Lateral applicants undergo a distinct process compared to recruit applicants. Following their application, a member of the hiring team will establish contact with each lateral candidate. For those residing out of state, there will be options available to streamline testing phases and minimize travel.

The hiring process for an Arizona POST-certified officer or out-of-state lateral officer begins with completion of an online application. 

As soon as the online application is accepted you should:

• Complete the online AzPOST personal history form at my.AZPOST (if not done already).  Once complete be sure to share your personal history form with Tempe PD.
• Complete and print the AzPOST & TPD PH Face Sheet, Release & FCRA&D (PDF).  You will bring this packet with you when instructed.

Qualified candidates will be contacted by email within a couple of weeks of applying.  As part of the lateral hiring process, you will participate in a:

1.  Background interview;
2. Polygraph examination;
3. Psychological evaluation;
4. Medical examination.

Applicants who successfully complete the four listed phases will be placed on the background list awaiting a conditional job offer.  

In-State Lateral Applicants

Arizona POST-certified officers are exempt from the physical agility test and written exam.  A member of the hiring team will contact you to initiate scheduling the various phases of the hiring process. 

Out-of-State Lateral Applicants

In addition to the steps described in the above hiring process, out-of-state laterals complete a waiver process and exam or may need to attend an academy in Arizona.  The decision is unique to each lateral applicant based on their academy curriculum, continuing training and other factors.  In either case, lateral candidates receive one step in our pay plan for each full year of sworn police service in addition to the lateral hiring bonus.

Upon hire, as part of the waiver process, out-of-state lateral officers must successfully complete a firearms qualification, driving qualification, written comprehensive test, and the Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT), which has five events: 

• 99-yard obstacle course;
• Body drag;
• Chain-link fence climb;
• Solid fence climb;
• 500-yard run.

Scheduling options which reduce travel for out-of-state candidates are available. 

Please contact a recruiter with any questions as we are here to assist you in achieving success. 

JoinTempePD@tempe.gov  |  1 877 TPD AND U (1 877 873-2638)