The academy also conducts training for lateral recruit officers (persons with qualified prior law enforcement experience). Requirements for this program are available from the the Denver Civil Service Commission, or by calling (720) 913-3371. Lateral recruits attend an abbreviated academy lasting fifteen weeks.  They are held to the same standards as basic recruits and receive training to qualify for the Colorado POST. Those officers who are already Colorado POST Certified will not need to take the test again.  Upon graduation from the academy, lateral officers will be placed into their advanced pay scale based on previous years of service. You will then be assigned to one of the six patrol districts and must also successfully complete field training & evaluation before serving in a solo field assignment.

Advanced pay scale based on years of service

• Recruit: $ 51,779
• PO-3: Minimum of 3 years of service, but less than 5: $63,679
• PO-2: More than 5 years of service, but less than 8: $68,178
• PO-1: 8 or more years of service: $85,763

A few reasons given by lateral officers for transferring over to Denver are:

• Larger patrol area
• Excellent Salary and Benefits
• Opportunity for upward movement
• Good retirement benefits- defined contribution
• Secondary Employment
• Variety of calls during the work day
• Quality of life in and around Denver, CO