Police Officer Recruit

City of Tucson • Tucson, AZ

3d • $30 - $43 • Onsite

About The Position

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 a Police Officer, under the guidance of experienced police personnel. Work is performed under the supervision of the Police Sergeant. This position does not supervise.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must 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 Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
• 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.
• High school diploma or GED.
• No experience
• Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License
• 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

Nice To Haves

• While it is not required for this process, you will still be required to successfully complete the Arizona Peace Officers Standards (AZPOST) Physical Ability Test (PAT) prior to graduation from the academy.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Attends lectures on law enforcement related topics, with a course of study that may include Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional law, policies and procedures, and crime scene management. Studies material presented in lectures to ensure satisfactory performance in required examinations.
• Performs police related training tasks such as arrest and control tactics, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, technical vehicle operation, and emergency response driving.
• Practices various scenarios related to law enforcement duties; scenarios may include crimes 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, bodyweight 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 Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZ POST) Physical Ability Test (PAT) with a passing score. Completes and passes AZ POST comprehensive exam.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage
• pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings
• 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years
• twelve weeks of paid parental leave
• paid tuition reimbursement
• student loan repayment
• off- and on-the-job training
• opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED