RECRUITMENT
Selection Process
The Durango Police Department accepts applications on
an ongoing basis for police officers. Academy
graduates who wish to relocate are encouraged to apply. Applications
will be accepted from academy students prior to the student’s graduation. Limited
training positions exist where a non-certified individual is hired and
academy training is provided.
Officers certified in other states may challenge
the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification or
attend a three week mini-skills training course to become eligible
for Colorado law enforcement positions. Proficiency must be demonstrated
in the critical areas of firearms, driving, defensive tactics and Colorado
statutes. The Attorney General for the State of Colorado provides additional
information regarding provisional certification.
TESTING
A police officer position requires a comprehensive testing
process including written and physical exams. Successful
candidates complete a psychological exam and oral board review. Testing
for the officer eligibility list is normally several times a year and
is by invitation only from among applications received. Preference
is given to candidates who are P.O.S.T. certified.
Written test -
The written test is comprised of two main components - essay and clerical. The
clerical tests include typing, alphabetizing, numerical comparisons
and spelling. All tests are timed.
Physical Exam -
The physical exam includes:
- Twenty-five sit-ups completed within one minute
- Twenty-five pushups completed within one minute
- One hundred yard dash completed within fifteen
seconds
- One mile run completed within ten minutes
The location of the exam is dependent upon weather.
Applications may be obtained online or
by contacting the Recruiting Office at (970) 375-4710.
The Durango Police Department:
- Employs 58 sworn officers.
- Pay range for a starting patrol officer is $45,219
and tops out at $62,712.
- Officers work a 4-10 schedule and are paid overtime
for any activity over 40 hours in a week.
- Paid court time.
- Assignment pay.
- Assignments within the department can be: Patrol,
FTO, Traffic Unit, School Resource and Investigation.
- Special assignments are: Bike Patrol, Foot Patrol,
Citizens Police Academy, Tactical Team, DRE and DUI Enforcement.
Many of these special assignments are overtime.
- The Department furnishes and pays for:
- the dry cleaning of the uniforms
- a level III bulletproof protective vest
- duty weapon (40 caliber Glock) and holster
- double magazine pouch, three magazines, and
ammunition
- handcuffs and handcuff case(s)
- baton and baton holder
- individual radio with charger
- other miscellaneous equipment/items.
Officers are required to purchase the outer 'Sam
Brown' duty belt (basket weave) and the inner belt, shoes, and undergarments.
The City of Durango has a very good benefit package
which includes:
- retirement plan
- personal time off (PTO)
- 10 paid holidays
- medical, dental, vision insurance
- life insurance
- long term disability insurance
- worker's compensation insurance
- unemployment insurance
- voluntary pre-tax deferred compensation 457 plan
- voluntary pre-tax flexible spending account
- tuition reimbursement program
- employee assistance program (EAP)
- fitness/wellness program.
TRAINING
A well-trained and knowledgeable peace officer helps
reduce liability and better serves the community. Training, therefore,
is one of the highest priorities of the Durango Police Department. Approximately
6000 hours of training is offered by the Department. Off-duty officers
are paid overtime to attend.
For more information interested applicants may
contact:
Human Resources
Department
Durango Police Department
