For new police officer recruits, the first step is to review AzPOST and TPD minimum requirements (PDF).  If you meet the minimum requirements, the next step is to complete a New Recruit application online during an open application window.  You must also be 20 ½ years old at the time of application.   

For lateral police officer applicants, please complete the Lateral application online.

Once you have submitted your application, please complete the AzPOST Personal History Form at my.AZPOST (if you have not already done so). Be sure to share your personal history form with Tempe PD.

The City of Tempe offers provides police officers with an attractive salary and benefits package.  Starting salary (PDF) for police officers is $70,651 or $33.97/hr.  

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Annual incentive payment of 3% - 7.5% based on years of total service for those in the top pay scale
• Overtime opportunities including special events
• Shift differential pay up to $2.00 per hour
• Bilingual and special assignment pay up to 7%
• Veteran eligibility for GI Bill pay during academy and training
• Paid leave benefits (PDF); 13 yearly paid holidays
• Career advancement
• $6,000 yearly tuition reimbursement; employee training and development
• Uniform reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans (PDF)
• Employee wellness program
• Pension through the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System 
• Deferred compensation, FSA & HSA plans (401k & 457)

New Recruits:

 The physical agility test requires applicants to complete the following:

• A 1½ mile run in no more than 13:56 minutes.
• Completion of 21 or more push-ups in no more than 1:00 minute.
• Completion of 31 or more sit-ups in no more than 1:00 minute.

Those who pass each physical requirement advance to participate in the written assessment.

Laterals: 

In-state — lateral applicants who are AZPOST certified are not required to complete a physical or written exam.

Out-of-state — lateral applicants complete the Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) as part of the waiver process. 

Remain ready to help others, maintain your high ethics and visit our About Recruit Testing to learn more.  You can improve your education in a variety of ways such as higher education, mastering a foreign language or attending technical schools. There are no preferred degree programs or job history. We seek diverse schooling, military and work backgrounds.

A complimentary candidate orientation guide (PDF) is available to help you study for the written exam.

• You must have a valid state or federal government-issued photo identification to test.
• Proof of Citizenship
  • MUST be one of the following:
    • A COPY of your birth certificate showing birth in the United States.
    • A COPY of your United States passport.
    • A COPY of your United States Certificate of Naturalization.
• High School and/or College Diploma
  • MUST be one or both of the following:
    • A COPY of your high school diploma, GED, or final transcripts.
    • A COPY of your college diploma or final transcripts.

Typically, the hiring process takes 1-2 months, depending on Academy start dates.

Absolutely.  We minimize travel for out-of-state applicants, and you can visit our About Recruit Testing or About Lateral Testing page for information about the testing process, including testing options for out-of-state applicants.

In-state — lateral applicants who are AZPOST certified are not required to complete a physical or written exam. Upon hire, Arizona POST-certified officers move directly to post-academy and field training. 

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

Please visit our About Lateral Testing for more information about the testing process.

The academy spans approximately 24 weeks long, with a 40 -hour workweek.

Police officers undergo comprehensive training in police academies to prepare them for their roles in law enforcement.  The specific curriculum and training programs may vary but here are some key areas of training:

• Emergency Response and Crisis Management
• Community Policy and Cultural Competency
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Communication Skills
• Physical Fitness and Defensive Tactics
• Firearms training
• First Aid and Medical Training
• Traffic Enforcement and Vehicle Operations

Lateral police officers also receive compensation and benefits that take previous years of service into account and may be eligible for:

• A pay step (PDF) for each full year of sworn service
• Enhanced paid vacation (PDF) days for each full year of Arizona PSPRS contributions
• Issued equipment
• Uniform reimbursement each year. 

We host numerous tests each year. Please refer to the police officer testing schedule to find the best time for you.  If you want more information, please contact a recruiter as we are here to assist you in achieving success. 

If you applied online and did not test or did not pass the physical agility test or written exam, you are encouraged to reapply.  If you move onto the background list, you remain there for one year from the date you applied. If you're no longer on the background list, you are encouraged to reapply.