Police Officer Recruit - Tucson Arizona

Application and Special Instructions

**PLEASE NOTE THESE ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 21 years of age; be a citizen of the United States; have at least two (2) years of driving experience; and have no felony convictions or drug abuse.

Applicants for this position will be required to complete a Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire (PAQ) by 5:00 PM on April 15, 2025. The link to the PAQ will be emailed separately after your application is submitted.

**IMPORTANT NOTICE**
This position is ONLY open to individuals who are NOT currently POST certified as a law enforcement officer in another state or are NOT currently AZ POST certified.

The Written Assessment will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 and Friday, May 9, 2025. You will have the opportunity to schedule which day you attend (you may only attend one of the assessment dates). The assessment is offered in-person only - there is no remote option. Please block your calendar now to ensure you will be able to attend the assessment.

The Tucson Police Department has decided to waive the physical test (PT) for applicant testing at this time. While it is not required for this hiring process, you will still be required to successfully complete the Arizona Peace Officers Standards (AZPOST) Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) prior to graduation from the academy.

Although the PT test will be waived during testing, all applicants preparing to enter the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center (SALETC) program are expected to arrive in shape and be prepared to participate in a rigorous physical fitness program.

Information will be provided to applicants at the written assessment as to how to best prepare for the physical aspects of the academy.

The Police Officer Recruit Pre-Academy is anticipated to start on Monday, September 15, 2025 with New Employee Welcome on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Important details regarding the Police Officer Recruit position:

*The starting rate for this position is $29.44 per hour.
*Incumbents will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
*Overtime will be required as necessary.
*The training process is extensive; incumbents will attend an academy that requires a high level of commitment and time dedication.
*After completing the academy, candidates will continue their training in the field under the direct guidance of experienced field training officers.
*The probation period is 18 months.
*Incumbents will be exposed to highly sensitive and graphic crime scenes and calls for service.
*Incumbents will be frequently exposed to severe weather conditions to include excessive heat and heavy rain.

Candidates placed on the Eligibility List must successfully pass the following:

*An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks
*Motor Vehicle History
*Polygraph examination
*Psychological examination
*Pre-employment medical testing which includes: AZ POST Physical, Respirator Physical, Hep A Vaccine/Titer, Hep B Vaccine/Titer, Non-NIDA Drug Test

Position Specific Summary

The Police Officer Recruit position at the City of Tucson’s Police Department trains at the Police Academy as a new police recruit to learn the skills and functions of the job of Police Officer, under the guidance of experienced police staff.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Police Sergeant. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends lectures on law enforcement related topics; course of study may include AZ revised statutes, constitutional law, policy and procedures, and crime scene management. Studies material presented in lectures to ensure satisfactory performance in required examinations.

• Performs police related tasks such as arrest and control tactics, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency training, technical vehicle operation, and emergency response driving.

• Practices various scenarios related to law enforcement duties; scenarios may include crime in progress, crime scene management, and other situations they may encounter as police officers.

• Performs aerobic and anaerobic exercises to increase strength and endurance. Participates in physical activities such as running, weightlifting, body weight exercises and other cardiovascular activities.

• Completes multiple academic exams with a passing score. Completes and passes proficiency evaluations which may include firearms, driving, and defensive tactics. Completes AZ Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) with a passing score. Completes and passes AZ POST comprehensive exam.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Work may include heavy exposure to extreme physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazards.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

No experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License - Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division

Preferred Qualifications

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile J6307 - Police Officer Assignment: Trainee

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click here.

Compensation Grade G302

Hourly Range $29.44 - 41.42 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA Non-Exempt

Position Type Regular

Time Type Full time

Department Police Department

Department Link https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police

Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. 

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD