Police Officer - Lateral (In-State and Out-of-State)

The City of Avondale is accepting applications from career-oriented Arizona In-State and Out-of-State Lateral applicants who desire to join the Avondale Police Department.

The successful candidate(s) will be individuals who share strong ethical standards with the officers of Avondale, are team-oriented with a high level of maturity and personal responsibility, and display cultural awareness and sensitivity. This position requires personal dedication to Customer Service and Community Policing Concepts and how they apply to the community.

Patrols designated areas and responds to calls for service by the public. Investigates crimes and crime scenes. Writes reports, testifies in court, trains, and supervises as required. Also, may perform Field Training Officer duties.

Responds to calls for service by contacting complainants and suspects, conducting investigations, gathering information, completing interviews, documenting facts, making arrests when necessary, and writing reports.

Patrols designated areas by operating the patrol vehicle/motorcycle, walking, observing, watching for traffic violators, and providing customer service.

Conducts crime investigations by locating physical evidence, victims, witnesses, and suspects, gathering statements, investigating the crime scene, coming to a conclusion about the crime, and making arrests when necessary.

Performs other duties as assigned by testifying in court, holding training sessions, acting as detention/booking officer, assisting other bureaus, serving warrants, and conducting some supervisory tasks.

• In-State Laterals:
  • Must be ARIZONA POST CERTIFIED, in good standing. A copy of your certification must be attached to your application.
  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • A High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
  • Possess or have the ability to obtain an Arizona Driver's License.
  • No felony convictions.
  • POPAT will be waived for all in-state laterals who are currently active and whose POST certification has not lapsed.
• Out-of-State Laterals:
  • Must have successfully passed a certified/accredited police academy within their respective state and show proof of current certification. A copy of your certification must be attached to your application.
  • Must have a minimum of one year of active patrol experience.
  • Successfully complete the Arizona State Post Standard certification test and proficiency tests.
  • The proficiency testing consists of the following:
    • Firearms qualification (day, night, target, identification/discrimination)
    • Tactical driving qualification
    • The Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) which contains five events including a 500-yard run, scaling a 6 ft. chain link fence followed by a 25-yard sprint, scaling a 6 ft. solid wood fence followed by a 25-yard sprint, a 99-yard obstacle course and a 165 lb. “dummy” drag (All events are timed and scored in a pass/fail mode)

A thorough background investigation will include a polygraph, psychological examination, AZPOST medical examination, and drug screening. Applicants are expected to possess strong communication skills (both verbal and written) as well as acceptable computer skills.

The City of Avondale reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants for the following exam process: physical fitness examination; oral interview; polygraph examination; extensive background check and psychological examination.

Physical Fitness Test:

Applicants must be able to pass a physical agility test. Candidates will be contacted to schedule their physical agility test. The Avondale Police Department uses the Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT). All applicants will be required to complete a liability waiver prior to participating in the physical agility evaluation. POPAT will be waived for all in-state laterals who are currently active and whose POST certification has not lapsed. 

The physical evaluation consists of the following:

• 99-yard obstacle course
  • Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, several curb height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
• Body Drag
  • Lift and drag 165-pound, lifelike dummy 32 feet
• 6-foot chain link fence
  • Run five yards to a six-foot chain-link fence, climb over the fence, continue running another 25 yards.
• 6-foot solid fence climb
  • Run five yards to a six-foot solid fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
• 500-yard run
  • Run 500 yards (equivalent to one lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track).

Salary : $32 - $47