Police Officer Recruitment Requirements

NOTE: This is NOT a Job Posting. It is simply information about our hiring requirements in general. 

The Palmer Police Department policy on recruit hiring is based upon standards set by the Alaska Police Standards Council, the City of Palmer Municipal Code and Department Policy and Procedures.  Detailed information can be found in 13 AAC 85.005-120.

Minimum Standards for Police Officers:

• Is a U.S. Citizen
• Is 21 years of age
• Is of good moral character
• Has a high school diploma or GED
• Have a valid Alaska drivers license
• Cannot have a felony conviction
• Misdemeanor convictions subject to review
• Is, at the time of hire, certified by a licensed physician on a medical record form supplied by the council to be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the job of police officer.
• Is mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the job of a police officer and be free from any emotional disorder that may adversely affect the person's performance as a police officer.

Additional Requirements:

• An applicant must complete a City of Palmer job application form.
• An applicant must complete a Personal History Statement form.
• An applicant must successfully complete a written test.
• An applicant must successfully pass a background check.
• An applicant must successfully complete an oral review.
• An applicant must successfully complete a polygraph examination.
• An applicant must successfully complete a psychological examination.
• An applicant must successfully pass a drug screen.
• A Police Officer I may have to attend the Sitka Academy, and there is a physical fitness test which is a prerequisite to get into the academy.  As a result, all Police Officer I candidates will need to pass a physical fitness test prior to going to the academy that consists of 10 push-ups, 17 sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run in under 17 minutes.  Additionally, in order to graduate from the Sitka Academy, each cadet must pass the physical agility test with a minimum of 32 push-ups, 32 sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes and 29 seconds or less.

Requirements for the basic certificate include:

• Must be a full time paid police officer of a police department in Alaska.
• Must meet the standards set down by the Alaska Police Standards Council.
• Must have worked 12 consecutive months on a probationary basis with the police department where the officer is employed. 
• Must successfully complete the basic Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
• Must attest and subscribe to the law enforcement Code of Ethics.

NOTE: Palmer Police Department does not accept applications submitted directly to the Department. 

When job openings are available, they are posted on the City's website and to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/palmerak