Police Lateral •FOR EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS •

Police Officer

This job posting is for an academy to be held in May 2026; however, the department reserves the right to change the dates if operationally necessary. The 2025 hourly rate is $42.95. The 2026 rate will be published after approval of the 2026 budget. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy and obtaining the required POST certification, you will be sworn in as a Colorado Springs Police Officer. A police officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department will patrol assigned sectors and responds to calls for service in order to keep the peace, provide assistance, resolve conflict and maintain positive visibility. An officer also enforces federal, state and local laws and ordinances, as well as deters criminal activity and make arrests when necessary. A police officer also works in partnership with the community to identify and resolve community concerns and educates and communicates laws to public concerning traffic and criminal activity. Investigates and reports all criminal or suspicious activity through Department forms and documents. Renders aid to injured.

Job Summary

Patrols assigned sector in marked police vehicle.

Responds to calls from citizens.

Provides assistance to community members by solving problems and resolving conflict.

Locates and arrests suspects of crimes.

Issues traffic and criminal summons when necessary.

Intervenes in disturbances, fights, and altercations.

Pursues fleeing suspects on foot or in vehicle.

Climbs, crawls, jumps, and / or runs to pursue suspects and protect life.

Pushes / pulls, lifts and / or carries persons and / or suspects who may be injured or unconscious.

Makes forceful arrests.

Minimum Qualifications

This position is for experienced police officers. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications as a Police Recruit, lateral police officer applicants must meet the following additional qualifications :

• You must be currently certified as a Level I Peace Officer in Colorado as defined by CRS Section 16-2.5-101, or similarly qualified as a Police Officer in another state or federal jurisdiction. Applicants that are serving or have served as military or security police in the Armed Forces do not meet this definition; therefore, they must apply as a Police Recruit.
• You must have at least three years of paid full time police officer experience as a patrol officer within the last five years by the academy start date. The Department may waive the requirement to have served as a patrol officer in certain circumstances. Experienced officers that have served three years as a patrol officer, but have subsequently been appointed or promoted to Detective or promoted to a supervisory position, could also satisfy the requirement.
• You must be by the date of hire at least 21 years of age.
• You must not have been convicted of a felony.
• You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• You must meet all requirements necessary to certify with the Colorado POST Board including :
• You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime that would affect your ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. Visit the POST website for a list of misdemeanors that will preclude police officer certification.
• You must be able to lawfully possess a firearm
• You must have, by the date of hire, an Associate Degree or 60 college semester hours. A national or regional accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education must accredit the school or institution granting the degree or credits. Candidates that do not meet educational minimums upon application must submit a statement from their school confirming that they are currently enrolled in a course of study that will allow the candidate to meet the minimum qualifications upon date of hire. Please Note : If you have not completed 60 college semester hours please click HERE for information on our alternative education option.
• If hired, you will be required to furnish proof of U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident Status that includes eligibility to lawfully own and carry a firearm and ammunition. Click here for Colorado POST information on non-United States Citizens Eligibility. While we understand there have been recent changes in state law that permit some persons not lawfully in the United States to become Colorado POST certified, federal law remains as a prohibition to this. In addition, the Colorado Springs Police Department policies regarding firearms for its officers and recruits do not outline any exceptions at this time.
• You must not have been released or discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.
• You must pass the Physical Readiness Test, maintain good physical condition, and meet the medical standards as established by the City of Colorado Springs Police Department.
• You must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Candidates must have a native level proficiency in the English language.

Recruits must be able to be directly exposed to an aerosol and / or gel irritant projector, a conducted energy device and riot control agents during the academy in preparation for a real-world encounter.

Supplemental Information

In order to be successful as a police recruit with the Colorado Springs Police Department, candidates should be able to :