Police Officer Trainee (FT)

Police Officer Trainee (FT)

Salary

$36.00 Hourly

Location

Police Department 18600 Lincoln Meadows Parkway, Parker, CO 80134, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

1613-26

Department

POLICE

Division

PD - PATROL

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/21/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Become a Police Officer with the Parker Police Department: Make a Difference in Your Community

Have you always dreamed of becoming a Police Officer? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on the community you serve? Now's your chance! The Parker Police Department is seeking passionate individuals to apply for our sponsored Police Recruit program.

Police Recruit/Trainee FAQ | Parker Police - Official Website

What We Offer:

• We'll cover your academy costs and pay you an annual salary of $74,880 ($36.00/hr), while you complete the twenty-one (21) week academy.
• Upon graduation, you'll transition to a Parker Police Officer 1 with an annual salary of $89,897.60.
• We offer some of the highest pay for officers in the State of Colorado.
• Work in a community that provides unmatched support for law enforcement professionals.
• Employees are eligible to apply for special assignments, duties, and instructorships (DOE) after successfully completing a twelve-month probationary period as a Police Officer 1.

About Us: The Parker Police Department is committed to providing exemplary service to the citizens of the Town of Parker, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards while fostering a safe environment for our residents.

We operate under the philosophy of community policing, which means our officers are encouraged to engage directly with the community-building trust, forging partnerships, and improving the quality of life for everyone in Parker. By working together with the community, we solve problems and ensure Parker remains a great place to live, work, and play.

Community Engagement: Our department is deeply involved in the community through events like National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, and youth outreach programs. We believe in being more than just law enforcement; we are neighbors, partners, and advocates for the people we serve.

Why Join Us? As a member of the Parker Police Department, you'll be part of a supportive, collaborative team that encourages leadership at every level. You'll receive ongoing training and career advancement opportunities, helping you develop professionally and personally.

We are looking for dedicated, driven individuals who want to contribute to the safety and well-being of our community. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we would be honored to have you join the Parker Police family.

Apply today and be a part of something truly impactful!

Learn more about our agency HERE!!

This sponsored position attends the Level 1 Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board Certification Academy. Upon successful completion of the Academy and obtaining a Level 1 P.O.S.T. Certification, this position transitions to a full-time Police Officer in the Patrol Division of the Parker Police Department. Prior to hire, but following successful completion of the background process, a training agreement for this sponsorship is required. This agreement binds the Recruit/Trainee to a two (2) year employment commitment to the Town of Parker Police Department with outlined sanctions if not fulfilled.

• This position performs duties deemed to be safety sensitive. Employees holding this position participate in pre-employment and random drug testing under Town's policies*

NOTE A list of disqualifiers for this position MUST be read prior to applying for this position and can be viewed at www.ParkerOnline.org/PoliceEmploymentDisqualifiers. Be sure to select the Sworn/Trainee Position Applicant Disqualifiers option for the correct list.

NOTEThe number of Academy positions may vary based on number of vacancies within the agency. Currently, we would like to fill 3-4 positions.

Examples of Essential Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties. The below list is intended to be illustrative of the responsibilities of this position and is not all encompassing. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and the Town may change these duties at any time.

• Attends a P.O.S.T Academy selected by the Parker Police Department. Attendance consists of a minimum of five hundred and fifty-six (556) hours of state-mandated training, at the dates and times outlined by the course curriculum and P.O.S.T. Academy Director.
• Communicates with the Police Department throughout the P.O.S.T Academy. The progress of the Recruit/Trainee is monitored and input provided by the Department for the duration of the same.
• Attends meetings and/or briefings as determined by Patrol Command Staff.

Upon obtaining P.O.S.T. Certification, the Recruit/Trainee will be assigned a Police Officer position and must, at that time, review and acknowledge the job description for that position.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be twenty (21) years of age by completion of the P.O.S.T. Academy.

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Formal education, often achieved through completion of a bachelor's or associate degree, in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or a related field is preferred.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Drivers License issued by the State of Colorado for the type of vehicle or equipment operated; safe driving record and a minimum of two (2) years of driving history.

Employment Standards

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of human nature, human problems, and problem-solving methods.
• Skill in interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to attend a full-time P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy as identified by the Parker Police Department.
• Ability to successfully complete the Police Academy and obtain a Level 1 Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board certification.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and interpret relevant town, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to retain knowledge of modern police principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Ability to read and write the English language effectively.
• Ability to perform work which requires good physical condition.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions and the ability to issue clear concise verbal and or written instructions.
• Ability to problem solve and function under pressure.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check including but not limited to: criminal history search, drug screen, motor vehicle record (MVR) check, polygraph, psychological and physical examination and physical agility test is required.

Additional Information

NOTEThe number of Academy positions may vary based on number of vacancies within the agency and the approval of the annual budget process by the Town Council of the Town of Parker.

Recruits/Trainees must attend the academy that is selected and utilized by the Parker Police Department. The regular basic course, commonly referred to as the Police Academy, consists of 556 hours of state-mandated training. The curriculum is certified by the P.O.S.T., and was developed based on empirical studies by the commission of the skills, knowledge and abilities required of law enforcement officers. Depending upon the provider of the training, the number of hours for the presentation will vary, but will never be less than the mandatory number of hours of 556. Any additional training hours must be P.O.S.T. certified training hours.

Recruits/Trainees are expected to attend the academy at the dates/times outlined by the course curriculum and P.O.S.T. Academy Director. To support the Recruit/Trainee during this time, channels of communication will be open between the Parker Police Department and the selected academy in order to monitor the progress of Recruits/Trainees and provide input to the academy training program. The regular basic course offered by the outside academies shall provide training as specified in P.O.S.T. and testing specifications. The academy shall be responsible for the administration of the prescribed training programs and provide for the fair and nondiscriminatory testing of each Trainee.

Recruitment Timeline: (dates are subject to change)

• 07/10/26 - 07/21/26: Reviewing Applications & Preliminary Testing
• Testing includes: Two (2) release forms, Typing Test, Written Exam and Video Interview. Must pass all testing phases and score high enough to move to Oral Board process.

Note: Preliminary testing will be done 100% online and custom emails will be sent to candidates regarding instructions after application review. Deadline to complete testing is 7/28/2026 at 5pm MST. Candidates will be notified of next steps in the process no later than 8/11/26.

• 8/18, 8/20 and possibly if needed 8/25: Presentations/Oral Board Interviews
• 8/27: Chief's Interviews
• September - October: Backgrounds
• Hire date: First week in January
• Start of Academy: 1/18/2027 (approximately)
• Academy Graduation: June 2027

Once POST Certification has been obtained the Trainee will be promoted to a Police Officer 1.

Additional Information:

The working conditions described below are representative of those an employee generally encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties.

Tools & Equipment

Requires the frequent use of general office equipment and general school equipment as deemed necessary by the P.O.S.T. Academy instructors.

Recruits/Trainees shall not be authorized to carry a weapon until they have completed the P.O.S.T. Academy, have attended the Parker Police Department mini-skills training, and have been sworn in as a commissioned officer for the Town of Parker.

Physical Demands

Requires varying degrees of physical demands, some sedentary, some requiring strenuous physical effort. While wearing approximately fifteen to twenty pounds (15-20 lbs.) of equipment including but not limited to bullet proof vest and equipment belt a member in this job may be required to:

• Lift and/or move objects weighing two hundred (200) pounds or more, including the limp body of a person.
• Physically wrestle, struggle, fight, restrain, or otherwise subdue/restrain uncooperative people of various abilities, strength and/or quickness to rescue endangered persons, or physically separate individuals who are fighting, or preparing to fight.
• Jump over obstacles or ditches and negotiate passage through difficult terrain or areas.
• Function fully in darkness and daylight, close and distance vision acuity, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust his or her focus, allowing a broad field of vision.
• Perform First Aid/CPR.
• Operate a law enforcement vehicle safely in non-emergency (routine) and emergency situations, including various weather conditions at various speeds.
• Other physical demands as outlined in the course description of the P.O.S.T. Academy.

Environment

Work is performed in a variety of environments including classroom, indoor and outdoor environments as established by the P.O.S.T. Academy. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions, hot (may be extreme) and/or cold (may be extreme) conditions, fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals, airborne particles, and vibrations. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places or with explosives.

Inquiries related to this job posting may be sent to moliver@parkerco.gov.

An online application for this position is required. To apply, visit the employment page of our website, www.parkeronline.org/employment. We do not accept resumes or applications from 3rd party sites. The Town of Parker is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Information about the Academy:

The Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy is a joint effort between the Douglas County Sheriff's Offices and other agencies within the 18th and 23rd Judicial Districts and beyond. Our Academy is designed to develop highly trained peace officers in a professional environment conducive to learning, emphasizing leadership, respect, and service.

Our Basic P.O.S.T.-approved Academy has a 21-week curriculum.

The following electives are included in the Academy:

• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• OC Certification
• Taser Certification
• Rifle Certification
• Use of Force
• Family Wellness Academy
• Drill and Ceremonies
• Critical Incident Review (Officer-Involved Shootings)

The Academy costs approximately $10,000 (This cost is covered by the Town of Parker). We only accept sponsored Cadets from Law Enforcement Agencies.

You may enroll in the Town of Parker benefits if you are classified as a full-time employee and have completed the eligibility waiting period of 30 days. Coverage will begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment. The generous benefits package includes: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance, voluntary term life insurance, 401(a) retirement plan, 457 retirement plan, holiday pay, vacation, sick leave, educational assistance program, employee assistance program and a family membership to the Parker Recreation Center and/or Field House. Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of those plans and the summary plan descriptions, which are subject to annual budget and appropriations by Town Council.

01

Do you have a Bachelors degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Public Administration or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

By selecting Yes below, I attest that I have carefully read and fully understand the criteria that will disqualify me from consideration for employment with the Town of Parkers Police Department and I am eligible to apply. Disqualification information is available on the employment page of the Town of Parker website www.parkeronline.org under the Police Department Employment Disqualifiers link.

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate your marijuana usage or THC containing product (this includes gummies and sleep aides.) NOTE: Usage is viewed based on time of application submittal.

• Never used in your entire life
• Used more than 3 years ago
• Used less than 3 years but more than 1 year (you will be asked about this during interview phases)
• Used within last 12 months

04

Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action in current or previous jobs? (This question will not automatically disqualify you from the process, however, you are encouraged to compile all discipline/documentation as you will be asked about it in an interview should you move forward in the application process)

• Yes
• No

05

Have you ever been terminated from employment or resigned in lieu of termination from employment? (This question will not automatically disqualify you from the testing process, however, you may be asked about it in an interview)

• Yes
• No

06

Are you twenty-one (21) years of age or older or will be by the time of Academy graduation (July 2027)?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you currently possess or have the ability to readily obtain a valid Drivers License issued by the State of Colorado for the type of vehicle operated; safe driving record and a minimum of two (2) years of driving history?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you aware that successful candidates must complete an intrusive and comprehensive background through the police department? This will include a credit check, completing a thorough and deeply personal history packet, psychological exams, polygraph, and various other parts of our background process. This takes 4-6 weeks to complete.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer The Town of Parker

Address 20120 E Mainstreet

Parker, Colorado, 80138

Phone 303-805-3329

Website http://www.parkerco.gov