Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

1. How long does the hiring process take?
The average length of time to process a successful applicant is 3 to 5 months. However, the hiring process can take up to a year.

2. What is on the written test?
The written test is a 169 question multiple choice timed exam. Questions are related to reading comprehension, sentence structure, observational skills and psychological issues. Below are two links for information on preparing for the written test.

Exam Preparation Guide | Police Recruit Study Guide

3. The physical agility doesn't seem too difficult. Do I need to be in shape to pass?
Many applicants have a misconception that the physical agility exam is easy. What many applicants fail to acknowledge is that each event must be completed in random succession with little time to rest. If you are not in good shape, you will not have the stamina or strength to complete each event successfully. NOTE: Approximately 45% of applicants fail the physical agility exam during their 1st attempt.

4. Is the bench press performed with free weights?
The bench press is no longer used. Applicants are now required to do as many push-ups as they can. There is no time limit.

5. How many officers is the police department hiring?
The Phoenix Police Department has reservations for 28 police recruits in every academy class. Classes begin once every month.

6. Do out of state officers have to go through the academy again?
The Phoenix Police Department is now accepting out of state lateral transfers. If qualified, applicants do not have to attend our academy or take the written test. To qualify, out-of-state officer Applicants must also be in good standing and currently employed with a law enforcement agency. Must have a minimum of one year of law enforcement experience with at least one year spent in patrol, not including training or administrative assignments. Applicants cannot be separated from a law enforcement agency for more than 4 months at the time of application.

7. I only want to be a detective. Do I have be a patrol officer first?
All officers initially enter patrol, including detectives. Officers who wish to transfer to any of our 80 specialty assignments must be a patrol officer for a minimum of 3 years.

8. Is the police academy a "live in" academy? Do I need to pay for it?
No. Recruits are paid employees of the department and live where they want to in the Phoenix metro area. They attend the academy Monday through Friday, 8 and ½ hours a day for 18 weeks. Upon graduating from the academy, they are promoted to Officer.

9. What is the 1st step to apply to the Phoenix Police Department?
When exam dates are posted, applicants show up to take the written test. No registration or notification is required. Bring a state ID card and the City of Phoenix Employment application (test registration form). The physical agility exam is administered after the written exams. The physical agility exam is not administered on the Saturday test dates.

10. I can't download an application (test registration form), where can I get one?
Don't worry. Just show up to the test site with your ID. An application will be provided to you at the test site. It is a short biographical form solely for admission to the written test. It is not the main background application that will be used to process you. The main background application will not be given to applicants until they pass both the written exam and the physical agility test.

11. Is there a maximum age limit?
No.

12.I want to be a CSI (crime scene investigator). Does Phoenix Police have
them?
We have civilian positions known as Crime Scene Specialist I, II, and III, and Forensic Scientist I, II, III, and IV. Crime Scene Specialists analyze, photograph, collect, and preserve physical evidence. Forensic Scientists apply the physical sciences to the investigation  of  crimes  by  performing  laboratory  analyses on physical evidence. Hiring is handled by the City of Phoenix personnel department which can be reached via the web site at www.phoenix.gov or by calling the job hotline at (602)534-5627. You can view the job requirements on the web or listen to them via phone at the job hotline.

13. How does the process work for out of state applicants?
An out of state applicant must make their first trip to Phoenix for the written and physical agility tests on the posted exam date. If they pass both of these tests, they are then given a background packet that they take home to complete. They mail this packet back to us and we call them (provided they have no disqualifying issues in their background packet) for the next 4 phases of testing that they complete on their second trip to Phoenix. After successful completion of all phases, they will then be at the Conditional hire stage. After we complete our background investigation, out of state applicants will still need to make a third and final trip to sign hire paperwork and to complete the medical and psychological exams, which are the final stages of testing.

14. When does the academy start?
We have an academy class that starts every month. Once an applicant completes the process, they are usually placed in the next available academy class.

15. I meet all but one of the listed minimum requirements. Does Phoenix Police
allow any latitude to the requirements?
No, all applicants must meet the minimum standards without compromise. The minimum standards listed are just the minimum standards. In order to insure the integrity, credibility, and professionalism of the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department, the standards and selection process for Police Officer are very high.