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Police Recruit Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Police Recruit

Brighton, CO · On-site

$31.93/hr

Police Recruits who successfully complete the approved academy and obtain a State of Colorado Basic Peace Officer Certification will be promoted to Police Officer. This position must work well ...

Police Recruit

Brighton, CO · On-site

$31.93/hr

Police Recruits who successfully complete the approved academy and obtain a State of Colorado Basic Peace Officer Certification will be promoted to Police Officer This position must work well ...

Police Cadet

Sterling, CO · On-site

$62K/yr

Recruitment Notice The City of Sterling Police Department is currently recruiting candidates for assignment to a Colorado P.O.S.T. academy, with anticipated academies in January or August 2027 ...

Police Cadet

Sterling, CO · On-site

$2.6K/wk

Recruitment Notice The City of Sterling Police Department is currently recruiting candidates for assignment to a Colorado P.O.S.T. academy, with anticipated academies in January or August 2027 ...

Police Officer Recruit

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$77K - $85K/yr

The Town of Estes Park seeks interested and qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Incumbent actively participates in Law Enforcement Academy as determined by the Town of ...

Police Officer Recruit

Golden, CO · On-site +1

$39.58/hr

Colorado POST certification from an academy required by time of appointment to position of police officer. Non-POST certified individuals may be hired in a recruit status pending POST certification.

Police Officer Recruit

Golden, CO · On-site +1

$39.58/hr

Colorado POST certification from an academy required by time of appointment to position of police officer. Non-POST certified individuals may be hired in a recruit status pending POST certification.

Denver Police Officer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

DENVER POLICE AND LATERAL OFFICER RECRUITMENT The City and County of Denver is seeking motivated, professional, and community-oriented individuals to serve as Denver Police Officers. The Denver ...

Denver Police Officer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

DENVER POLICE AND LATERAL OFFICER RECRUITMENT The City and County of Denver is seeking motivated, professional, and community-oriented individuals to serve as Denver Police Officers. The Denver ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Recruit information

See Colorado salary details

$37.9K

$69.2K

$139.3K

How much do police recruit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for police recruit in Colorado is $69,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,600.00 and $78,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police recruit?

Police Recruits are individuals who have been selected to enter a police academy for training to become sworn law enforcement officers. During their time as recruits, they undergo rigorous instruction in areas such as criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, and community policing. They are not yet full police officers but are in the process of learning the essential skills and knowledge required for the role. Upon successful completion of the training program, Police Recruits are typically promoted to the position of Police Officer and begin active duty in the community.

What does a police recruit do?

A police recruit is a non-sworn employee of a police department. In this position, your duties involve undergoing training to become an entry-level police officer. Your responsibilities revolve around learning basic skills and procedures needed to be a police officer. In addition to training, you may observe professional police officers as they perform their duties. A police recruit must graduate from a police academy before moving on to work as an officer on a probationary basis.

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

To thrive as a Police Recruit, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic knowledge of law enforcement principles, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with report-writing software, radio communication systems, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, resilience, and sound judgment help recruits excel in challenging situations and build community trust. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining public safety, effective communication, and ethical law enforcement.

What are some common challenges new police recruits face during their initial training and how can they prepare for them?

New Police Recruits often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physical and mental demands of the police academy, mastering a wide range of laws and procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. Time management and stress resilience are crucial, as recruits must balance classroom learning with physical training and practical exercises. To prepare, candidates should focus on physical fitness, familiarize themselves with basic law enforcement concepts, and practice clear, respectful communication. Many recruits find it helpful to connect with recent academy graduates for support and advice.

What is the difference between Police Recruit vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice RecruitPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, experience may vary
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, probation periodActive duty in the field, patrol, investigations
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in law enforcement agenciesFull-fledged law enforcement personnel

In summary, a Police Recruit is an entry-level candidate undergoing training and probation, while a Police Officer is a fully sworn law enforcement professional actively working in the field.

Infographic showing various Police Recruit job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,216 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Police Recruit

City of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$31.87/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


City Of Colorado Springs rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $31.87 Hourly
Location : POC 705 S Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full Time Employment
Job Number: 2027 March - Recruit
Department: CSPD Human Resources
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:55 PM Mountain
Description
This job posting is for an academy scheduled to start in March 2027; however, we reserve the right to change the dates if operationally necessary.
The current Recruit hourly rate is $31.87.
Upon successful completion of the Police Academy and obtaining the required POST certification, you will be promoted to the rank of Police Officer.
A police officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department will patrol assigned sectors and respond to calls for service in order to keep the peace, provide assistance, resolve conflict and maintain positive visibility. An officer also enforces federal, state and local laws and ordinances, as well as deters criminal activity and makes arrests when necessary. A police officer also works in partnership with the community to identify and resolve community concerns, and educates and communicates laws to the public concerning traffic and criminal activity. Investigates and reports all criminal or suspicious activity through Department forms and documents. Renders aid to injured persons.
Job Summary
1. Patrols assigned sector in marked police vehicle.
2. Responds to calls from citizens.
3. Provides assistance to community members by solving problems and resolving conflict.
4. Locates and arrests suspects of crimes.
5. Issues traffic and criminal summons when necessary.
6. Intervenes in disturbances, fights, and altercations.
7. Pursues fleeing suspects on foot or in vehicle.
8. Climbs, crawls, jumps, and/or runs to pursue suspects and protect life.
9. Pushes/pulls, lifts and/or carries persons and/or suspects who may be injured or unconscious.
10. Makes forceful arrests.
Minimum Qualifications
This position is for applicants that have no prior law enforcement experience, or less than three years of paid experience as a law enforcement officer. The minimum qualifications for Police Recruit are:
  • You must be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire (November academy start).
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • You must not have been convicted of a felony (this includes felony convictions as a juvenile).
  • You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
  • You must meet all requirements necessary to certify with the Colorado POST Board including:
    • You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime that would affect your ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. Visit the POST website at for a list of misdemeanors that will preclude police officer certification.
    • You must be able to lawfully possess a firearm.
  • If hired, you will be required to furnish proof of U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident Status that includes eligibility to lawfully own and carry a firearm and ammunition. Click here for Colorado POST information on Non-United States Citizens Eligibility. While we understand there have been recent changes in state law that permit some persons not lawfully in the United States to become Colorado POST certified, federal law remains as a prohibition to this. In addition, the Colorado Springs Police Department policies regarding firearms for its officers and recruits do not outline any exceptions at this time.
  • You must not have been released or discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.
  • You must pass the Physical Readiness Test maintain good physical condition, and meet the medical standards as established by the City of Colorado Springs Police Department.
  • You must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Candidates must have a native level proficiency in the English language.

By date of hire, candidates that have been selected for employment must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license.
In addition, failure to successfully meet all Testing and Performance Standards of the CSPD Police Academy shall constitute a failure to meet the minimum qualification of the position of police recruit. This includes but is not limited to maintaining the required academic average on exams, passing the required number of academic and skills tests.
Recruits must be able to be directly exposed to an aerosol and/or gel irritant projector, a conducted energy device and riot control agents during the academy in preparation for a real-world encounter.
Supplemental Information
In order to be successful as a police recruit with the Colorado Springs Police Department, candidates should be able to:
  • Work under pressure and/or stress
  • Follow directions
  • Organize and plan
  • React effectively during non-routine situations
  • Adapt to changing environments
  • Effectively identify problems and resolve conflicts
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and constructive relationships
  • Identify with the customer and actively engage in customer service
  • Communicate in writing and orally
  • Remember instructions details
  • Use impartiality and objectivity
  • Use diplomacy and tactfulness

NOTE: Do not complete the application and supplemental questions on a mobile device, or in a Safari browser.
Please view at
01
Will you be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire (the start date of the March 2027 academy)?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you ever participated in the internship program with the Colorado Springs Police Department?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you ever been a cadet with the Colorado Springs Police Department?
  • Yes
  • No

04
What is the highest grade or level of school or highest degree you will have completed by the anticipated date of hire in 2027? Select only one.
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1-29 semester college credits
  • 30-59 semester college credits
  • 60+ semester college credits
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

05
Do you understand that if hired, you will be required to furnish proof of U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident Status that includes eligibility to lawfully own and carry a firearm and ammunition? While we understand there have been recent changes in state law that permit some persons not lawfully in the United States to become Colorado POST certified, federal law remains as a prohibition to this. In addition, the Colorado Springs Police Department policies regarding firearms for its officers and recruits do not outline any exceptions at this time.
  • Yes
  • No

06
Have you ever been released or discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have and maintain a valid driver's license, with the ability to obtain a Colorado license upon hire?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you lawfully allowed to possess a firearm? Yes means there isn't a reason that causes you to be unable to possess and carry a firearm. Please refer to this website for additional information regarding who is lawfully allowed to possess a firearm in the State of Colorado. https://cbi.colorado.gov/sections/firearms-instacheck-unit/state- federal-firearm-prohibitors
  • Yes
  • No

09
Do you have any DUI/DUID and/or DWAI/DWI convictions during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Have you committed any hit and run accidents during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Have you had two or more separate incidents of being convicted of or having wages garnished for failure to pay child support during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

12
Have you ever intentionally failed to file and/or pay taxes (including Federal and/or State if applicable) during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

13
Have you taken items and/or money without permission of over $100 (added together) from an employer during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

14
Have you stolen anything with the intent to permanently deprive the lawful owner of it, whether caught or not, during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

15
Have you given perjured testimony at any time?
  • Yes
  • No

16
Have you ever given false statements or made falsified reports as a law enforcement officer or have you ever given false statements to a law enforcement officer since the age of 18?
  • Yes
  • No

17
Have you solicited or accepted a bribe while serving in an official capacity?
  • Yes
  • No

18
Have you used marijuana or any THC product during the 1 year (12 month) period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2025 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

19
Have you cultivated, sold, manufactured or distributed marijuana or any THC product during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

20
Have you used any illegal drug, to include marijuana or any THC product, on or off duty, while employed as a law enforcement officer?
  • Yes
  • No

21
Have you used any illegal drug, except marijuana or any THC product, during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)? This includes LSD, heroin, cocaine, PCP, mushrooms/Psilocybin (to include micro dosing), Amphetamines, Inhalants, Steroids, etc.
  • Yes
  • No

22
Have you cultivated, sold, manufactured or distributed any illegal drug during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

23
Have you used prescribed controlled substances for recreation or for the purpose of getting high, that were NOT prescribed to you during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)? Refer to this link for a list of controlled substances https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf
  • Yes
  • No

24
Have you deliberately abused (used for recreation or for the purpose of getting high), distributed or sold any controlled substance that WAS prescribed to YOU during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)? Review this link for a list of controlled substances https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf
  • Yes
  • No

25
Have you consumed alcohol at work unauthorized during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

26
Have you ever refused to submit to a drug and/or alcohol testing as an employee?
  • Yes
  • No

27
Have you committed, whether arrested and charged OR not, a felony during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

28
Have you been convicted of a crime of domestic violence?
  • Yes
  • No

29
Have you been convicted of, plead guilty or no contest to, or received either a deferred judgment and sentence or a deferred prosecution for a misdemeanor crime that would affect the ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board? A list of the crimes that affect the ability to certify can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/post/decertifying-misdemeanors
  • Yes
  • No

30
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor crime during the 3 year period immediately preceding August 30, 2026 (August 30, 2023 - August 30, 2026)?
  • Yes
  • No

31
Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, or received either a deferred judgment and sentence or a deferred prosecution for a felony crime, or for attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony crime?
  • Yes
  • No

32
Have you ever been granted, denied, or sought a waiver or variance from the Colorado POST Board regarding POST certification?
  • Yes
  • No

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