Police ; Class Code 7109

Program Overview

Upon successful completion of all phases of training, a Police Recruit will be promoted to Police Officer with an annual entrance salary of $54,421. State statute provides an additional $7,200 in annual supplemental pay after one year of qualified law‑enforcement service. City longevity pay is provided upon completion of one year of consecutive service with the City. Employees in the classifications of Police Recruit, Police Officer and above are eligible for educational incentive pay: $1,000 per year for an Associate’s Degree, $2,000 per year for a Bachelor’s Degree, or $3,000 per year for a Graduate Degree.

Colleges must be accredited by a regional accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Trainee‑level police work under close supervision, involving the protection of life and property and enforcement of federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances. Core activities: attend training classes, lectures, seminars; read and study textbooks, manuals, journals; receive training in physical aspects of police work including conditioning, use of firearms, and self‑defense.

Enforce laws and preserve order; follow general and special instructions; act independently in emergencies; patrol a specified beat or district on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, horse, or car; pursue and apprehend suspects; escort prisoners; use firearms and self‑defense; compose and complete reports. Work involves an element of personal danger.

Employees may be assigned to rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events. Call to duty in emergencies and overtime with little notice may occur.

• Age: at least 20 years old.
• Licensed driver with a good driving record and experience.
• Good physical and psychological condition.
• State‑approved G.E.D./high‑school diploma (or equivalent; foreign diplomas evaluated by NACES).

• Valid driver's license.
• High school diploma, transcript, or G.E.D., or accepted college diploma.

• Convicted of or pled guilty to any felony.
• Convicted of or pled guilty to any misdemeanor involving crimes against person or sexual offenses.
• Convicted of or pled guilty to offenses violating civil rights.
• Used prescription drug or substance in unintended manner within two years prior to application.
• Used illegal drug (other than marijuana) within five years prior to application.
• Sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported illegal drug.
• Discharged dishonorably from military or arrested for a felony or disqualifying misdemeanor under the U.S. Code of Military Justice.
• Terminated or disqualified from any law‑enforcement agency.

Applicants must complete a non‑competitive examination (report writing, reading test, human relations). Successful candidates will undergo a medical exam, mental health evaluation, and physical agility test (sit‑ups, push‑ups, 1‑mile run). A background investigation follows. Additional screening includes a physical agility event, panel interview, urinalysis, and background investigation.

Veterans, disabled veterans, certain spouses and parents of veterans receive credit if claimed and documented before the final filing date.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify a candidate.

Candidates for certain positions will undergo pre‑employment substance abuse screening. Candidates for all other original entrance positions will undergo unannounced testing during the working test period.

Required for all original entrance probationary appointments to active classifications, and may be required for re‑employment, promotions, or transfers.

The City of New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, creed, culture, or ancestry. Requests for accommodations can be directed to Shana Parker at  or TTY/VOICE at  or .