Description

Apply by: 3/01/2026

Salary Range: $80,730.00 - $123,191.63/year

Benefit info at:  https://www.joinlakewoodblue.com/Pay-Benefits

The nationally recognized and accredited City of Lakewood Police Department is now accepting ongoing applications for the expected July 2026 Academy.

Applications are accepted through the city's website. We have monthly testing dates available. These dates are as follows -  February 9-10 and March 16-17

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage ethnic minorities and women to apply. The City of Lakewood offers excellent benefits.

Please visit our Police Recruiting website at http://joinlakewoodblue.com for more information about the Lakewood Police Department.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LECgKvqBJg

To qualify as a Police Agent Recruit you must meet the following requirements:

Must be at least 21 years of age at date of hire.
Have obtained a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a nationally accredited university by July 1, 2026.
 

Other State requirements for Police Officers in Colorado, including Lakewood Police Lateral Agents include:

No felony convictions.
No convictions of misdemeanor crimes that would affect your ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. Visit the POST website at https://coloradopost.gov/certification/disqualifying-incidents-forms for a list of misdemeanors that will preclude police officer certification. Generally, traffic violations do not fall under these restrictions; however, you must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license by the date of hire.
 

To apply as a Lateral Police Agent, you must meet the above listed criteria and the following:

Possess an active Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or an active state equivalent,
Not currently under Internal Affairs investigation for any reason,
A minimum of three (3) years of patrol duty (calls for service/street duty) while employed full time by a state, county or municipal police department or sheriff's office department similar to that found in most urban and suburban settings. 
Experience accumulated as a deputy or officer employed at a correctional facility, or as a Federal or Military Police Officer is not applicable experience. Police Academy training does not count toward the three-year minimum experience requirement. 
 

Please Note:

The following types of experience are NOT regarded as "law enforcement" experience for the purpose of Lateral to the Lakewood Police Department:

Deputy/Officer employed in a jail/prison setting
"Full Service" employment in a university setting
A volunteer reserve police officer
A military police officer
A District Attorney investigator
Employment on a part-time basis; or
Time spent in a training academy.
 

The Lakewood Police Department values the hiring of skilled, experienced and dedicated police professionals through a lateral entry program. Lateral applicants must meet the hiring requirements for new recruits, including possessing a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Lateral applicants must have an active peace officer certification and at least three years of police patrol experience. The experience must have occurred in a similar environment and policing experience such as federal, railroad, private police, military and collegiate law enforcement will not be considered.  While each lateral applicant’s qualification and performance are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, most Colorado certified laterals spend two weeks in a police academy setting and most out-of-state laterals spend less than two months in a police academy setting. Lateral agents are eligible for an abbreviated field training program as short as six weeks.

Lateral agents complete a reduced probationary period of one year, subject to their performance.  Lateral agents are eligible to compete for certain specialized assignments after successfully completing probation and are eligible for all specialized assignments and promotion to sergeant after only two years of service. 

If you are interested in applying or if you have questions, please reach out to us at LPDRecruiting@LakewoodCO.org. 

Testing Summary: Must be able to pass a written suitability test, physical abilities test (obstacle course), panel interview, polygraph, job suitability evaluation, post-offer psychological evaluation, background investigation, pre-placement physical examination and drug screen.

Salary Information

Academy Recruit (Upon Hire): $80,730
Entry into Field Training: $86,138.91
Graduation from Field Training: $91,910.22
Two Years from Date of Hire: $98,068.20
Three Years from Date of Hire: $104,638.77 (Lateral and Military Veteran eligible starting salary)
Four Years from Date of Hire: $111,649.57 (Lateral with four years of patrol experience)
Five Years from Date of Hire: $123,191.63 (Lateral with five years of patrol experience)

*Military Leadership Incentive: The Lakewood Police Department values the leadership experience and service-minded culture of our Nation’s military.  To honor those values and to attract selected veterans as potential hires for our police force, the Lakewood Police Department now offers starting lateral-transfer pay (which is $101,108.80), for veterans which fall into either one of the below categories:

Any service member or veteran, E-5 and above, with a bachelor’s degree and five years of active duty service. 
                                                        Or

Any service member or veteran, E-5 and above, with a bachelor's degree and eight years of reserve/guard service or six years of reserve/guard service in a law enforcement AFSC/MOS/NEC.
 
This benefit extends only to veteran pay. All veterans must still submit a full application package (which will honor your Veterans Preference points), meet all of Lakewood’s standards and complete the full police academy and field training. 
 

JOB DESCRIPTION (This job description does not intend to list every function of the position.)

In an entry level capacity, performs Police Officer duties, including but not limited to communicating information, dealing with critical and dangerous situations, safely driving in routine and emergency situations, effecting arrests, transporting arrestees, gathering information from victims, witnesses and suspects, handling firearms with proficiency and safety, working a rotating shift.  New Recruits will be paid during their training, which includes a 24 week academy and 16 weeks of field training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Communicating Through Radio (Duties Include): Comprehending radio transmissions being received over multiple law enforcement radio channels. Communicating information effectively while transmitting on the radio.

Dealing with High Pressure and Potentially Dangerous Situations (Duties Include): Recognizing situations of potential danger to police personnel, citizens, traffic and surrounding property. Exercising sound judgment in dealing with critical situations. Maintaining calm in high pressure or dangerous situations.

Detecting and Collecting Evidence (Duties Include): Providing a basis for probable cause that a crime has been committed and indicates who committed it.

Driving (Duties Include): Operating a law enforcement vehicle safely in nonemergency (routine) and emergency situations. Responding to the radio-mike while performing multiple functions including; floor pedals, gearshift, steering wheel and the radio (during both daylight and dark hours); in excess of posted speed limits; in congested traffic conditions; in unsafe road conditions caused by such factors as rain, ice, snow, fog, smoke, etc.

Effecting Arrests (Duties Include): Determining if probable cause exists for arrest. Effecting arrests using the techniques and equipment appropriate to meet the resistance presented by suspects. Taking photographs of and obtaining fingerprints from arrested suspects. Transporting arrestees and mental subjects using appropriate force and restraint.

Handling Abuse (Duties Include): Both verbal and physical when dealing with hostile suspects and others encountered in antagonistic environments.

Information Gathering and Disseminating (Duties Include): Effectively communicating with people of all ages from diverse economic, cultural and ethnic back¬¬grounds while providing information and directions, mediating disputes, advising of rights and legal processes and testifying in judicial setting. Using proper phone procedures. Gathering information by interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects.

Performing Patrol Functions (Duties Include): Working rotating shifts. Walking on foot patrol. Checking doors and windows for security. Performing First Aid/CPR functions at accident and disaster scenes. Removing inured people from dangerous situations by lifting, dragging, or carrying them. Directing traffic. Safely conduct traffic stops on traffic violators. Controlling crowds. Recognizing potentially dangerous situations and evacuating people from affected area. Stopping and detaining suspicious vehicles and persons. Performing searches of people, vehicles, buildings and outdoor areas.

Reporting/Form Completion (Duties Include): Selecting and utilizing appropriate report forms. Using appropriate grammar and construction in the thorough preparation of investigative reports, summonses, affidavits, warrants and other required forms.

Utilizing Firearms (Duties Include): Loading, unloading, aiming and firing handguns from a variety of positions at levels of proficiency and safety prescribed by qualification standards.

NOTE: A Police Agent should maintain a level of physical fitness to be able to safely perform all duties, especially those requiring maximum levels of exertion, e.g., arrest control, suspect chase.

Performs work that requires the following physical abilities: 

Regular and reliable attendance.

Keyboarding skills, with word processing functions to prepare reports, generate criminal histories, enter data on computer and mobile data terminals (MDT's) and other required forms.

The ability to follow supervisor's instructions.

The ability to work a rotating shift, including nights, holi­days and weekends.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning or from an accredited program. The accreditation must be recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Degrees from foreign universities will be professionally assessed. It is the applicant's responsibility to have degrees from foreign universities professionally assessed prior to the start of the Background process.

Age
At least twenty-one (21) years of age at time of hire.
Citizen of the United States, or proper I-9 documentation.

LATERAL CANDIDATES
In addition to the above essential qualifications, lateral applicants must have a minimum of three (3) years of patrol duty (calls for service/street duty) while employed full time by a state, county or municipal police department or sheriff's office department similar to that found in most urban and suburban settings.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Regular and reliable attendance.
Keyboarding skills, with word processing functions to prepare reports, generate criminal histories, enter data on computer and mobile data terminals (MDT’s) and other required forms.
The ability to follow supervisor’s instructions.
The ability to work a rotating shift, including nights, holidays and weekends.

Decision Making (KSAs Include): Applies knowledge and reasoning to make prompt and effective decisions quickly in both routine and non-routine situations. Evaluates alternative courses of action and selects the most acceptable alternatives. Makes sound decisions in a timely manner and takes appropriate action.
 

Integrity (KSAs Include): Represents honesty and truthfulness in daily activities as well as in all reports and testimony. Conducts activities that represent the department in a light that establishes public trust and con­­­­­­­­fidence.

Self-Control (KSAs Include): Maintains composure and performs effectively in high-pressure situations. Refrains from overreacting when subjected to physical or verbal abuse. Exercises restraint and uses the appropriate amount of force necessary to handle a given situation.

Assertiveness (KSAs Include): Asserts self when necessary to exert control over others. Approaches situations that are suspicious in nature.

Observation Skills (KSAs Include): Recognizes conditions or circumstances that indicate something might be wrong, unusual, or out of the ordi­nary; utilizes senses of sight and hearing to assist in recog­nition.

Written Communication (KSAs Include): Writes clearly and concisely. Uses proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. Writes reports that are well organized, complete and accurate. Writes reports, takes notes and gives citations. Need for legible handwriting increases for traffic patrol agents on motorcycles because of lack of computer.

Verbal Communication (KSAs Include): Speaks in a clear, understandable manner and compre­hends various types of information. Communicates effec­tively with persons from diverse economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Speaks with good pronunciation, projects voice clearly.

Teamwork (KSAs Include): Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and other law enforcement officials. Recognizes situations where teamwork, not sole effort, is needed. Shares information and works coopera­tively with others. Complies with departmental rules and regulations. Follows orders. Is able to accept advice and constructive criticism in a positive manner.

Dependability (KSAs Include): Is reliable, thorough, punctual, and accurate. Assumes respon­sibility for share of workload. Works with minimal super­vision.

Learning (KSAs Include): Comprehends new information and applies that which has been learned on the job. Understands and conceptually applies information that is provided in writing or verbally. Retains information.

Interpersonal Behavior (KSAs Include): Sensitive to the feelings of others and resolves problems in ways that do not arouse antagonism. Interacts and deals effectively with people from varying social and cultural backgrounds.   Courteous and respectful. Exercises com­passion and empathy for persons in varied situations and with varied backgrounds.

Adaptability (KSAs Include): Adapts to changes in working conditions (e.g., changes in patrol assignment, shift changes, different types of inci­dents that must be handled one right after the other, weather conditions, etc.)

Driving Skills: Demonstrates ability to control vehicle in routine and emergency situations. Maintains a good driving record. Complies with departmental and state driving and safety regulations.   Must be proficient at driving while multi-tasking and requires driving in various weather conditions at various speeds.

Commitment to Quality Service (KSAs Include): Educates and informs citizens and customers on a variety of issues surrounding law enforcement, develops a rapport with citizens, answers citizens' questions and understands citizens' concerns, demonstrates problem-solving for citi­zens, demonstrates involvement in Community-Oriented Problem Solving (COPS) and displays a positive relation­ship with citizens, as well as with other employees through­out the department and City.

Officer Safety (KSAs Include): Applies appropriate safety precautions in hazardous and potentially dangerous situations. Maintains a safe position when dealing with suspects. Maintains awareness of own location and location of legal elements.

Use of Weapons (KSAs Include): Maintains physical strength, flexibility and maneuverabil­ity necessary to properly utilize the approved weapons for police officers. Dem­­­­­­­­­onstrates the ability to aim at a desig­nated target and attain an acceptable proficiency rating. Understands appropriate levels of force based on specific circumstances and chooses weapons accordingly.

Legal Knowledge (KSAs Include): Demonstrates working knowledge of laws, codes and legal procedures. Accurately detects crimes and violations and applies all appropriated codes. Complies with legal re­quirements when making arrests, conducting searches and obtaining evidence. Writes reports that include all neces­sary legal elements.

Arrest and Control Techniques (KSAs Include):  Maintains physical strength, flexibility and maneuverabil­ity necessary to apply prescribed restraining techniques. Remains current in use of force considerations and applies force appropriately. Coordinates arrests and restraints with other officers to minimize danger for Agents, arrestees and bystanders.

Knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures (KSAs Include): Demonstrates working knowledge of department policies, regulations and procedures. Is able to verbalize them and apply them appropriately.

PEACE OFFICERS' STANDARDS AND TRAINING: Ability to pass the P.O.S.T. certification test.

Must be able to pass a written suitability test, physical abilities test (obstacle course), panel interview, polygraph, job suitability evaluation, post-offer psychological evaluation, background investigation, pre-placement physical ex­amination and drug screen. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Initiative (KSAs Include): Proceeds on assignments without waiting to be told what to do. Makes an effort to improve skills and keeps informed of new developments in the field. Exerts the effort needed to make sure the job is done correctly.

Appearance (KSAs Include): Presents a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance.

Bi-lingual (Spanish-speaking) ability is a desired qualification.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

PHYSICAL DEMAND
Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance
Sit, stand or be stationary
Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on
both even and uneven terrain
Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
Vision to include; distance, depth perception, peripheral and color
Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain

Environmental Conditions may include
Confined spaces
Extreme cold or heat
Frequent vibrations due to equipment use
Fumes or airborne particles
Moderate to extremely loud noise environment
Outdoor weather conditions
Toxic or caustic chemicals
Wet or humid conditions
Work in high, precarious places

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Lift items weighing approximately 25-34 pounds. A typical gear bag weighed at 11 to 24 pounds, the briefcase 16 to 36 pounds. This is a combined weight of 27 to 60 pounds. Lifting these items is required from floor level or from below the knee on an occasional basis. Lift from equipment weighing from 2 to 34 pounds from knee through chest level. Lift and drag a person (100 pounds or more, from knee through chest level. Lift above shoulder level on an occasional basis weighing up to 10 pounds. Motorcycle traffic patrol Agents must be able to pick up a motorcycle from the ground that weighs approximately 620 pounds.
Forces will vary from light to heavy (greater than 45 pounds of horizontal force). Pushing occurs on a frequent basis. On occasion, must push an automobile.
To carry items (as noted in Lifting), 250 feet to 1500 feet. Required Frequently to carry or maneuver up to 75 pounds for weighing over 100 pounds on an occasional basis
Hearing & Vision Test

The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.