POLICE OFFICER (Lateral)

Salary: $35.86 - $50.48 Hourly
Location : Surprise, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 26-00320
Department: POLICE
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

The Surprise Police Department is seeking experienced, service-driven lateral police officers who are committed to professionalism, community engagement, and continuous growth. This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking agency that values prior experience, supports career development, and empowers officers to make a meaningful impact.

Only Certified Police Officer applicants will be considered for the position of Police Officer.
SUMMARY
Performs law enforcement, crime prevention work; patrols an assigned area for the prevention of crime, the maintenance of law and order; performs investigative work including special assignments. Also performs a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED required.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have at the time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Arizona driver license.
Must be a Certified Police Officer at the time of application.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include panel interviews.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Fingerprinting
• Criminal Background screening
• Drug Screen
• Polygraph Evaluation
• Physical Evaluation
• Psychological Evaluation
• E-Verify
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click
The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer
The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please
01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.

• I acknowledge the above statement.

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

• Yes
• No

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:

• Master's Degree, or higher
• Bachelor's Degree
• Associate's Degree
• High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
• None of the above

05

How many years of experience do you have as a Certified Police Officer not including time in a Police Academy?

• 8 years or more
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None of the above

06

Will you have and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

07

I understand that this position requires a valid Driver's License with no major driving citations in the last 39 months.

• I acknowledge the statement above

08

Must be a Certified Police Officer to be considered for the Police Officer position.
Are you a Certified Police Officer?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have an active AZ POST certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Salary: $35.86 - $50.48 Hourly
Location : Surprise, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 26-00320
Department: POLICE
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

The Surprise Police Department is seeking experienced, service-driven lateral police officers who are committed to professionalism, community engagement, and continuous growth. This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking agency that values prior experience, supports career development, and empowers officers to make a meaningful impact.

Only Certified Police Officer applicants will be considered for the position of Police Officer.
SUMMARY
Performs law enforcement, crime prevention work; patrols an assigned area for the prevention of crime, the maintenance of law and order; performs investigative work including special assignments. Also performs a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED required.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have at the time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Arizona driver license.
Must be a Certified Police Officer at the time of application.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include panel interviews.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Fingerprinting
• Criminal Background screening
• Drug Screen
• Polygraph Evaluation
• Physical Evaluation
• Psychological Evaluation
• E-Verify
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click
The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer
The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please
01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.

• I acknowledge the above statement.

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

• Yes
• No

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:

• Master's Degree, or higher
• Bachelor's Degree
• Associate's Degree
• High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
• None of the above

05

How many years of experience do you have as a Certified Police Officer not including time in a Police Academy?

• 8 years or more
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None of the above

06

Will you have and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

07

I understand that this position requires a valid Driver's License with no major driving citations in the last 39 months.

• I acknowledge the statement above

08

Must be a Certified Police Officer to be considered for the Police Officer position.
Are you a Certified Police Officer?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have an active AZ POST certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

• 

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