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Police Officer Trainee

City of Durango
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Your journey to becoming a Police Officer starts here. As a Police Officer Trainee, you’ll attend law enforcement academy, where you’ll develop an understanding of criminal process, judicial process, Colorado Criminal Code, patrol and investigation techniques, firearms, driving and arrest control, while participating in scenario-based training. By successfully completing the academy and achieving Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Testing (P.O.S.T.) certification, you may have the opportunity to promote to Police Officer with the Durango Police Department.

Important Dates & Academy Information
This position is intended for candidates who will attend the August 2026 academy at the Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy at Pueblo Community College.

  • Academy Starts: August 2026
  • Location: Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy, Pueblo Community College
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time for the required hiring and background process before the academy begins.

About the Durango Police Department: 
Our mission is to improve community safety and quality of life by reducing crime and its perception. We are committed to serving our diverse community with respect, dignity, integrity, and the utmost moral and ethical character. Driven by the ambition to become the premier law enforcement agency in the southwest region of Colorado, we leverage innovation and cutting-edge technologies. We focus on developing, retaining, and investing in the success of our team members. Through community engagement, we collaborate with citizens and local partners to address issues and improve quality of life, making Durango the best place to live, work, and play.
 

What You’ll Do in This Role: 

  • Attend all scheduled days of basic law enforcement academy training.
  • Successfully complete the law enforcement academy and obtain Peace Officer Standards and Testing (P.O.S.T.) certification as a police officer in the State of Colorado.
  • Learn and adhere to all Durango Police Department policies and procedures.
  • Develop a strong understanding of criminal law, case law, and their practical application in patrol situations.
  • Learn proper radio procedures and etiquette.
  • Obtain and maintain current certifications in first aid and CPR. 
  • Become proficient in using the Spillman records system.
     

In addition to being at least 21 years of age, you have: 

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent. 
  • A valid Colorado driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.
  • The ability to meet all Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate requirements.
  • The ability to legally possess a firearm.
  • The ability to successfully pass pre-employment and post-offer testing, including a background investigation, drug screen, and psychological examination.
     

What We Can Offer You:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays
    401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan
  • Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Paid FMLA  
  • Commitment to employee wellness:
    • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Resiliency Program: Offers guidance, coaching, and confidential support for mental well-being. Earn 8 hours of PTO for each bi-annual counseling session attended.
    • Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Ice Rink and Ski Area
    • Participation in holistic Employee Wellness Program
  • Free transit pass and family member discounts
  • Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning
  • Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations

 

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.