Tucson Police Department - Tucson, AZ Starting pay from $31.49 per hour ($65,499 annually) Application deadline: August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

MST Location :

Tucson, AZ Anticipated Pre-Academy start date: January 25, 2027 All candidates are expected to be on site (Tucson, AZ) September 22 or September 25 to take the written exam, complete the polygraph and fingerprints.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by 08-31-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST Start your law enforcement career with the Tucson Police Department and serve the community as part of one of Arizona's leading public safety agencies. This full-time Police Officer Recruit opportunity is designed for candidates who are ready to begin academy training, develop core law enforcement skills, and build a long-term career in public service. As a Police Officer Recruit, you will train under experienced police personnel, prepare for academy and field responsibilities, and gain the knowledge, physical readiness, and practical foundations needed to become a Tucson Police Officer. Why join Tucson Police Department Starting pay from $31.49/hour Paid academy training and structured field development City of Tucson pension and retirement benefits Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA benefits 38 paid days off in your first year 12 weeks paid parental leave Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment Uniform allowance Long-term career path in public safety and community service with over 40 specialty unit options What you'll do Train at the police academy in law enforcement procedures, Arizona law, department policies, and crime scene response Participate in defensive tactics, firearms, driving, and emergency response training Build the physical readiness required for academy and field work Complete required academic and proficiency evaluations Continue training after academy under experienced field training officers Minimum qualifications You must: Be at least 21 years old Be a U.S. citizen Have a high school diploma or GED Hold a valid, unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License Have no felony convictions or drug abuse history This opening is only for candidates who are not currently POST certified in another state and are not currently AZ POST certified . Hiring timeline Apply by August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST Complete the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire by September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Attend the in-person written assessment on September 22 or September 25, 2026 Complete background investigation, polygraph, psychological, medical, and other pre-employment steps if selected Anticipated Pre-Academy start: January 25, 2027 Application and Special Instructions The Written Assessment will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 and Friday, September 25, 2026. You will have the opportunity to schedule which day you attend (you may only attend one of the assessment dates). These are the

ONLY DATES

the assessment will be offered. Please

BLOCK YOUR CALENDAR NOW

to ensure you will be able to attend the assessment. The assessment is offered

IN-PERSON ONLY

; there is no remote option. At this time, the Tucson Police Department has decided to waive the physical test during the selection process. 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. Although the physical test will be waived during the screening process, 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 on how to best prepare for the physical aspects of the academy. The Police Officer Recruit Pre-Academy is anticipated to start on Monday, January 25, 2027. Important details regarding the Police Officer Recruit position:

• The anticipated starting rate of pay for this position in January 2027 is $31.49 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.

• GRANT FUNDED POSITION NOTICE

• This position is funded in whole or in part through a grant.

In accordance with City of Tucson Administrative Directive 2.02-3: It is the policy of the City of Tucson to apply Civil Service Rules and Regulations relevant to all grant funded positions. A. Any employee who on initial entry into City employment under any type of appointment funded in whole or in part through a public or private source grant shall be informed in writing by Human Resources at the time of appointment. Status as a partial or fully grant funded position shall be documented by Human Resources. B. The employee shall acknowledge, in writing, that the provisions have been read and understood that employment will cease at the termination of the grant regardless of the status of the employee and without regard to length of service. C. If terminated, the employee will not be entitled to the layoff provisions set forth in the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. D. The employee may be transferred, promoted, or demoted into a non-grant funded position and become entitled to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. E. Permanent classified employees serving in a grant funded position who have previously completed a probationary period in a non-grant funded position are exempt from the requirements of this section. 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

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position 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 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. Duties and 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. Working Conditions Must be available to work any shift required by the department, including days, nights, weekends and holidays. Indoor and outdoor work with heavy exposure to extreme physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment. All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile:

J6307 - Police Officer Assignment Trainee To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent. Compensation Grade; G302

Hourly Range:

Starting $31.49 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. Fair Labor Standards Act (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. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

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 Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship. City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer The City 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). The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at or 520-791-2619.

Recruiter Name:

Carolyn Pearson (200331)

Recruiter Email:

tpd_hr@tucsonaz.gov For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-837-4190.

Pay:

From $31.49 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 457(b) Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Military leave Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Uniform allowance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person