Police Officer - 2026

City of Topeka, KS•Topeka, KS

49d•$65,374 - $103,002

About The Position

The City of Topeka is seeking individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. We believe in recruiting the best, brightest, most diverse candidates to serve our citizens and make our community safer. A Police Officer is primarily responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. Police Officers detect and prevent crime, complete assignments and participate in community safety programs. La ciudad de Topeka está buscando individuos interesados en seguir una Carrera en la aplicación de ley. Creemos en reclutar los mejore, más brillantes y candidatos más diversos para servir a nuestros ciudadanos y hacer que nuestra comunidad sea más segura. Un oficial de policía es el principal responsable en hacer cumplir la ley y proteger al público. Lo oficial de policía detectan y previenen delitos en áreas particulares, terminan tareas y participan en programas de seguridad comunitaria Interested candidates must schedule, complete and pass the written test and the Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) to be eligible for consideration. To register for an upcoming test date, please click Start Your Application on the City of Topekas careers site at https://www.topeka.gov/careers. What to expect in the recruitment process: Register for and complete the Written Test and Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) Background Investigation Interview Process (Initial, Staff, and Civil Service Interviews) Exam Process (Polygraph, Psychological and Medical Exams) Final Offer

Responsibilities

Enforcing the law
Protecting the public
Detecting and preventing crime
Completing assignments
Participating in community safety programs

Benefits

Starting pay of $31.43 per hour / $65,374.40 per year in 2026
Approximately $1 per hour increase per year (for 15 years) up to $49.52 per hour / $103,001.60 per year in 2026
Shift differential Pay ($1 per hour for shifts starting after 12:00 p.m.)
Premium pay for detectives (base salary up to $110,676.80 per year) and sergeants (base salary up to $115,523.20 per year)
Attend paid Police Academy in Topeka
Lateral Transfer Program: starting pay up to $44.64 per hour / $92,851.20 per year in 2026, accelerated hiring process, shortened police academy and FTO phase (upon approval of the Chief)
Receive GI bill benefits throughout the academy and FTO phase
Department issues all required gear
Granted 24 core Criminal Justice credits at Washburn University for academy completion
10-Hour workdays for patrol officers and academy
Monthly Education Bonus (Associates Degree: $25, Bachelors Degree: $100, Masters Degree: $125)
11 paid holidays per year (triple-time pay if working)
Minimum 4.5 hours of compensatory time or 3 hours overtime pay for off-duty court appearances
Physical incentive pay (up to $90/quarter) with On-site Gym - Workout on Duty
Compensation for certified bilingual officers (up to $2,500 per year)
Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per year
Employee Assistance Program
Ride Share Reimbursements
Health/Dental/Prescription Insurance with Free Onsite Health & Wellness Clinic
Top notch training and access to our Regional Training Center
$2 per hour incentive for field training officers and supervisors
Personal Leave (2 days awarded annually)
Perfect Attendance Leave (1 day per quarter)
Funeral Leave (3 days per use)
Vacation Leave (96 hours per year, increases with years of service)
Sick Leave (96 hours per year)
Promotion and specialty unit selection points for military service and formal education
Medical expense reimbursement (up to $1,300)
Contractual agreement between the city of Topeka and FOP lodge #3
Retirement is under Kansas Police & Fire. Full retirement is available at 25 years of service & 50 years of age.