Entry-level police officers will top out in four years.

Lateral Police Officer pay: Commensurate with years of police experience (excluding corrections, detention and military police).

Additional Compensation Opportunities: 

• Extra $85 per month for a Bachelor’s degree
• Extra $125 per month for a Master’s degree
• Extra $50 per month for qualified bi-lingual skills
• Numerous overtime and off-duty work opportunities 

*Variety of Off-duty opportunities after FTO.

• A police officer with any law enforcement experience (excluding detention and corrections)
• Candidates that have or will complete a Colorado POST police academy
• Out-of-State certified police officers can challenge Colorado POST but must complete this within 30 days of their initial job offer

 *Those with more than two years of experience as a certified police officer are eligible to participate in selection processes for special assignments and collateral duties after successful completion of probation

Cadet

• An applicant that is at least 21 years of age or will be 21 years of age upon completing the police academy sponsored by CCPD
• None of the above criteria applies to you
  

City of Commerce City employee salaries are competitive and the benefits are exceptional. We recognize the value of each and every employee and are committed to offering tools and benefits which help foster professional development and success. The city offers full-time employees an extensive benefits package. 

Learn more about the city's benefits package. 

Officers have opportunities to specialize in the following: 

• Crime Prevention Officer 
• Investigations (Detective)
• K9
• Master Police Officer/Master Detective
• North Metro Drug Task Force (Detective)
• Safe Streets Task Force (Federal Investigator)
• Sexual Assault Task Force (Detective)
• Traffic Unit (Officer)
• Traffic Motorcycle Unit (Officer)
• Youth Services Unit (Officer)

Officers have opportunities to take on collateral duties such as: 

• Crisis Negotiator Team
• Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Driving Instructor
• Firearms Instructor
• Intoxilyzer Instructor
• SWAT Team Operator

Step 1: Application/Testing

Qualified applicants will successfully complete a series of tests, evaluations, and interviews to move forward in the hiring process. Applies to both cadets and laterals.

Step 2:

The FTO Program

Upon successful completion of an approved POST academy, recruits will enter a field training program (FTO), where they are rigorously tested under the watch of a field training officer. 

OR

The Academy

The academy-hired "cadets" will be sent to a POST-approved police academy to learn the basic skills of a police officer.

Step 3: Probation

Once a trainee successfully completed the FTO program, they will provide the duties of a police officer under the supervision of department leaders. Applies to both cadets and laterals. The probation period is one year. 

Step 1: Application

Apply Online- Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to move on for further review.  Thorough and thoughtful answers can increase your chances of advancing forward in this process. 

Step 2: Oral Board/Written Exam

Upon invitation, an oral board plus a written exam will identify qualified applicants. Applicants who pass these will proceed to an Integrity Interview the same day and then complete a Computer Voice Stress Analyst examination (CVSA). 

Step 3: Background Investigation

A Job Suitability Assessment (JSA) is conducted before being assigned to a Background Investigator.  The investigation will include all aspects of the applicant's past and current life.

Step 4: Background Investigation Review

The Training & Recruiting Unit will review the background investigation. Those meeting the minimum requirements and demonstrating the highest integrity will move forward.

Step 5: Interview with Chief of Police

Qualified candidates will be evaluated by the Chief of Police on interpersonal skills, oral communication skills, and qualifications to determine if they fit the needs of our department. A conditional employment offer will be made at this time if qualified.

Step 6: Medical Evaluation & Psychology

A thorough medical and psychological evaluation is required and based on the position.

Step 7: Appointment

A formal job offer will be made and an employment start date set. 

• You must be at least 21 years of age or be 21 years of age upon the completion date of the P.O.S.T academy
• You must be a United States citizen or possess proper I-9 documentation to live and work permanently in the United States
• You must have or obtain a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent general education diploma (GED)
• You must possess certification through Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)* 

*does not apply to cadets

The following factors SHALL BE grounds for disqualification for applicants who are POST certified or seeking a position requiring POST certifications:

• Falsification or Dishonesty: Intentionally misleading statements or knowing omissions of information required on the application and/or on other forms or documents in any portion of the examination process; or evidence of falsification, fraud, or deceit in any part of the application and examination process.
• Any prior reports and/or POST findings of untruthfulness that qualify under CRS 24-31-305(2.5) and/or another state statute(s) equivalent for officer untruthfulness.
• Any Adult Felony Conviction: The meaning of “conviction” for POST certification purposes includes a pretrial diversion agreement, a deferred judgment and/or sentencing agreement, or a deferred prosecution agreement for a crime that is a felony under state or federal law; or military conviction by a Court Martial that is consistent to a felony conviction.
• An officer convicted of a crime, or who pleads guilty or nolo contender to a crime involving, and/or is found civilly liable for, or fails to intervene in the unlawful use of physical force for an event occurring after July 6, 2021, per CRS 24-31-305.
• An officer who unlawfully used or directed the administration of ketamine in violation of CRS 18-8-805(2)(a) and/or another State’s equivalent statute.
• An officer whose license has been revoked or suspended by POST for intentionally failing to activate their Body Worn Camera or Dash Camera with intent to conceal unlawful or inappropriate actions in violation of CRS 24-31- 902(1)(a)(IV)(B) and/or another State’s equivalent statute.
• Misdemeanor Conviction(s) (POST): Any misdemeanor conviction causing disqualification under POST standards and CRS 24-31-305(2)(a) unless a Colorado POST Rule 8 Variance has been granted.
• Applicants who are not US citizens or do not possess an immigrant visa by the date of application.
• A person prohibited from possessing a firearm: Conviction of any crime, ordinance violation, Court Order, or any State/Federal Law which would bar the applicant from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
• Applicants who are not current with court-ordered child support obligations.
• Applicants who do not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application.
• A member or associate of any organization that engages in acts of force or violence, illegal activity, illegal hate mongering, discrimination, and/or advocates the overthrow of the Constitution or Government of the United States of America.