Police Officer (Recruit)

Job Description

The City of Avondale is seeking motivated, community-focused individuals for the position of Police Officer (Recruit). This is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to launch a career in law enforcement and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Application Process

• Submit an Online Application on the City of Avondale's Career page at www.avondaleaz.gov/careers
• Applications are being accepted from July 20, 2026 through July 29, 2026.
• Take the FrontLine National Written Exam with the National Testing Network After submitting your application, it will be reviewed within 48 business hours. Passing applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to take the written exam, submit college credits to waive the written exam, or transfer previous NTN written exam results to the City of Avondale.
  
  

Important Information

• Take Exam: The City of Avondale will provide you with a voucher code to take the written exam at no cost via email. If you do not use the voucher code, you will be responsible for the full fee of the exam.
• Deadline to complete the NTN Exam: August 5, 2026.
• Exams can be taken in person or virtually.
• We do not require you to take Parts 1 and 2 of the assessment or the physical agility test.
• Minimum passing scores: Reading – 70 | Writing – 70
• A practice exam is available through NTN for a fee at the applicant's expense.
• Exam Waiver: Applicants with 64 or more college credit hours from an accredited institution may waive the exam.
• Prior Exam: If you passed the NTN exam within the past 12 months with minimum scores of 70 in Reading and 70 in Writing, you can transfer your scores to the City of Avondale through the NTN website for a fee at the applicant's expense.
  

All testing must be completed by Wednesday, August 5, 2026. After the testing window closes, candidates will not be permitted to register to test or submit existing scores. Individuals who do not complete both portions of the testing process (application and written exam) will not be eligible to continue in the recruitment process.

Hiring Process

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion and passing of:

• NeoGov Application
• NTN Written Examination
• Physical Agility Test
• Comprehensive Background Investigation and Fingerprinting
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Evaluation
• Chief’s Interview
• AZPOST Medical Exam and Drug Screen
  
  

Essential Functions

Enforces Arizona state laws and City ordinances while providing quality customer service to the Avondale community. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, conducts criminal investigations, promotes public safety through education, prepares reports, testifies in court, and completes required training and administrative duties. Officers may also be assigned to specialized units requiring additional training and expertise.

Additional Functions Of The Position Include

• Patrol designated areas via vehicle or on foot.
• Respond to calls for service; conduct interviews and investigations.
• Gather evidence, write detailed reports, and testify in court as needed.
• Arrest suspects and enforce local, state, and federal laws.
• Engage in community policing and problem-solving initiatives.
• Perform additional duties such as warrant service, traffic enforcement, training, and booking.
  
  

To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be 21 years of age by Police Academy graduation
• Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License at the time of hire
• Successful completion of the Arizona Police Academy and Arizona Police Officers Standards and Training (AZ POST) Certification
• Above average physical conditioning: includes running, climbing, crawling, and possessing the ability to pass and maintain an entry-level officer's physical fitness requirements
• Existing knowledge of the use of force, application of criminal law, constitutional law, and current tactics used in law enforcement is preferred
  
  

Supplemental Information

Benefits

To learn more about the benefits of joining our team, click here.

Automatic Disqualifiers

Qualifications

To view the list of automatic disqualifications, click here.

Contact Information

Human Resources Department

hr-recruitment@avondaleaz.gov

Avondale Police Department Recruiter

recruitmentAVPD@avondaleaz.gov

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore our Benefits Guide for full details!

For additional information, visit our website.

01

Select from the options below your highest level of completed education.

• Not completed High School
• High school or GED
• Associates or Vocational Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
  
  

02

This position requires U.S. Citizenship for eligibility. Are you a United States Citizen?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

This position requires an applicant to be at least 20 years and 6 months at the time of application. Are you at least 20 years and 6 months old?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Have you previously been employed with another law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Have you ever been denied certification as a law enforcement officer, or had your law enforcement certification revoked or suspended by a certifying agency?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable
  
  

06

Have you ever received a dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable
  
  

07

Is your driver’s license currently suspended or revoked?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

Do you have a valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one by the time of hire?

• Yes
• No
  
  

09

Have you ever been convicted of any crime under a Domestic Violence statute?

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

Have you ever been convicted of a felony, or of any offense that would be classified as a felony under Arizona law?

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

Have you ever been convicted of, or pled guilty to, any misdemeanor offense—including misdemeanor traffic violations? You must answer 'Yes' regardless of any post-conviction relief, in order to ensure consistency with information obtained during the background investigation process. (Please note: Misdemeanor convictions do not automatically disqualify you from consideration.)

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

If yes, please provide details below, including the nature of the offense(s), date(s) of conviction or plea, and sentencing information. If no, please type N/A.

13

Have you used marijuana within the past six months?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

If yes, please specify the date of your last usage. If no, please type N/A.

15

Regarding the following questions about other illegal drug use, please disclose any use of illegal substances (excluding marijuana) that was not for the treatment or relief of a medical condition. Examples include, but are not limited to: cocaine/crack, methamphetamine/speed, heroin, opium, morphine, LSD/acid, peyote, mescaline, hashish, steroids, and illegal use of prescription drugs. Drug use for legitimate medical purposes will be disclosed in the background portion of the selection process.

• I have read and understand this statement.
  
  

16

Have you illegally possessed or used any dangerous drugs or narcotics—other than marijuana—for any purpose within the past seven years?

• Yes
• No
  
  

17

Have you illegally possessed or used steroids within the past three years?

• Yes
• No
  
  

18

Have you illegally possessed or used Adderall within the past three years?

• Yes
• No
  
  

19

I understand that any offer of employment is conditional upon successfully completing and passing all required components of the selection process, including the application review, NTN written exam, physical agility test, comprehensive background investigation and fingerprinting, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, Chief’s interview, and AZPOST medical examination and drug screening.

• Yes
• No
  
  

20

Which Of The Following Best Describes Your Current Eligibility Status For The Written Examination Requirement? Select The One Most Applicable Response

• I have earned 64 or more college credits from an accredited institution
• I have previously taken and passed the National Testing Network (NTN) exam with another agency within the last 12 months
• I have previously taken and passed the National Testing Network (NTN) exam with the City of Avondale within the last 12 months
• None of these options apply to me, and I understand I will need to take the written exam
• Required Question