Police Officer Recruit

City of Montrose; Montrose (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Montrose is hiring a Police Pre-Academy Recruit in preparation for the 2026 Fall CMU Law Enforcement Academy. Under direct supervision, you will participate in training across divisions and support clerical and reporting duties while pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Qualifications include being 21+, valid Colorado driver’s license, high school diploma, ability to meet fitness standards, and proficiency with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age upon entering the Academy
• High School or GED diploma required
• Ability to meet the physical fitness standard required by the department
• Working knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment
• Ability to recognize and analyze a variety of police problems and make recommendations
• Strong computer skills with MS Office products including Word and Excel, and police specific software

Responsibilities

• Perform clerical duties; keep records, enter information into computer systems; answer the telephone and provide information and directions to the general public.
• Process information and prepare reports as assigned; submit completed reports on all cases assigned; prepare a variety of correspondence and statistical and narrative reports; research and analyze information.
• Learn to interpret and apply City law enforcement policies and procedures including Police Department policy manual, and related state and federal laws.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing; establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with department personnel and city personnel.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with the public using principles of good customer service. Learn modern office equipment, methods, procedures, and computer hardware and software. Participate in the Ride-Along program.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel)

Police software

Job description

We are hiring now for Pre-Academy Recruit in preparation for the 2026 Fall CMU Law Enforcement Academy

Basic Purpose of the Job:

Under direct supervision, a Police Pre Academy Recruit performs tasks in various divisions of the Police Department in conjunction with a formal training program designed for career advancement into the law enforcement field; performs related work as assigned.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Perform clerical duties; keep records, enter information into computer systems; answer the telephone and provide information and directions to the general public.
• Process information and prepare reports as assigned; submit completed reports on all cases assigned; prepare a variety of correspondence and statistical and narrative reports; research and analyze information.
• Learn to interpret and apply City law enforcement policies and procedures including Police Department policy manual, and related state and federal laws. Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing; establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with department personnel and city personnel.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with the public using principles of good customer service. Learn modern office equipment, methods, procedures, and computer hardware and software. Participate in the Ride-Along program.
• The Pre Academy Recruit will be responsible for adhering to all Montrose Police Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures including but not limited to the Department Orders, Rules of Conduct, directives, and direct orders given by superiors.
• Recruit will be responsible for adhering to all applicable State and Federal laws. Recruit will be responsible for knowing the policy and procedures of the Montrose Police Department. All positions may be required to work holidays, evenings, weekends, shift work, or varied schedule. Important Perform related duties as assigned.

Core Beliefs:

Core beliefs are deeply held values and assumptions that guide individuals in the workplace. Core beliefs define how we do things. By establishing core beliefs, the City of Montrose is creating a common culture that shapes employee behavior in a positive and predictable manner. When these beliefs are shared, they create cohesiveness and mutual commitment in the organization and flexibility to changes as they occur.

Our core beliefs are centered on exceptional service and are based around treating our customers and fellow team members with dignity and respect. We value teamwork and recognize that we must continually strive to improve the customer experience. Every team member, regardless of job title, plays a part in creating a service environment and each are empowered to respond to the needs of our customers and teammates. We have six Core Beliefs: Respect, Ethics, Leadership, Accountability, Transparency, Excellence in Service (RELATE).

Job Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age upon entering the Academy, have no felony convictions and be able to legally possess a firearm.
• High School or GED diploma required.
• Ability to meet the physical fitness standard required by the department.
• Working knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment, applicable laws and ordinances.
• Ability to recognize and analyze a variety of police problems and make recommendations.
• Strong computer skills with experience utilizing MS Office products including Word and Excel, and police specific software.

Licensures & Certificates (must be active and current.):

• Colorado P.O.S.T. Certification Imminent.
• Current Colorado driver's license with acceptable record.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, physical readiness is essential. Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical activities during emergency situations and training. Requires continuous use of motor skills. Ability to lift and/or move 40 pounds frequently, over 100 pounds occasionally; frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; hand/eye coordination for operation of personal computer; vision for reading and preparing written reports and documents; frequent speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with employees and citizens. Various levels of mental application required including memory for details, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Must be able to visually aim with both the left and right eyes, and be able to utilize both the strong hand and weak hand to mechanically operate a firearm. Environment and functions of work pose a high degree of hazard uncertainty. Subject to many interruptions and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. Frequent exposure to demanding, high stress situations. Environment includes exposure to outside elements, with walking, running and driving in inclement weather. Exposure to extreme temperatures, irritant gasses, vibration, heights, confined spaces, emergency driving, little or no sleep for extended periods. Unconventional work hours required including nights, weekends and holidays. Frequent travel may be required.

Late applications will not be accepted. All candidates are subject to a pre-employment background check and drug screen. The City of Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.