Police Officer

City of Arvada, CO; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking city team dedicated to community safety and engagement. As a Police Officer, you will enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and protect the well-being of residents. This role offers a dynamic environment where you can utilize your skills in firearms and self-defense while engaging with the community. With a comprehensive rewards package and opportunities for professional development, this position is ideal for those committed to making a positive impact. If you are ready to take on challenges and serve your community with integrity, we encourage you to apply!

Benefits

Comprehensive Total Rewards Package

Sick Leave Accrual

Training and Certification Opportunities

Qualifications

• Requires Colorado P.O.S.T. Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must pass polygraph, psychological, drug screening, and background check.

Responsibilities

• Enforces laws and responds to criminal and non-criminal activity.
• Documents calls requiring reports and prepares case files.
• Provides emergency response and administers first aid.

Skills

Firearms Proficiency

Self-Defense Tactics

Community Engagement

Effective Communication

Multi-tasking

Stress Management

Education

Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Data Computer Terminals

Emergency Motor Vehicles

Job description

Apply to join our team today! The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work. Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity. The listed range reflects the entire range; typical placement is entry to mid-range.

• Please note: This position requires candidates to have an Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and 2 years of successful work experience as a law enforcement officer (Colorado P.O.S.T. Certification required within 6 months). If you've participated in a testing process with the City of Arvada Police Department but were not selected, you must wait six (6) months to reapply unless your status has changed to Colorado certified or lateral candidate.

Candidates hired with a Bachelor's Degree will receive a 1.5% education premium.

Salary Range for 2025 Police Officer:

Step 1: $85,781

Step 2: $92,000

Step 3: $98,670

Step 4: $105,824

Step 5: $113,496

Position Purpose

Responsible for enforcing all local, state, and federal laws. Responds to requests for service related to criminal and non-criminal activity, ensuring community safety through emergency services, community engagement, and problem-solving. Provides service for the protection and well-being of human life and the community, maintaining a safe and quality environment.

Essential Job Functions

1. Enforces municipal, state, and federal laws, including summons, arrest, transports, booking, incarcerations, interviews, and follow-up. Provides patrol services across the city and performs traffic enforcement, accident investigation, and traffic direction.
2. Provides emergency response to all calls requiring law enforcement intervention. Offers full-service police response on criminal and non-criminal activity, ensuring timely response and community problem-solving.
3. Documents all calls requiring reports or written documentation.
4. Performs follow-up investigations and prepares case files for presentation to the district attorney's office.
5. Administers first aid with or without assistance from emergency personnel.
6. Operates emergency motor vehicles in normal and emergency situations.
7. Uses data computer terminals and applications for reports, correspondence, training, and communication.
8. Collects, preserves, and records evidence from crime scenes.
9. Maintains high mental and physical fitness levels to stay proficient in firearms, self-defense, and certifications.
10. Employs physical force, including deadly force if necessary, to arrest or subdue subjects.
11. Pursues fleeing subjects on foot, negotiating obstacles as needed.
12. Moves persons to provide first aid, rescue, or overcome resistance.
13. Provides court testimony and prepares cases for municipal, state, or federal courts.
14. Demonstrates high ethics and integrity.
15. Initiates activity such as traffic stops, building checks, and community interactions.
16. Operates personal or city-owned vehicles regularly.

Other Job Functions

• Attends training and maintains certifications.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in firearms and self-defense tactics.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Works well under stress.
• Applies laws, resources, and equipment effectively.
• Develops community engagement strategies.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Operates a motor vehicle.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

License & Certification

Colorado POST Certification required. Ability to obtain proficiency in related areas such as intoxilyzer, arrest control, emergency vehicle driving, and firearms. Valid Colorado driver's license required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree preferred. Related work experience is also valued.

Other Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years old, pass polygraph, psychological, drug screening, and background check.

Physical Demands

Requires strenuous physical effort, including lifting over 50 pounds, working in various environments, and handling unpredictable conditions.

The City offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package. For more details, click here.

Note: Benefits are not offered to temporary or seasonal employees. Sick leave accrual is 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours maximum.

Core Values and Expectations

We Dream Big and Deliver. Dedicated to superior service, integrity, respect, and inclusivity. Our core values are integrated into employee performance plans, reinforcing our standards of conduct and service.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.