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Lateral and Federal Officers

Lateral and Federal Officer Opportunities

If you're an experienced law enforcement officer looking to continue your career with the Phoenix Police Department, we welcome your expertise. Our recruitment process is designed for lateral officers from state or local agencies as well as federal law enforcement professionals seeking a transition. Whether you're an in-state lateral transferring from another Arizona agency, out-of-state considering a move to Phoenix, or coming from a federal agency, we have specific requirements and application steps tailored to your background.

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In-State Lateral Requirements

  • In-State Laterals must be AZPOST-certified.
  • In-State Laterals who graduated from an Arizona POST law enforcement academy must have more than 36 months (three years) of experience.

In-State Lateral Application Steps

1. Submit your City of Phoenix Application

Ensure you meet our requirements to apply for the lateral officer position.

Complete the online application and submit it.

Lateral Officer
Record your application identification number (screenshot/write it down) for your records.

2. AZPOST Personal History Form

Complete an AZPOST Personal History Form at my.azpost.gov and share it with the Phoenix Police Department. Record your AZPOST ID Number.

For more information on AZPOST standards and the waiver process, please visit AZPOST waiver process website.

3. eSOPH Background Packet

After completing step 1, if eligible for the position, you will be provided an access code and an eSOPH link to complete your online background packet.

The information in your eSOPH background packet needs to match the information provided in your AZPOST Personal History Form.

Notary Requirements for eSOPH Documents: Certain forms generated during your eSOPH online background packet must be printed and notarized. Once they are notarized, you will then upload them into your eSOPH profile. Department notary services are available at no cost and are only for eSOPH background documents. Applicants must call the precinct first to confirm a notary is available before arriving during business hours.

Notary services are offered at the following precinct locations:

  • South Mountain Precinct - 400 W. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 495-5004
  • Central City Precinct - 1902 S. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 495-5005
  • Desert Horizon Precinct - 16030 N. 56th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85254 (602) 495-5006
  • Mountain View Precinct - 2075 E. Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 495-5007
  • Maryvale Precinct - 6180 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85035  (602) 495-5008
  • Cactus Park Precinct - 12220 N. 39th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85029 (602) 495-5009

If you need assistance locating the precinct closest to you, please visit Find My Precinct.

In-State Lateral Additional Information

  • Applicants who are hired for a lateral police officer position must meet/pass the following components during advanced training:
  • Firearms Qualification
  • Tactical Driving Qualification
  • AZPOST comprehensive final examination. Study material will be provided
  • Once probation has been completed as a Phoenix Police Officer, lateral and prior service certified police officers may use 50% of other police agency time to meet the three-year requirement to transfer into a specialty unit.

    EXAMPLE: If you have four years with another police agency, 50% of your four years will count as two, plus your probationary year as a Phoenix Police Officer will equal the 3-year minimum requirement to transfer into a specialty unit.
  • In-State Laterals are NOT required to take the Physical Ability Test (PAT) as a part of the hiring process.
  • Upon hire, Lateral Police Officer's do not have to complete a 26-week academy. Lateral police officers will attend department training at the Phoenix Police Academy until all certifications and training needs are met.
  • For additional information, please email our recruiters at [email protected] or call them at 602-534-2677.