Police Recruit

This position patrols designated areas, enforces state laws and City ordinances, responds to emergency situations, educates the public regarding safety and security, and performs administrative duties.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• A strong moral compass and commitment to ethical behavior.
• Ability to articulate clearly and listen effectively to a wide range of people.
• Strong judgment making skills for assessing situations and making sound decisions quickly.
• Understanding and compassion for others, especially in difficult situations.
• Good physical condition to meet the demands of the job.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners.
• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures, schedules, assignments, technologies, and community needs.
• A commitment to community service and building positive relationships with the public.

At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals who will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. 

The city of Goodyear offers the following benefits:

•  Medical clinic usage at no cost to employee
• Take home vehicle for police officers
  • The interview process overview
  • Candidate schedule
  • Sample interview questions
  • Candidate profiles
•  Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
•  Paid time off
• Retirement healthcare
•  Up to $5,250 for tuition assistance and many other benefits 
• Enhanced vacation benefit (upon meeting certain criteria)

We believe that successful employees are those that possess six core values:  

Integrity - Initiative - Empathy - Optimism - Innovation - Adaptability

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Only a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants meeting the City's requirements will be invited to test.  A review of the AZPOST questionnaire is included in the screening process.  

PHYSICAL AGILITY EVALUATION, WRITTEN EXAM AND PRESCREEN 

• Date:   10/10/2026
• Time: 5:00AM
  • Check in Time: 5:15AM
  • Test Time: 5:30AM
    • Failure to self-schedule and/or late arrival will result in an immediate withdrawal from the recruitment
• Physical Agility Evaluation Location: Goodyear Police Department, 11 N 145th Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338
  • The order of each segments will be POPAT, written exam and prescreen. You will need to be successful in each step to move forward to the next. Failure in a section will result in an immediate removal from the process.

ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS

• Oral interview Location: 10/17/2026
  • Scheduling and timeslots are TBD
     

 Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT)

• Run a 99-yard obstacle course
• Lift and drag 165-pound dummy
• 6-foot chain link fence climb
• 6-foot solid fence climb
• 500-yard run
• Push Ups (M-35/F-16)
  • Time Limit: None
• Sit Ups (M-38/F-20)
  • Time Limit: 60 seconds

 
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW
(October 17th at Goodyear City Hall; 1900 N Civic Square, Goodyear, AZ 85395)
Applicants who pass the physical agility, written examination and pre-screen questions may be invited back to be interviewed and evaluated by an interview panel comprised of sworn and civilian members of the Goodyear Police Department. Applicants will be evaluated on their problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, communication skills, demeanor and appearance. Applicants unsuccessful in passing the oral board interview will be eligible to re-apply after 60 days from the testing date.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
After successful completion of the oral board interview, applicants continuing in the process will be given a background packet to initiate the extensive background investigation.
 
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Applicants will be given a polygraph examination administered by a qualified, state licensed police polygraph examiner.  The examination will cover criminal activity, drug usage, truthfulness, integrity and employment history.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The psychological evaluation consists of two parts: series of written tests and an interview with a certified psychologist.
 
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SCREENING AND MEDICAL EVALUATION
Applicants will be required to submit to a controlled substance screening and medical examination.  

REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must be 21 years of age by graduation of the academy; a citizen of the United States; have a valid Driver's License; and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must be able to pass required tests outlined below and a thorough background examination which includes a polygraph, psychological examination, medical examination, and drug screening. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to test, and a review of AZPOST questionnaire is included in the screening process.  

Every step of the hiring process should be considered part of the “interview” and be treated professionally. This includes every interaction with police staff and contracted personnel. Attire for the fitness test should be athletic but conservative and for the remaining portions of the process applicants should dress professionally. 

 All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as messages will come from a system generated source. 

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The following functions do not identify all duties performed by the incumbent. Other duties and responsibilities will be performed as assigned.
 

• Performs patrol duties by traveling through designated areas, searching for suspicious, hazardous or criminal activity, field interviewing suspected offenders, and making arrests.
• Responds to both routine and emergency calls including hazardous materials incidents by contacting the reporting person and witnesses, and determining the nature of call and action to be taken.
• Follows up on calls by locating suspects, victims, and witnesses, processing and booking suspects, completing report of the incident, submitting report to prosecutor and appearing in court.
• Educates the community by teaching classes at schools, conducting block watch meetings, making public presentations, and answering inquiries regarding legal and safety issues.
• Performs administrative duties by proposing, writing, and reviewing departmental policy, completing statistical reports, training officers, and participating in department/City process improvement teams.

• Formal Education/Knowledge:  Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience:  No experience needed.
• Certifications and Other Requirements:  All applicants must be 21 years of age by graduation of the academy; a citizen of the United States; and have a valid Driver's License. Applicants must be able to pass required tests outlined and a thorough background examination which includes a polygraph, psychological examination, medical examination, and drug screening. 
• Reading:   Work requires the ability to read general correspondence, memorandums, letters, legal documents, and reports.
• Math:   Work requires the ability to perform algebra and general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Writing:   Work requires the ability to write general correspondence, letters, citations, and police reports.
• Managerial:  Managerial responsibilities include regulating caseloads and course schedules.  Most officers are responsible for managing a specialty area, such as code enforcement, alarm ordinance, gang member tracking, etc.
• Budget Responsibility:  The employee prepares documents and does research to justify language used in documents for a unit of a department and may recommend budget allocations.
• Complexity:  Work involves choices of action within limits set by standard practices and procedures.  Professional judgment is required to apply the proper course of action.
• Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills:  The employee(s) in this position contact others within the organization.  These contacts may involve similar work units or departments within the City which may be involved in decision making or providing approval or decision-making authority for purchases or projects.  In addition, these employees work with individuals outside the City who may belong to professional or peer organizations.  Working with various state and federal agencies may also be required of the employee.   Vendors and suppliers may also be called upon for information on purchases, supplies or products.   Meetings and discussions may be conducted with customers, brokers and sales representatives.

Successfully complete a minimum of 14-week Field Training Program, which consists of demonstrating the ability to:

• Successful completion from a law enforcement training academy
• Write clear, concise, and accurate reports as evidenced by supervisory review and approval.
• Learn the geography of the City of Goodyear by displaying an efficient response to calls for service.
• Learn and interpret laws, department policies and procedures, and City policies, together with the ability to use good judgment in its application as demonstrated in report writing and in citizen contact.
• Develop skill and display proficiency in the use of firearms as evidenced through training exercised.
• Deal with the public in a professional and community-oriented manner.
• Recollect names, faces and details on incidents in order to testify effectively in a court of law.
• Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action under stressful situations as displayed in practical and training exercises.
• Issue appropriate parking, traffic, and criminal citations as demonstrated by properly completing the citations.
• Work effectively with fellow employees and supervisors by practicing good communication, support, and teamwork.
• Maintain a clean and pressed uniform as well as high standard of personal hygiene, as directed by department policy.
• Operate patrol vehicles in a safe, efficient manner by having no accidents, and practicing good driving habits.
• Successfully complete expectations of a police officer at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month reviews.