POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

City of Surprise; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Surprise Police Department is seeking a Police Recruit to support law enforcement and crime prevention efforts in a training capacity. Recruits patrol with a designated Police Officer and gain hands-on experience in maintaining public safety.

Applicants must meet basic education requirements, complete Arizona Law Enforcement Academy training, be a U.S. citizen, and possess a valid Arizona Driver License; testing includes a physical fitness and written exam with subsequent interviews and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must complete 18–24 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.
• Must have a valid Arizona driver license at time of hire.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Participate in selection process to include a panel interview and assessments.
• Successful candidates will undergo pre-employment background screenings including fingerprinting, criminal/background checks, polygraph, psychological, medical, and drug screening.

Skills

Physical fitness

Testing readiness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Arizona Law Enforcement Academy training

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.

For detailed instructions please visit our website by clicking the following link: Police Recruiting Information

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.

The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please

01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.

• I acknowledge the above statement.

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

• Yes
• No

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:

• Master's Degree, or higher
• Bachelor's Degree
• Associate's Degree
• High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
• None of the above

05

Will you have and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

I understand that this position requires a valid Driver's License with no major driving citations in the last 39 months.

• I acknowledge the statement above

07

Will you be at least 20 years and 6 months of age by January 15, 2027?

• Yes
• No

08

Applicants for this position may be eligible for Veteran's Preference Points pursuant to A.R.S.

• 38-492 and the Public Safety Veteran Recruitment policy. Please select from the following:
• Veteran, who has served on active duty for six (6) months or longer in any branch of the United States military, and has an honorable discharge
• Veteran, entitled to compensation for a service connected disability
• Veteran's Spouse or Surviving Spouse, if the veteran, during active duty as a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, is either missing in action, captured, forcibly detained by a foreign power, killed in action, or has a total permanent service-connected disability, or died while having such disability
• None of the above

09

How did you hear about the opportunity?

• City of Surprise website
• AZ League of Cities and Towns
• CALEA - Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
• Police1.com
• AACOP - AZ Chiefs of Police
• Government Jobs
• Indeed
• Surprise Employee referral
• Other
• Required Question