
Colorado Springs Police Officer Requirements.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have high school diploma or GED.
- Have a valid Colorado driver’s license.
- Hold an associate’s degree or at least 60 hours of college credit towards a degree or meet the requirements for the department’s Alternate Education ...
- Be free of any felony convictions.
- Not have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or other disqualifying misdemeanors.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the military.
Full Answer
How much does a police officer make in Colorado?
How much does a Police Officer make in Colorado? Average base salary Data source tooltip for average base salary. $67,229. 27%. above national average. Most common benefits. Others. Flexible Schedule. View more. The average salary for a police officer is $67,229 per year in Colorado. ...
What are the requirements to become a police officer?
- Important Facts About This Occupation
- Educational Requirements. Formal post-secondary education isn't always required to become a police officer, but it's typically a benefit, especially for those wishing to advance in the field.
- Training and Probationary Periods. ...
Do you regret becoming a police officer?
No I do not regret being an officer or agent, I regret I was retired medically due to a brain injury during a hands on contact, a fight, when arresting a soldier, he hit me so hard he rang my bell i saw stars and caused a permanent brain injury, broke my jaw, and broke a few teeth, ultimately my partner dealt with him, I was rung for days
How do I become a police officer?
To become a police officer, you must complete the following steps:
- Complete the necessary education.
- Meet other minimum requirements.
- Pass the law enforcement exam.
- Graduate from the police academy.
- Gain experience as an officer.

How long is the Colorado Springs police Academy?
26 weeksWhile attending the CSPD Training Academy, police recruits are paid employees of the Colorado Springs Police Department. The Training Academy typically runs for 26 weeks. Recruits and Lateral Officers must attend the full 26-week Training Academy.
What do you need to become a police officer in Colorado?
By law, an individual must pass a Colorado POST basic academy, a certification examination administered by the POST Board, a physical and psychological examination, and a background check before they may serve as a peace officer in Colorado. Provisional certification is available for out-of-state officers.
Do you need a college degree to be a cop in Colorado?
Basic POST Certification A high school diploma or an equivalency certificate; Current first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates or equivalents; Have successfully completed, within the two years prior to application, an approved Colorado basic training course.
How much does the police academy cost in Colorado?
For financial aid and VA eligibility questions, contact the college financial aid department at 303-360-4709. The academy costs about $8,200 for those who qualify for in-state tuition and the COF assistance (college-wide tuition increases may happen each Fall and will affect the actual overall cost of the academy).
How long does it take to be a cop in Colorado?
The State of Colorado requires 62 hours to be certified as a police officer.
How hard is it to become a police officer in Colorado?
For more information, call (720) 913-3370. Recruit training is a very challenging and demanding process with over 1,000 hours of instruction. Recruit officers must then pass the Colorado State P.O.S.T. examination to be certified as a peace officer in the State of Colorado.
How long does police Academy take?
Around 18 – 22 weeks classroom-based training – you'll learn a lot about various aspects of policing, the law and procedures but don't worry, it's definitely not boring! It's normally broken up by role plays and practical sessions.
How much training does a cop need?
The US Bureau of Justice Statistics 2013 study found that, on average, police officers across the country receive less than six months of basic training, slightly more than the 20-week average that is legislatively required. For perspective, one college credit equals 37.5 hours of actual time.
How do you join the police academy in Colorado?
The minimum qualifications for Police Recruit are:You must be by the date of hire at least 21 years of age. ... You must not have been convicted of a felony.You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.More items...
Do you need a degree to be a police officer?
Yes, as above, the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) does not require you to have a degree. However, you will be working towards the completion of a professional degree-level apprenticeship as part of this entry route which will need to be successfully completed prior to being confirmed in post.
How long does it take to get POST certified in Colorado?
In order to become POST-certified as a peace officer, you must first attend a POST-approved Basic academy. All Basic academies must meet or exceed POST requirements. The minimum required Basic curriculum is 556hours, though all academies exceed this requirement.
How do you become a sheriff in Colorado?
High School Diploma or GED. Integrity, responsibility, and good judgment, demonstrated by personal, work and criminal histories. Physically capable of performing all essential job demands of a deputy sheriff. Patrol Only – Colorado State peace officer certification.
What qualifications do you need to become a police officer?
Many law enforcement organizations may require or prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree, associate's degree or a certain number of postsecondary education credits. Most applicants will need to be a US citizen, have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on department policy.
Do you need a degree to be a police officer?
Yes, as above, the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) does not require you to have a degree. However, you will be working towards the completion of a professional degree-level apprenticeship as part of this entry route which will need to be successfully completed prior to being confirmed in post.
How old do you have to be to become a cop in Colorado?
The minimum qualifications for Police Recruit are: You must be by the date of hire at least 21 years of age.
What is Colorado POST certification?
POST is a unit of the Criminal Justice Section at the Colorado Attorney General's Office. It documents and manages the certification and training of all active peace officers and reserve peace officers working in Colorado.
How many years of police experience do you need to be a police officer?
You must have at least three years of paid police officer experience as a patrol officer within the last five years. The Department may waive the requirement to have served as a patrol officer in certain circumstances.
Do you need a driver's license to work in Colorado Springs?
You must be in good physical condition and meet medical standards as established by the City of Colorado Springs Police Department. You must have and maintain a valid driver's license. By date of hire, candidates who have been selected for employment must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license.
Can you be convicted of domestic violence in Colorado?
You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. You must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime that would affect your ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. Visit the POST website. (link is external)
Do you have to be discharged from the military to be in Colorado Springs?
You must not have been released or discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions. You must be in good physical condition and meet medical standards as established by the City of Colorado Springs Police Department. You must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
How old do you have to be to become a police officer in Colorado?
The Colorado POST minimum requirements state that candidates must: Hold a high school diploma or an equivalent GED. Be 21 years of age by date of hire.
How many police officers are there in Colorado Springs?
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has nearly 700 sworn officers who work under the chief of police, currently Interim Chief Vince Niski. 7 Like most local departments, requirements to become a Colorado Springs police officer follow state POST standards. However, the department also has additional qualifications for recruits. Applicants must:
How much does a CSPD make?
Those who are successful will be hired as police recruits, with a starting salary of $4,583 per month ($54,996 per year). 7 To learn more, read our Colorado Springs police page.
How many counties are there in Colorado?
Colorado is divided into 64 counties, each with an elected sheriff. The process for becoming a sheriff’s deputy is similar to the requirements to become a Colorado police officer. In addition to meeting the state requirements, certain prerequisites like education and testing may differ from county to county.
How old do you have to be to be a Colorado state trooper?
Similar to becoming a police officer in the state, aspiring troopers must be at least 21 years old by the time of hire and must hold a high school diploma or GED.
What is a post in Colorado?
The Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST) is responsible for the training and certification of the state’s law enforcement personnel. The certification process is highly selective to ensure that the Colorado cops are thoroughly prepared to serve the public in the most professional manner possible.
How much do police officers make in Colorado?
The outlook for police careers in Colorado is positive. According to the BLS, the average annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Colorado was $71,270 in May 2017. 1 Jobs growth for Colorado police officers is projected at 13% through 2026, with an anticipated 810 average annual openings. 8
How many CSPD officers are there?
Welcome to the CSPD police officer recruitment website. With almost 700 diverse sworn officers, the CSPD offers opportunities and excitement for those choosing to serve our community as a police officer. Since our humble beginnings in the late 1800's, the CSPD has maintained a standard of excellence that you would be proud to join.
What is CSPD community service?
A CSPD Community Service Officer assists police officers by responding to and investigating lower priority calls for service. As a result of the CSO Unit taking over these calls for service, police officers are able to respond to higher priority calls in a timely manner.
Does Colorado Springs Police Department respond to calls for service?
CSOs do not respond to any calls for service where the incident is in-progress or the suspect is still on scene. The Colorado Springs Police Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity organization. EEO Utilization Report.
Have you thought about becoming a Community Service Officer?
A CSPD Community Service Officer assists police officers by responding to and investigating lower priority calls for service. As a result of the CSO Unit taking over these calls for service, police officers are able to respond to higher priority calls in a timely manner. CSOs do not respond to any calls for service where the incident is in-progress or the suspect is still on scene.
How many years of experience do you need to be a police officer?
Our requirements are that you must have at least three years of paid, full-time police officer experience as a patrol officer within the last five years. A Military Police Officer for the Army, or a Security Officer with the Air Force does not apply toward our lateral eligibility requirements.
How many semester hours do you need to get into the military?
We do require a minimum of 60 semester hours by date of hire. Most colleges will take your SMART transcripts and transfer your military training and education into college credits. We cannot accept SMART transcripts directly. If you do decide to obtain the 60 semester hours by date of hire, you are eligible to apply now.
How Much Does A Police Officer Make in Colorado Springs Colorado?
However, their pay isn’t that great when compared to others like Physicians or Veterinarians. Law enforcement officers are compensated in other ways, though. A law enforcement officer’s salary is controlled by several things like the location he is working in, how many hours he/she works, and what unit he is working under. Now we will use this chance to reveal to you the typical salary of dissimilar law enforcement officials and show how they can earn more.
How to become a police officer?
However, sometimes, a minimum of two years of college course completion is necessary. This implies a GED or an associate’s degree is all you need. In the event that you’re looking to enter another division like cyber-crime or forensics, you may need to have a more advanced education. To be assigned to the federal level, you must have a four-year college certificate. You will have a written test before entering the police academy. This will mainly focus on principles, the knowledge you amassed in high school, and general knowledge.
How long do cops have to work to get a pension?
One of the biggest benefits is that of pension. Officially some need to have worked at least 15 years in the force to receive a pension. Therefore, a person may begin early and then stop working by the age of 40 to obtain a pension and be employed elsewhere.
What is a cop?
A cop is a person who preserves and advocates the law. They are responsible for the protection of the inhabitants and make every effort to achieve condor by entering life-threatening situations. It is difficult being a cop as it involves a lot of adversities. But all of it is valuable as you are doing everything for the betterment of all. Now then, let us take a look at the process of becoming a law enforcement officer.
What are the factors that control the income of a police officer?
One of the top factors that control the income of a police officer is the city he or she is working in. A portion of the less prosperous cities and counties can’t come up with the money to pay their law enforcement officers decent wages. They are paid meagre salaries and must procure their own equipment. In larger cities, the cops are paid relatively well and get an allowance for equipment and uniform.
How much does a cop make?
Just like other jobs, if you have more experience being a cop, you get paid more. As a police officer, your salary is likely to increase about 30-40% if you have about 20 years of experience over your fellow candidates. The mean average in USA inclusive of all ages is about $49,000.
What is the determinant of a cop's salary?
An additional determinant that influences a cop’s salary is the number of hours he/she works. In the event that they spend all night working on a case or they have court duty, they are paid additional wages. They are also paid extra if they work overtime or on weekends.
What is a post in Colorado?
The Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board documents and manages the certification and training of all active peace officers and reserve peace officers working for Colorado law enforcement agencies. POST also provides continuing training on emerging issues, including anti-bias, DNA and witness protection issues. Colorado POST is a unit of the Criminal Justice Section of the Colorado Attorney General's Office.
Does Colorado Post endorse training vendors?
Colorado POST does not approve or endorse training vendors or the classes they offer. All Colorado law enforcement agencies determine which training courses are appropriate for their officers and do so independently of Colorado POST.
Does Colorado post approve training?
Colorado POST does not approve or endorse training vendors or the classes they offer. All Colorado law enforcement agencies determine which training courses are appropriate for their officers and do so independently of Colorado POST. The only exception to this would be certain courses designed to train instructors for law enforcement academies (Instructor Methodology, and specific firearms / driving / arrest control instructor courses). Outside of those academy instructor classes, no law enforcement training is “approved” by Colorado POST, nor is it required to be.

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- The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has nearly 700 sworn officers that work under the the chief of police, currently Interim Chief Vince Niski.7 Like most local departments, requirements to become a Colorado Springs police officer follow state POST standards. However, the department also has additional qualifications for recruits. Applica...
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