Requirements:
- Associate’s degree OR 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university.
AND - Two years of experience as a Colorado P.O.S.T certified officer.
Benefits:
- Tuition reimbursement to obtain your degree.
- Overtime calculated on a 40 hour work week.
- Police Money Purchase Plan. 12% employee contribution and 12% city contribution
- Great Salary

1st Year
$78,890 Salary
$1,183 Education Bonus
$3,660 OT & Shift Differential*
$11,143 Paid Insurance Premiums
$9467 City Retirement Contribution
Total = $104,344
Police Officer
$78,890 Annual Salary +
Total Compensation Package =
$104,344*

5 Years
$103,363 Salary
$1,550 Education Premium
$4341 Assignment & On-Call Pay*
$11,606 City Paid Insurance Premiums
$12,404 City Retirement Contribution
Total = $133,264
Detective
$103,362 Annual Salary +
Total Compensation Package =
$133,264*

10 Years
$110,714 Salary
$1,661 Education Premium
$6,864 Overtime & Assignment Pay*
$11,910 City Paid Insurance Premiums
$13,286 City Retirement Contribution
Total = $144,434
Master Officer
$110,714 Annual Salary +
Total Compensation Package =
$144,434*

10 Years
$131,288 Salary
$1,969 Education Premium
$3,807 Overtime & Shift Differential*
$12,424 City Paid Insurance Premiums
$15,755 City Retirement Contribution
Total = $165,243
Sergeant
$131,288 Annual Salary +
Total Compensation Package =
$165,243*

12 Years
$148,000 Salary
$12,870 City Paid Insurance Premiums
$17,760 City Retirement Contribution
Total = $178,630
Lieutenant
$148,000 Annual Salary +
Total Compensation Package =
$178,630*

15 Years
$162,000 Salary
$13,299 City Paid Insurance Premiums
$19,440 City Retirement Contribution
Total = $194,739
Commander
$162,000 Annual Salary +
Total Compensation Package =
$194,739*
*Compensation reflects 2023 salary rates. Overtime, Assignment Pay, On-Call Pay, and Shift Differential amounts are approximate and may vary.
JOIN THE FORCE — ARVADA POLICE DEPARTMENT
There’s a deep-rooted pride in becoming an officer. It’s a distinct accomplishment and crowning achievement. Our department knows that being a police officer requires a specific set of skills – skills that are learned, cultivated, and perfected over time. We take that training very seriously. We are Built Blue.
That’s why we’re looking for people who are a breed apart from the typical applicant. If you are that person – looking for a challenging and rewarding career, and want to serve in a nationally recognized city just outside of Denver – we want to hear from you.
GET HIRED SOONER WITH OUR PRE-ACADEMY PROGRAM
We prepare you for success in your career with the Arvada Police Department by providing:
- Academy Preparation Training
- Physical Fitness Programs
- Local Geography
- Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Training
- Policy & Procedure Training
All while receiving a full salary with benefits!
3 Ways to Contact Us - Message, Phone, or Text
Call a Recruiter

Officer Harney
(720) 898-6603
rharney@arvada.org

Police Recruiter
Greg Miller
(720) 898-6663
gsmiller@arvada.org
Send Us a Text

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Why Arvada PD?
Training and Equipment
Providing world-class training for rescues, driving, firearms, and more, along with cutting-edge mobile technology, state-of-the-art cars, and uncompromising safety gear.
Community Policing
Strong community relations make us who we are. We’re in touch with those we serve 24/7 in-person and online.

Professionalism
Our department has been CALEA certified since 1986 and every one of our officers has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Right Size, Right Place
The Arvada PD is the right size with room to grow. Located minutes from Denver and the Rocky Mountains, it is an idyllic location.
The Basics
At the Arvada PD, we’re committed to respect for the law, our community, and one another. We are dedicated to service, professionalism, community engagement, public safety—and we will always strive for excellence. Check out the following requirements to see if you have what it takes to join our diverse and inclusive team and have a meaningful police career with extraordinary benefits.
Police Job Requirements
In order to apply for a police job, you must meet these qualifications:
Police Job Disqualifications
If you have any of the following, you are not eligible to work for the Arvada PD.
You are at Least 21 Years Old And...
You are a United States Citizen or possess proper I-9 documentation; also must be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
Criminal History
If you have been convicted of any felony, domestic violence, or any other disqualifying misdemeanor as identified by Colorado POST.
You have a Bachelor's Degree or Higher
There are no exceptions to our 4-year degree rule. If you’re graduating soon, let us know!
Problematic Driving History
Applicants must have a current driver’s license. Additionally, we will not accept anyone who has any citation for reckless driving within the last 5 years, regardless of plea disposition.
You can Pass a Medical Evaluation and Background Check
This isn’t a physical fitness test and we aren’t just looking for criminal histories. We want to know that you are healthy, mature, self-disciplined, and ready to take on a challenging career.
Drug or Alcohol Use
We have a zero tolerance policy for those who have used pot within the last year, had a DUI(s) in the past five years, committed prescription fraud, and other like offenses.
You Meet the Requirements of Colorado POST
All sworn employees of the Arvada Police Department must obtain Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification.
Offensive Behavior
We pride ourselves on having Officers who uphold the strong character of the City of Arvada. You will be disqualified if you’ve ever falsified a written report, committed perjury, or had prior conduct that could bring discredit upon the Department.

Arvada Police Department Career Paths
Explore our diverse options and discover your next career path. Click on any police career path to learn more about the job. Want to see them all? Check out our police job descriptions page.

Animal Management
Help all members of our community, including those with paws!

Patrol
Protect and Serve the City of Arvada, 24/7.

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Keep the community safe, all along the front range.

School Resource Officer
Help our youngest community members.

Police Detective
Dig deep to solve criminal investigation cases.

Crime Scene Investigation
Solve crimes with science.

Community Impact Team (CRIT)
Provide proactive policing to high-crime communities

Field Training
Mentor the next generation of officers.

Special Investigations
Combat VICE crimes with local, state, and federal police teams.

Code Compliance
Ensure a safe community and a high quality living environment.

Traffic
Keep people (and streets) safe.

K-9
Join a highly effective human and canine team.

Police Services Technician
Connect the public and police.

Records
Maintain vital records and data.

Training Instructor
Use your knowledge to teach Arvada's finest.

Mental Health Co-Responder
Be on the frontline of mental health care as a Police-Based Case Manager working directly with the Arvada PD.
Arvada PD Benefits
The City of Arvada has a Total Compensation Philosophy, which means, if you join our team as a police officer, you can expect:

Core Compensation
Providing our employees and their families with quality benefits is one of our highest priorities.
Just for Cops
Sworn public safety employees get unique benefits in addition to core compensation.
Why Arvada?
A location unlike any other. Being just minutes from Denver and the Rocky Mountains makes Arvada an idyllic location.
Market-Driven Salaries
Reviewed regularly to make sure you’re paid competitively.
Personal Time Off
Earn 9+ hours of vacation every month, sick time, and 96 holiday hours every year.
Great Insurance
Enjoy health coverage plus dental and vision options.
Equipment and Uniforms Provided
You buy your firearm. We’ll take care of everything else.
Retirement Match and Extra Pay
We’ll match your retirement contribution at 12% of your salary and provide shift differential and on-call pay.
Four Day Work Week
How does a long weekend, every weekend sound? Enjoy 4/10 scheduling on an annual basis.
Perfect for New Home Buyers
Chosen as a Top 20 City for new home buyers, Arvada has it all — from historic homes to modern developments.
Voted Best Place to Live
The Denver Post ranked one of our neighborhoods the BEST in the whole metro area.
Small Town Feel, In the Big City
Located just northwest of Denver, Arvada retains its small-town feel even with its estimated population of 115,368.