The Tempe Police Department recognizes the added value of lateral applicants.  Lateral applicants are processed in two groups, those in-state laterals who are currently AZPOST (Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training) certified, and those certified in other states or whose certification has lapsed.

Lateral police officer applicants are required to participate in and successfully complete each stage of the hiring process including the Written Examination, Physical Agility Evaluation and Oral Board Interview.  Lateral police officer applicants who wish to bypass the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy and take a waiver exam MUST have attended a police academy similar in length/content.  Lateral applicants must also have been employed and working as a police officer for 2 of the past 3 years in order to receive lateral officer status/pay.  This time period cannot include Academy or Field Training.  The applicant must have worked as a fully functioning/solo officer for a minimum of 2 years.

Those individuals who have obtained certification as a peace officer in a state other than Arizona or whose certification from Arizona has lapsed may be eligible to take the AZPOST waiver test.  The waiver test consists of a written examination, a firearms qualification, a defensive driving course and the 'Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test' (POPAT).  For further details, refer to the AZPOST web site - www.azpost.state.az.us - or contact a representative from the Tempe Police Department.

Both in-state and out-of-state lateral candidates benefit from pay step incentives that are dependent on relative law enforcement experience and years of qualified service.  The table below provides information on the pay steps available to lateral candidates.

Lateral pay is determined by current "Certified" officer status, previous Academy completion and current employment as a police officer.