Police Officer (Lateral)

Queen Creek Police Department; Queen Creek (AZ); On-site; USD 51,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lateral incentive pay ($15,500)

Education bonus up to $1,500

Moving expenses up to $3,000

Paid vacation time & sick time (80h +

Travel reimbursement for testing

Job summary

Queen Creek Police Department is seeking sworn officers with a clear ladder of pay that shows hourly rates and corresponding annual figures from less than 1 year to 7+ years. Lateral, education, and moving incentives are outlined, along with a robust benefits package.

The role includes general police duties, investigations, patrol, and community service, with opportunities for specialty pay, shift differentials, and premium compensation as described in the offer terms.

Responsibilities

• Monitors radio communication and responds to community requests, calls-for-service, and emergencies.
• Investigates crimes, complaints, accidents, and other situations.
• Assists other officers, department personnel, and Town staff as needed.
• Patrols designated areas to maintain order and to prevent, deter or discover violations and other criminal activity.
• Interviews individuals with complaints and provides an appropriate disposition or refers to proper authorities.

Job description

Officer Salary

• Less than 1 year: $37.36/hour ($77,726/year)
• 1 to < 2 years: $39.23/hour ($81,612/year)
• 2 to < 3 years: $41.19/hour ($85,693/year)
• 3 to < 4 years: $43.25/hour ($89,977/year)
• 4 to < 5 years: $45.42/hour ($94,476/year)
• 5 to < 6 years: $47.69/hour ($99,200/year)
• 6 to < 7 years: $50.07/hour ($104,160/year)
• 7+ years: $52.58 ($109,368/year)

Hiring Bonus

• Lateral Officer incentive pay is $15,500 payable as follows:
  • $3,000 after hire date.
  • $2,500 after successful completion of Field Training.
  • $5,000 after successful completion of your probation.
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 1 year (after probation)
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 2 years (after probation)

Education Bonus

• The degree must be from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice studies, social sciences, business management, leadership, forensic science, psychology, or other degree related to the core functions of your position.
• The degree must be earned/awarded prior to your hire date. If you earn a degree following your hire date, you may qualify for a different educational incentive provided by the Town. More information will be provided during your initial orientation.
• If you have earned multiple degrees, you will receive the incentive specified for the highest degree earned/presented.
• The incentive will be paid after successful completion of your probation.
• Associate Degree: $500
• Bachelor Degree: $1,000
• Masters (or higher): $1,500

Moving Expenses

• All moving expenses are listed as the net-pay you will receive.
• Guidelines for this payment are as follows:
  • In‑state (Arizona) move under 90 miles: $250
  • In‑state (Arizona) move over 90 miles: $500
  • Out‑of‑state move: $3,000
• *The costs/expenses incurred must be between the date a FINAL offer of employment letter is received and one year from date of hire. Any exceptions must be authorized by the Chief of Police.

Paid Vacation Time & Sick Time

• For the lateral officer, at the time of hire you will receive a one‑time addition of 80 hours of vacation time and 80 hours of sick time.
• Vacation accrual rates will be adjusted based on prior full years of (sworn) service.

Travel Reimbursement

• We will reimburse travel costs related to testing activities that occur after you have received a conditional offer.
• The maximum daily reimbursement will be based on current GSA rates:
  • Airfare: https://cpsearch.fas.gsa.gov/cpsearch/search.do
  • Per Diem & Lodging: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
• Keep all receipts.
• Contact QCPD command staff for specific details or guidance prior to travel.

Additional Compensation

• Specialty Assignment Pay for Detectives, Field Training Officers, Motors, SWAT, Negotiations, etc.
• Shift Differential Pay
  • Power Swing Shift: $.75 per hour
  • Swing Shift: $1.00 per hour
  • Graveyard shift: $1.25 per hour
• Overtime, Callout, Stand‑By, and other Premium Pay

Job Classification Summary

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for performing general and specialized police work involving the enforcement of laws and ordinances, protecting life and property, conducting investigations, detection and arrest of violators, effecting crime prevention, providing community services, responding to requests for assistance, or acting in some other specialized assignments of comparable responsibility.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the first level in the sworn police job family responsible for performing law enforcement activities.

Essential Duties

• Monitors radio communication and responds to community requests, calls‑for‑service, and emergencies.
• Assists other officers, department personnel, and Town staff as needed.
• Investigates crimes, complaints, accidents, and other situations.
• Administers first aid, secures crime and accident scenes, conducts investigations, and identifies and preserves evidence.
• Interviews individuals with complaints and provides an appropriate disposition or refers to proper authorities.
• Assess activity or situations and takes appropriate action to enforce laws and maintain safety and security.
• When appropriate, apprehends suspects, makes/processes arrests; and transports offenders.
• Patrols designated areas to maintain order and to prevent, deter or discover violations and other criminal activity.
• When appropriate, conducts traffic stops and issues citations or warnings.
• Prepares and completes a variety of reports to provide documentation of daily shift activities, investigations, law an