Police Officer - Lateral Transfer - 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Topeka is seeking current Law Enforcement Officers for the Topeka Police Lateral Academy. This role offers big city career opportunities with a small town feel in a community that strongly supports its Police Department. The department provides excellent opportunities for training and career advancement, including an accelerated hiring process and shortened Academy and Field Training Officer training for lateral transfers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform standard patrol duties with 10-hour workdays - Potential assignment to specialty units including: K-9 Unit, Response Team, CSI, Detectives, Bomb Unit, Narcotics Officers, Behavioral Health Unit, Motorcycle Unit, School Resource Officers, Youth Education Officer, ATV Unit, Community Police, Crisis Negotiator, Security Preservation Team, FBI/ATF/U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, Accident Reconstruction, Accident Investigation Unit, Defensive Tactics/Firearms/EVOC Instructor, Honor Guard, Pipe and Drum Corps, Polygraph Examiner, Training Unit, and UAV Unit MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Must be a current Law Enforcement Officer SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must schedule, complete, and pass the written test and the Police Officer Physical Agility Test to be eligible for consideration SELECTION PROCESS 1. Register for and complete the Written Test and Police Officer Physical Agility Test 2. Background Investigation 3. Interview Process (Initial, Staff, and Civil Service Interviews) 4. Exam Process (Polygraph, Psychological, and Medical Exams) 5. Final Offer HOW TO APPLY - Apply by clicking 'Start Your Application' on the City of Topeka’s careers site at https://www.topeka.gov/careers - For questions, contact the Recruiting Team: Call Sgt. J. Joyce at 785-368-2419 or email tpdrecruiting@topeka.org EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Attend paid Police Academy in Topeka with shortened academy and Field Training Officer phase (upon Chief's approval) - Receive GI bill benefits throughout the academy and Field Training Officer phase - Department issues all required gear - Granted 24 core Criminal Justice credits at Washburn University for academy completion - Monthly Education Bonus: Associate’s Degree ($25), Bachelor’s Degree ($100), Master’s Degree ($125) - 11 paid holidays per year (triple-time pay if working) - Minimum 4.5 hours of compensatory time or 3 hours overtime pay for off-duty court appearances - Physical incentive pay (up to $90/quarter) with on-site gym and workout on duty - Compensation for certified bilingual officers (up to $2,500 per year) - Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per year - Employee Assistance Program and Ride Share Reimbursements - Health/Dental/Prescription Insurance with free onsite Health and Wellness Clinic - Top-notch training and access to the Regional Training Center - $2 per hour incentive for field training officers and supervisors - Leave benefits: Personal Leave (2 days annually), Perfect Attendance Leave (1 day per quarter), Funeral Leave (3 days per use), Vacation Leave (96 hours per year, increases with service), Sick Leave (96 hours per year) - Promotion and specialty unit selection points for military service and formal education - Medical expense reimbursement (up to $1,300) - Contractual agreement between the City of Topeka and FOP lodge #3 - Retirement under Kansas Police and Fire (full retirement available at 25 years of service and 50 years of age)