POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

City of Surprise, AZ; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Surprise Police Department invites applications for Police Recruit to begin a training path toward sworn duties. The recruitment includes a mandatory physical fitness and written test scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, with gates opening at 6:30 am and testing at 7:00 am. Qualified applicants will be notified by email after screening.

Candidates will complete 18–24 weeks of basic training at the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy, must be 21 by graduation, and be a U.S. citizen.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must complete 18–24 week basic training at the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy.
• Must be 21 years of age prior to graduation from the academy.
• Must be a U.S. citizen. No job-related experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in law enforcement and crime prevention work in a training capacity; patrol with an assigned Police Officer in a designated area.
• Assist in investigative work and other assignments in a training capacity.
• Participate in the selection process including a panel interview and assessments.

Education

High school/GED

Arizona Law Enforcement Academy basic training (18–24 weeks)

21 years of age by graduation

U.S. citizen

Job description

Come join the Surprise Police Department where we value Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability, High Quality Service, and Customer Focus

THE PHYSICAL FITNESS AND WRITTEN TEST IS SCHEDULED FOR Saturday October 17, 2026

Gates Open at 6:30 am and Testing Starts at 7:00 am

All Police Recruit applicants must attend testing to be considered for this recruitment. All qualified applicants will be notified of the testing time and location via email once your application has been screened for minimum qualifications.

Applicants for this position may be eligible for Veteran's Preference Points pursuant to A.R.S. §38-492 and the City of Surprise Public Safety Veteran Recruitment Policies. In order to be eligible, a DD Form 214 with the completed Member 4 section must be submitted at the time of initial testing. More information and Policy is available for Veterans on the Police Recruiting Information link above.

Applications will remain eligible for approximately six (6) months. Candidates may only test within the six (6) month eligibility period.

SUMMARY

Assist in law enforcement and crime prevention work in a training capacity; patrol, with assigned Police Officer, a designated area for the prevention of crime and the maintenance of law and order; and assist in investigative work and other assignments, in a training capacity.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or have successfully completed a General Educational Development (G.E.D.) examination.


• Must complete 18 to 24 week basic training at the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy.


• Must be 21 years of age prior to graduation from a basic training academy.


• Must be a U.S. citizen. No job related experience is required.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must have at the time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Arizona driver license.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include a panel interview and an assessment exercise.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Fingerprinting


• Criminal Background screening


• Polygraph Examination


• Psychological Examination


• Pre-employment Physical Examination


• Drug Screen


• E-Verify


• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.