Phoenix Police Touts Pay Hikes, $7,500 Bonus To Attract Recruits

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix Police is offering a $7,500 hiring bonus and a pay package that can top $109,000 as it works to fill vacancies at Arizona’s largest local law enforcement agency.

Recruits are paid while attending the academy, earning $33.72 to $34.39 an hour depending on the position, then moving up to $35.75 to $36.46 an hour after graduation.

Officers in good standing can receive annual raises for the next eight years until they reach the top of the pay scale.

New recruits should also expect some upfront costs. The department requires academy gear that costs about $800, though that amount is reimbursed in the second paycheck.

Academy classes start every eight weeks. During training, recruits work a day shift on a 4/10 schedule, meaning four 10-hour days a week. That schedule typically continues on patrol after graduation, though the department says assignments can change.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 20.5 years old at the time of application and turn 21 before finishing the academy. Other requirements include U.S. citizenship, a valid driver's license with fewer than eight violation points in the last three years, no DUI convictions, no felony record, a high school diploma or GED, three positive personal references and a clean employment history.

Candidates must also meet Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training medical and drug requirements.

Phoenix Police serves a city of about 1.7 million people across seven precincts. AZPOST-certified officers from other agencies may be eligible for lateral transfers.

Interested applicants can start the process by submitting an eSOPH background questionnaire through the department's recruiting page.