Lateral Police Officer

Position Overview

The City of Boise Police Department is accepting applications for a limited lateral officer academy beginning in January 2027. This recruitment is designed to fill current vacancies through an abbreviated three‑week lateral academy for experienced law enforcement officers from the following Treasure Valley agencies:

• Ada County Sheriff's Office
• Garden City Police Department
• Meridian Police Department
• Nampa Police Department

These agencies have been identified as having training, policies, and operational practices that closely align with those of the Boise Police Department. Officers from these agencies have also demonstrated success in the abbreviated lateral academy and field training program.

Officers with at least two years of sworn law enforcement experience at the above listed agencies are encouraged to apply.

Experienced lateral officers from other agencies are encouraged to watch for future recruitment opportunities. Boise Police Department values experienced law enforcement professionals from a wide range of agencies and anticipates opening a standard lateral officer recruitment in 2027, providing a comprehensive transition into Boise Police Department operations, policies, and procedures.

The Boise Police Department offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package. You can view the complete wages and benefits for new hires, specialties, and more laid out in our current BPD Union Contract.

BPD Wages and Benefits

For questions, Talk to a Recruiter

* BPD reserves the right to make changes to the hiring process based on department needs.

Provides information and assistance to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians regarding traffic violations, traffic issues, and relevant issues as required. Patrols an assigned area with the goal of preventing traffic violations and accidents. Aids persons in trouble and makes referrals to other agencies as appropriate. Issues warnings and/or citations for nonmoving and moving violations. Conducts traffic stops, performs appropriate field tests on citizens suspected of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), searches vehicles, and arrests suspects based on probable cause.

Responds to reports of suspected violations in progress and general calls for service such as burglar alarms, armed robberies, assaults and batteries, disturbance of the peace, mental health crisis, and other issues as they arise. Identifies issues upon arriving on scene, and takes appropriate actions such as mediating disputes, securing crime scenes, gathering evidence, etc. Interviews available victims, witnesses and suspects.

Handles and assists with criminal investigations.

Initiates, performs, and assists with probable‑cause arrests in compliance with all city, state, and federal standards. Responds to, assists with, and/or otherwise notifies proper authorities of emergencies, immediate public safety issues, and related incidents as they occur.

Assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists when acting as the Field Commander in the absence of a Sergeant. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required. Reviews reports for compliance with departmental standards. Maintains positive rapport with prosecutors, courts, witnesses, victims, and related staff.

Provides court testimony, depositions, and related case management support as required.

May be selected for assignment to the following Specialist areas:

• Acting Field Commander: assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists in the absence of a Sergeant. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments.
• Patrol: provides an initial response to any request for police services and works to suppress criminal activity in a proactive manner.
• Criminal Investigation: conducts investigations of alleged major crimes, suspects, and crime scenes, independently and in conjunction with various law enforcement, government, and related…