Police Officer (Lateral)

City of Avondale, AZ; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Avondale is seeking experienced Police Officers (Lateral) to join the Avondale Police Department and serve a growing, community‑focused area. Lateral applicants must be AZ POST certified and provide proof of current certification, with eligibility based on state academy completion.

Essential functions include enforcing laws, responding to calls, conducting investigations, and testifying in court.

Qualifications

• Must be AZ POST certified and in good standing.
• At least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• In-state and out-of-state lateral applicants must complete POST waiver and related steps.

Responsibilities

• Enforces state laws and city ordinances while serving the Avondale community.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls; conducts investigations.
• Gathers evidence, writes reports, and testifies in court as needed.
• Patrol designated areas and engage in community policing initiatives.

Skills

Arizona POST certified

Patrol procedures

Community policing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

The City of Avondale is seeking motivated, community-focused individuals for the position of Police Officer (Lateral). Join the City of Avondale Police Department and bring your experience to a growing, community-focused agency.

To be considered a Lateral applicant, you must have successfully completed a certified or accredited police academy in your state and provide proof of current certification. Please review the minimum qualifications below to determine eligibility.

Hiring Process

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion and passing of:

• NeoGov Application
• Physical Agility Test (if applicable)
• Arizona POST waiver process (if applicable)
• Comprehensive Background Investigation and Fingerprinting
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Evaluation
• Chief’s Interview
• AZPOST Medical Exam and Drug Screen

Essential Functions

Enforces Arizona state laws and City ordinances while providing quality customer service to the Avondale community. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, conducts criminal investigations, promotes public safety through education, prepares reports, testifies in court, and completes required training and administrative duties. Officers may also be assigned to specialized units requiring additional training and expertise.

Additional Functions Of The Position Include

• Patrol designated areas via vehicle or on foot.
• Respond to calls for service; conduct interviews and investigations.
• Gather evidence, write detailed reports, and testify in court as needed.
• Arrest suspects and enforce local, state, and federal laws.
• Engage in community policing and problem-solving initiatives.
• Perform additional duties such as warrant service, traffic enforcement, training, and booking.

Minimum Qualifications

• In-State Lateral Applicants:
  • Must be Arizona POST certified and in good standing
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License at the time of hire
  • No felony convictions
  • The Physical Agility Test (PAT) is waived for in-state lateral officers who are currently active and whose POST certification has not lapsed
• Out-of-State Lateral Applicants:
  • Must have successfully completed a certified or accredited police academy in their state and provide proof of current certification
  • Must have a minimum of one year of active patrol experience
  • Must successfully complete the Arizona POST waiver process, including required written and proficiency examinations:
    • Firearms qualification (day and night shooting, target identification/discrimination)
    • Tactical driving qualification
    • The Physical Agility Test (PAT)
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License at the time of hire
  • No felony convictions

Contact Information

Human Resources Department

[e-mail]

Avondale Police Department Recruiter

[e-mail]