Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the Sparks Police Department! While carrying out the vision to implement innovative strategies to prevent crime, promote excellence in leadership and serve our community with honor, pride and privilege, you will also receive a competitive compensation package, special assignments, continuing education, and promotional opportunities.
Not sure if you have what it takes? There are resources for you!
Police applicants are required to complete a series of exams as part of the Civil Service Examination process. There are two different exams in the process: a physical abilities exam, and a written exam.
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Prepare for the Physical Abilities Exam: Understand exactly what is on the test. NV POST offers physical fitness programs developed for candidates to assess and improve fitness levels in preparation for the test and academy, visit the NV POST website.
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Multiple testing opportunities may be offered (physical exam only). Candidates who apply and meet the minimum position qualifications will be contacted by the police department directly to schedule their physical abilities test.
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What happens if you fail? Test again! The City of Sparks is now offering multiple testing opportunities. Additional information is provided below.
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Prepare for the Written Exam: You can access a low-cost study guide or sample test here:https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/ OR contact your local community college or library for test preparation assistance and aides
Are you ready to take the next step? If so, look at the Application Tips below:
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Look at the multiple testing dates below first. Can you make any of those dates work? If so – fill out an online application completely, don't leave any blanks.
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Unsure about your schedule availability? Send us an email or give us a call with your concerns. It's in your best interest to wait to apply until you know you can make any of the testing dates. If you are disqualified, you must wait 365 days to reapply.
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The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application. Use this to your advantage.
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One step is eliminated for you! Do not attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not collect or review these items with the application.
This is a CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT, this means that applications are accepted year-round. You may submit one application in a 365-day period.
Civil Service Examination – Physical Abilities Exam and Written Exam
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be eligible for a series of examinations with the Police Department.
The first exam will be a Physical Abilities Exam. Following application, eligible candidates will be contacted to schedule. This is a pass or fail exam. If you pass, you move onto the next exam. If you fail, you can retest, but you cannot move on until you have passed.
TBA 2026 POLICE OFFICER PHYSICAL EXAM DATES *The list of dates may be subject to change.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10am and 5pm PST
Saturday, May 16, 2026 8am PST
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10am
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 10am and 5pm PST
Saturday, July 18, 2026 8am PST
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 10am and 5pm PST
Saturday, August 15, 2026 8am PST
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 10am and 5pm PST
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Saturday, September 19, 2026 8am PST
2026 POLICE OFFICER WRITTEN EXAM *Available to candidates only after they have completed and passed the PFT.
Schedule varies based on candidate availability. Apply as soon as possible to complete your application for future interviews.
Candidates who pass the Civil Service Exam (both sections) will be placed on an eligibility list that will be good for up to one year. The department will call candidates from that list as vacancies arise. Candidates that successfully complete the interview step will move onto the background step.
The background process constitutes a comprehensive investigation in which the department runs a State of Nevada and national fingerprint check as well as a Wants/Warrants check to confirm the candidate has no felony or gross misdemeanor arrests without disposition, no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions or to confirm that the applicant is not a fugitive from justice.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
DESCRIPTION
Learn to perform a variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony. Provide information and assistance to the public. This is the first working level class in law enforcement expected to perform all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
None
Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process:
State Requirements per NAC 289.110 and NRS 289.510
Must be 21 at time of appointment and must be a U.S. Citizen at time of appointment.
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
Must possess at time of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent of a basic Nevada P.O.S.T. Category I certification from Nevada or from a state that offers reciprocity. Candidates eligible for reciprocity must complete the Nevada reciprocity training course, including the Physical Fitness Test and State Certification exam within specified timelines and in accordance with NAC 289.200.
Patrol assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property. Observe situations and deter crime by providing high visibility. Provide information to the public concerning methods for improved security. Provide multi-jurisdictional aid and support and participate in searches.
Respond to suspicious activities and answer emergency calls for service. Enforce local, state and federal laws and ordinances. Issue verbal warnings and citations. Pursue and apprehend suspects and request assistance as required; transport prisoners.
Investigate juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective. Interview victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects.
Coordinate crime scene control and investigation. Conduct interviews, interrogations and identify witnesses. Process crime scene and evidence collection. Store and maintain evidence and property including narcotics. Maintain photo lab. Send evidence to other law enforcement agencies as required. Provide evidence and testimony in court.
Conduct auctions for unclaimed property. Provide for the destruction of evidence including narcotics as required.
Restore order, protect life and property and maintain the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.
Prepare and document cases, complete reports and records and prepare and maintain logs and records.
Investigate traffic accidents and provide traffic and crowd control as necessary. Participate in special details and assignments. Organize and coordinate special assignments such as crime prevention programs in the schools and the community.
Provide emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and request additional response.
Provide information, direction and other services and assistance to the public. Participate in community events and present to small or large groups. Engage in community policing efforts, use crime analysis data and other interventions to reduce and prevent crime.
Direct the activities of police support personnel in field situations. Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Other duties:
After the Police Officer’s probationary period has been met, may participate in special training programs and in special assignments/units as assigned and available upon successfully meeting special unity eligibility requirements and completing the special assignments application process. Participating in special assignments are not required and are in addition to the essential functions described above.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of criminal and civil law and rules of evidence
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Knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations, general orders, policies and procedures
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Knowledge of interviewing, investigation and identification techniques and equipment
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Knowledge of law enforcement terminology, procedures, concepts and report formats
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Knowledge of national, state and local policing trends
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Knowledge of safety practices and precautions
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Knowledge of safe use and proper care of firearms
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Knowledge of first aid methods and procedures
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Knowledge of negotiation, de-escalation, mediation and problem-solving techniques
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Knowledge of computer applications and software related to the work, including Microsoft Office
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Ability to observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents
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Ability to remain calm and take appropriate action in difficult and emergency situations
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Ability to make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines
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Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, records and other written materials
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Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions
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Ability to practice awareness and sensitivity related to culture, mental health and disability
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Ability to control dangerous animals
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Ability to communicate effectively with juveniles
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Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
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Ability to train others in work procedures
Physical Demands:
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Ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Duties require the ability to meet and maintain P.O.S.T. standards and psychological guidelines. Must pass and maintain firearms qualifications.
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Ability to wear weighted protective gear for extensive amounts of time.
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Ability to be seated for up to five (5) hours per shift in a patrol vehicle.
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When the position is assigned to a special unit, may be located in a regional building outside of the Sparks Police Department.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB POSTING INFORMATION
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This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
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This position reports to a Police Sergeant
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Supervision exercised: Direct the activities of police support personnel in field situations
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Required to be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends and holiday shifts
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Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
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Required to pass a pre-placement drug screen, polygraph and background investigation
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Requires use of uniform identifying official capacity and protective gear such as bullet-resistant vests
Human Resources will require prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for Human Resources to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.
Recruitment Communication:
Human Resources will be contacting you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please make sure your email address is accurate.
Reasonable Accommodation:
Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled candidates in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.
Disclaimer:
The City of Sparks hires and promotes candidates based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.
Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.
