Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

How many trips are needed to get hired?

1st trip :

• Pre-Register for written exam
• Take Written Exam
• Physical Agility Test

2nd trip:

• Background Packet Interview w/ Detective
• Polygraph
• Controlled Substance Screening

3rd trip:

• Psychological Exam
• Medical Exam

An out of state applicant must make their first trip to Phoenix for the written and physical agility tests on the posted exam date. If they pass both of these tests, applicants are then given a background packet to complete. Once background packets have been returned they will be reviewed for disqualifiers. For applicants second trip to Phoenix the next 4 phases of testing will be completed. After successful completion of all phases, applicants will then be at the Conditional hire stage. After Detectives complete our background investigation, out of state applicants will still need to make a third and final trip to sign hire paperwork and to complete the medical and psychological exams, which are the final stages of testing.

The police department understands the burden this places on out of state applicants and will make an effort to consolidate as many steps in the process as reasonably possible. Out of state applicants may be able to complete the entire process within 3 trips to Phoenix, Arizona; at their own expense. Only out of state applicants will be given the opportunity to participate in the physical fitness test on Thursday mornings after the Wednesday evening written exam. If you have questions about your eligibility contact the City of Phoenix Application Office at (602) 262-6925 (Requirements subject to change)

Is the process different for out of state applicants?

The only difference between the out of state process and the process for someone from Arizona is the ease and availability to access the steps in the hiring process over time. The amount of time it takes to get hired for an applicant from in state and an applicant from out of state can be the same.

Transition assistance?

We do not offer transition assistance.

Hiring bonuses?

Instead of a one time hiring bonus we offer the potential to earn Career Enhancement Program benefits of up to $7000 every year of your career until retirement. See the benefits page.

How is Arizona’s hiring process different than other states?

We will pay you to go through the Academy. You will be paid $18.58/hr while attending the Academy during the day for 40 hours a week. You do not reside at the Academy. You do not sign a minimum term contract with our agency. If for some unfortunate reason you have to leave the department soon after you are hired you will not be required to pay anything back to the department for early termination.

Our department does not have a waiting list.

New recruits who graduate from the academy with their certification go directly to patrol for field training. You are not required to do any minimum corrections work in any detention facilities. We work with the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office Department of Corrections to jail our suspects.