Police Officer Trainee

Overview

Your journey to becoming a Police Officer starts here. As a Police Officer Trainee, you’ll attend law enforcement academy, where you’ll develop an understanding of criminal process, judicial process, Colorado Criminal Code, patrol and investigation techniques, firearms, driving and arrest control, while participating in scenario-based training. By successfully completing the academy and achieving Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification, you may have the opportunity to promote to Police Officer with the Durango Police Department.

Important Dates & Academy Information

• Academy Starts: August 2026
• Location: Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy, Pueblo Community College
• Final date to receive applications: May 1, 2026

Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time for the required hiring and background process before the academy begins.

Our mission is to improve community safety and quality of life by reducing crime and its perception. We are committed to serving our diverse community with respect, dignity, integrity, and the utmost moral and ethical character. Driven by the ambition to become the premier law enforcement agency in the southwest region of Colorado, we leverage innovation and cutting-edge technologies. We focus on developing, retaining, and investing in the success of our team members.

Through community engagement, we collaborate with citizens and local partners to address issues and improve quality of life, making Durango the best place to live, work, and play.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible.

The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

• Attend all scheduled days of basic law enforcement academy training.
• Successfully complete the law enforcement academy and obtain Peace Officer Standards and Testing (P.O.S.T.) certification as a police officer in the State of Colorado.
• Learn and adhere to all Durango Police Department policies and procedures.
• Develop a strong understanding of criminal law, case law, and their practical application in patrol situations.
• Learn proper radio procedures and etiquette.
• Obtain and maintain current certifications in first aid and CPR.
• Become proficient in using the Spillman records system.

• Ages: at least 21 years of age.
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.
• The ability to meet all Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate requirements.
• The ability to legally possess a firearm.
• The ability to successfully pass pre-employment and post-offer testing, including a background investigation, drug screen, and psychological examination.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Amp…