Police Agent (Police Officer) - LATERALS ONLY

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance. This recruitment process is for Lateral Agents/Police Officers only. A Recruit Academy process is anticipated to open winter of 2026/2027. If you do not meet the qualifications for a Lateral Agent/Police Officer, please refrain from submitting an application until the July 2027 Academy job posting is available. Unqualified applications submitted in the Police Agent Lateral job posting will not be considered. SALARY RANGE (LATERAL AGENTS ONLY) $104,638.77 – $123,191.63 annually 3 Years: $104,638.77 (Lateral Starting Salary – 3 years of patrol experience) 4 Years: $111,649.57 (Lateral with 4 years of patrol experience) 5 Years: $123,191.63 (Lateral with 5 years of patrol experience) The City of Lakewood is seeking experienced, currently or previously certified law enforcement officers for lateral Police Agent positions as they occur. A lateral Police Agent performs full law enforcement duties including emergency response, criminal investigations, enforcement of laws, report writing, and community engagement. This position is designed for experienced police officers and does not include entry-level (recruit) hiring or academy sponsorship. Training for lateral hires is tailored based on prior experience and certification status and includes a department-specific academy/skills program and field training. MINIMUM HIRING REQUIREMENTS Minimum age 21 Bachelor’s degree required Valid driver’s license Must meet POST standards No felony convictions Current and active peace officer certification (Colorado or another state), or previously certified and eligible for Colorado POST certification (reciprocity, provisional, refresher, or test-out process) Minimum of three (3) years of full-time patrol experience with a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency operating in an environment like that of a mid-sized urban or suburban community. Must not be under an active Internal Affairs investigation that could result in discipline SELECTION PROCESS (LATERAL ONLY) Structured Oral Board Interview Essential Functions (Physical Test) Background Investigation/Polygraph Psychological/Job Suitability Medical Examination and Drug Screening   Additional assessments as required JOB SUMMARY: Performs Police Officer duties, including but not limited to communicating information, dealing with critical and dangerous situations, safely driving in routine and emergency situations, effecting arrests, transporting arrestees, gathering information from victims, witnesses and suspects, handling firearms with proficiency and safety, working a rotating shift. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Communicating Through Radio (Duties Include): Comprehending radio transmissions being received over multiple law enforcement radio channels. Communicating information effectively while transmitting on the radio. Dealing with High Pressure and Potentially Dangerous Situations (Duties Include): Recognizing situations of potential danger to police personnel, citizens, traffic and surrounding property. Exercising sound judgement in dealing with critical situations. Maintaining calm in high pressure or dangerous situations. Detecting and Collecting Evidence (Duties Include): Providing a basis for probable cause that a crime has been committed and indicates who committed it. Driving (Duties Include): Operating a law enforcement vehicle safely in non-emergency (routine) and emergency situations. Responding to the radio-mike while performing multiple functions including; floor pedals, gearshift, steering wheel and the radio (during both daylight and dark hours); in excess of posted speed limits; in congested traffic conditions; in unsafe road conditions caused by such factors as rain, ice, snow, fog, smoke, etc. Effecting Arrests (Duties Include): Determining if probable cause exists for arrest. Effecting arrests using the techniques and equipment appropriate to meet the resistance presented by suspects. Taking photographs of and obtaining fingerprints from arrested suspects. Transporting arrestees and mental subjects using appropriate force and restraint. Handling Abuse (Duties Include): Both verbal and physical when dealing with hostile suspects and others encountered in antagonistic environments. Information Gathering and Disseminating (Duties Include): Effectively communicating with people of all ages from diverse economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds while providing information and directions, mediating disputes, advising of rights and legal processes and testifying in judicial setting. Using proper phone procedures. Gathering information by interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects. Performing Patrol Functions (Duties Include): Working rotating shifts. Walking on foot patrol. Checking doors and windows for security. Performing First Aid/CPR functions at accident and disaster scenes. Removing injured people from dangerous situations by lifting, dragging, or carrying them. Directing traffic. Safely conduct traffic stops on traffic violators. Controlling crowds. Recognizing potentially dangerous situations and evacuating people from affected area. Stopping and detaining suspicious vehicles and persons. Performing searches of people, vehicles, buildings and outdoor areas. Reporting/Form Completion (Duties Include): Selecting and utilizing appropriate report forms. Using appropriate grammar and construction in the thorough preparation of investigative reports, summonses, affidavits, warrants and other required forms. Utilizing Firearms (Duties Include): Loading, unloading, aiming and firing handguns from a variety of positions at levels of proficiency and safety pres