Police Recruitment FAQs
How long does the hiring process take to complete?
The average time to process a candidate is 2 to 3 months.
Do I have to complete an application before I can attend the initial testing?
Yes. We require all interested applicants to complete a City of Scottsdale online application. Applications are only accepted when the recruitment is open and posted on the City of Scottsdale job website.
Is the written and physical agility test on the same day?
Yes. The physical agility test is taken first, followed by the written. Applicants are told immediately if they are successful in proceeding to the next stage of the testing process.
What are the fitness requirements?
See Fitness Assessment for more information.
What does the written test consist of?
See Written Test Information for Police Officer Testing for more information.
Do you accept applications from people living out-of-state? If so, do I have to travel to Scottsdale to take the test?
Yes. We encourage interested applicants from out-of-state to apply. You will be required to come to Scottsdale to participate in the testing process. This will be at the applicants own expense.
How many trips to Scottsdale will I have to make to complete the hiring process?
We try our best to work with out-of-state applicants to minimize the number of visits. Please plan on a minimum of three visits to complete the testing, background and conditional testing process.
Do you hire certified out-of-state officers?
Yes. We encourage out-of-state officers to apply.
If I get hired and have out-of-state certification, do I have to attend your academy?
Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine suitability of the waiver process. This decision is made prior to a job offer. For more information, click here.
How many officers are you looking to hire?
We will continue to hire on an ongoing basis in our search to find the most qualified applicants.
Do I get paid while I am in the academy?
Yes. Police Recruits are hired two weeks before the academy and participate in a pre-academy orientation process.
How long is the academy?
We currently utilize three different academies with a Monday – Friday schedule. Academies range from 18 – 20 weeks in length.
What is your policy on tattoos?
For more information, see "grooming standards" section.
When do I become a Police Officer?
The Police Officer Trainee position is a paid entry level position while attending an 18-20 week Police Academy and thirteen weeks of Field Training. Upon satisfactory completion of the academy, the trainee is promoted to Police Officer. Trainees serve an 18-month probationary period from the date of hire.
The Scottsdale Public Safety Personnel Unit reserves the right to change this process.
The average time to process a candidate is 2 to 3 months.
Do I have to complete an application before I can attend the initial testing?
Yes. We require all interested applicants to complete a City of Scottsdale online application. Applications are only accepted when the recruitment is open and posted on the City of Scottsdale job website.
Is the written and physical agility test on the same day?
Yes. The physical agility test is taken first, followed by the written. Applicants are told immediately if they are successful in proceeding to the next stage of the testing process.
What are the fitness requirements?
See Fitness Assessment for more information.
What does the written test consist of?
See Written Test Information for Police Officer Testing for more information.
Do you accept applications from people living out-of-state? If so, do I have to travel to Scottsdale to take the test?
Yes. We encourage interested applicants from out-of-state to apply. You will be required to come to Scottsdale to participate in the testing process. This will be at the applicants own expense.
How many trips to Scottsdale will I have to make to complete the hiring process?
We try our best to work with out-of-state applicants to minimize the number of visits. Please plan on a minimum of three visits to complete the testing, background and conditional testing process.
Do you hire certified out-of-state officers?
Yes. We encourage out-of-state officers to apply.
If I get hired and have out-of-state certification, do I have to attend your academy?
Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine suitability of the waiver process. This decision is made prior to a job offer. For more information, click here.
How many officers are you looking to hire?
We will continue to hire on an ongoing basis in our search to find the most qualified applicants.
Do I get paid while I am in the academy?
Yes. Police Recruits are hired two weeks before the academy and participate in a pre-academy orientation process.
How long is the academy?
We currently utilize three different academies with a Monday – Friday schedule. Academies range from 18 – 20 weeks in length.
What is your policy on tattoos?
For more information, see "grooming standards" section.
When do I become a Police Officer?
The Police Officer Trainee position is a paid entry level position while attending an 18-20 week Police Academy and thirteen weeks of Field Training. Upon satisfactory completion of the academy, the trainee is promoted to Police Officer. Trainees serve an 18-month probationary period from the date of hire.
The Scottsdale Public Safety Personnel Unit reserves the right to change this process.