Police Officer Trainee

Durango, CO; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 47,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off + 11 paid holidays

401(a) retirement plan

Job summary

Durango Police Department is seeking a Police Officer Trainee to begin in the August 2027 academy in Pueblo. Trainees will complete coursework and field instruction, aiming for POST certification as a Colorado police officer.

Applicants must meet age, education, licensure, and firearms requirements, and pass background screening, drug testing, and a psychological evaluation as part of the process.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years old at time of appointment.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• The ability to meet all POST requirements for certification.
• The ability to legally possess a firearm.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment and post-offer testing, including a background investigation, drug screen, and psychological examination.

Responsibilities

• Attend all scheduled days of basic law enforcement academy training.
• Successfully complete the academy and obtain POST certification as a police officer.
• Learn and adhere to Durango Police Department policies and procedures.
• Develop understanding of criminal law and its application in patrol situations.
• Learn proper radio procedures and etiquette.
• Obtain and maintain first aid and CPR certifications.
• Become proficient in using the Spillman records system.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to pass background checks

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Spillman records system

Job description

Your journey to becoming a Police Officer starts here. As a Police Officer Trainee, you’ll attend law enforcement academy, where you’ll develop an understanding of criminal process, judicial process, Colorado Criminal Code, patrol and investigation techniques, firearms, driving and arrest control, while participating in scenario-based training. By successfully completing the academy and achieving Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Testing (P.O.S.T.) certification, you may have the opportunity to promote to Police Officer with the Durango Police Department.

Important Dates & Academy Information

This Police Officer Trainee position is intended for candidates who will attend the August 2027 academy through the Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy at Pueblo Community College.

Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2027, to allow sufficient time for the required hiring and background process prior to the academy start date.

About the Department:

Our mission is to improve community safety and quality of life by reducing crime and its perception. We are committed to serving our diverse community with respect, dignity, integrity, and the utmost moral and ethical character. Driven by the ambition to become the premier law enforcement agency in the southwest region of Colorado, we leverage innovation and cutting‑edge technologies. We focus on developing, retaining, and investing in the success of our team members. Through community engagement, we collaborate with community members and local partners to address issues and improve quality of life, making Durango the best place to live, work, and play.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose‑driven organization with more than 400 full‑time and 300 part‑time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high‑quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Attend all scheduled days of basic law enforcement academy training.
• Successfully complete the law enforcement academy and obtain Peace Officer Standards and Testing (P.O.S.T.) certification as a police officer in the State of Colorado.
• Learn and adhere to all Durango Police Department policies and procedures.
• Develop a strong understanding of criminal law, case law, and their practical application in patrol situations.
• Learn proper radio procedures and etiquette.
• Obtain and maintain current certifications in first aid and CPR.
• Become proficient in using the Spillman records system.

In addition to being at least 21 years of age, you have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.
• The ability to meet all Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate requirements.
• The ability to legally possess a firearm.
• The ability to successfully pass pre‑employment and post‑offer testing, including a background investigation, drug screen, and psychological examination.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Long‑term disability coverage
• Paid FMLA
• Commitment to employee wellness:
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Resiliency Program: Offers guidance, coaching, and confidential support for mental well‑being. Earn 8 hours of PTO for each counseling session attended, up to twice per year.
• Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Ice Rink and Ski Area
• Participation in holistic Employee Wellness Program
• Free transit pass and family member discounts
• Reimbursement for job‑related classes to foster continuous learning
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non‑profit organizations