***THIS POSITION'S CLOSING DATE HAS BEEN UPDATED TO TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026, AT 5:00 PM MDT***
Currently establishing an eligibility list for the Entry Police Officer position in preparation for an anticipated academy start date in March 2027
The City of Boise is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals who embody diversity in thought and experience, reflecting the diversity of our community.
Successful candidates will:
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Possess strong communication skills (verbal and written)
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Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and common sense
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Be able to effectively problem-solve and adapt in dynamic situations
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Exhibit a commitment to fostering positive community relationships
As a Police Officer with the City of Boise, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members while building a rewarding career. Our department is committed to providing a supportive environment with ongoing training and opportunities for professional growth.
Written Testing Information
Boise Police Department has transitioned to a remote written testing platform.
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The first 100 applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to test
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There is no cost to apply or take the written exam for this recruitment
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Applicants will receive testing information and next steps through email notifications from Government Jobs
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Applicants who do not register and select a testing session by the deadline provided in their invitation will be removed from the process, and additional qualified applicants may be invited
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The application period may close early based on application volume
Remote Testing Sessions
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Saturday, August 1, 2026 – 7:30 a.m. MDT
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Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – 4:30 p.m. MDT
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. MDT
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Thursday, August 6, 2026 – 7:30 a.m. MDT
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Thursday, August 6, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. MDT
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Saturday, August 8, 2026 – 7:30 a.m. MDT
Testing sessions are first come, first served and subject to change based on department or testing provider needs.
Remote Testing Requirements
Applicants must have:
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A computer or laptop with internet access
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A mobile device with internet and webcam capability
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A quiet, private room free from interruptions
Top-scoring applicants may be invited to continue in the hiring process, including a physical fitness test and oral board interview in Boise during the week of September 28, 2026. Please see our hiring page for further details, timelines, and benefit information https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/police/join-bpd/entry-level-recruit/.
Provides information and assistance to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians regarding traffic violations, traffic issues, and relevant issues as required. Patrols an assigned area with the goal of preventing traffic violations and accidents. Aids persons in trouble and makes referrals to other agencies as appropriate. Issues warnings and/or citations for nonmoving and moving violations. Conducts traffic stops, performs appropriate field tests on citizens suspected of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), searches vehicles, and arrests suspects based on probable cause.
Responds to reports of suspected violations in-progress and general calls for service such as burglar alarms, armed robberies, assaults and batteries, disturbance of the peace, mental health crisis, and other issues as they arise. Identifies issues upon arriving on scene, and takes appropriate actions such as mediating disputes, securing crime scenes, gathering evidence, etc. Interviews available victims, witnesses and suspects. Handles and assists with criminal investigations.
Initiates, performs, and assists with probable cause arrests in compliance with all city, state, and federal standards. Responds to, assists with, and/or otherwise notifies proper authorities of emergencies, immediate public safety issues, and related incidents as they occur.
Assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists when acting as the Field Commander in the absence of a Sergeant. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required. Reviews reports for compliance with departmental standards. Maintains positive rapport with prosecutors, courts, witnesses, victims, and related staff. Provides court testimony, depositions, and related case management support as required. May be selected for assignment to the following Specialist areas: Acting Field Commander: Assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists in the absence of a Sergeant. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required. Reviews reports for compliance with departmental standards.
Patrol: Provides an initial response to any request for police services. Works to suppress criminal activity in a proactive manner.
Criminal Investigation: Conducts investigations of alleged major crimes, suspects, and crime scenes, independently and in conjunction with various law enforcement, government, and related agencies as required. Identifies suspects, witnesses, and persons of interest, and recovers stolen property.
Community Outreach: Supports the safety of the community through several specialized units which are tailored to provide services to certain geographic areas and populations or address specific crimes and pattern crimes. Work with community residents and stakeholders bringing community resources together to address long term issues related to safety and the quality of life in Boise neighborhoods. Promotes a crime-free school environment by investigating juvenile crimes and serving as an informational resource for students, school officials, and citizens.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Must be 21 years of age by date of hire
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Must meet the Idaho Peace Officer Standards Training requirements to become certified as a Police Officer
Working knowledge of the criminal justice process; federal, state, and city rules, regulations, procedures, and judicial rulings related to evidence, searches, seizures, arrests, and police-citizen encounters; investigative processes and interrogation techniques; crime scene processing and surveillance techniques; social service agencies and community resources and their use and applicability to investigative processes; courtroom testimony procedures; departmental rules, regulations and procedures; crime prevention techniques, principles, and practices; underlying causes of criminal behavior; safe and effective arrest techniques; basic first aid and CPR; dispute resolution techniques; computer applications and software used in spreadsheets and word processing.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor and effectively communicate with officers and the public in potentially controversial situations; identify and research various issues arising from investigations; investigate, review, provide testimony about, and otherwise handle graphic, disturbing, or otherwise sensitive information or evidence; effectively and tactfully work with victims, witnesses, and various other parties regarding allegations of crimes; articulate and develop thorough, logical, and accurate reports; observe and recall detail; provide credible testimony in court of law; manage time effectively; prioritize work; identify alternatives to problems and make sound decisions; stay abreast of pertinent federal, state and city laws, statutes and ordinances, and judicial rulings; effectively and safely operate various law enforcement tools and equipment including firearms and non-lethal weapons; communicate and maintain contact with field units via radio and computer; assess crisis situations, establish priorities to determine actions necessary in life threatening and operational situations; work safely without creating unnecessary direct threats to self or others; effectively see during times with minimal or no sunlight; properly utilize all required safety equipment, including but not limited to, helmets, masks, and vests; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Previous law enforcement experience.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
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City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
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Credit History Check
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Driving Record Check
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Education Verification
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Post-Offer Medical Examination
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Polygraph Exam
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Physical Fitness Test
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Psychological Evaluation (by a licensed psychologist)
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Criminal Justice Information System background check (CJIS)
Drug-Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post-Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post-Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and frequently lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds and frequently pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity. Additional physical efforts include: a police officer's duties range from periods of physical inactivity to situations requiring extreme physical exertion, stress and which may involve danger.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Officers at all levels are expected to maintain physical condition to pursue suspects and serve warrants under any conditions such as uneven surfaces, construction sites, ice, traffic, open and enclosed areas with dogs, and public and private spaces. Work at crime scenes which may be hazardous or unsanitary, located in houses, buildings, outdoors in adverse weather conditions, etc. Individuals will be subjected to evidence of violence or trauma, including graphic and disturbing scenes of homicide, sexual assault, robbery, traffic accidents, abuse, arson, autopsy subjects (deceased persons, children and animals), and related evidence at all stages during the investigation and prosecution of crimes.
This position works assigned shifts that may include holidays, swing and/or graveyard, on-call, overtime, call-back, as needed.
