Job Details

Police Officer Recruit

The Reno Police Department is hiring now! The Reno Police Department is looking to fill 20+ positions at the upcoming Winter 2026 Academy, anticipated to begin in January 2026. Civil Service will begin reviewing applications as they are received. To be considered, candidates must complete a City of Reno employment application with all required documentation and successfully complete all testing with a passing score.

The Reno Police Department employs the best of our community. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to live and work within the Reno Police Department CORE values. These CORE values are the heart of our Department: SERVICE, INTEGRITY, RESPECT, and FAIRNESS. Our Department is dedicated to providing service to our community. We proactively respond to the changing needs of the community and department through open communication, accountability, and professionalism. Employees must have integrity, providing service that demonstrates honesty, professionalism, and dedication in all actions. Employees will treat others with respect, treating everyone with dignity, empathy, and fairness, while demonstrating consistent, ethical, and impartial treatment towards everyone.

This is the entry-level classification for Police Officer Recruits who will participate in a 22-week Police Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy, Recruits will be promoted to Police Officers with a starting annual salary of $72,015.20. This is an open competitive opportunity for all individuals who meet the minimum qualifications. This continuous recruitment will establish an eligibility list for current and future vacancies.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

Examples of Essential Functions Specific to Police Recruit:

• Attends the Law Enforcement Academy ("Academy") designated by the Police Department.
• Conforms to the rules of conduct as outlined in the Academy's Recruit Manual, Department Policy, and City of Reno Policy.
• Completes written reports and makes oral presentations as required by the Academy.
• Participates in the Academy training, and completes and passes all academic tests as prescribed by the Academy, to include any quizzes, mid-term, and final exams.
• Participates in physical fitness training and passes the physical fitness standards test as prescribed by the Academy and the Nevada Peace Officers Standards and Training rules.
• Participates in Defensive Tactics training and obtains a passing score on the final proficiency test.
• Participates in Firearms training and obtains a passing qualification score for each firearm.
• Participates in the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course training and obtains a passing score on the final proficiency test.
• Completes First Aid and CPR training and obtains a passing score on a final written exam.
• Participates in Force on Force training and obtains a passing score on the final proficiency test.

Examples of Essential Functions Specific to Police Officer:

• Patrols assigned areas on foot, in a patrol car, on a motorcycle, or other means of transportation; checks stores, businesses, houses, and other premises for burglary and other disturbances; investigates any suspicious conditions.
• Makes arrests for violation of laws or ordinances; escorts prisoners to incarceration and may register and book prisoners.
• Makes initial and supplementary investigation of crimes in areas such as personal violence, theft, checks intelligence, juvenile, and others; investigates cases involving missing persons, lost children, and runaways; interviews witnesses and complainants.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent such as a GED
• A citizen of the United States of America
• Possession of a valid drivers license
• At least 20 years of age

Additional Screening: A background investigation will be conducted in order to verify the accuracy and completeness of statements contained on the application and to obtain information relative to predicting successful performance as a Police Recruit/Officer. Those individuals whose rank places them in the range to be certified to the department will be provided with a background information packet. This initial packet must be completed within the time period specified by the Reno Police Department. In addition, eligible candidates selected for hire from the certified list for Police Department positions will be required to submit to a polygraph examination, medical, visual, psychological, and drug screening at the Citys expense. These processes will be conducted by a licensed polygrapher, physician, and clinical psychologist. The screening components will be used to evaluate a candidates capability to safely perform the related physical and mental demands of the job.

Evaluation Standards: An individual may not be appointed to the duties of a peace officer if they have: been convicted of a felony in this state or any offense which would be a felony if committed in this state; been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude or the unlawful use, sale, or possession of a controlled substance; engaged in the use of marijuana after the submission of this application; or a documented history of physical violence.

*Bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply*

How to apply: Submit your application and supplemental questionnaire online at www.reno.gov/jobs. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to complete an online application submittal include: the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or the 5th floor Civil Service Offices, or any locations of Nevada Job Connect and any local library or educational facility. If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-###-####.

Completing your Application: The Personal Profile Information, Agency-Wide Questions, and the Supplemental Questionnaire are sections that must be completed as part of your application. The following areas of the application are not required to be completed: Certificates and Licenses, Skills, Additional Information, and References. *Please attach a copy of your college transcripts or degree from an accredited college or university if applicable to your completed application in the "attachments" sections. Additional points will be added to your final passing score. This documentation must be received by Civil Service at the time you submit your application.

Applicants will be allowed to apply for Police Officer Recruit once every six months. Candidates who are disqualified during the hiring process due to background disqualifying criteria by federal and/or state laws will be removed from the eligible list and must wait one year before reapplying.

Examination Process: The examination will consist of a written test weighted as follows: Written Test = 100% of final grade. Multiple test dates have been scheduled, with testing sessions being made available to candidates upon acceptance of their application. The number of sessions is limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. We strongly suggest selecting a test session as soon as possible. A notification to self-schedule your test will be sent upon the acceptance of your application. Regular testing will take place in the City of Reno. The exact testing locations in Reno will be identified when you schedule your test. There may be alternative options for remote testing available to candidates that are outside of the Reno area. We will notify those who meet this criteria to schedule their exam.

FAQs on the Police Officer Recruit Recruitment:

• Will I be required to pass a Physical Fitness Test? Yes, all candidates will be required to take and pass the NV POST Physical Fitness Test (PFT) administered by the Reno Police Department (RPD) within 30 days of application and prior to being considered for hire. This is part of the hiring process, once your application has been accepted, you must successfully complete the PFT within 30 days. Candidates will be allowed up to two attempts to pass the PFT within that 30-day period. Exceptions may be made for weather or staffing related reasons only.
• When does this recruitment close? This recruitment is continuous, meaning we will continue to take applications and will not have a closing date. Please note: There will be specific deadlines in which applications will need to be submitted in order to be considered for an upcoming scheduled academy. Monitor the job posting for all updates as to when the next round of hiring is expected.
• When should I submit my application? As soon as possible, once we receive your application we will send you a notification to schedule your exam.
• When is the next scheduled academy? The Reno Police Department is preparing for the Winter 2026 Academy, anticipated to begin in January 2026. Civil Service has already begun pulling applications for this round of hiring. To be considered, candidates must complete a City of Reno employment application with all required documentation and have successfully completed the required test with a passing score.

Other Important Information:

• Notification: Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not