Police Officer Trainee (Recruit) – Paid Academy | $87K Starting | Longmont, CO
The Longmont Police Department is hiring Police Officer Trainees (Recruits)—no prior law enforcement experience required. Earn $87,312 annually while attending a fully paid police academy and begin a career in public safety with full benefits and long-term advancement opportunities.
REQUIRED: You MUST apply via the City of Longmont's website to be considered!
Apply at: www.longmontcolorado.gov/jobs
This is your opportunity to start a career in law enforcement with paid training, job security, and a clear path to becoming a sworn Police Officer.
Compensation
Starting Salary: $87,312 annually ($41.97/hour)
Schedule: Full-time (shift work required)
All Police Recruits are started at Step 1 and progress through the steps on the anniversary date of their probationary graduation.
2026 Hourly/Annual Pay:
- Step 2 $45.08 / $93,768
- Step 3 $48.04 / $99,924
- Step 4 $51.00 / $106,092
- Step 5 $53.97 / $112,260
- Step 6 $56.98 / $118,536
Why Join Longmont Police Department?
Paid Police Academy
- City-sponsored police academy—tuition fully covered
- Earn full salary while training
- Obtain Colorado POST certification
Equipment & Support
- Duty firearm provided
- Full uniform and gear issued (including ballistic armor)
- $400 annual equipment allowance
- Interest-free loans available for additional equipment
Career Growth
- Clear path to sworn Police Officer after academy and field training
- Opportunities for specialized assignments later in your career
Bilingual Incentive
- $50–$200/month additional pay for Spanish/English skills
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- FPPA defined benefit pension plan
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- 40 hours of vacation upon hire
- Tuition assistance
- TAKE HOME CAR program after successful completion of Field Training (within 25 miles of any city limit)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
What You’ll Do
- Attend and successfully complete a Colorado POST-approved police academy
- Learn law enforcement procedures, report writing, and emergency response
- Assist with patrol operations and community engagement
- Support crime prevention and public safety initiatives
- Transition into field training to become a sworn Police Officer
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum of 60 college credits
- (Waiver available with agreement to complete within 5 years)
- Must be at least 21 years old by hire date
- Valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
- Ability to pass background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical exam
No prior law enforcement experience required.
Candidates with Colorado POST certification who do not qualify as lateral officers may be considered for this position.
Hiring Process
- Written exam
- Physical abilities test
- Assessment center
- Oral and integrity interviews
- Background investigation (including credit, criminal, and driving history)
- Psychological evaluation, medical exam, and drug screening
Apply Today
For more information, contact:
Master Police Officer Stephen Desmond
303-651-8539
stephen.desmond@longmontcolorado.gov
REQUIRED: You MUST apply via the City of Longmont's website to be considered!
Apply at: www.longmontcolorado.gov/jobs
DId we mention this requirement?
REQUIRED: You MUST apply via the City of Longmont's website to be considered!
Apply at: www.longmontcolorado.gov/jobs
Start Your Career in Law Enforcement
The Longmont Police Department is committed to training, mentoring, and developing the next generation of officers. If you are motivated to serve your community and build a meaningful career, apply today.
The City of Longmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.