ABOUT DENVER POLICE RECRUITING
A HISTORY OF SERVICE AND A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
The Denver Police Department is comprised of officers from all types of employment, education and life experiences. This diversity not only empowers our department, but enables collaboration with the community to adapt to change. Our commitment is to preserve the integrity of the Department by hiring the best individuals to serve as Denver Police officers.
The Denver Police Department is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the Rocky Mountain region. Our police force of over 1,500 sworn Officers is led by the Police Chief Paul Pazen. The Denver Police Department is regularly highlighted on the national stage to have hosted events such as the Democratic National Convention, 2012 Presidential Debates, National Stock Shows, amongst numerous sporting events, conventions, and festivals. Denver has become a Mecca for these worldwide events due to the outstanding public safety services provided by our department.
Career Options that Focus on Your Strengths
There are many career opportunities within the Denver Police Department. Your career will begin as a patrol officer with room for advancement within a few years of graduating the Academy. Listed below are some of the many career paths available to you as a Denver Police officer:
- District Investigations
- Robbery Unit
- Sex Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Vice Narcotics
- Juvenile Bureau
- Traffic Operations
- Missing Persons
- Fugitive Unit
- Gang Bureau
- K-9: Patrol, Drug, Bomb
- Homicide
- Training Bureau
- Intelligence Unit
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
- Street Crimes Attack Team
Salary & Benefits
The Denver Police Department offers a competitive salary and benefits package. In fact, we are one of only a handful of agencies in the metro area that first hires and then trains you to become a certified Police Officer in the State of Colorado. As a Police Recruit in the academy, your annual pay rate starts at $58,633. Academy graduates receive a salary increase to $63,480 as a 4th grade Police Officer. Our aggressive annual pay increases allow you to make $94,630 after completing three years of service. Yearly salary increments are based upon 2020 pay benefits information.
As you rise through the ranks, your salary continues to increase. Listed below are additional salaries based on your rank:
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Police Officer Recruit | $58,633 |
| Police Officer 4th Grade | $63,480 |
| Police Officer 3rd Grade | $70,261 |
| Police Officer 2nd Grade | $75,225 |
| Police Officer 1st Grade | $94,630 |
| Technician | $100,968 |
| Detective | $104,193 |
| Corporal | $104,193 |
| Sergeant | $113,137 |
| Lieutenant | $129,751 |
In addition to our excellent compensation package, Denver Police Department offers:
- Competitive rates on health, dental and vision insurance
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- All uniforms and some equipment provided at no cost
- Ballistic vest provided every five years
- Yearly uniform allowance
- Innovative technology installed in our newer fleet of Ford Police Utility Interceptors and Chevy Thaoe PPV
- Opportunity for career advancement upon completing three years of patrol duties, and the opportunity for advancement to many different career options within the department.
Current Information
Lateral Requirments
Minimum of two years patrol experience at the time of application to qualify for lateral status.
Receive lateral pay while you attend the Academy
Starting Pay: $75,225 annually for 2 to 4 years patrol experience (PO 2)
Starting Pay: $94,630 annually for 4+ years patrol experience (PO 1)