Lateral Police Officer

About the Team

The Caldwell Police Department is dedicated to maintaining community order and ensuring public safety through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws. The team works to prevent crime, investigate incidents, and develop positive police-citizen relationships while serving the City of Caldwell and its diverse neighborhoods.

About the Role

As a Lateral Police Officer, you will patrol an assigned area to observe, monitor, and enforce ordinances, laws, and statutes. This role involves interacting with the general public to provide educational and investigative services, responding to calls for service ranging from traffic violations to mental health crises, and making presentations to schools or civic groups. You will exercise a high degree of independent discretion in decision-making within established guidelines, often working under minimal supervision. The work environment is dynamic and may involve potential personal danger, requiring the ability to perform duties across any bureau of the department as assigned.

Hiring Process

The testing process for this position will begin on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and conclude on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Applicants must be available in-person between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. The selection process includes a Physical Readiness Test (PRT), an oral board interview, a pre-employment interview, and a polygraph examination. Successful candidates must also complete education verification, a post-offer medical examination, a physical fitness test, a psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist, and a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check. Appointment is contingent upon passing a negative pre-employment drug test.

Culture & Safety

The City of Caldwell maintains a Drug Free Workplace policy. This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including post-offer applicant testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing. All applicants are required to submit to screening for drug use, including prescription medications, prior to hire. Additionally, this position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.