Police Officer - Lateral

Nature of Work

Full‑time, regular, non‑exempt position. Pay will be based upon years of full‑time law‑enforcement experience up to the salary range posted at the top of the announcement. Offering a $30,000 recruitment and retention incentive payment and 5 personal leave days (40 hours) with a 36‑month commitment. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

The work may include ten‑hour shifts on a rotating basis, extended work hours beyond the regular shift when necessary, and exposure to serious bodily harm. Attendance is an essential function of this job.

• At Hire: $10,000.00
• At the completion of Field Training: $10,000.00
• One day prior to the end of the Probationary Year: $10,000.00
• Relocation assistance: $5,000.00 (based on eligibility)

• Performs general duty police work to provide protective services to the general public of Las Cruces.
• Patrols streets, roads and public places on foot, motorcycle, patrol car or other means to prevent crime, enforce laws or respond to criminal actions.
• Issues tickets to traffic violators.
• Renders first aid at accident sites, reroutes traffic and investigates causes and results of accidents.
• Responds to reported crime scenes adhering to required processes and procedures.
• Writes and files reports of daily activity immediately following each shift.
• Cooperates with county, state and federal law‑enforcement agencies in the apprehension and detention of persons involved in criminal activity.
• Appears in court to present evidence and testify against apprehended individuals violating the law.

• 21 years of age
• United States citizenship (born or naturalized)
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• No misdemeanor convictions within the last 3 years
• No convictions of domestic violence
• No felony convictions
• No drug usage since receiving peace officer certification
• Must not have ever transported illegal drugs
• Must not have a Dishonorable Discharge from the US Military
• Must pass all steps of the Selection Process; see below
• Must have a current law‑enforcement certification issued or recognized and approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
• Out‑of‑state lateral officers must have a minimum of two years experience in law‑enforcement activities including traffic stops, investigations, domestic violence calls, disorderly conduct, DWI/DUI, and community policing
• One year minimum required if applicant currently possesses NMLEA Police Officer Certification
• Two year minimum waived if applicant has graduated the Las Cruces Police Department Academy
• Must complete LCPD Lateral Training
• Must complete LCPD Field Training & Evaluation Program (up to 14 weeks)
• Out‑of‑state lateral officers must complete the two week certification by waiver course within the first year of employment

NM Certified only

• Complete and submit City of Las Cruces application
• LCPD Physical Agility assessment
• NMDPS Day & Night qualification course
• Extensive background investigation
• LCPD Assessment Center
• Polygraph
• Psychological examination, evaluation and interview
• Medical physical & drug screening
• Police Chief interview

Out-of-State

• Complete and submit City of Las Cruces application
• Physical assessment (50th percentile)
• NMDPS Agility Obstacle Courses
• NMDPS Day & Night firearms qualification course
• Extensive background investigation
• LCPD Assessment Center
• Polygraph
• Psychological examination, evaluation and interview
• Medical physical & drug screening
• Police Chief interview

• 13 paid holidays per year
• 12 sick leave days per year
• Personal leave
• Vacation leave
• Bereavement leave
• Health insurance plans
• Uniforms, equipment and sidearm provided
• Work‑related injury compensation
• Retirement program (P.E.R.A.)
• Take‑home car program
• Promotional opportunities
• 4–10 hour work days
• Paid overtime & compensatory time off
• 40 hours of annual leave upon hiring
• 8 hours of personal leave upon hiring
• Spanish speaking pay incentive

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate police and civilian activities. Knowledge in police operations, techniques, practices, traffic control and enforcement, and resource planning. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary in interacting with general public and City staff. Knowledge of safety and standard police practices. Working knowledge of personal computer with appropriate software is necessary. Ability to operate all assigned equipment and tools.