Lateral Patrol Officer

APPLY BY

January 23, 2026

JOB LOCATION

25950 E Quincy Ave Aurora, Colorado 80016-2026

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Why Work for Aurora?

Make a difference in the lives of real people every day

Diverse community

Competitive total compensation package

Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan

Light rail station minutes away

On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs

Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement

Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job description identifies specific Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks for all sworn, commissioned, and/or Civil Service members of the Police Department, serving in the position of Patrol Officer; and the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities needed to perform them. The ultimate goal for this position is to perform the mission of the Aurora Police Department and to fulfill the mandate of the City Charter, which states:

"It shall be the duty of the Police Force to suppress all riots, disturbances and breaches of the peace and apprehend any and all persons in the act of committing any offense against the laws of the State or of the ordinances, and to forthwith bring such persons before the proper court or other competent authority pursuant to law; and, at all times, to diligently and faithfully enforce all such laws, ordinances and regulations for the preservation of good order and the public welfare as the Council may enact."

In addition to the duties, responsibilities, tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Peace Officer; members in the position and assignment of Patrol Officer must be able to perform duties, responsibilities, tasks; and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform investigations, collect evidence, work under the direct supervision of a Sergeant, and present information obtained during investigations in court. Patrol Officers must be able to work in all weather conditions, and their work is primarily in the field.

The Aurora Police Department is now accepting Lateral Patrol Officer applications.

The deadline to submit an application is January 23rd, 2026, at 11:59pm MST.

This is subject to close at any point if we have a sufficient pool of candidates.

This lateral academy (2026-2L) is projected to start on May 18th, 2026, and end on July 17th, 2026. The academy dates are subject to change.

The starting salary for a 2026 Lateral Officer with 3 Years of Experience:

Grade IA - $95,107 annually / $45.72452 hourly 1 Year on Anniversary Date - $119,072 annually / $57.24616 hourly

The starting salary for a 2025 Lateral Officer with 4+ Years of Experience:

Grade IB - $119,072 annually / $57.24616 hourly

This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Aurora Police Department is looking for candidates with current or recent Police Officer experience for anticipated 2026 Aurora Police Lateral Academies. After submitting an application, and if you meet the minimum lateral qualifications, you will move forward to the background phase.

The Aurora Police Department offers a Fast Track opportunity for qualified applicants. If you are an active, Colorado POST-certified police officer and meet the minimum qualifications established by the Civil Service Commission, your application will be reviewed further to determine eligibility for the Fast Track process. Fast Track academy is projected to start on May 18th, 2026 - June 15th, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact PD Background Administrator L. Rodriguez at

Examples of Duties

A comprehensive list of a police officer's duties is not possible, but officers working within the Aurora Police Department perform some of the following functions:

• Handle (emergency and non-emergency) calls for service received by our Communications Center.

• Investigate and determine what type of, or if, crimes have occurred.

• Make sound decisions using knowledge, training, and experience.

• Positively interact with the public.

• Problem solve complex community issues and look for innovative solutions to reduce repeat calls for service.

For more information on joining the Aurora Police Department visit:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

A comprehensive list of a police officer's duties is not possible, but officers working within the Aurora Police Department perform some of the following functions:

• Handle (emergency and non-emergency) calls for service received by our Communications Center.

• Investigate and determine what type of, or if, crimes have occurred.

• Make sound decisions using knowledge, training, and experience.

• Positively interact with the public.

• Problem solve complex community issues and look for innovative solutions to reduce repeat calls for service.

For more information on joining the Aurora Police Department visit:

Minimum qualifications for original appointment include:

• Minimum (3) Three years of sworn peace officer experience in good standing within the four (4) year period immediately preceding the application.

• Applicants shall be 21 years old by the projected end date of the Academy.

• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act.

• Have completed a minimum education of high school completion, or GED equivalency.

Benefits

Benefits & Retirement - City of Aurora (auroragov.org)

Uniforms

• A Glock model 45 will be furnished by the Department at no cost.

• Officers receive $1500 body armor vest allowance once every four years. This includes purchasing soft body armor vest to include the purchase of external plates and external and internal carrier under the uniform shirt.

• After successful completion of the first year, officers shall receive an annual boot allowance up to $300 per year for the purchase of Department approved boots or to re-sole current boots.

Personal Time Off (PTO)

• Lateral hires will start with 160 hours of personal leave

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance:

• The city of Aurora offers contributions to a variety of health insurance plans, including some where the monthly premium is completely covered by the city. Employees have optional dental, vision, and life insurance plans available to them. Employees can also add life insurance coverage for their dependents.

*Insurance does not take effect until the 1st day of the month following the date of hire. (ex. Hire date of May 5th, insurance effective June 1st)

Disability:

• The city contribution provides death and disability coverage through the Fire & Police Pension Association (FPPA).

Retirement:

• Officers and the city both contribute 12% bi-weekly into their retirement fund which is managed by the Money Purchase Pension Plan. The Aurora Police Department offers two retirement options: investment, and a hybrid defined benefit plan. Please use the link below for more information.

Aurora Police Money Pension Purchase Plan (apmppp.org)

Deferred Compensation:

• Officers can contribute a minimum of 1% of their pre-tax salary on a bi-weekly basis into a 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, managed by Nationwide retirement solutions.

• Additionally, officers will also have the option to contribute funds (post-tax, and up to a certain dollar amount) into a Roth plan, also managed by Nationwide retirement solutions.

Training:

• Annual in-service training. Officers are also eligible for job-related sponsored training.

For Veterans points: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:

As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.