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Become a Wheat Ridge Police Officer
Our officers and staff are dedicated to protect and serve the people of our City. We follow a relationship-based policing philosophy working in partnership to keep our community safe.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department currently has openings for new recruits in the Patrol Operations Division.
We are looking for candidates who not only do the right thing but have the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular
Successful applicants to the Wheat Ridge Police Department Patrol Operations Division must:
- Enjoy people and building relationships
- Have a passion for public service and a need to serve others
- Want to improve our community and the lives of those who live here
- Be willing to solve problems and effectively address concerns in our community
- Be proud of the person reflected in the mirror
We hope you will consider becoming a member of our family.
Chief Chris Murtha, Wheat Ridge Police Department
Join Our Team!
Learn more about the Wheat Ridge Police Department in our video. Follow us on Facebook @WheatRidgePD.
Deadline to apply is August 31, 2022: Apply Here
These members of the Wheat Ridge Police Department serve on the Recruitment Team. If you have questions about our hiring process or about the culture of the department, please contact Sgt. Sailor
- Officer Bauth
- Officer Cook
- Sgt Dawkins
- Detective Eversole
- Officer Fischer
- Sgt Gross
- Officer Holliday
- Officer McCarthy
- Officer Neyra
- Officer Reetz
- Sgt Sailor
- Sgt Watson
The Jefferson County Regional Police Academy is recruiting now for the fall Class of 2018. Candidates who accept a full time employment offer by the department, attend the academy which is paid by the Wheat Ridge Police Department. Following graduation, recruits join the department and undergo 12 weeks of field training.
To apply go to ci.wheatridge.co.us
The Wheat Ridge Police Department is proud of the number of officers currently serving our community who also have a history of serving our country in one of the armed forces.
While the City requires that all Police Officer and Police Recruit applicants (without Military service) have at least 60 semester hours, or 90 quarter hours from an accredited college or university in a non-vocational school.60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours from a non-vocational accredited college or university. This requirement can be waived in lieu of four years of Active Duty Military Service with an Honorable Discharge.
A DD214 must be submitted to support military years of service and type of discharge.
Salary
Salary Range, (as of Jan. 2022) - $62,000 - $93,000
Officers will reach the top salary level of $93,000 six years after academy graduation.
The Hiring rate for Police Recruits is $62,000 annually. Non-certified applicants are hired as Police Recruits until successful completion of the academy and the Colorado P.O.S.T. examination, at which time they move to a P.O.S.T Certified Officer level and will earn $66,500 annually.
The Hiring rate for P.O.S.T Certified Level Police Officers and Lateral Police Officers is $66,030-$93,000 annually, based on years of experience, knowledge, skills and certifications.
Current Benefits
Paid Time Off - Personal Time-Off is accrued at a rate of 12.5 PTO hours per month, which equates to approximately 162 hours per year for vacations, medical/dental appointments, personal business, child care issues, bereavement, family emergencies, off-the-job injury, incidental illness, incidental care for family members, and all other absences not covered under another plan.
- Extended Sick Leave
- Ten Official Holidays
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Retirement Plans
- ICMA-Retirement Corp. – Police Recruits contribute 4%/City contributes 4%; five year, vesting period
- ICMA Retirement Corp. – Immediately, sworn team members and the City contribute 11%; Seven year vesting period.
- Additional voluntary benefits are also available.
Current Opportunities
For a listing of current career opportunities in Wheat Ridge, please visit Career Opportunities Opens a New Window.
How does the selection process work? Read our Recruitment and Selection Guide.
Minimum Requirements for Recruits
Wheat Ridge Police Department applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have no felony convictions
- Be a U.S. Citizen or possess an I-9, employment eligibility verification
- Prefer 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours from an accredited college or university or have four years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge OR a combination of the two.
- Consideration will also be given to those with reserve duty military experience.
POST Certification
Police Officer applicants with less than three years of experience and POST certification from another agency or community college must also meet the minimum requirements listed above.
Lateral Entry
For lateral entry into the Wheat Ridge Police Department, applicants must:
- Be Colorado POST certified
- Have at least three years of full-time law enforcement experience
- Meet the minimum requirements
- Successfully pass an application, resume, and cover letter evaluation
- Years of experience
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Certifications