Visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/jobs for all current openings.

1. Carefully review the Automatic Disqualifiers section to determine your eligibility.
2. Complete the appropriate online application and submit it.
3. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email from noreply@governmentjobs.com. If you do not receive a confirmation email, check your email spam folder.
4. Complete the AZ POST Statement of Personal History via my.azpost.gov.
   • You must first register a secure account.
   • Once logged in, you will have access to complete the personal history form.
   • You must also “SHARE” this form electronically through the website to the Queen Creek Police Department for your application to be processed.
   • For additional instructions review the “how-to” MyAZPost Manual.

Be sure to have a photograph identification card available for all stages of the testing process.

Police Officer Recruit Minimum Qualifications

• Be a United States citizen;
• Be at least 21 years of age (or attain the age of 21 by the completion of police academy graduation, which is anticipated to be sometime in February 2023); 
• Have at least a High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent;
• Have a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.
• Undergo a complete background investigation that meets the standards of Arizona Administrative Code R13-4-107 R13-4-106
• Undergo a medical examination that meets the standards of Arizona Administrative Code R13-4-107
• Undergo a polygraph examination (unless prohibited by law)

Police Officer Lateral Minimum Qualifications

• Be a United States citizen;
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have at least a High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent;
• Have a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.
• Have previously served as a certified peace officer in Arizona, another state, or federal agency.
• Have completed basic and advanced training that demonstrates substantial comparability to the Arizona basic course.

• Meet all of the minimum qualifications for certification as an Arizona Peace Officer as outlined in Arizona Administrative Code R13-4-105.
• Completion of a Field Training Program;

• Must currently be, or has been, a certified sworn peace officer in good standing. If not currently certified or is an out-of-state candidate, must be certified as an Arizona Police Officer within three (3) months of hire and continue to maintain Arizona Peace Officer and Standards Training (AZ POST) standards.

o   For AZPOST certification, out-of-state candidates (or expired AZ peace officers) will be required to complete the AZPOST waiver process which includes firearms qualification (day, night, target ID/discrimination), tactical driving qualification, a Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT), a written test (three blocks), and documentation for (academy) equivalency training standards. See “What is the Hiring Process (Lateral)” section (“STEP TEN: Arizona Waiver Process”)” for additional information.

• Undergo a complete background investigation that meets the standards of AAC R13-4-106
• Undergo a medical examination that meets the standards of AAC R13-4-107
• Undergo a polygraph examination (unless prohibited by law)

Automatic Disqualifiers

Applicants who meet any of the following will be automatically disqualified by the Town of Queen Creek and/or Arizona POST (these criteria reflect the new rule changes that will be in effect June 24, 2022):

• Under the age of 21 (at time of academy graduation for recruits)
• Inability to obtain United States citizenship prior to being appointed.
• Have any felony convictions (or conviction for any offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona);
• Have been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces;
• Have been previously denied certified status, have certified status revoked, or have current certified status suspended, or have voluntarily surrendered certified status in lieu of possible disciplinary action in this or any other state if the reason for denial, revocation, suspension, or possible disciplinary action was or would be a violation of Arizona Administrative Code R13-4-109(A) if committed in Arizona;
• Have illegally possessed, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana for sale or sold marijuana;
• Have illegally possessed or used marijuana for any purpose within the two years before appointment as a peace officer, even if legally obtained or used;
• Have illegally possessed or used marijuana for any purposes while employed or appointed as a peace officer, even if legally obtained or used;
• Have illegally sold, produced, cultivated, or transported for sale a dangerous drug or narcotic;

• Have illegally possessed or illegally used a steroid within the three years before appointment as a peace officer;
• Have illegally possessed or illegally used a steroid as a peace officer;
• Have possessed or used Adderall, except as prescribed by a physician, within the three years before appointment as a peace officer
• Have possessed or used Adderall, except as prescribed by a physician, as a peace officer;

• Have illegally possessed or illegally used a dangerous drug or narcotic, other than marijuana, for any purpose within the past seven years;
• Have illegally possessed or illegally used a dangerous drug or narcotic more than a total of five times for all substances combined (lifetime);
• Have illegally possessed or illegally used a dangerous drug or narcotic more than one time for all substances combined since turning 21 years of age;
• Have illegally possessed or illegally used a dangerous drug or narcotic while employed or appointed as a peace officer;
• Have a pattern of abuse of prescription medication;
• Have been convicted of or adjudged to have violated traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles with a frequency within the past three years that indicates a disrespect for traffic laws or a disregard for the safety of others on the highway;
• Misdemeanor domestic violence conviction involving the use or attempted use of force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon.
• Have at least one DUI related conviction within the past 36 months; OR have a total of two or more DUI related convictions (lifetime).
• Have lied during any stage of the Queen Creek Police Department’s hiring process, or falsified any information on the application or background questionnaire.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns regarding the disqualifiers, please contact the Queen Creek Police Department at (480) 358-3535.

The ideal candidate:

• Is an experienced police professional with a successful work history of applying current police practices (for laterals) or a professional individual who will apply current police practices upon completion of the academy (for recruits). 
• Understands and supports utilization of Community Based Police practices. 
• Possesses strong ethics and integrity in application of the law.
• Is willing to serve as a protector of the community by confronting and mitigating harmful incidents. 
• Is willing to be part of a team and accomplish tasks and support missions that are not normally assigned. 
• Works well in a collaborative environment by valuing and respecting diverse perspectives of peers and the community. 
• Engages in followership and servant leadership practices. 
• Conducts policing efforts with compassion and respect towards all individuals they encounter during their course of duty. 
• Consistently finds ways to connect with the community and build trust. 
• Identifies community challenges and implements problem solving skills to find solutions. 
• Holds oneself to the highest standards of the community’s values and morals. 
• Seeks to be a lifelong learner in the law enforcement profession. 
• Maintains a high level of physical and mental wellness. 

A Rare Opportunity

QCPD affords lateral officers and new officers a unique opportunity to play an integral role in promoting public safety in a rapidly growing community. Because QCPD is a newly formed, medium-sized police agency, officers must be well-rounded and display a level of comfort working across various tasks, roles, and responsibilities in support of the department’s mission. As a new member of the agency, you will have a direct voice in collaboration with your peers on how to mitigate crime and threats within the Town of Queen Creek. 

Your Input Matters

The Town of Queen Creek offers a supportive environment where officers can focus on fulfilling the department’s mission and developing positive community relationships. With a focus on trust and support, our employees will play an essential role in shaping the department’s trajectory and growth. We expect that our employees' skills, knowledge, training, leadership, and input will shape our culture, inform our decisions, and guide our daily operations.

Safety and Tactical Equipment 

Sworn QCPD employees will be provided uniforms and other essential equipment, including but not limited to: a ballistic vest with an outer carrier; a patrol rifle and handgun with RDS; an AXON body camera; an iPhone with CAD/RMS access, Axon Capture, etc.; a ruggedized laptop/MDC, a Taser 7 CEW; and a Motorola all-band portable radio.

Benefits (more details)

Visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/jobs for openings or complete a job interest card to be notified of new postings.

• Defined State Benefit Pension or Defined Contribution Retirement Plans available via Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) or the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) for lateral officers/sergeants/lieutenants previously retired from another sworn police position.
• 4-Day Work Week
• Front Loaded Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Adjusted Vacation accrual rates (based on prior full years of sworn service).
• 9 Paid Holidays plus one floating holiday each year
• Health/Dental/Vision Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement (based budgeted funds per fiscal year)
• Uniforms/Equipment Supplied by the Department
• Rapid Growth

Sworn Salary Ranges 

• Lieutenant: $141,702 - $164,038  
• Sergeant: $111,299 - $136,339 
• Officer: $72,117 - $101,476 (lateral rates based on years of service – see matrix below)

Annual market adjustments are provided based on budget approval.

Officer Salary (Lateral Officer Pay Scale  

QCPD will offer pay rates commensurate with years of sworn service.

• 1 to < 2 years: $36.40/hour ($75,722/year)
• 2 to < 3 years: $38.22/hour ($79,509/year)
• 3 to < 4 years: $40.13/hour ($83,484/year)
• 4 to < 5 years: $42.14/hour ($87,658/year)
• 5 to < 6 years: $44.25/hour ($92,041/year)
• 6 to < 7 years: $46.46/hour ($96,643/year)
• 7+ years: $48.78/hour ($101,476/year)

Recruit Officers 

For officer recruits, QCPD will offer starting pay at $34.32 hourly ($71,388/year). Upon successful completion of the academy, officers will move to Step 1 Officer pay ($34.67/hour / $72,117/year).

Hiring Bonus

All hiring bonuses are listed as the net-pay you will receive.  

• Lateral Officer incentive pay: $15,500.
  • $3,000 after hire date.
  • $2,500 after successful completion of Field Training.
  • $5,000 after successful completion of your probation.
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 1 year (after probation)
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 2 years (after probation)

• Recruit Officer incentive pay: $15,500.
  • $1,000 after hire date.
  • $1,500 after successful completion of Basic Training Academy.
  • $3,000 after successful completion of Field Training.
  • $5,000 after successful completion of your probation.
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 1 year (after probation)
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 2 years (after probation)

• Professional Staff incentive pay: $7,500.
  • $1,000 after hire date.
  • $500 after successful completion of Position-Specific Training
  • $1,000 after successful completion of your probation.
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 1 year (after probation)
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 2 years (after probation)

Education Bonus

All educational bonuses are listed as the net-pay you will receive. 

• The degree must be from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice studies, social sciences, business management, leadership, forensic science, psychology, or other degree related to the core functions of your position.
• The degree must be earned/awarded prior to your hire date. If you earn a degree following your hire date, you may qualify for a different educational incentive provided by the Town. More information will be provided during your initial orientation.
• If you have earned multiple degrees, you will receive the incentive specified for the highest degree earned/presented.
• The incentive will be paid after successful completion of your probation.
• The incentive is as follows:
  • Associate Degree: $500
  • Bachelor Degree: $1,000
  • Masters (or higher): $1,500 

Moving Expenses

All moving expenses are listed as the net-pay you will receive. 

If a police department employee moves to within 30 miles of the Town borders after receiving a final offer of employment, that individual may be eligible for a one-time payment of potential expenses.

• Guidelines for this payment are as follows:
  • In-state (Arizona) move under 90 miles: $250
  • In-state (Arizona) move over 90 miles: $500
  • Out-of-state move: $3,000

Vacation & Sick time front-load

• For the recruit officer, at the time of hire you will receive a one-time addition of 30 hours of vacation and 30 hours of sick time.
• For the lateral officer, at the time of hire you will receive a one-time addition of 80 hours of vacation and 80 hours of sick time.
• For the professional staff, at the time of hire you will receive a one-time addition of 80 hours of vacation and 80 hours of sick time. 

Vacation accrual rate adjustment (sworn only)

• Vacation accrual rates will be adjusted based on prior full years of (sworn) service. 

Travel Reimbursement

• We will reimburse travel costs related to testing activities that occur after you have received a conditional offer.
• The maximum daily reimbursement will be based on current GSA rates:
  • Airfare: https://cpsearch.fas.gsa.gov/cpsearch/search.do
  • Per Diem & Lodging: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

• Keep all receipts.
• Contact QCPD command staff for specific details or guidance prior to travel.

Additional Compensation

• Specialty Assignment Pay for Detectives, Field Training Officers, Motors, SWAT, Negotiations, etc.
• Shift Differential Pay
  • Power Swing Shift: $0.75 per hour  
  • Swing Shift: $1.00 per hour
  • Graveyard shift: $1.25 per hour

• Overtime, Callout, Stand-By, and other Premium Pay 

Service Awards

• Based on years of service with the Town of Queen Creek.
• One-time monetary payment for every five years of service.
• One-time addition of eight hours of vacation for every five years of service. 

Miscellaneous

• Bilingual compensation (testing required)
• Extra & Off-duty assignments (i.e., traffic control, construction, security, etc.)

LATERAL OFFICER

STEP ONE: Application and Prescreening

• All applications will be reviewed to screen for minimum qualifications and automatic disqualifiers (as provided in the application supplemental questions).

STEP TWO: Testing Process

• Oral Board: Structured interview with multiple panel members.
• Command or Chief Interview: One-on-one interview or discussion.

STEP THREE: Background Investigation (part 1)

• Each candidate will complete the QCPD Release Authorization. A notary will be required to complete this form. This form will be collected during the testing process. Incomplete forms will not be processed.
• Each candidate will complete the AZ POST Personal History Statement via my.azpost.gov.
  • The Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training Board requires any applicant for a sworn law enforcement position to complete a personal history form. The information you provide in this form will be utilized as part of the background investigation conducted by the Queen Creek Police Department and a requirement for Arizona police officer certification.
  • The form must be accessed and completed through my.azpost.gov.
  • You must first register a secure account.
  • Once logged in, you will have access to complete the personal history form.
  • You must also “SHARE” this form electronically through the website to the Queen Creek Police Department for your application to be processed.
  • For additional instructions review the “how-to” MyAZPost Manual from AZPOST.

STEP FOUR: Conditional Offer

• If an applicant is found acceptable through the final phase of the testing process and the background investigation (part 1), a conditional offer of employment may be made prior to starting the remainder of the background investigation and polygraph exam. As the applicant proceeds through the process, the position is contingent upon the applicant passing all portions of the process including the entire background, the polygraph, the medical exam, testing for alcohol and controlled substances, and the psychological evaluation.
• The Town of Queen Creek may rescind a conditional job offer at any time during the process.

STEP FIVE: Background Investigation (part 2)

• A comprehensive investigation of the applicant’s work ethic and character will be conducted in addition to information provided by the applicant. 
• A background investigator will interview each candidate about their professional and personal history. This includes a professional standards and personnel file review from previous employers/agencies.
• All information will be verified through criminal history inquiries, employer/personal reference checks, credit examinations, driving history reviews, etc.

STEP SIX: Polygraph

A polygraph examination will be conducted to verify background information and specific testing procedures.

STEP SEVEN: File Review

Police Department Command staff and Human Resources personnel will review candidate information and provide a recommendation to the Chief of Police prior to the medical exam and the psychological evaluation.

STEP EIGHT: Medical Exam

• A complete medical examination that meets the standards of AZPOST. This will include a comprehensive alcohol and controlled substance evaluation.

• All candidates will provide a medical records release authorization for AZPOST and the Queen Creek Police Department.

• Out-of-state candidates (or in-state candidates with expired certifications) will also complete a physical aptitude screening/consent form (for POPAT testing).

STEP NINE: Psychological Evaluation 

Testing includes written tests and an oral interview.

STEP TEN: Arizona Waiver Process

This is required after appointment (hire) for all out-of-state or in-state candidates with expired certifications (AZPOST Waiver Process).

• Candidates must provide/complete:
  • The “Waiver” application.
  • The Record of Equivalency (with supporting training documents).
  • The certification verification documents (i.e. a copy of their State certification record).
  • The “Waiver” test (two components):
    • Proficiency testing (must be completed after appointment/hire and before the written component; consists of three parts):
      • Firearms qualification (day, night, target identification/discrimination)
      • Tactical Driving Qualification
      • The Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) which contains five events including: (1) a 500-yard run; (2) scaling a 6-foot chain link fence followed by a 25-yard sprint; (3) scaling a 6-foot solid wood fence followed by a 25-yard sprint; (4) a 99-yard obstacle course; and (5) a 165 pound "dummy" drag. All events are timed and scored in a pass/fail mode.
      • Written test:
      • Comprehensive test divided into three blocks.
      • Study material will be provided.

OFFICER RECRUIT

STEP ONE: Application and Prescreening 

• All applications will be reviewed to screen for minimum qualifications and automatic disqualifiers (as provided in the application supplemental questions).

STEP TWO: Testing Process

• Written Test: standardized, written test to evaluate suitability for employment as a sworn police officer
• Physical Agility Test: The Department will administer a variant of the Arizona Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT), which is required for successful completion of the police academy. The test will consist of the following components:                    
  • 99-Yard Obstacle Course, consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
  • Body Drag, where the candidate must lift and drag a 165-pound dummy 32 feet.
  • 500-Yard Run, where the candidate must run 500 yards.

• Oral Board: Structured interview with multiple panel members.
• Command or Chief Interview:  One-on-one interview or discussion.

STEP THREE: Background Investigation (part 1)

• Each candidate will complete the AZ POST Personal History Statement via my.azpost.gov.
  • The Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training Board requires any applicant for a sworn law enforcement position to complete a personal history form. The information you provide in this form will be utilized as part of the background investigation conducted by the Queen Creek Police Department and a requirement for Arizona police officer certification.
  • The form must be accessed and completed through my.azpost.gov.
  • You must first register a secure account.
  • Once logged in, you will have access to complete the personal history form.
  • You must also “SHARE” this form electronically through the website to the Queen Creek Police Department for your application to be processed.
  • For additional instructions review the “how-to” MyAZPost Manual from AZPOST.

STEP FOUR: Conditional Offer 

• If an applicant is found acceptable through the final phase of the testing process and the background investigation (part 1), a conditional offer of employment may be made prior to starting the remainder of the background investigation and polygraph exam. As the applicant proceeds through the process, the position is contingent upon the applicant passing all portions of the process including the entire background, the polygraph, the medical exam, testing for alcohol and controlled substances, and the psychological evaluation.
• The Town of Queen Creek may rescind a conditional job offer at any time during the process.

STEP FIVE: Background Investigation (part 2)

• Each candidate will complete the QCPD Release Authorization. A notary will be required to complete this form. This form will be collected during the testing process. Incomplete forms will not be processed.
• A comprehensive investigation of the applicant’s work ethic and character will be conducted in addition to information provided by the applicant. 
• A background investigator will interview each candidate about their professional and personal history.
• All information will be verified through criminal history inquiries, employer/personal reference checks, credit examinations, driving history reviews, etc.

STEP SIX: Polygraph

A polygraph examination will be conducted to verify background information and specific testing procedures.

STEP SEVEN: File Review

Police Department Command staff and Human Resources personnel will review candidate information and provide a recommendation to the Chief of Police prior to the medical exam and the psychological evaluation.

STEP EIGHT: Medical Exam

• A complete medical examination that meets the standards of AZPOST. This will include a comprehensive alcohol and controlled substance evaluation.

• All candidates will provide a medical records release authorization for AZPOST and the Queen Creek Police Department.

• A physical aptitude screening/consent form (for POPAT testing). 

STEP NINE: Psychological Evaluation

Testing includes written tests and an oral interview.

Although we do not recruit and/or assign personnel directly into special assignments, experience and expertise will be considered for future appointment. 

Applicants should be aware that there will be many opportunities for specialized duties regardless of assignment (i.e. patrol). These responsibilities include but are not limited to SWAT, Negotiations, Community Engagement, Intel liaisons, Armorers, Firearm instructors, sUAV pilots, bicycle patrol, UTV/ATV patrol, Defensive Tactics instructors, TASER instructors, etc.

Current and upcoming special assignments include traffic/motors, school resource, investigations, community engagement, training, special assignment unit, canine, professional standards, etc.

We expect that additional specialty units/positions will be added on an annual basis.

As a member of the QCPD, you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the department’s values and mission, including its community policing philosophy.  
• Apply your unique knowledge, skills, abilities, training, and experience to accomplish the department’s goals and objectives.
• Work as part of a team to address and solve community problems related to crime, disorder and traffic safety.
• Identify and work with community partners to solve problems outside the scope of the Police Department.
• Commit to professional development through continued training, education, and on-the-job experience to improve knowledge and skills.
• Engage with diverse members of the community to promote a positive image of the department, facilitate trust and identify public safety concerns and needs.
• Develop and implement long-term solutions to problems. QCPD seeks officers who can solve the problem, not just solve the call for service.
• Adapt to changes in the community and workplace.

Yes, we are hiring qualified out-of-state lateral applicants.

QCPD values a diverse workforce, including qualified lateral officers with police experience outside of Arizona. Out-of-state applicants will be subject to the same hiring process as in-state laterals, with the addition of a physical agility test. If travel is required, QCPD will provide reimbursement for some expenses (additional information will be provided).

Upon hire, out-of-state laterals will be required to complete the AZPOST waiver process, which includes firearms qualification (day, night, and judgment shoot), tactical driving qualification, a Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT), a written test, and documentation for (academy) equivalency training.

Applicants can visit AZPOST for more information on the waiver process.