2027-2L Lateral Patrol Officer

City of Aurora; United States; On-site; USD 97,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness center

Well-Being programs

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Aurora is seeking experienced Patrol Officers for its Police Department. This lateral entry opportunity targets qualified officers excited to join a forward‑looking, service‑m oriented team in Colorado.

Applicants will advance through a fast‑track academy and background process. Starting salaries vary by experience level, with a projected 2027 academy cohort and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of sworn peace officer experience in good standing.
• Must be 21 years old by the projected end date of the Academy.
• U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
• High school diploma or GED equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and determine what type of crimes have occurred.
• Make sound decisions using knowledge, training, and experience.
• Interact positively with the public.
• Respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

Skills

Decision making

Public interaction

Problem solving

Investigative abilities

Education

High school diploma or GED

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

Job description

Apply by January 08, 2027 Job Location 25950 E Quincy Ave Aurora, Colorado 80016-2026 City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job description identifies specific Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks for all sworn, commissioned, and/or Civil Service members of the Police Department, serving in the position of Patrol Officer; and the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities needed to perform them. The ultimate goal for this position is to perform the mission of the Aurora Police Department and to fulfill the mandate of the City Charter, which states: “It shall be the duty of the Police Force to suppress all riots, disturbances and breaches of the peace and apprehend any and all persons in the act of committing any offense against the laws of the State or of the ordinances, and to forthwith bring such persons before the proper court or other competent authority pursuant to law; and, at all times, to diligently and faithfully enforce all such laws, ordinances and regulations for the preservation of good order and the public welfare as the Council may enact.”

In addition to the duties, responsibilities, tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Peace Officer; members in the position and assignment of Patrol Officer must be able to perform duties, responsibilities, tasks; and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform investigations, collect evidence, work under the direct supervision of a Sergeant, and present information obtained during investigations in court.

Patrol Officers must be able to work in all weather conditions, and their work is primarily in the field.

The Aurora Police Department is now accepting Lateral Patrol Officer applications. The deadline to submit an application is January 8th, 2027, at 11:59pm MST.

For out-of-state applicants, the deadline to submit an application is January 1st, 2027, at 11:59pm MST. This is subject to close at any point if we have a sufficient pool of candidates.

This lateral academy (2027-2L) is projected to start on May 17th, 2027. The academy dates are subject to change.

Salary

• Starting salary for a 2027 Lateral Officer with 3 – 3.9 Years of Experience: Grade IA - $97,961 annually / $47.09664 hourly
• Starting salary for a 2027 Lateral Officer with 4+ Years of Experience: Grade IB – $122,645 annually/$58.96395 hourly

This position is considered non-exempt. You will be eligible for overtime per the Fair Standards Labor Act. Annualized salary represents an estimate of yearly earnings based on the hourly rate and a standard full-time schedule.

The Aurora Police Department is looking for candidates with current or recent Police Officer experience for anticipated 2027 Aurora Police Lateral Academies. After submitting an application, and if you meet the minimum lateral qualifications, you will move forward to the background phase. The Aurora Police Department offers a Fast Track opportunity for qualified applicants. If you are an active, Colorado POST-certified police officer and meet the minimum qualifications established by the Civil Service Commission, your application will be reviewed further to determine eligibility for the Fast Track process. The Fast Track process is a 4–6-week Academy training program. Qualified laterals must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of training before advancing to the FTO. If you have any questions, please contact PD Background Administrator L. Rodriguez at [e-mail].

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Handle (emergency and non-emergency) calls for service received by our Communications Center.
• Investigate and determine what type of, or if, crimes have occurred.
• Make sound decisions using knowledge, training, and experience.
• Positively interact with the public.
• Problem solve complex community issues and look for innovative solutions to reduce repeat calls for service.
• Minimum (3) Three years of sworn peace officer experience in good standing within the four (4) year period immediately preceding the application.
• Applicants shall be 21 years old by the projected end date of the Academy.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Have completed a minimum education of high school completion, or GED equivalency.

Benefits

Benefits & Retirement - City of Aurora Uniforms

• A Glock model 45 will be furnished by the Department at no cost.
• Officers receive $1500 body armor vest allowance once every four years. This includes purchasing soft body armor vest to include the purchase of external plates and external and internal carrier under the uniform shirt.
• After successful completion of the first year, officers shall receive an annual boot allowance up to $300 per year for the purchase of Department approved boots or to re-sole current boots.
• Lateral hires will start with 160 hours of general leave.

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• The city of Aurora offers contributions to a variety of health insurance plans, including some where the monthly premium is completely covered by the city. Employees have optional dental, vision, and life insurance plans available to them. Employees can also add life insurance coverage for their dependents.
• Insurance does not take effect until the 1st day of the month following the date of hire. (ex. Hire date of May 5th, insurance effective June 1st)
• The city contribution provides death and disability coverage through the Fire & Police Pension Association (FPPA).

Retirement

• Officers and the city both contribute 12% bi-weekly into their retirement fund which is managed by the Money Purchase Pension Plan.
• Officers and the city both contribute 12% bi-weekly into their retirement fund which is managed by the Money Purchase Pension Plan.
• The Aurora Police Department offers two retirement options: investment, and a hybrid defined benefit plan. Please use the link below for more information. Aurora Police Money Pension Purchase Plan (apmppp.org)

Disability

• The city contribution provides death and disability coverage through the Fire & Police Pension Association (FPPA).

Deferred Compensation

• Officers can contribute a minimum of 1% of their pre-tax salary on a bi-weekly basis into a 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, managed by Nationwide retirement solutions.
• Additionally, officers will also have the option to contribute funds (post-tax, and up to a certain dollar amount) into a Roth plan, also managed by Nationwide retirement solutions.

Training

• Annual in-service training.
• Officers are also eligible for job-related sponsored training.

For Veterans points: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

Notice Regarding Automated Processing and Fraud Prevention

As part of our recruiting and application security processes, we may use automated tools and technologies to help detect fraudulent activity, protect applicant accounts, and support the administration of employment applications. These tools may collect and process information associated with your application activity, including: Number of job requisitions applied to External application session duration Geolocation country code IP address Device/browser fingerprinting information (including JA4 fingerprint data) This information may be used by Workday’s Fraudulent Job Application Prevention capabilities to generate an application risk or fraud assessment score. These tools are designed to support application security, fraud prevention, and recruiting operations and may be considered during the processing or review of applications. Meaningful human review remains part of our hiring and recruiting process. For additional information regarding our processing of applicant information, please review our Privacy Notice or contact [e-mail].

Please show all your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. Leaving blanks or omitting previous employment may result in your disqualification from employment. City policy requires that selected candidates provide documentation in the form of official transcripts of the highest level of education attained by the candidate that is listed on their application materials. Applicants who hold a Commercial Driver’s License will also be required to undergo alcohol testing using an Evidential Breath Testing Device. The city of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Know your rights! The city of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The city shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the city shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation for completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: 303.739.7225 or visit us at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012.