Police Officer Recruit

Reno Police Department Hiring Now!

The Reno Police Department is looking to fill 20+ positions at the upcoming Summer 2026 Academy, anticipated to begin in July 2026. Civil Service will begin reviewing applications as they are received. To be considered, candidates must complete a City of Reno employment application with all required documentation and successfully complete all testing with a passing score.

The Reno Police Department employs the best of our community. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to live and work within our Reno Police Department CORE values. These CORE values are the heart of our Department: SERVICE, INTEGRITY, RESPECT, and FAIRNESS.

This is the entry-level classification for Police Officer Recruits who will participate in a 22-week Police Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy, Recruits will be promoted to Police Officers with a starting annual salary of $72,508.80.

This is an open competitive opportunity for all individuals who meet the minimum qualifications. This continuous recruitment will establish an eligibility list for current and future vacancies. As applications are received, results will be merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission: Rule VI, Section 11, Continuous Examination.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

Specific to Police Recruit:

• Attends the Law Enforcement Academy ("Academy") designated by the Police Department.
• Conforms to the rules of conduct as outlined in the Academy's Recruit Manual, Department Policy and City of Reno Policy.
• Completes written reports and makes oral presentations as required by the Academy.
• Participates in the Academy training, and completes and passes all academic tests as prescribed by the Academy, to include any quizzes, mid-term and final exams.
• Participates in physical fitness training and passes the physical fitness standards test as prescribed by the Academy and the Nevada Peace Officers Standards and Training rules.
• Participates in Defensive Tactics training and obtains a passing score on the final proficiency test.
• Participates in Firearms training and obtains a passing qualification score for each firearm.
• Participates in the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course training and obtains a passing score on the final proficiency test.
• Completes First Aid and CPR training and obtains a passing score on a final written exam.
• Participates in Force on Force training and obtains a passing score on the final proficiency test.

Specific to Police Officer:

• Patrols assigned areas on foot, in a patrol car, on a motorcycle or other means of transportation; checks stores, businesses, houses and other premises for burglary and other disturbances; investigates any suspicious conditions.
• Makes arrests for violation of laws or ordinances; escorts prisoners to incarceration and may register and book prisoners.
• Makes initial and supplementary investigation of crimes in areas such as personal violence, theft, checks intelligence, juvenile and others; investigates cases involving missing persons, lost children and runaways; interviews witnesses and complainants.
• Click here for a complete list of essential job functions related to the Police Officer Classification.

The following minimum qualifications must be met by applicants at the time of application:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent such as a GED
• A citizen of the United States of America
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• At least 20 years of age

Additional Screening:

A background investigation will be conducted in order to verify the accuracy and completeness of statements contained on the application and to obtain information relative to predicting successful performance as a Police Recruit/Officer. Those individuals whose rank places them in the range to be certified to the department will be provided with a background information packet. This initial packet must be completed within the time period specified by the Reno Police Department.

In addition, eligible candidates selected for hire from the certified list for Police Department positions will be required to submit to a polygraph examination, medical, visual, psychological and drug screening at the City's expense. These processes will be conducted by a licensed polygrapher, physician, and clinical psychologist. The screening components will be used to evaluate a candidate's capability to safely perform the related physical and mental demands of the job.

Bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Submit your application and supplemental questionnaire online at If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to submit an online application include: the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, Nevada Job Connects, local libraries, or educational facilities.

If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Completing your Application:

The Personal Profile Information, Agency-Wide Questions and the Supplemental Questionnaire are sections that must be completed as part of your application.

The following areas of the application are not required to be completed: Certificates and Licenses, Skills, Additional Information and References.

Bachelor's degree = 2 points

Associate's degree = 1 point

Applicants will be allowed to apply for Police Officer Recruit once every six months. Candidates who are disqualified during the hiring process due to background disqualifying criteria by federal and/or state laws will be removed from the eligible list and must wait one year before reapplying.

The examination will consist of a written test weighted as follows:

Written Test = 100% of final grade

Multiple test dates have been scheduled, with testing sessions being made available to candidates upon acceptance of their application. The number of sessions is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. We strongly suggest selecting a test session as soon as possible. A notification to self-schedule your test will be sent upon the acceptance of your application. Regular testing will take place in the City of Reno. The exact testing locations in Reno will be identified when you schedule your test. There may be alternative options for remote testing available to candidates that are outside of the Reno area. We will notify those who meet this criteria to schedule their exam.

Will I be required to pass a Physical Fitness Test?

Yes, all candidates will be required to take and pass the NV POST Physical Fitness Test (PFT) administered by the Reno Police Department (RPD) within 30 days of application and prior to being considered for hire. This is part of the hiring process, once your application has been accepted, you must successfully complete the PFT within 30 days. Candidates will be allowed up to two attempts to pass the PFT within that 30 day period. Exceptions may be made for weather or staffing related reasons only.

When does this recruitment close?

This recruitment is continuous, meaning we will continue to take applications and will not have a closing date. Please note: There will be specific deadlines by which applications will need to be submitted in order to be considered for an upcoming scheduled academy. Monitor the job posting for all updates as to when the next round of hiring is expected.

When should I submit my application?

As soon as possible, once we receive your application, we will send you a notification to schedule your exam.

When is the next scheduled academy?

The Reno Police Department is preparing for the Summer 2026 Academy, anticipated to begin in July 2026. Civil Service has already begun pulling applications for this round of hiring. To be considered, candidates must complete a City of Reno employment application with all required documentation and have successfully completed the required test with a passing score.

Notification:

Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified.

Testing Accommodation:

We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, you must inform the Chief Examiner by completing the Accommodation Request Form by the closing date of this announcement. All requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.

Employee/Veteran Preference (In the event of Tie Scores):

Open Competitive Examination (Rule VII, Section 7): In the event of tie scores, candidates will be provided a rank