We are seeking motivated, dedicated, adaptable, compassionate individuals that enjoy a team environment and have a strong desire to serve the community as a Police Officer. The Tucson Police Department is a unique and very diverse agency, dedicated to providing outstanding law enforcement services. This is an exciting career opportunity for applicants who have a passion for protecting life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
It is crucial that applicants be aware and consider the following job elements before submitting a Police Officer Recruit application:
- If you plan to complete your military career in the next year you will need to apply for the Police Officer Recruit opening 4-6 months prior to the academy you plan to attend. Typically there are three Academies each year in approximately January, May, and September. Approximate Hiring Process Dates are in the Information section.
- If you are out-of-state or country you will need to plan to visit Tucson if you meet the minimum requirements and are invited to the Written Examination. The process includes a two-part online application and an in-person written test.
- In-person Written Exams are typically offered 3-4 weeks after the job closing date on a Wednesday afternoon or Saturday morning. Specific dates are posted in the individual job posting.
- As an out-of-state applicant, you can coordinate with the Backgrounds Sergeant to complete your Polygraph Examination and the options to be fingerprinted (typically the Monday after testing) while you are in Tucson.
- Successful candidates from the testing period may be considered for future academy classes within the next six months.
- The training process is extensive; incumbents will attend a 24-week academy that requires a high level of commitment and time dedication. Incumbents may spend over 12 hours per day, 4 days per week training at the academy.
- The Police Officer Recruit probation period is 18 months.
- Employees will be required to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. Overtime will be required as necessary.
- While law enforcement can be a very rewarding career for many, employees will often respond to highly sensitive and graphic crime scenes and calls for service.
Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the achieved score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List. If you qualify for Veteran or Native American preference points as outlined in your Employment Profile, you must submit your documentation either in-person at the time of the Written Examination, upload to your COT application or by email. Copies of DD 214s must reflect a characterization of service.
The Tucson Police Department was selected by The Military Times as a top agency in their "Best for Vets" 2017 Law Enforcement Jobs Review. Military times evaluated law enforcement agencies on factors including their efforts to recruit Veterans, Veteran preference points during hiring, total numbers of Veterans in the department, the generosity of pay and benefits provided to deployed Reservists, among other factors. The Tucson Police Department, along with only six other agencies, was recognized as a "Top Finisher" among the 20 departments profiled by Military Times.