Police Department

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 Police Department (DPD) is committed to modern policing, professionalism, accountability, innovation, and strong community partnerships. DPD seeks applicants who are service-driven, solution-focused, and committed to protecting and serving one of the nation’s most dynamic cities.

Denver offers the opportunities of a major metropolitan city with immediate access to the Rocky Mountains and year-round recreation, places to live, work, serve, and build a career.

DPD offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, career stability, specialized assignments, and promotional opportunities.

CURRENT APPLICATION STATUS

The Denver Civil Service Commission application is currently closed until further notice.

Complete the Denver Police Officer Interest Form to receive updates and information about future application opportunities.

When the application reopens, applicants must complete the Denver Civil Service application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications should complete the National Testing Network (NTN) examination as soon as possible. Additional instructions will be provided throughout the hiring process.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

1. 21 years of age at the time of application
2. United States citizen or possess a valid visa authorizing employment in the United States
3. High school diploma or GED
4. Valid state-issued driver’s license
5. No felony or domestic violence convictions

SALARY

Effective July 1, 2026

Denver Police Academy

Police Officer Recruit — $75,257

Upon Academy Graduation and Career Progression

Police Officer 4th Grade — $81,046
Police Officer 3rd Grade — $86,835
Police Officer 2nd Grade — $92,624
Police Officer 1st Grade — $115,780

Officers can reach top patrol officer’s pay in approximately three and a half years after beginning the Denver Police Academy.

HIGHLIGHTED BENEFITS

• Full salary and benefits beginning on day one of the Denver Police Academy
• Ten-hour shifts with three consecutive days off
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Rule of 80 retirement eligibility: (https://dppa.com/what-is-the-rule-of-80-summary-by-fppaeffective-01-01-21/)
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan (D.R.O.P.): (https://www.fppaco.org/PDF/ER/ER-Guide/FPPA-Employer-Guide-2021-Section-05.pdf)
• Deferred Compensation 457 savings plan
• Longevity pay beginning at five years of service
• Vacation leave starting at 112 hours annually
• Sick leave starting at 144 hours annually, including the Accumulated Sick Leave (ASL) program
• Annual shift and vacation bidding
• Off-duty secondary employment opportunities for additional income
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits
• Uniforms and most duty equipment provided
• New bullet-resistant vest every five years
• Annual uniform allowance

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

DPD offers opportunities for specialization, leadership, promotion, and long-term career development.

Specialized Assignments

• Corporal – Training Officer
• Motorcycle Officer
• K-9 Technician
• Community Resource Officer
• School Resource Officer
• Bomb Technician
• Specialized Enforcement Units
• Investigative Units
• Leadership and supervisory assignments

Promotional Opportunities

Officers may advance through competitive promotional processes to:

• Corporal
• Detective
• Sergeant
• Lieutenant

EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION SUPPORT

DPD employees have access to organizations that provide mentorship, advocacy, networking, wellness resources, and professional support throughout their careers.

• Denver Police Protective Association (DPPA)
• Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Denver Lodge #41
• Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation (DPBHF)
• Denver Police Foundation (DPF)
• Denver Black Police Officers Organization (DBPOO)
• Denver Police Latino Organization (DPLO)
• Additional employee and professional organizations

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Complete the Denver Police Officer Interest Form to receive recruiting updates and information about future application opportunities.

Build a career in service, leadership, and community. Join the Denver Police Department.

The Denver Police Department (DPD) is a nationally recognized law enforcement agency committed to professionalism, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and community partnership.
DPD officers serve and protect the City and County of Denver while upholding high standards of public service. We seek motivated individuals who demonstrate leadership, sound judgment, courage, and commitment to others.
WHY BECOME A DENVER POLICE OFFICER?
The Denver Police badge is earned. It represents the responsibility to act in the face of danger, make sound decisions under pressure, and uphold public trust.
Becoming a Denver Police Officer is more than a career—it is an opportunity to serve, protect, and make a difference.