Preparation and Minimum Qualifications for a Police Officer Recruit
Police Officer Recruit Testing
Pay & Benefits
The City of Tempe and Tempe Police Department
How do I become a police officer and what are the minimum qualifications? You should first determine if you meet minimum qualifications to be certified as a police officer in Arizona by visiting the Arizona POST website. Next, research the job of a police officer to ensure you have an understanding of the day-to-day duties and responsibilities. This may include law enforcement websites and publications, speaking with police officers or volunteering with a police department. To see volunteer opportunities available with the department visit the volunteer website. You may also contact a police recruiter. Refer to the recruiting website regularly for testing dates and information. Back to Top
What can I do to prepare myself for the police officer recruit test and a career as a police officer? You should maintain a high moral character and sound level of physical fitness. Applicants could work to improve their education beyond high school in a variety of ways to include higher education, mastering a foreign language or attending technical schools. There are no preferred degree programs or job history. All diverse education, military and work backgrounds are welcome. There are several rigorous phases to the police officer recruit test that gage an applicant’s mental aptitude, physical fitness level, communication skills, background and general health. Applicant are encouraged to attend test orientations hosted by the department in the weeks prior to the testing process. Click here for information about the testing process. Back to Top
How does the recruit testing process work? Click here for information About the Testing Process. Back to Top
How long does the recruit testing process take? The initial phases of the recruit testing process occur over a relatively short time. The human resources department will announce a testing process and information will be available on the police department recruiting website. The most qualified applicants who are invited to the testing process will complete a written examination, physical agility test and panel interview over the course of approximately one (!) week. Once all these phases are successfully completed, only the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the process, which could take up to six (6) months or one (1) year to complete. Back to Top
How often does the Tempe Police Department conduct a recruit testing process? The Tempe Police Department usually conducts two (2) testing processes each year. Refer to the recruiting website regularly for testing dates and information. Back to Top
If I have tested before so do I need to complete the entire process again? Yes. Applicants who are testing to become a police officer recruit must complete each phase of the testing process even if you have participated in the past. You will be judged on current written examination scores, physical agility test results and panel interview performance. Past results will not be counted. Back to Top
Can I do a ride-along during the recruit testing process? No. Applicants who are involved in the testing process may not go on a ride-along with the Tempe Police Department. With hundreds of people submitting applications, our department is not large enough to meet the needs of all applicants. Back to Top
How many police officers will be hired during the next recruit testing process? The number of applicants hired during each process is determined by a variety of factors including the number of police officer vacancies. This number varies from test to test based on attrition within our organization. Back to Top
What if I don’t have my AzPOST Questionnaire notarized or all the required paperwork prior to the written examination? Applicants arriving for the first phase of the testing process – be it the written examination or physical agility test – are required to have certain documents to include the AzPOST Background Questionnaire with COPIES of a high school diploma or transcripts; a birth certificate, naturalization documentation or a United States passport; and a valid government-issued driver license or identification card. These are AzPOST requirements and those who do not have these items will not be permitted to begin the testing process. Back to Top
Can out-of-state applicants participate in the recruit testing process? Yes. Out-of-state applicants participate in the same testing process and are required to complete the same steps as in-state applicants. The written examination and physical agility evaluation are conducted on the same day; usually a Saturday. Panel interviews are scheduled for the following week on a first come, first serve basis immediately after the written examination and physical agility test are completed. A limited number of spots are held on the first day for out-of-state applicants. If an out-of-state applicant is not able to remain in Tempe for the panel interview, the department MAY schedule future panel interviews to accommodate out-of-state applicants. Back to Top
I am in the recruit testing process, why have I not heard from the police department? Once an applicant has completed the written examination, physical agility test and panel interview, the additional steps such as the background, polygraph, psychological and medical evaluations can take up to six (6) months or longer to complete. This is due to the hundreds of applicants in the process. If you have submitted an application, you will be notified when you are moving forward in the process or are no longer part of the process. Unfortunately, due to the large number of applicants involved in the hiring process, we are not able to respond to calls from applicants requesting updates on their status in the process and you should NOT contact the human resources or police departments to seek an update on your status. Back to Top
What is the pay and benefits for a Tempe Police Officer? Police officer starting pay is $56,724 yearly. The city offers employees a comprehensive benefits package. The benefits provided to Tempe police officers include:
- 14-24 yearly paid vacation days
- 12 yearly paid sick leave days
- 12 yearly paid holidays
- Shift differential pay
- Special assignment pay
- Retention incentive (longevity) pay after five years of employment
- Yearly uniform reimbursement
- Ballistic vest reimbursement
- Health, dental, life & vision insurance plans
- Supplemental life insurance
- Industrial insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts (health & dependent care)
- Employee training & development opportunities
- $5000 yearly tuition reimbursement
- Public Safety Personnel Retirement System
- Deferred compensation plans (401k & 457)
- Employee wellness programs
- Employee assistance program
- Auto & home insurance discounts
- Deductible reimbursement yearly after three years of employment
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What is the pay and seniority for lateral police officers? Lateral police officers may be compensated at a pay rate that takes into account previous years of police service and several other factors. These factors vary and are considered on a case-by-case basis. A decision related to pay will be made prior to the applicant signing a conditional offer of employment with the department. Lateral officers will not receive seniority based on time worked at another police agency. Back to Top