Police Officer Recruit - Sponsored Academy

City of Longmont; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 91,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid police academy

Salary during training

Tuition assistance

Take‑home car after training

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

The City of Longmont is seeking Police Officer Trainees (Recruits) who will attend a fully paid police academy in Colorado while earning a salary. The role offers full benefits, advancement opportunities, and a clear path to sworn officer status upon graduation.

Starting pay is $90,804 annually, with staged pay progression through Steps 2-6 and a Master Police Officer level. A bilingual incentive is available, plus tuition assistance and take‑home car eligibility after field training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 60 college credits.
• Waiver available with agreement to complete within 5 years.
• Must be at least 21 years old by hire date.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to pass a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical exam.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete a Colorado POST-approved police academy.
• Learn law enforcement procedures, report writing, and emergency response.
• Assist with patrol operations and community engagement.
• Support crime prevention and public safety initiatives.
• Transition into field training to become a sworn Police Officer.

Education

High school diploma or GED

60 college credits

Waiver available to complete within 5 years

Job description

Why Join the Longmont Police Department?

• Obtain Colorado POST certification.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain).

Police Officer Trainee (Recruit) – Paid Academy | $90K Starting | Longmont, CO

The Longmont Police Department is hiring Police Officer Trainees (Recruits); no prior law enforcement experience required. Earn $90,804 annually while attending a fully paid police academy (begins August of 2027 / Employment start date 7/26/2027) and begin a career in public safety with full benefits and long-term advancement opportunities.

All police recruits start at Step 1 and progress through the steps on the anniversary date of their probationary graduation.

2027 Hourly/Annual Pay

• Step 2 $46.88 / $97,524.
• Step 3 $49.96 / $103,920.
• Step 4 $53.04 / $110,340.
• Step 5 $56.12 / $116,748.
• Step 6 $59.26 / $123,276.
• Master Police Officer $63.23 / $129,444.

Paid Police Academy

• City-sponsored police academy—tuition fully covered.
• Earn full salary while training.
• Obtain Colorado POST certification.

Equipment & Support

• Duty firearm provided.
• Full uniform and gear issued (including ballistic armor).
• $400 annual equipment allowance.
• Interest‑free loans are available for additional equipment.

Career Growth

• Clear path to sworn Police Officer after academy and field training.
• Opportunities for specialized assignments later in your career.

Bilingual Incentive

• $50–$200/month additional pay for Spanish/English skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• FPPA defined benefit pension plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• 40 hours of vacation upon hire.
• Tuition assistance.
• TAKE HOME CAR program after successful completion of Field Training (within 25 miles of any city limit).
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What You’ll Do

• Attend and successfully complete a Colorado POST-approved police academy.
• Learn law enforcement procedures, report writing, and emergency response.
• Assist with patrol operations and community engagement.
• Support crime prevention and public safety initiatives.
• Transition into field training to become a sworn Police Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 60 college credits.
• (Waiver available with agreement to complete within 5 years).
• Must be at least 21 years old by hire date.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to pass a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical exam.

No Prior Law Enforcement Experience Required.

Candidates with Colorado POST certification who do not qualify as lateral officers may be considered for this position.

Hiring Process

• Written exam.
• Physical abilities test.
• Assessment center.
• Oral and integrity interviews.
• Background investigation (including credit, criminal, and driving history).
• Psychological evaluation, medical exam, and drug screening.

For More Information, Contact

• Master Police Officer Stephen Desmond

303-651-8539

[e-mail]

The Longmont Police Department is committed to training, mentoring, and developing the next generation of officers.

The City of Longmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.