Summary

The Erie Police Department is hiring for a Police Cadet! This is an amazing opportunity for individuals who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement and join a quickly growing department and community as a Police Cadet, which means you are not P.O.S.T. Certified but we can help you get there! We are the best department in the state and among the top ten safest communities in Colorado!

Description

The Erie Police Department has an amazing opportunity for individuals who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement and join a quickly growing department and community as a Police Cadet. We are the best department in the state and among the top ten safest communities in Colorado! To be an Erie police officer is to be an exceptional and courageous person who interacts frequently with the public and with the highest integrity. Our customer service is above reproach; we are professional, compassionate, progressive, and community-oriented, dedicated to the best practices, federal and state laws, and town ordinances.

We are looking for NON-P.O.S.T. Certified candidates to send to a P.O.S.T. accredited Law Enforcement Academy in Colorado. The academy will begin in August 2026 and runs approximately 18-22 weeks.

The Town of Erie will pay the cost of the academy for each cadet selected, and cadets will be paid an hourly wage while attending the academy!

Police Department Location: 

1000 Telleen Ave, Erie, CO 80516

Job Posting Dates:

01/05/2026 – 01/30/2026 at 12:00pm MST

Reminders:

All complete Police Cadet applications will be reviewed upon submission.
Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be contacted by Recruiting with an invitation for a phone interview.
If you pass the Recruiter phone screen, you can expect an invitation to proceed to our Law Enforcement test. Please wait for this invitation from Recruiting.
With a passing Law Enforcement test, you can expect an invitation to in-person testing which includes the physical agility test and oral boards on either March 4th or 5th.
If you have been through Erie PD's testing within the last 6 months, you are not eligible to retest until the 6-month period has lapsed. 
If you have any questions around the process or have issues applying, please reach out to our Recruiter at Recruitment@erieco.gov.

Starting Pay Range:

Police Cadet (While in academy)	$35.10/hour ($73,008/year)
Police Officer – Entry Level (After graduating from the Academy and P.O.S.T. certified)	$40.21/hour ($83,628/year)

Below is our 5-step pay scale beyond the Police Cadet and Entry Level pay. Review the generous increases as you progress at Erie PD:

Step 1	$43.42/hour ($90,318/year)
Step 2	$46.90/hour ($97,544/year)
Step 3	$50.65/hour ($105,347/year)
Step 4	$54.50/hour ($113,354/year)
Step 5	$58.64/hour ($121,969/year)

Police Cadets must successfully graduate from the Academy and attain the Colorado P.O.S.T. certification. Upon graduation, the Cadet will transition to the position of Police Officer for the Erie Police Department.  As a new officer, the officer will attend a four-week, in-house mini academy followed by a 14-week Field Training and Evaluation program.

Duties and Responsibilities (Once P.O.S.T. Certified)

Patrol Role

Respond to priority calls regarding public disturbances, criminal, civil, or emergency situations.  May provide emergency medical assistance, control traffic, and otherwise ensure attention is given to public safety.
Detect and prevent criminal activities by surveillance of assigned business and residential areas.  Notes possible criminal occurrences and takes steps to prevent criminal actions.  Promotes crime prevention by initiating contact with businesses and residents, including explaining applicable laws, soliciting cooperation in crime reporting, and otherwise creating good rapport with citizens.
Investigate crime scenes or accidents and assist other officers.  Protect evidence, takes testimony from witnesses, and assists detectives in specialized investigations.
Enforce traffic laws, vehicle codes, and promote traffic safety.  Notes illegal or unsafe driving practices and advises or makes arrests as appropriate.  Directs traffic, reports unsafe road conditions, and otherwise promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety.
Prepares a variety of daily reports and logs.
Provides a variety of related police services, including transport of prisoners, assistance to motorists, and mediation of family disturbances.
May conduct or assist with in-depth investigations involving felonies or other serious offenses and work closely with District Attorneys regarding cases.

Other

Conduct a variety of community-oriented policing activities to include participating in Erie’s Community Police Academy, business and community participation, working with community groups, conducting welfare checks, etc.
Prepare and provide testimony in court and works with prosecution attorneys.
Provide code enforcement and animal control activities as needed. Issue appropriate citations and take immediate actions to mitigate problems and disputes.
At advanced levels, may be assigned as a Field Training Officer.

As you prepare for the next steps, here are some links to resources from the Erie PD page to help you get to know us better and prepare for the interview and testing process:

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates for the Police Cadet position must be 21 years of age by P.O.S.T. certification and the attainment of the Basic Peace Officer Certification through Colorado P.O.S.T.
Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s License
Must be a High School graduate or have the G.E.D. equivalent