Join BPD

The Boise Police Department is proud to be one of the most progressive, dynamic and service-oriented law enforcement agencies in the Northwest.

With nearly 300 sworn positions, our officers can expect a career filled with exciting specialty assignments, ongoing training and advancement opportunities.

Our Department is proud to partner with community schools, businesses and neighborhoods. We work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of Community Policing and public service.

We want to talk to you if you are:

  • Looking for a fulfilling career in a growing city,
  • Committed to serving and partnering with your community, and
  • A creative problem solver with sound judgement and decision-making skills.

Accepting Applications for Lateral Officers

We are currently accepting applications for lateral officers. We anticipate a Lateral Training Academy in April 2022. Depending on experience, lateral officers may be eligible to be hired before the April training academy.

Apply Now

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Why Join BPD?

Get a firsthand look at a day in the life of our Boise Police Department.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire. (20 years of age by the date of the written examination.)
  • Have completed 60 semester credits from a regionally accredited college  
  • OR have a combination of prior military service and 30 semester credits,
  • OR have an Idaho P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certificate or an out-of-state Intermediate (Lateral candidates only).

Automatic Disqualifiers

Applicants MUST NOT: 

  • Have used marijuana (legal and illegal) within the past three (3) years,
  • Have used other controlled substance use within the past five (5) years,
  • Have any felony convictions over the age of 18,
  • Have received any DUI's in last two (2) years,
  • Have received two (2) DUI’s in last five (5) years, or
  • Have received more than 5 traffic violations in last three (3) years.

Lateral Officers

Lateral Officers Applicants MUST:

  • Meet the above standards
  • Must have 64 credits from an accredited college or university and five years of law enforcement experience off probation
  • MUST be a full-time, certified law enforcement officer with five years or more consecutive experience working patrol to be considered for this position.
  • Have an Idaho P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certificate or equivalent
  • Be in good standing with the current department.

Factors we consider when hiring lateral police officers:

  1. Size and type of prior agency(ies).
  2. Size/number of sworn officers - <49, 50 – 249, 250 – 500, 500-1000, 1000+.
  3. Mission of the organization.
  4. Specialty Positions, previous assignments, and special certifications
  5. Speak a second language fluently; language skills
  6. Level of education - Associates, Bachelor's, Master's degree, or Ph.D.

Applicants for this position MUST possess the following qualities:

  • Unquestionable character and integrity.
  • Free of cultural and ethnic bias.
  • Strong ethical code in both personal and professional life.
  • Desire to diligently protect and serve the Boise community through courage, compassion, and respect.
  • Personal conduct above reproach.
Three police officers stand on the sidewalk, 2 males and 1 female. 1 male has a K9.

Our Hiring Process

Thank you for your interest in a career with the Boise Police Department. As the largest Police Department in Idaho, we are looking for officers who are committed to serving and working in partnership with our community using sound judgment and decision-making skills, while demonstrating honest, ethical and high moral character. A career in law enforcement presents many great challenges and provides rewards unmatched in most careers. Our selection process is designed to select those applicants who are most equipped to excel in this profession.

Applicants who display our shared values and are selected as an officer with our department will be placed in our in-house Police Academy. During their probationary year, both entry-level and lateral officers will participate in a 20-week Academy, take the challenge exam for the Basic Certificate to become Idaho POST (Peace Officer Standard and Training) Certified at the conclusion, before going through the Field Training Officer (FTO) program for 14-16 weeks. After completing the FTO program, officers will begin working on their own. Application (Lateral and Entry-Level)

Email Notifications

Sign up for email notifications by selecting the Public Safety category and entering your contact information. You will be contacted with information regarding our testing process, including dates, times and next steps.

Police officer flying drone

Additional Steps in Application Process

For more detailed information regarding the hiring process, download the PDF below.

HIRING PROCESS

Test Prep

If you are interested in test prep material, please visit Industrial/Organizational Solutions.

Test Prep Materials

Questions? Please contact Police Personnel at (208) 570-6101.

Ride Along

If you want to get a first-hand experience of what it's like being an officer with the Boise Police Department, you can request to participate in a ride along by filling out the form below.

REQUEST RIDE ALONG

Candidates

New Officers

The Boise Police Department is looking for individuals who demonstrate our guiding principles of professionalism, accountability, creativity and leadership. New officers must have completed 60 semester college academic credits to apply. 

Experienced Officers

Those with law enforcement experience will appreciate the difference they’ll find working and living in Boise. Our supportive community offers a quality of life for police officers and their families that is second to none. 

Former Military

The Boise Police Department recognizes the value of military training and experience. Former military applicants must have completed 30 semester college academic credits. Applicants must either possess an Honorable Discharge or be an active member of a Reserve Component/National Guard Unit, and have achieved a rank equivalent of E-4 or above.

Civilian Positions

The Boise Police Department employs approximately 100 civilians who support the operations of the Department through our crime lab, fleet services, crime analysis unit, records department, community outreach services, victim services and much more. Civilian applicants are held to the same high standards as our officers. 

Wages and Benefits

The Boise Police Department offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package. All wages and benefits are subject to change depending on labor negotiations.

SEE WAGES & BENEFITS

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