Police Officer (Academy Recruit)

This posting is to fill open positions and establish an eligibility list. Candidates placed on the eligibility list will be considered for future vacancies. This is an entry-level, non-sworn, safety-sensitive position that provides qualified police officer candidates the opportunity to attend and successfully complete a Colorado POST-certified law enforcement academy prior to becoming a probationary police officer.

About the role

• Attend and successfully complete a Colorado P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Academy designated by the Training Sergeant.
• Must be physically capable of participating in a formal POST-approved Police Academy.
• Training can take between 6 to 12 months from the date of hire, including a 6-week pre-service, 4-month field training program, and a 4-month Police Academy. During training, vacations and additional time off may not be granted due to scheduling constraints.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must have an Associate’s Degree or 90 quarter hours or 60 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university recognized by the American Council on Education with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, OR 3 years of active military experience with an honorable discharge.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to legally possess and carry a firearm.
• Must meet minimum standards set forth by Colorado P.O.S.T. requirements to attend a Colorado POST-certified Law Enforcement Academy (https://www.coloradopost.gov/academy).
• Must be able to perform duties under a wide range of external conditions, from sedentary office work to physically and emotionally demanding activity during police training.
• Must meet physical ability test standards set forth in Police Academy and Department policies.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions listed for police officer.
• Demonstrated mental capacity, emotional stability, and legal/procedural knowledge to analyze situations and make legally and ethically sound decisions.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Demonstrated effective verbal communication skills to interact with people who are emotional or distressed, under adverse conditions, and with groups of varying sizes.
• Demonstrated written communication skills to prepare accurate and concise records and reports.
• Personal computer and keyboard skills sufficient to conduct required Department data searches and document production.
• Ability to sit in and/or drive a vehicle for extended periods and withstand extreme weather conditions (sub-freezing to hot, humid temperatures).

Working Environment

• Must be able to perform the following physical requirements: walking, standing, running, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, crawling, bending, climbing, feeling, talking, seeing (includes distinguishing color), hearing, and conducting repetitive motions.
• Must possess necessary motor skills to operate a vehicle, mobile and portable radios, firearms, police baton, speed measuring equipment, mace, electronic control device, sobriety testing equipment, computer/keyboard, telephone, handcuffs, direct traffic, and arrest combative persons.
• Ability to run to apprehend a fleeing subject or to run to safety when confronted with certain situations.
• Ability to use strength and quickness to rescue endangered persons.
• Ability to separate individuals fighting or preparing to fight.
• Ability to function for extended periods with little rest or sleep.

Materials and Equipment Used

• Motor vehicle
• Handgun
• Intermediate weapons (mace, conducted electrical weapon, collapsible or straight baton)
• Handcuffs
• Computer
• Police radio
• Telephone (mobile and traditional office systems)
• Speed measuring equipment
• Flashlight

Pay

Hiring salary: $78,358.28 per year (advances to $93,695.75 per year upon Academy graduation).

Benefits

For additional police department-specific benefits, visit https://www.lovelandpd.org/about/join-the-lpd.

Timeline

• Position Closes: August 31st at 4:00 PM MST
• Online Testing: All tests due by August 31st at 4:00 PM MST
• Pre-Interview Questionnaire: All due by August 31st at 8:00 AM MST
• Physical Testing: To be completed following qualification of previous steps
• Initial Interviews: Tentatively scheduled for the weeks of August 16th and August 31st
• Command Panel Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the weeks of August 23rd and September 20th
• Conditional Job Offers: Tentatively scheduled between August and September
• Background Investigation: October to December
• Tentative Start Date: January 2027

Alternate dates for testing and interviews will not be available. Out-of-state accommodations will be made.