At Tempe Police Department, we foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, and community engagement. We are dedicated to building a police force that reflects the diversity of our community and is committed to protecting and serving with compassion and professionalism.  We invite you to apply for a rewarding career as a Police Officer with Tempe PD!

Please review the testing schedule (PDF) for application and test dates.  If you are currently an Arizona POST-certified or an out-of-state police officer, please visit the Lateral Testing page.

Testing & Hiring Process

1. Review eligibility requirements:
   • Be a US Citizen.
   • Be 20½ years of age at time of application.
   • High school diploma or equivalent.
   • Please review AzPOST & Tempe PD Minimum Requirements. (PDF)
2. Complete an application online.  As soon as the online application is accepted you should:
   • Complete the AzPOST Personal History Form at my.AZPOST (if you have not done already so).  Once complete be sure to share your personal history form with Tempe PD.
   • Candidates will be contacted by Human Resources via email after applications close with additional test information. Scheduling options that reduce travel for out-of-state candidates are available. 
   • Complete and print the AzPOST & TPD PH Face Sheet, Release & FCRA&D.  You will bring this packet with you to the physical agility test.
3. The physical agility test has five components you must pass to continue the process.  This is considered the POPAT (Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test). The stages are: 
   •  99- Yard obstacle course: Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, several curb height obstacles, and a high 34-inch-high obstacle that must be vaulted.
   • Body drag lift: Lift and drag 165-pound, lifelike dummy 32 feet. 
   • Chain– link fence:  Run five yards to a six-foot, chain-link fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards.
   •  Solid fence climb: Run five yards to a six-foot solid fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards.
   • 500 – yard run:  Run 500 yards (equivalent to one lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track).
4. The written exam will be given to recruits the same day as the physical agility test.  When you receive a 70% or better you are moved to the background list.  Military preference points are added for veterans who honorably served with a DD214. 
   • Use the complimentary PACT Candidate Orientation Guide (PDF) to help you study for the written exam.
5. A background interview is completed after successfully completing the physical agility and written exam, which establishes the honesty and integrity of each applicant.  
6. A polygraph examination will follow the background interview.   
7. If you are successful in all previous phases, a conditional job offer may be extended at which point you will proceed to additional phases.
8. A psychological evaluation ensures you are prepared for a successful career as a police officer. 
9. The medical examination is similar to an extensive sports physical and is completed after your psychological evaluation. 

If you are selected to move forward in the process, the hiring team will provide further information and documents. 

Out-of-State Recruit Applicants 

Recruit applicants who live out of state may attend testing on a scheduled test date when they RSVP.  If you require a testing date that falls outside our regular schedule, we may be able to arrange to consolidate multiple test phases into a single trip to minimize travel. This will depend on the availability of the hiring unit. Further details regarding this process will be provided via email once the application period concludes.

After an out-of-state recruit applicant passes these phases, they are placed on the background list for one year from their application date for participation in additional phases.

Please contact a recruiter with any questions as we are here to assist you in achieving success. 

JoinTempePD@tempe.gov  |  1 877 TPD AND U (1 877 873-2638)