Police Agent; Police Officer; LATERALS

Position: 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)$ – $ annually3 Years: $ (Lateral Starting Salary – 3 years of patrol experience)4 Years: $ (Lateral with 4 years of patrol experience)5 Years: $ (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 disciplineSELECTION 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,…