities, criminal cases, arrests, traffic accidents and other cases as appropriate; presents evidence and testimony in court and other hearings as required.
  • Operates police vehicle and other department equipment in a manner that will maximize its life span and provide the utmost safety for the officer and the public.
  • Maintains visible presence to deter and prevent crime.
  • Performs foot and/or bicycle patrol in the business areas to acquaint themselves with the business community and to make themselves more readily available to the citizens.
  • Checks for building security and illegal activity.
  • Performs ongoing public relations to enhance the image of the department within the community.
  • As assigned, represents the department by speaking at public meetings and schools to educate and inform citizens; presents a professional image in both appearance and demeanor.
  • Serves warrants, processes, notices, summons and subpoenas and keeps records of disposition.
  • Attends all minimum and assigned training and instructional meetings.
  • Keeps informed of current law enforcement practices, procedures, and trends.
  • Performs related duties as required.
Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience

High School graduate or equivalent.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Some knowledge of current principles and practices of law enforcement;
  • Ability to establish effective and courteous working relationships with fellow officers, the public and other agencies;
  • Ability to act with tact and impartiality;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; and
  • Ability to develop skills in the use of firearms, motor vehicles and other related equipment.
Special Qualifications (Licenses, Certifications, etc.)
  • Must meet minimum P.O.S.T. Entry-level Physical Fitness Standards and must be Utah P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Officer Certified within 12 months of employment.
Work Environment and Physical Demands

Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium heavy weights. Difficult working positions. Must stand, walk, or sit uncomfortably for extended periods. Moderate exposure to elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust or grease. Exposure to hostile, life-threatening situations. May be required to use physical force to include deadly force in course of assigned duties.

Considerable exposure to stressful and traumatic situations because of human behavior. In field operations, exposure to stress, traumatic events and other occupational hazards is of considerable magnitude.

Required to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays in addition to regularly scheduled shift on an as needed basis.

Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential to performing job requirements. Common eye, hand and finger dexterity is required for most essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application; review of training and experience; interview with hiring authority; physical fitness test; background investigation. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and psychological evaluation. Upon employment must possess a Utah driver's license.

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral candidates who possess Utah P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Officer Certification or a like certification from another state.