Entry Level Police Officer

Salt Lake City Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 51,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

Job summary

Salt Lake City Police Department is seeking an entry-level Police Officer to actively prevent or detect crime, protect the public, and enforce laws. The role includes preparing for and entering the academy as slots become available, with hiring decisions based on department needs.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S., have a high school diploma, and complete POST Academy within 1 year of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Utah POST Academy with POST certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident and eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Prevent and detect crime; provide security and community protection.
• Respond to emergencies and make decisions affecting public safety.
• Perform duties listed in the typical duties section including investigations and arrests.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

POST Academy certification

Job description

Position Title: Entry Level Police Officer

Job Description: Incumbents perform duties that consist primarily of actively preventing or detecting crime, providing security, community protection, and enforcement of criminal statutes or ordinances. Responds to situations involving threats to public safety and makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others, including in circumstances and at times when personal life or personal safety may be at risk.

Anticipated Hire Date Information: The Salt Lake City Police Department currently hosts 3 academies per year for entry level police officers. If hired, you may be slotted into the next available academy you are eligible for. The date of hire will be determined by department needs.

NOTE FOR APPLICANTS REGARDING SLCPD TATTOO POLICY

Employees are permitted to display tattoos and body art on their hands, arms, and legs when they do not distract or interfere with the employee's on‑duty actions and responsibilities. Employees are not permitted to display tattoos that are located on the neck above the collarbone, the face, or head; an exception to this would be cosmetic micro‑blading tattoos. Tattoos that are found to be offensive, obscene, vulgar, depict graphic nudity, or are prejudicial to any segment of the population are strictly prohibited. Any tattoos that may potentially bring discredit upon the Salt Lake City Police Department are also prohibited. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Office of the Chief. *see additional information about minimum requirements below*

Living out of state? Find out more below.

Out of state applicants: Out‑of‑state applicants are welcome to apply! We’ll work with you to minimize the number of trips you’ll need to take to Salt Lake City during the hiring process. You’ll need to visit Salt Lake City at least twice: Once to take the physical agility test, then again to complete the in‑person components of the background investigation, such as the truth verification exam, the psychological evaluation, and the executive interview. Your second visit will be condensed to a three‑to‑four‑day period. SLCPD currently does not offer travel reimbursement for prospective out‑of‑state applicants.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

It’s never too early to start preparing for the physical agility test. The bulk of those that don’t pass the test fall behind on the run. Applicants who don’t pass the physical agility test may be eligible to attend the next scheduled test. Physical agility testing will take place monthly starting in September 2026 (subject to change at the department's discretion). Details about what’s involved in the physical agility test can be found here: https://police.slc.gov/careers/joinourteam/physical-agility-test/.

Oral board interviews are held immediately after the physical agility tests. You’re welcome to change into professional interview attire, but we don’t expect it. Brush up on your interview skills and consider what makes you the best fit for the department and the position.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE PROCESS:

Becoming a police officer is a long process. Depending on when you apply, it could take approximately 4-8 months from the day you apply to the day you start. You may not hear from us for a while; know that we’ll always update you when there’s a change in your application status or when we need something from you.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Suppresses crime through identification and apprehension of criminals and recovery of stolen property. Regulates non‑criminal conduct, such as traffic control, crowd control, and social relations. Compiles and prepares required information and evidence to assist in prosecution of criminal cases. Testifies as a witness and renders credible testimonies in a court of law. Reports to scene of accidents and investigates causes and results of accidents. Responds to robbery and burglary alarms and other misdemeanor and felony crimes, which may necessitate the exertion of extraordinary physical effort and the use of initiative and common sense. Secures the scene of crime, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses, and makes arrests. Makes investigations of vice and narcotics activities, identifies and recovers stolen property, investigates reports of stolen automobiles and property stolen from automobiles, conducts investigations of homicides and thefts, conducts special investigations for other law enforcement agencies, investigates all complaints on checks and forgeries, investigates complaints of crimes committed by juveniles. May work undercover in performing these functions to obtain evidence to be used in the arrest and conviction of guilty parties. Maintains knowledge of criminal and civil law, and police techniques and tactics. Attends regular training classes in police methods. Provides peripheral services such as giving information, directions, advice and general assistance to the public whenever necessary. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent. Graduation from the Utah Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) Academy with P.O.S.T. certification as a Law Enforcement Officer is required within one (1) year of hire. Must be either a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who has been in the United States legally for the five years immediately before the day on which the application is made; and has legal authorization to work in the United States as of the date of the first examination. Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of certification as a law enforcement officer. Considerable human relations skills and communications skills. Ability to work independently, make critical decisions, and use initiative and common sense. Must be able to render credible testimony in a court of law. Must have valid state driver’s license or Utah driving privilege card (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium heavy weights. Difficult working positions. Must stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods. Moderate exposure to elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust or grease. Exposure to hostile, life‑threatening situations. May be required to use physical force to include deadly force in course of assigned duties. Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior. In field operations, exposure to stress as well as occupational hazards is of considerable magnitude. Required to work irregular hours in addition to regularly scheduled shift on an as needed basis. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full‑TimePOSITION SALARY RANGE Entry $36.69 2 Year $38.89 4 Year $41.23 6 Year $43.71 8 Year $46.32 10 Year $49.10 12 Year $52.05DEPARTMENT PoliceFull Time/Part Time: Full timeScheduled Hours: 40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism. We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference. If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness site.

Benefits & Wellness

Health & Wellness Medical insurance

Dental, vision, life insurance

HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)

Wellness clinic for employees & families

Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Perks Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)

Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))

Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer? Use our Total Compensation Calculator to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more. We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness site.

12 vacation days to start

12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday

Up to 80 hours personal leave annually

6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave

Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801‑535‑7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.