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When are you hiring lateral transfers?
Lateral hires are open enrollment positions and applications are accepted year-round. Apply at jobs.provo.org.
Sign up in the beginning of the month and interview with the Chief near the end of the month.
How much experience do I need to be considered a “lateral hire”?
Applicants must have 2 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and be in current good standing. Applicants who have been out of a law enforcement officer position for more than eighteen months are not considered lateral transfers but may still apply for police employment.
What is the hiring process?
- A written proficiency test
- Chief’s interview and conditional offer of employment
- Background investigation
- Polygraph screening
- Psychological
- Physical Fitness
- Basic physical and medical exam
I’m an officer in another state. Can I apply under the lateral hire program?
Yes, but you must also complete the Utah P.O.S.T. waiver exam. Find details about the exam at https://post.utah.gov/waiverreactivation-process/
I have been out of law enforcement for more than eighteen months. May I apply under the lateral hire program?
Law enforcement officers who have been inactive for more than eighteen months and less than four years may take the Utah P.O.S.T. reactivation exam and apply for lateral hire. Find details about the exam at https://post.utah.gov/waiverreactivation-process/.
What are the physical fitness requirements?
- Vertical Jump (15 inches)
- Push-Ups (16 Reps -Maximum repetitions with no time constraint and no rest during this phase of the test)
- Isometric Plank (1:00-One Minute)
- 1.5 Mile Run (15:37)
Will I have to pass a background check?
Yes. Lateral hires undergo standard police background checks.
How does patrol scheduling work at Provo PD?
Patrol officers work a 4/10 schedule and bid for shift assignments by seniority (Provo hire date).
What other training does the department offer?
All officers regardless of rank participate in quarterly training produced by our Office of Professional Standards and Training (OPST). Training topics include; critical thinking, (VIRTRA) defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, legal updates, firearms, CIT and more.
How does the in-house training work for lateral hires?
All Provo officers complete the same in-house and field training programs.
How soon will I be eligible for assignment to special units and teams?
All officers are generally expected to serve in the Patrol Division for two years before being considered eligible for assignment to other units of the department or special teams.
What are the pay/benefits like?
Provo offers very competitive initial pay and a progressive career series pay scale designed to keep officers competitive at every level of career experience. Provo City offers a variety of employee benefits including family medical and dental insurance, and a variety of other coverages and benefits. Contact Human Resources for more information about benefits. Here is a sample of pay scales:
Lateral appointees are classified as a Police Officer II at the time of hire and will be hired at an hourly rate equivalent to their years of qualified law enforcement experience as follows:
- New Hire: $26.61 per hour
- Year 1: $27.27 per hour
- Year 2: $29.37 per hour (assumes advancement to Officer II)
- Year 3: $30.10 per hour
- Year 4: $30.85 per hour
- Year 5: $34.02 per hour (assumes advancement to Senior Officer)
- Year 6: $34.87 per hour
- Year 7: $35.74 per hour
- Year 8: $36.63 per hour
- Year 9: $37.55 per hour
- Year 10: $41.40 per hour (assumes advancement to Master Officer)
- Year 11: $42.43 per hour
Special incentives for lateral hires
- $5,000 hiring bonus ($2,000 signing bonus and $3,000 after the first year of employment)
- 1:1 Credit for years of equivalent experience on Provo pay scales up to eight years.
What lateral transfer incentives are offered
The following incentives are offered:
- $5000 hiring bonus ($2000 on signing, $3000 at end of first year of employment.
- 1:1 credit towards Provo pay scale for prior years of equivalent police service, up to 10 years.
- Eligibility for Master Officer rank can be earned after a minimum of 2 years with Provo, and at least 8 years of police service with a prior agency.
When are you hiring?
Applications are accepted year-round. After quarterly testing, candidates are ranked on eligibility for two years. Apply today and we will notify you of our next test date.
What are the prerequisites?
- 21 years of age at time of testing
- High school diploma (GED)
- Driver’s license
- US Citizenship or in active process of becoming a citizen.
Does the Provo Police Department sponsor applicants at the Police Academy?
Provo City will hire certified candidates and will sponsor non-certified candidates through the Utah POST Academy upon hire.
What are the educational requirements?
Applicants are required to have a high school diploma or GED.
What if I have a criminal history?
By Utah law, a felony conviction will disqualify you from being accepted into any law enforcement training academy or from being employed in a sworn police officer position. Other criminal involvement may also be disqualifying. For more information, visit https://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/qualifications.
What is the testing procedure?
Initial testing includes:
- Physical fitness test
- A written exam (Utah NPOST)
- Oral board interview
- These tests produce an eligibility list of qualified candidates
What is the process for candidates who pass initial testing?
- Chief’s interview and conditional offer of employment
- Psychological screening
- Polygraph screening
- Basic physical and medical exam
- Background investigation
- Candidates remain on the list for two (2) years
- A candidate may remove their name from the list and resubmit
What are the physical fitness requirements?
- Vertical Jump (15 inches)
- Push-Ups (16 Reps -Maximum repetitions with no time constraint and no rest during this phase of the test)
- Isometric Plank (1:00-One Minute)
- 1.5 Mile Run (15:37)
When will I get a conditional offer?
A conditional offer of employment may be given following successful completion of police officer testing and interviews.
Will I undergo a background check or other criteria?
The Police Department conducts an extensive background check on every applicant after a conditional offer of employment is made. Background checks involve a review of criminal history, moral character, physical and mental health concerns, and other qualifications. Candidates will be required to complete a polygraph test, psychological evaluation, and basic physical exam. For more information, visit https://post.utah.gov/prospective-officers/legal-requirements.
What happens after the hiring process is complete?
The Provo Police Department hires applicants who are certified by Utah Police Officer Standards and Training (POST), and we may sponsor non-certified candidates through the Utah POST Academy upon hire. After Academy certification officers complete extensive in-house and field training programs.
What is the Provo career series program?
- Police Officer 1 – Beginning officers
- Police Officer 2 – Two years of law enforcement experience.
- Senior Police Officer - Three years of experience as an Officer 2 (five years total)
- Master Officer – Ten years of experience as a Provo Police Officer.
Each grade has several pay steps and training requirements for advancement.
What are the pay/benefits like?
Police officers begin at $26.61/hour on a progressive career series pay scale, with regular pay advancements. Contact Human Resources for additional information regarding benefits.
How do I start my application?
Apply at jobs.provo.org. Look for the Police Officer listing in the list of jobs. Click to apply online, create an account, and submit an application online. If you have questions about your application status, call Human Resources at (801) 852-6198.
When are you hiring?
When a position opens within the Operational Support Division the opening will be posted through Human Resources. Applications can be filled out and submitted online at jobs.provo.org or at Provo City Human Resources office.
Why choose the Provo Police Department?
The Provo Police Department is a full-service community policing agency. Provo is a great place to build a business, raise a family, and have a public safety career. This department is a premier agency. The Operational Support Division allows civilians to provide support and work alongside law enforcement officers toward the betterment of the community.
What are the requirements?
Requirements are dependent upon the open position. Jobs require a high school diploma or G.E.D, but may also require a college degree and/or previous work experience. Some positions also require a proficiency in typing; i.e. completion of a typing test.
What is the hiring process?
- Interviews are done with a panel of the three to four individuals
- A second interview may be required
- When an applicant is selected for a position, a conditional offer will be extended
- A background check will be done upon acceptance of the conditional offer
Will I have to pass a background check?
Yes, a background check is done once an applicant accepts a conditional offer. A conditional offer means the department wants to hire the applicant once he/she passes the background check. Background checks may involve a review of criminal history, good moral character, physical and mental health concerns, a polygraph/psychological test, and other qualifications.
How does the in-house training work?
Again, depending on the position in the Operational Support Division will determine how your in-house training will be conducted. In-house training will be conducted by supervisors and fellow coworkers. In-house training will include covering city and departmental policies and procedures along with position specific knowledge and training.
What are the pay/benefits like?
As there are several positions amongst the different divisions of the department the pay range is dependent on the specific position, which will be listed in the job description of all open positions. Contact Human Resources in regards to any additional information regarding benefits.
What is a reserve officer?
A reserve officer is a current service LEO certified police officer employed by another agency who is also employed as a part-time Provo officer.
When are you hiring reserves?
We accept applications on a continuous basis. Apply at jobs.provo.org.
How much experience do I need to be eligible for reserve duty?
Reserve officers must have at least two years of experience as a law enforcement officer and be in good standing at their parent agency.
What is the hiring process?
- Chief’s interview and conditional offer of employment
- Polygraph screening
- Background investigation
Will I have to pass a background check?
Yes. Reserve officers undergo standard police background checks.
How does patrol scheduling work at Provo PD?
Patrol officers work a 4/10 schedule and bid for shift assignments by seniority (Provo hire date). Reserve officers are permitted to work up to 25 hours per week. Reserve officers provide valuable shift coverage when full-time officers are on leave. Reserve officers work 10 hours shifts.
How much do I have to work?
We require reserve officers to work a shift (10 hours) per quarter to keep their status. There is ample opportunity for more frequent shift assignments.
How does the training work for reserve officers?
Reserve officers complete a shortened field training program. Reserve officers are required to complete Provo Police Department firearms training.
Does reserve status affect my work at another agency?
Reserve officers are expected to obtain written authorization from their parent agencies before accepting reserve employment in Provo. We understand that reserve officers have primary professional responsibilities elsewhere. Reserve duty is an opportunity to find extra shifts that don’t conflict with your parent agency.
What are the pay/benefits like?
Reserve officers are paid $25/hour. We do not offer benefits to reserve officers.
Are there any additional opportunities for reserve officers?
We need reserve officers to do a wide variety of things:
- Work patrol shifts
- Cover dozens of special events
- Conduct background investigations
- Work airport shifts
- Support firearms training events.
We would like to use whatever specialized law enforcement training you may have at the Provo Police Department.
K9
Our department has two dual purpose patrol dogs, both trained in detection and apprehension. We also have two single purpose EOD dogs.
MOTORS/TRAFFIC
We have a traffic team whose primary function is to respond to traffic accidents and conduct traffic enforcement duties. We have 4 BMW motors that are used for shift work, enforcement, events and special escorts.
BIKE PATROL
During the warmer months, our bike patrol will cover the Downtown and Rivertrail areas of the city.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS
In the event of a serious or fatal traffic accident, investigators will respond and utilize specialized reconstruction skills to document and determine factors and causes of collisions.
UAS (DRONE) TEAM
Our Drone Team pilots assist with traffic accident and crime scene documentation, mountain rescue operations, and area searches.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING TEAM
This team works on city-wide, district and neighborhood issues. They focus on problem solving, partnerships, crime prevention, and outreach with our community.
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM
The Special Enforcement Team focuses on our top five crimes, quality of life issues, and drug enforcement using data-driven targeted policing.
UTAH COUNTY MAJOR CRIMES TASK FORCE
Detectives on this multi-jurisdictional team focus on major crimes, narcotics, and drug trafficking organizations.
EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL
Our highly trained EOD squad has a regional, responsibility. They also provide building and event clearances with the use of our two EOD K9s.
HONOR GUARD
Members of our Honor Guard regularly participate in civic ceremonies, special events, memorials, funerals and flag services throughout the year.
MOUNTAIN RESCUE
Police and Fire work together to form our Mountain Rescue team. They respond to calls for help and rescue within the mountains of our city, as well as the Provo River swift water recovery, and other areas requiring their specialized skills and training.
SWAT
Members of the Provo, Orem, BYU, UVU SWAT team train together to readily respond to hostage situations, high risk warrants, barricaded suspects and incidents that require special weapons and tactics.
UTAH COUNTY PUBLIC ORDER UNIT
The Utah County Public Order Unit is a joint-agency team, tactically trained to respond to instances of public disorder and civil unrest.
FIREARMS TEAM
Our Firearms team has numerous instructors and armorers who specialize in keeping our officers trained, ready, and qualified to meet our annual requirements for certification.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
We have SROs in each of our three high schools, and two middle schools. They are responsible for safety and law enforcement duties on school property.
What are the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)?
Our department supports the national VIPS program, and we enjoy working with volunteers at our department. Some areas you may consider helping us with include: patrol support (uniformed mobile patrol in a marked police volunteer vehicle), Explorer Post (ages 14-21), Internships (limited), Mobile Watch (similar to the Neighborhood Watch program), Victim Services (limited), and Citizens Academy.