Police Recruit I

The University of Arizona Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that serves a vibrant and diverse community. We work in the most densely populated area of Tucson and enjoy a unique environment that can only be experienced at an institution of higher learning. Our sworn personnel are full-authority Arizona Peace Officers whose primary functions are crime control, traffic safety, community engagement, and crime prevention. We offer a variety of career paths and specialty assignments. More importantly, we offer a purpose.

The University of Arizona Police Department is seeking motivated entry level applicants to fill the position of Police Officer Recruit.

Candidates must demonstrate effective critical thinking skills, exhibit sound judgment, and be in good physical and mental health. We seek to reflect the rich diversity of the community in the quality people we employ. UAPD officers must be committed to public safety, civil service, integrity, and professionalism.

This position has a one-year probation period. Qualifying sworn personnel are afforded opportunities for rank and lateral advancement as well as specialty assignments within the department.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities:

As a Recruit

• Attends a minimum of a twenty-four-week training program under the supervision of AZPOST instructors to acquire the minimum knowledge and skills necessary to perform in Police Officer classification.
• Reads and studies instructional or informational material to achieve elementary working knowledge.
• Prepares for and takes written and physical tests to prove knowledge and skill levels.
• Obtains certification upon meeting AZPOST established minimum standards and passing required examinations (or waiver examinations) within a six (6) month period.

As an Officer Upon Graduation

• Upon academy graduation, successfully complete the departmental Post Basic Program.
• Successfully completes the UAPD Field Training Program under the supervision and guidance of assigned Field Training Officer.
• Receives performance evaluations from assigned Field Training Officer to track progress.
• Safeguards life and property though enforcement of state laws and university administrative rules.
• Responds to public safety emergencies and calls for police service.
• Detects suspicious and criminal activity for the purpose of improving public safety conditions.
• Participates in proactive traffic enforcement and detection of impaired drivers.
• Investigates crimes, crashes, and suspicious activity.
• Affects detentions and arrests.
• Collects and processes evidence.
• Writes, reviews, and submits incident and crash reports.
• Issues criminal summons, civil citations, written warnings, and verbal warnings.
• Participates in public education and community engagement activities.
• Conducts proactive patrols of thoroughfares, grounds, buildings, and facilities for the purpose of asset protection and crime prevention.
• Attends required department training and complies with the AZPOST certification retention requirements.
• Testifies in court, participates in attorney interviews/depositions, and responds to subpoenas.
• Attends organizational meetings and unit briefings.
• Communicates with department members and the public verbally, in writing, and via electronic means.
• If properly qualified, trains other department members and evaluates their performance.
• Participates in department programs and/or aides in their administration.
• Participates in public safety campaigns and presentations.
• Assists stranded motorists and lost individuals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Important Note:

• UAPD officers may be assigned to any shift or assignment based on the department's needs or management discretion. The department operates on a 24/7/365 basis, and UAPD officers are subject to shift work.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Swift and reasonable decision-making based on objective observations and inferences.
• Ability to manage dynamic situations assertively, tactfully, and impartially.
• Accuracy, completeness, and speed of documenting pertinent information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants should be mindful that AZPOST establishes the minimum standards. These requirements include:

• United States citizen.
• At least 21 years old upon graduation from the police academy.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license. (Out of state applicants shall obtain an Arizona driver's license at time of hire.)
• If prior military, must have been honorably discharged.
• No felony convictions.
• Must meet Arizona Peace Officers Standards & Training drug standards. (For more information, please click here.)
• You can also review AZPOST Rules R13-4-105, 106, 107 and 109.

Candidate Qualifications and Testing:

Candidates participate in a physical agility assessment consisting of elements of the POPAT (Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test). The testing consists of a 500-yard run, 99-yard obstacle course, 165 lb. body drag (32 feet}, climb over a 6-foot solid wall, and climb over a 6-foot chain link fence.

The hiring process may take several months to complete after the candidate's initial application and background questionnaire has been reviewed and accepted. Candidates will be required to successfully complete the following selection process evolutions:

• POPAT
• Written Test
• Oral Board
• Background Check
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Examination
• Physical Examination
• Drug Screening