Police Cadet

City of Las Cruces; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Las Cruces invites applications for a Temporary, full-time non-exempt position tied to the Las Cruces Police Academy. The role offers potential progression to a full-time, regular position after successful academy completion. Depending on vacancies, some graduates may be wait-listed.

The position emphasizes rigorous law, safety, and training in firearms, procedure, and public service, with requirements including age, citizenship, and a clean record.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a United States high school diploma; must be at least age 19 by start of the Police Academy.
• No felony convictions; no DWI/DUI or certain misdemeanors within the past three years.
• United States citizenship or valid work authorization; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision of an experienced Police Officer, performs formal and informal training in the Las Cruces Police Academy program.
• Attends classes, completes homework, takes tests, and follows academy curriculum and safety rules.
• Attends indoor and outdoor training sessions for preparation as a Police Officer.
• Learns criminal law, arrest and control techniques, use of firearms, report writing, vehicle operation, First Aid, CPR, and related topics.
• Performs tasks linked to patrol methods, community relations, courtroom procedures, and related duties as skills develop.

Skills

Training program participation

Following instructions

Public safety mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Temporary, full-timenon-exempt position with the Las Cruces Police Academy. Progression to full-time, regular position upon successful completion of the Police Academy. Depending on the number of vacancies, some academy graduates may not be hired immediately but may be placed on a waiting list.

Incentive Pay

• Base Level - $11,000.00
• Associates Degree - $15,000.00
• Bachelor's Degree/Retirement from Military Service/4 Years Honorable Military Service - $20,000.00
• Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or Criminology - $25,000.00
• Master's Degree/Doctorate in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or Criminology - $30,000.00
• Relocation Assistance - Eligibility will be determined by HR - $5,000.00

Basic Officer Payout Schedule

• Upon Completion of Week 12 of the Basic Academy - 10%
• Upon Graduation from the Basic Academy - 20%
• At the Completion of Field Training - 30%
• One Day Prior to the End of the Probationary Year - 40%
• Relocation Assistance will be paid upon hire to those eligible per HR - 100%

Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of an experienced Police Officer, performs formal and informal training in the Las Cruces Police Academy training program.
• Studies, attends classes, completes homework assignments, takes tests, and follows all instructions relative to the academy curriculum and behavior.
• Attends indoor and outdoor classes and training sessions for preparation as a Police Officer.
• Learns criminal law, arrest and control techniques, use of firearms, report writing, vehicle operation, First Aid, CPR, narcotics, crowd control, court room demeanor, public relations, patrol procedures, physical conditioning and training, and any other subjects included in the academy.
• Performs tasks employing patrol methods, community relations, courtroom procedures, fingerprinting, report preparation, physical agility and strength formulation, and other police officer-related duties commensurate with attained skills.
• May assist an Officer in patrolling assigned areas of the City in a car, bicycle, or on foot.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City and Department policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Equivalent to a United States high school diploma; must be at least age 19 by start of the Police Academy (anticipated April 2027); United States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services; no felony convictions; no DWI/DUI or misdemeanor convictions within the past three years (some misdemeanors will disqualify); no transportation of illegal drugs; drug usage may disqualify.

Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Standard First Aid and CPR certification.

Detailed Qualifications

• Must be at least age 19 by start of the Police Academy (anticipated April 2027)
• United States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Valid driver's license
• Valid high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• No misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years (Misdemeanor convictions do not include routine traffic citations unless the conviction is for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, or an equivalent offence from another jurisdiction. For purposes of this recruitment, a conviction includes a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, or a finding of guilt by a judge or jury.)
• No convictions of domestic violence
• No felony convictions
• Marijuana use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must refrain from the use of marijuana and all cannabis products beginning on the date their application is submitted.
• Applicants must also have no illegal steroid or illegal narcotic use within the past three (3) years.
• Must not have ever transported illegal drugs
• Must not have a Dishonorable Discharge from the US Military. The position has a preference for a degree or a minimum of 65 college credit hours. Sealed official transcripts or notarized copy of diploma is required prior to preference being applied. These documents must be submitted at the background investigation phase of the hiring process.