Las Vegas Police Department Officer Requirements

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) serves and protects a jurisdiction covering 7,560 square miles and a population of over 1.5 million residents.¹ In addition to these residents, the LVMPD serves and protects the estimated 42 million tourists who visit Las Vegas every year.¹ The LVMPD expects its men and women in uniform to uphold the values of I CARE, an acronym for Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Due to the recent passage of the "More Cops" legislation initiative, which is funded by an increase in the county-level sales tax, the LVMPD is increasing its focus on officer recruiting.

Steps to Becoming a LVMPD Officer

How to Become a Las Vegas, Nevada Police Officer

To become a police officer in Las Vegas, applicants must meet the minimum requirements described below. Eligible applicants will take a knowledge-based exam measuring skills and aptitudes and a physical fitness test, as well as attend a mandatory seminar that replicates a typical day at the police academy. During the seminar candidates illustrate their physical fitness capabilities and participate in academic instruction. The next step of the application process is an oral interview.

Candidates will be scored on each of the above steps and eligible candidates will go on to the next stage, which includes a thorough background investigation, an interview with an assigned investigator, an oral and a written psychological evaluation, a polygraph exam, and a medical exam. Accepted recruits will spend 24 weeks training in the police academy followed by an additional 19 weeks of field training before being considered for independent duty.

Las Vegas Police Officer Job Description

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department police officers are sworn to protect the citizens and the community of Las Vegas. They work with other professionals and community members to implement measures to prevent crime. Police officers in Las Vegas may be required to complete numerous duties, including patrolling a particular area, writing reports, testifying in a court of law, bringing disorderly incidents under control, detaining and arresting those who have violated the law, and recovering stolen property and returning it to the legal owners. Various pathways for career advancement are available within the LVMPD, including transfer to specialized units and promotion to supervisory ranks.

Las Vegas Police Officer Training, Prerequisites, and Educational Requirements

To be eligible for employment as a police officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, candidates must be at least 21 years of age and a US citizen, and have 20/20 vision (or vision correctable to 20/20). Candidates must not have been convicted of any felony crimes, more than one DUI, domestic violence or assault, or any other disqualifying crime.

Selected candidates become recruits, participating in 24 weeks of training at the police academy. Successful completion of the academy requires recruits to pass skills exams covering such areas as firearms training, fitness training, and defensive tactics. Upon passing the training program at the police academy, recruits go through 19 weeks of field training with supervising field training instructors.

Las Vegas Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 2,990 police officers work in the greater Las Vegas metropolitan area.² Recruits are paid an annual salary of $48,505 during training, which rises to $51,022 after graduation from the academy.¹ Las Vegas police officers also receive such benefits as paid vacation and sick time, shift differentials, education incentives, overtime pay, and health and life insurance.

Contact Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasMetro
Twitter: @LVMPD

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
400 S Martin Luther King Blvd, Building B
Las Vegas, NV 89106
https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions

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What types of LVMPD jobs are there for sworn officers?

In addition to its core patrol units, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department maintains specialty units in such areas as homeland security, major violator/ narcotics crimes, theft, and criminalistics, among many others.

Is the LVMPD currently hiring?

As of late 2016, the LVMPD was conducting recruit testing for sworn officer positions on a monthly basis and anticipating hiring qualified recruits through 2018. For more information and to see opportunities, visit the LVMPD recruiting portal.

What is the average Las Vegas metro police salary?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for police in the Las Vegas metro area was $76,460 per year as of 2015.² Newly sworn officers begin at a salary of $51,022 per year and can increase their salaries through overtime, skills incentives, education differentials, and longevity, among other opportunities.

References:
1. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx
2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_29820.htm