Entry-Level Police Officer - January 2026 Academy

Position Title:

Entry-Level Police Officer - January 2026 Academy

Job Description:

Congratulations on choosing a law enforcement career with Salt Lake City Police Department! This position requires no experience and provides tons of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

To qualify, you must:

• Have a high school diploma,

• Be 21 years of age by the time you’re certified as a law enforcement officer (approximately July 2026),

• Be either a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States with five years of legal U.S. residency, and

• Have NPOST results with a score of 70% or higher in each of the four categories.

  • You do not need to have your NPOST scores to apply. Your NPOST scores (or proof that you have taken the NPOST and are awaiting results) will be collected at the time of the physical agility test. Applicants who attach non-passing scores will be automatically disqualified.

*see additional information about minimum requirements below*

Important Dates:

• Job announcement closes: April 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM (MDT)

• Physical agility testing invitations sent by: April 11, 2025

• Physical agility tests: May 17, 2025 or May 24, 2025

• Academy begins: January 12, 2026

Living out of state? Find out more below.

Why SLCPD?

• We pay for your Utah POST SFO and LEO certification! All training is done in-house by our POST-certified instructors.

• Get paid while you attend the academy! You’ll start receiving your regular pay and credit towards retirement while in training.

• Receive full City benefits starting day one! That includes health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a variety of discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/.

• All your equipment is provided to you! Everything from take-home vehicles (after training) and uniforms to handcuffs and body cams is included and paid for by the department to ensure you’re fully equipped for success.

• Enjoy competitive pay incentives! Whether it’s your regular merit increases, career path incentive pay for your bachelor's degree, or overtime opportunities, SLCPD has plenty of opportunities to increase your earning potential.

Pay starts at $33.20/hr. The full pay scale can be found below.

Disqualifying conditions and legal requirements can be found here: https://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/qualifications/ and here: https://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/legal-requirements/.

Tips for success:

• Get your NPOST done early! It can take a long time to get in to take the test, then to receive the results. You’ll need to have your results at the time of your physical agility test in May. If you don’t have your results or proof that you took the test and are awaiting the results, you’ll be turned away from the physical agility test! You can find testing locations and information here: http://www.slcdocs.com/HR/Hire/NPOST_TestingInformation.pdf.

• It’s never too early to start preparing for the physical agility test. The bulk of those that don’t pass the test fall behind on the run. Applicants who don’t pass the physical agility test will be invited to reapply for the next academy. Details about what’s involved in the physical agility test can be found here: https://police.slc.gov/careers/joinourteam/physical-agility-test/.

• Oral board interviews are held immediately after the physical agility tests. You’re welcome to change into professional interview attire, but we don’t expect it. Brush up on your interview skills and consider what makes you the best fit for the department and the position.