Police Officers

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Choose a career that makes a difference - Join OVPD

Welcome to the Oro Valley Police Department career information page. We're thrilled that your search for something more in your career has brought you here to explore the opportunities our agency has to offer.

If you're ready to serve a community that deeply values law enforcement, and you're looking for a department that supports personal and professional growth through a range of challenging and rewarding career paths, you've come to the right place! Oro Valley is a beautiful area of Arizona where adventure thrives, and the community is dedicated to fostering a healthy environment. If you’re looking for a positive work-life balance and the chance to make a meaningful impact, this is the perfect spot for you!

Start your journey with OVPD by exploring our application process. Below, you'll find information about our highly competitive pay and benefits packages. We're confident you'll find exactly what you're looking for in Oro Valley, and we're honored to be part of your journey.

Still have questions? We can’t wait to answer them. Please contact Police Recruitment Specialist Jennifer Kleinberg at (520) 229-4962 or OVPD Recruiting. Good luck in your search for a new adventure, and we hope you'll consider making us a part of it.

Police Recruit

Minimum Recruit Applicant Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or G.E.D.
  • At least 21 years of age (prior to academy graduation)
  • Valid Arizona driver's license (at time of hire)
  • United States citizen
  • Be of excellent character
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
  • If prior military: Must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
  • No felony convictions
  • No unlawful use of a narcotics or dangerous drugs within the past seven years
  • No unlawful use of marijuana within the past six months
  • No pattern of drug abuse

Must be willing to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

Recruit Hiring Process:

  • Online Application
  • A Personal History Questionnaire must be completed.
  • Physical Agility Test - The following must be met by male and female applicants:

    Dynamic Strength

    Fit Force (minimum number)

    Sit-ups (in one minute)

    25

    Push-ups (in one minute)

    22

    Cardiovascular Endurance

    Maximum Time

    1.5 Mile Run

    15 minutes 28 seconds

  • Written Exam
  • Oral Boards (interview)
  • Background Investigation
    • Polygraph
  • Conditional Offer of Employment
    • Medical Exam
    • Controlled substance screening
    • Psychological Exam
  • Overall executive review (officers will be hired based upon executive review and available positions within OVPD; eligible applicants not hired will be placed on a hiring list for 1 year)
  • Police Academy
  • Field Training (12 weeks - after academy)

Apply HERE for recruit level applicants.

Lateral Officers

To be considered a Lateral Police Officer applicant, you must hold a current AZPOST certification (or out-of-state equivalent), have completed the field training AND probationary period with a law enforcement agency, and preferably have three years of continuous police experience. Experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may receive the following incentives based on their years of experience:

  • 1 year (non-probationary) to less than 5 years experience will receive 80 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of admin leave. They will start at Step 2 on the officer pay scale.
  • 5 years or more experience will receive 80 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of admin leave. They will start at Step 3 on the officer pay scale.

We offer police officers an excellent benefit package, which includes retirement, medical and dental, tuition reimbursement and a $1,200 uniform allowance.

Lateral Officer Hiring Process:

  • Application
  • Guardian Alliance Technologies Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) must be completed
  • Oral Boards (interview)
    • Out of state laterals: must successfully pass the POPAT course
  • Background Investigation
    • Polygraph
  • Conditional Offer of Employment
    • Medical Exam
    • Controlled substance screening
    • Psychological Exam
  • Overall executive review (officers will be hired based upon executive review and available positions within OVPD; eligible applicants not hired will be placed on a hiring list for 1 year)

Lateral applicants apply HERE

Benefits

Key benefits of joining the Oro Valley Police Department: 

  • Shift Differential of $1.75 per hour
  • 5% Special Assignment Pay
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • 12 Paid Holidays + Paid Birthday Holiday every year
  • Yearly Uniform Allowance of $1,200
  • Take-Home Vehicle
  • On-Duty Fitness Program/Paid PT
  • Off-Duty Opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Training and Advancement Opportunities
  • On-Site Town Sponsored Health Clinic
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Healthcare Options
  • PSPRS Retirement Program
  • 457 Available

Click to view full details of the Human Resources benefits information.

 

Salary

OVPD recruits attending an academy start at the step 1 officer level during their pre-academy. Step 1 of the pay scale is $31.29 per hour, $65,083.20 annually. The first pay increase can be earned 12 months after starting date.

Click here to view the full salary scale.