Are you thinking about becoming a police officer in Arizona?There are a number of ways to get in the door.Applying directly to the police agency, starting out as a reserve officer, and attending a community college open enroll program are included.If you have previously served as a police officer in another state and have completed the AZPOST Waiver Process, you don't need to attend the police academy in Arizona.
Step 1: The minimum qualifications are met.
To be considered for a position as a police officer in the state of Arizona, you must meet the minimum requirements outlined by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.Become a citizen of the United States of America.You need to be at least 21 years old.You must have a valid Arizona driver's license by the beginning date.Have a high school degree.Never sold or used illegal drugs.There were no felony convictions.
Step 2: You can find job openings online.
The request for applications will be published when an agency determines there is a need for more officers.A job search engine such as Indeed.com can help you find jobs.There are 170 agencies in Arizona that employ peace officers.Some agencies will accept applications from qualified individuals.There are job openings on the website of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police.
Step 3: If you want a job, apply.
To submit an application, you need to fill out the paperwork and answer all the questions.A letter of interest and resume are also required by some agencies.Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully, and to include information that will help set your application apart from other qualified candidates, such as previous law enforcement or military experience.
Step 4: Take physical and written tests.
Selected candidates will be invited to participate in physical agility and written testing after a thorough review of applications.The fit for police academy training is determined by these competitive tests.There is a 100 question multiple choice test.To be considered for a position, applicants must answer 75% of the questions correctly.Judgement and problem solving questions may be included in the written test.A 1.5 mile run and a 300 meter run are included in the physical fitness tests.
Step 5: You have to pass an oral exam.
Depending on the practices of the hiring agency, you can meet with the police chief or be subjected to a panel interview by a board.You have a chance to impress the agency and convince them that you are a good fit.The questions that will be asked in the interview will most likely be about problem solving abilities.
Step 6: Make a good first impression.
It's important to interview for a job with a police agency.If you want to nail your interview, you need to research the agency you are interviewing with.Statistics on the policed population, the number of police officers employed by the agency, and the names of the chief executives should be familiar to you.It's important to maintain eye contact, use the proper title, and look professional.Arrive early to the interview and thank each member of the panel individually for their time.
Step 7: Don't do psychological testing.
Potential candidates will be subjected to polygraph and psychological testing before they are hired by the police agency.The polygraph interview is meant to establish a candidate's honesty during the background investigation.The background investigation will look at the applicants driving history, civil and criminal records, and employment history.A written exam as well as an interview with a psychologist are included in the psychological testing.The background and polygraph inquiry will be thorough, so it is best to be upfront about anything that may come up during the investigation.
Step 8: The physical and drug screenings need to be completed.
You will be sent to an Arizona physician who is trained to complete the required medical evaluation after you have passed all of the other tests.It's possible that medical conditions may limit your ability to be a police officer.It is important to remember that an offer of employment is contingent on passing the medical screenings.
Step 9: You have to get approved by AZPOST.
If the agency chooses to move forward with the hiring process, they will send an appointment document to the Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training Board, which will ensure that the candidate has met all of the qualifications for certification.It is not possible for applicants to apply directly to AZPOST.The hiring police agency processes applications for peace officer certification.
Step 10: Start formal training.
The agency will enroll the candidate in a police training academy if they pass all of the tests.The basic peace officer course must be completed in order to be eligible to take the Comprehensive Final Exam.The Comprehensive Final Exam must be completed in less than 6 hours.The recruit needs to score at least 70% on all three parts of the test in order to pass.Purchase an exam preparation book or take a practice test online to prepare for the written exam.It is possible for former Arizona peace officers who were out of the force less than three years from the new date of appointment to be rehired.The background process will include the physical and polygraph exams.The training status of former Arizona peace officers who are out of the force for three years or more from the new appointment date will be marked as expired.The AZ POST Waiver Process will allow them to become re-certified without having to attend the academy again.
Step 11: Meet the requirements.
In order to be considered for a reserve police officer position in the state of Arizona, you have to meet the same minimum qualifications as a full-time officer.The Arizona POST rules do not differentiate between the two.Become a citizen of the United States.You have to be at least 21 years old.You have to have a valid Arizona driver's license by the beginning date.Have a high school degree.I have never used or sold illegal drugs.There were no felony convictions.
Step 12: You should submit your application.
If you want to work full-time, apply as a reserve officer.Reserve officers are used by many Arizona police agencies to increase police presence in the community.It can be a great way to get your foot in the door, as many Arizona law enforcement agencies hire from their reserve officer pool first when they are needing to fill full-time officer positions.
Step 13: Donate your time as a reserve officer.
Many reserve police officers already have established careers such as that of a doctor, pilot, or lawyer, and serve as a way to give back to the community.While maintaining your higher-paid job, you can provide this service to the public.
Step 14: Work on your degree.
You should consider applying to become a reserve police officer if you are still in college and working toward a degree.If you join an agency as a reserve officer, you will have years of experience and may be able to get an advantage over the competition when you are ready to become a police officer.
Step 15: You can apply to a community college.
An alternative police academy program is offered through several community colleges in Arizona and is a great way for students to get started in a career in law enforcement.Students who are sponsored by an Arizona law enforcement agency can attend the academy.Most community college police academies meet three days a week.The cost of attending a police academy in Arizona is dependent on a number of variables.
Step 16: Pass a background check.
Prior to attending the academy, students must undergo a background investigation which determines their eligibility to participate in the open enroll program.If you are being sponsored by a police agency, they will usually pay for the investigation.If you do not sponsor, you may be responsible for the background investigation.
Step 17: You have to complete the training.
The basic peace officer course must be completed and passed in order to take the AZ Post Comprehensive Final Examination.
Step 18: Land a job.
It is required for open enroll students to be employed by an Arizona law enforcement agency within 9 months of graduation.Attendees of the academy are often hired by a police agency as soon as they graduate, but sometimes law enforcement agencies may require additional training or attendance of another police academy before hiring an open enroll graduate.Students who do not receive an offer of employment by a police agency in Arizona within 9 months of graduating are required to take the AZ POST Comprehensive Final Examination as well as the firearms qualification, emergency and pursuit driving and the Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test to complete the certification process.