Join Our Team
Rise to serve and make a difference. Join Phoenix Police Department and see a world of rewarding opportunities.
To join us and become a Phoenix Police Officer you must meet these minimum requirements:
- Be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application; 21 years of age prior to completion of the Academy
- Be a United States citizen
- Must successfully complete a medical exam to AZ POST standards
- Have not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces
- Within the last 36 months:
- Have fewer than eight driving violation points
- Have no more than one chargeable accident
- Have no convictions for DUI (no more than one in a lifetime)
- An applicant must possess a valid driver’s license that has not been canceled, refused, suspended or revoked for a moving violation within the past 36 months
- Must meet Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board drug standards (Click the above link to see AZPOST FAQ’s)
- No commission or conviction of a felony. Misdemeanor arrests are discretionary
- Three positive personal references
- No history of criminal or improper conduct
- Have a positive employment history
- Must have a high school diploma, home school diploma or GED equivalency
- AZPOST (Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training) certified officers may be eligible for lateral transfers
Our hiring process is designed to identify individuals committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and service. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Application
Start by completing the AZPOST Personal History Form and then submit your application online. Visit the City of Phoenix jobs website. Search for “Police Recruit."
AZPOST is the state governing body for all law enforcement officers in Arizona. You will be prompted to share your personal history form with the agency you are applying for. Choose "PHXPD".
Upon completion, you will be provided an AZPOST Form ID Number specific to your application. Record this number (screenshot/write it down) for your records. After completion of the AZPOST personal history form, PROCEED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION. You will not be in the hiring process until your application is complete.
Ensure you meet our minimum requirements, including age, citizenship and education.
2. Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT)
Once you have submitted your online application and are put on the eligibility list you will receive an email invitation within two weeks to schedule your POPAT test. Learn more about POPAT by visiting the link here.
3. eSOPH Background Packet and Background Interview
Early in the process, applicants will be provided an eSOPH link to complete their online background packet. Once completed, they will be contacted by a background investigator to schedule a background interview. The background interview will verify your qualifications and character.
4. Polygraph Examination
You will be required to complete a polygraph examination administered by the Phoenix Police Department.
5. Psychological Examination
Applicants will be evaluated by a licensed psychologist.
6. Medical Examination
Applicants will undergo a medical examination given by an AZPOST authorized physician.
7. Controlled Substance Screening
Applicants will be required to submit to a controlled substance screening during the hiring process.
Competitive Salary
The Phoenix Police Department is Arizona's highest-paying law enforcement agency.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, ensuring your hard work is rewarded.
Police Officer Maximum Salary:
$51.84 hourly /
$107,827 annually
Salary Upon Academy Graduation:
$35.75 hourly /
$74,360 annually
Police Recruit Starting Salary:
$33.72 hourly /
$70,138 annually
Hiring Bonus:
Recruits = $7,500.
How it works: $2,500 upon initial hire. $2,500 on successful completion of the Phoenix Police Academy. $2,500 on successful completion of the Probationary period as a Police Officer.
Hiring Bonus:
Lateral Police
Officers = $7,500.
How it works: $3,750 upon swearing-in as a Phoenix Police Officer. $3,750 upon successful completion of the Probationary period.
Download: Compensation & Benefits Reference Guide
Career Advancement
Embark on a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth and advancement. PHX PD offers over 80 specialty details and hundreds of promotional opportunities.
Continuing Education
Training Reimbursement
$500 of their tuition reimbursement funds to attend additional career training.
Education/Tuition Reimbursement
$6,500 in reimbursement funds available every year.
Sign Language/Bilingual Incentive Pay
Officers receive $10/hour in addition to regular hourly pay while engaged in translation activities. This includes all related paperwork, investigation time and court appearances.
Retirement Benefits
Secure your future with a retirement plan that ensures life-long financial stability. Officers may choose either the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System or 401K.
Health & Life Insurance
Several health insurance plan options to select from as well as life insurance benefits.
4/10 Hour Work Schedule
Patrol Officers work four days per week on ten hour shifts.
Nightshift/Weekend Differential Pay
Compensatory Time Bank Option
Officers may save up to 300 hours of compensatory time which may be used as cash or leave.
Vacation Leave
One to Five Years of Service = Eight hours per month (96 hours/year).
Increases incrementally with years of service, up to 15 hours per month.
Personal Leave
Holiday Pay
13 paid holidays each year.
Paid Court Overtime
Court appearances at a time other than the regularly scheduled duty time are compensated overtime with a minimum of three hours of court time paid for each court appearance.
Health and Wellness
Equipment & Allowances
Department-Provided Equipment
The Phoenix Police Department provides Officers with their firearm, gun belt (including equipment carriers such as holster and magazine carrier), handcuffs, ammunition, pepper spray, breast badge, flat badge, traffic vest, helmet, fingerprint kit, puncture-resistant gloves, tape recorder.
Uniform Allowance
Ballistic Vest Allowance
Officers receive $1,000 to purchase their initial vest. Then $1,000 every five years to purchase a replacement. In addition to the annual uniform allowance.