DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT: POLICE OFFICER

The City and County of Denver is seeking motivated, professional, and community-oriented individuals to serve as Denver Police Officers.

The Denver Police Department (DPD) is recognized nationwide for modern policing, professionalism, innovation, accountability, and community partnership. DPD seeks applicants who are solution-focused, service-driven, and committed to protecting and serving one of the nation’s most dynamic cities.

Denver combines the opportunities of a major metropolitan city with immediate access to the Rocky Mountains and year-round recreation, providing an outstanding place to live, work, and build a career.

DPD offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, career stability, and extensive opportunities for advancement and specialization. Officers can reach top patrol officer pay in approximately three and a half years after beginning the Denver Police Academy.

CURRENT APPLICATION STATUS

The Denver Civil Service Commission application is currently closed until further notice.

Please use the provided link to complete the Denver Police Officer Interest Form (------------/). Completing the interest form allows the Denver Police Recruiting Unit to provide updates and information regarding future application opportunities.

Once the application reopens, applicants must complete the Denver Civil Service application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications should complete the National Testing Network (NTN) examination as soon as possible. Additional instructions will be provided throughout the hiring process.

SALARY BREAKDOWN

Effective July 1, 2025

Starting Day One of the Denver Police Academy

• Police Officer Recruit — $75,257

Upon Academy Graduation and Career Progression

• Police Officer 4th Grade — $81,046
• Police Officer 3rd Grade — $86,835
• Police Officer 2nd Grade — $92,624
• Police Officer 1st Grade — $115,780

HIGHLIGHTED BENEFITS

• Full salary and benefits beginning on day one of the Denver Police Academy
• Ten-hour shifts with three consecutive days off
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Rule of 80 retirement eligibility: (------------/what-is-the-rule-of-80-summary-by-fppaeffective-01-01-21/)
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan (D.R.O.P.): (------------/PDF/ER/ER-Guide/FPPA-Employer-Guide-2021-Section-05.pdf)
• Deferred Compensation 457 savings plan
• Longevity pay beginning at five years of service
• Vacation leave starting at 112 hours annually
• Sick leave starting at 144 hours annually, including the Accumulated Sick Leave (ASL) program
• Annual shift and vacation bidding
• Off-duty (Secondary Employment) assignments for additional income
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits
• Uniforms and most duty equipment provided
• New bullet-resistant vest every five years
• Annual uniform allowance

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

DPD offers extensive opportunities for specialization, leadership, promotion, and long-term career development.

Specialized Assignments

• Training Officer
• Motorcycle Officer
• K-9 Technician
• Community Resource Officer
• School Resource Officer
• Bomb Technician
• Specialized Enforcement Units
• Investigative Units
• Leadership and supervisory assignments

Promotional Opportunities

Officers have opportunities to advance through competitive promotional processes for:

• Corporal
• Detective
• Sergeant
• Lieutenant

EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION SUPPORT

DPD employees have access to organizations that provide mentorship, advocacy, networking, wellness resources, and professional support throughout their careers.

• Denver Police Protective Association (DPPA)
• Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Denver Lodge #41
• Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation (DPBHF)
• Denver Police Foundation (DPF)
• Denver Black Police Officers Organization (DBPOO)
• Denver Police Latino Organization (DPLO)
• Additional employee and professional organizations

Build a career in service, leadership, and community. Join the Denver Police Department.