Police Officer Recruit (January 2026 Academy)

Police Officer

City of Wheat Ridge

$33.65 - $51.44 Hourly

Wheat Ridge, CO

Full-Time

Continuous

The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to excellence and ACTION! :

• Accountability : Employees take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and recommendations and are accountable to each other and the community
• Change : Adapts to changing organizational needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Teamwork : Employees value teamwork as a collaborative effort, with each person contributing unique skills, knowledge, and training to achieve common goals.
• Integrity : Employees uphold the highest ethical standards, recognize the importance of public and customer trust and adhere to the values of the organization.
• Opportunity : Employees are empowered to grow professionally, develop best practices, and seek challenges to advance the City.
• NOW! : Employees are proactive, timely, and efficient in responding to the needs of the organization and the community NOW!

As a new recruit with the Wheat Ridge Police Department, you will receive full sponsorship to attend one of the top police academies in Colorado. This comprehensive training program prepares you for a successful career in law enforcement by covering a broad range of essential topics and practical skills. Training includes instruction in criminal law and procedures, communication and de-escalation techniques, patrol operations, crime scene investigation, community policing, and problem-solving strategies. You will also receive hands-on training in traffic investigations, use of force protocols, firearms handling, arrest control techniques, and emergency vehicle operations.

The primary expectation of an incumbent assigned to this position is to attend and successfully complete the assigned, departmentally approved police academy. May perform various non-sworn police related functions within the department while waiting for academy commencement.

Minimum Education and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Knowledge - Ability to develop working knowledge of Federal, State and local statutes and ordinances; develop working knowledge of proper law enforcement principles, procedures and practices; develop working knowledge of first aid and medical procedures and practices.

Skills - Ability to develop skill in the use of law enforcement vehicles, firearms, related law enforcement equipment, and principles and practices of self-defense.

Abilities - Remain calm in stressful situations; apply logical thinking in determining a proper course of action in a minimum amount of time; make sound decisions and take appropriate action; follow written and verbal instructions; perform a high level of sustained physical activity; communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; interact and deal effectively with people from varying social and cultural backgrounds; exercise compassion and empathy for persons; share information and work cooperatively with others; follow orders; accept advice and constructive criticism in a positive manner; assert self when necessary; maintain composure and perform effectively in stressful situations; exercise restraint and use the minimum amount of force necessary to handle a given situation; adapt to changes in working; apply appropriate safety precautions in hazardous and potentially dangerous situations.

Qualifications for success throughout police recruitment process :

National Testing Network Assessments- Successfully complete the testing process within 7 days of invitation. Upon completion an invite will be sent to candidates to participate in a panel oral board. Oral Boards- will be notified when scheduled Background process - Includes a Polygraph and Psychological Evaluation. (all steps must be passed) Chief's Interview - Upon successful completion of the Background Process an interview will be scheduled for candidates with Chief Murtha. Drug Screening / Essential Functions - Requirement after passing Chief's Interview Upon completion of the steps listed above a Final Offer will be given. (Our process takes approximately 40 days from start of the background process.)

An Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Wheat Ridge is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, marital status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodations for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office.