Police Officer - Lateral

Salary: $30.27 - $36.33 Hourly
Location : 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces, NM
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: 2002 08-26 EN
Department: Police
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 10/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Nature of Work
Full-time, regular, non-exempt position. Pay will be based upon number of years of full-time experience in law enforcement up to the salary range posted at top of announcement.


Offering a $30,000 recruitment and retention incentive payment and 5 personal leave days (40 hours) with a 36 month commitment.


Lateral Officer Payout Schedule Amount At Hire$10,000.00At the Completion of Field Training$10,000.00One Day Prior to the End of the Probationary Year$10,000.00Relocation assistance$5,000.00
Relocation assistance is based on eligibility.

Performs general duty police work involved in the protection of persons and property; prevention and investigation of crimes; and enforcement of laws.


Position is subject to competing demands such as ten-hour shifts on a rotating basis; extended work hours beyond regular shift when necessary; multiple tasks; strict deadlines; and exposure to serious bodily harm. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.


Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.


Any applicant who has worked for the Las Cruces Police Department as a commissioned police officer in the last thirty-six (36) months is ineligible for the hiring incentive.


This position is graded between a POF 1 - POF 5.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs general duty police work in order to provide protective services to the general public of Las Cruces.

• Patrols streets, roads, and public places on foot, motorcycle, patrol car, or any other means of conveyance to prevent crime, enforce laws, or respond to criminal actions.

• Issues tickets to traffic violators.

• Renders first aid at accident sites, reroutes traffic accordingly, and investigates causes and results of accidents.

• Responds to reported crime scenes adhering to required processes and procedures.

• Writes and files report of daily activity immediately following each shift.

• Cooperates with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and detention of persons involved in criminal activity.

• Appears in court to present evidence and testify against apprehended individuals violating the law.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Twenty (21) years of age
2. United States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
3. Valid driver's license
4. Valid high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
5. No misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years
6. No convictions of domestic violence
7. No felony convictions
8. Any drug usage since receiving a peace officer certification will disqualify
9. Must not have ever transported illegal drugs
10. Must not have a Dishonorable Discharge from the US Military
11. Must pass all steps of the Selection Process ; see below
12. Must have a current law enforcement certification that is issued or recognized and approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
13. Out-of-State Lateral Officers must have a minimum of two (2) years experience. Law enforcement experience must include, but not limited to: conducting traffic stops and/or investigations: responding to domestic violence calls, disorderly conduct and public affray calls, DWI/DUI; community policing.
14. One (1) year minimum requirement accepted if you currently possess a NMLEA Police Officer Certification.
15. Two (2) Year minimum requirement waived if applicant has graduated a Las Cruces Policy Department Academy.
16. Must complete LCPD Lateral Training
17. Must complete LCPD Field Training & Evaluation Program (up to 14 weeks).
18. Out-of-State Lateral Officers must complete the two (2) week Certification by Waiver course (held in Santa Fe, NM) within the first year of employment.

Selection Process (NM Certified only) :

1. Complete and submit City of Las Cruces application
2. LCPD Physical Agility assessment
3. NMDPS Day & Night qualification course
4. Extensive background investigation
5. LCPD Assessment Center
6. Polygraph
7. Psychological examination, evaluation and interview
8. Medical physical/Drug screening
9. Police Chief interview

Selection Process (Out-of-State) :

1. Complete and submit City of Las Cruces application
2. Physical assessment (50th percentile)
3. NMDPS Agility Obstacle Courses
4. NMDPS Day & Night firearms qualification course
5. Extensive background investigation
6. LCPD Assessment Center
7. Polygraph
8. Psychological examination, evaluation and interview
9. Medical physical / Drug screening
10. Police Chief interview

Benefits :

1. Thirteen (13) paid holidays per year
2. Twelve (12) sick leave days per year
3. Personal leave
4. Vacation leave
5. Bereavement leave
6. Health insurance plans
7. Uniforms, equipment and sidearm provided
8. Work related injury compensation
9. Retirement program (P.E.R.A.)
10. Take home car program
11. Promotional opportunities
12. Four (4) - 10 hour work days
13. Paid overtime & compensatory time off
14. Forty (40) hours of annual leave upon hiring
15. Sixteen (16) hours of personal leave upon hiring. Additional Sixty -Four (64) hours after completion of probation.
16. Spanish speaking pay - incentive
17. Advanced Education - Incentive (Bachelors and Masters Degree)
18. Referral Program - Incentive

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities


Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate police and civilian activities. Knowledge in police operations, techniques, practices, traffic control and enforcement, and resource planning. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary in interacting with general public and City staff. Knowledge of safety and standard police practices. Working knowledge of personal computer with appropriate software is necessary. Ability to operate all assigned equipment and tools.
To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Las Cruces,
01


United States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have, at a minimum, the required high school diploma or equivalent (GED)? (If you fail to include this information under the education section of your application, you may be disqualified from the process.)

• Yes
• No

03


This position requires a minimum of two (2) years of law enforcement experience. One (1) year experience accepted if you currently possess a NMLEA Police Officer certification. Two (2) year minimum requirement waived if graduated a Las Cruces Police Department Academy. Must pass all steps of the hiring and training process. *Law enforcement experience must include, but not limited to: conducting traffic stops and/or investigations; responding to domestic violence calls, disorderly conduct and public affrays calls, DWI/DUI; community policing. Do you meet this minimum requirement/experience? (This will be verified against the information you provided under the work experience section. If you fail to include it, you may be disqualified from the selection process.)

• Yes
• No

04


Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have a valid driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have a current law enforcement certification?

• Yes
• No

07


If you answered yes to the certification question above, indicate what State, law enforcement agency, and the certification number. If not applicable, type N/A.

• Yes
• No

08


Were you referred to apply by an LCPD Officer?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered yes to the question above, please indicate the First and Last name of the Officer. If not applicable, type N/A.
10


Where did you hear about the hiring of this position? Please choose one or all that apply.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Billboard
• Radio
• News Paper
• Television
• Recruiting Table
• City Website
• Friend/Family Referral

Required Question