Police Officer Recruit - Sponsored Academy

Job Description

Job Description

Police Officer Trainee (Recruit)

December 2026 Hire | January 2027 Sponsored Academy | $90,804 Starting

No prior law enforcement experience? No problem.

We're hiring NOW for our next academy class.

The Longmont Police Department is actively hiring Police Officer Trainees (Recruits) for a December 2026 employment start and January 2027 sponsored police academy.

You get hired first. You get paid while attending the academy. And the City of Longmont pays for your academy training.

If you've been waiting for an opportunity to start a career in law enforcement, this is it.

Starting salary: $90,804 annually ($43.65/hour).

IMPORTANT — YOU MUST APPLY THROUGH THE CITY OF LONGMONT

To be considered for this position, you MUST submit your application through the City of Longmont's official employment website.

Apply here:

Applications submitted anywhere else will not be considered.

GET HIRED. GET PAID. GET TRAINED.

This isn't a position where you're hired and then sent home to figure out how to pay for the academy.

Longmont sponsors your police academy.

That means:

• Academy tuition is fully paid by the City of Longmont.
• You earn your full salary while attending the academy.
• Attend a Colorado POST-approved police academy.
• Complete your training and transition into Field Training.
• Successfully complete Field Training and begin your career as a sworn Longmont Police Officer.

No prior law enforcement experience is required.

If you have the motivation to serve, the willingness to learn, and the desire to build a career in public safety, we'll provide the training.

COMPENSATION:

Police Recruit — $90,804 annually / $43.65 per hour

Police Recruits begin at Step 1 and progress through the established pay steps on the anniversary date of their probationary graduation.

2027 Police Pay Scale

StepHourlyAnnualStep 1 / Recruit$43.65$90,804 Step 2$46.88$97,524Step 3$49.96$103,920Step 4$53.04$110,340Step 5$56.12$116,748Step 6$59.26$123,276 Master Police Officer$63.23$129,444

Full-time position. Shift work is required.

ACADEMY & TRAINING:

City-Sponsored Police Academy:

• Academy tuition fully paid by the City.
• Full salary while attending the academy.
• Colorado POST certification upon successful completion.
• Professional training and development throughout your career.
• Transition from academy training into a structured Field Training program.

Our goal isn't simply to get you through an academy.

It's to develop you into a Longmont Police Officer.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT:

Longmont provides the equipment you need to do the job, including:

• Duty firearm.
• Full uniform and duty gear.
• Ballistic armor.
• $400 annual equipment allowance.
• Interest-free equipment loans are available.

BUILD A CAREER — NOT JUST A JOB

Becoming a police officer is the beginning of the career, not the end of the training.

As you gain experience, there are opportunities for specialized assignments and continued professional development.

Bilingual Incentive

Employees with qualifying Spanish/English language skills may receive $50–$200 per month in additional compensation.

BENEFITS:

Longmont Police Officers receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• FPPA defined-benefit pension plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• 40 hours of vacation upon hire.
• Tuition assistance.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Take-home vehicle program after successful completion of Field Training, within 25 miles of any city limit.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

As a Police Officer Trainee, you'll:

• Attend and successfully complete a Colorado POST-approved police academy.
• Learn law enforcement procedures, report writing, emergency response, and officer safety.
• Develop the skills necessary to serve and communicate effectively with the community.
• Learn crime prevention and public safety practices.
• Transition from academy training into Field Training.
• Develop into a sworn Longmont Police Officer.

Our philosophy is simple:

Policing in partnership with the people.

We believe effective policing starts with relationships—with the community, our partners, and each other.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Minimum of 60 college credits.

  • A waiver is available with an agreement to complete the required education within five years.
• Must be at least 21 years old by hire date.
• Valid Colorado driver's license, or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to successfully complete the required background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screening.

No prior law enforcement experience is required.

Candidates who possess Colorado POST certification but do not meet the requirements for a lateral position may also be considered for the Police Officer Trainee position.

THE HIRING PROCESS:

The hiring process may include:

• Written examination.
• Physical abilities test.
• Assessment center.
• Oral interview.
• Integrity interview.
• Background investigation, including credit, criminal, and driving history.
• Psychological evaluation.
• Medical examination.
• Drug screening.

We know the process is a commitment.

So is becoming a police officer.

Our Hiring Unit will help you understand what comes next along the way.

WHY LONGMONT?

If you're looking for a police career where you can serve a community, develop professionally, and build something long-term , we want to hear from you.

And if you're thinking:

"I've never been a cop before. I'm not sure I'm qualified."

That's exactly why this position exists.

You don't need to arrive as a police officer.

You need to arrive ready to become one.

DECEMBER 2026 HIRING — JANUARY 2027 ACADEMY

We're actively working toward a December 2026 employment start for our January 2027 sponsored academy class.

If you're interested, don't wait until the last minute.

Get your application submitted, start the process, and give yourself the opportunity to be part of this class.

Ready to take the first step?

APPLY HERE:

IMPORTANT: You MUST apply through the City of Longmont's website to be considered for this position.

For additional information about the position or hiring process:

Master Police Officer Stephen Desmond
View phone number on ziprecruiter.com
View email address on ziprecruiter.com

START YOUR CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Get hired. Get paid. Get trained.

Then go serve your community.

Longmont Police Department

Policing in partnership with the people.

The City of Longmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.