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Lateral Officer

Bring Your
Experience
To APD

Serve with a department that values your experience, invests in training, and offers clear paths into specialized units. If you're a certified officer ready for a fresh mission in Albuquerque, APD is ready for you.

Apply Now

  • Sign-on Bonus

  • Starting Pay

  • Lateral Academy

  • Years to Pension

Pay & Benefits

Bring your experience to APD and be rewarded from day one — with competitive lateral pay, a $15,000 signing bonus, and a full benefits package.

  • Non-Experienced Lateral (<24 months)

    $31.49 / per Hour

    • Non-Experienced Lateral (<24 months) $31.49
    • Experienced Lateral (24+ months) $34.91
    • Officer First Class (after one year probation) $38.10
    • Longevity Pay The amount of longevity pay is determined by the number of years of eligible service, which may include previous employment with other law enforcement agencies. *Note – longevity pay does not start until you have at least 4 years of eligible service (prior service with another agency may be eligible). *Years of longevity eligibility is contingent upon verification and approval by the City of Albuquerque.

  • Healthcare

    Comprehensive Coverage

    • Medical, dental, and hospitalization
    • City-provided coverage
    • Coverage starts day one

  • Retirement

    PERA System

    • PERA retirement system
    • Fully funded pension
    • Secure your future

  • Core Benefits

    • Medical, dental, vision & gym membership
    • PERA Retirement, Eligible to retire after 25 years of service
    • Take-Home Vehicle, After 1-year probation, within chief-approved boundaries
    • Education Incentives, Bachelor's $62.31 / Master's $73.85 / PhD $85.38 biweekly
    • Shift Differential: Swing $11.54/biweekly, Graveyard $23.08/biweekly
    • Bilingual Pay: $23.08/pay period (conversational) up to full certification
    • Specialty Pay: SWAT/K9/Bomb Squad $115.38/biweekly; Motorcycle/Aerial/CNT/CIT $23.08/biweekly; FTO $350.00/biweekly
    • Holidays: 12 official holidays plus floating holiday per year
    • Compensatory Time: 1.5x rate, up to 150 hours
    • Vacation Leave: 8 hrs/month (0–5 yrs) up to 20 days/year (15+ yrs). Lateral credit: 40 hrs (2-4 yrs), 70 hrs (5-14 yrs), 100 hrs (15+ yrs)
    • Sick Leave: 3.70 hours per pay period. Lateral hire credit: 40 hours upon academy completion
    • Unions & Associations: APOA, LPOA, CPOA, FOP membership available
    • Tuition Assistance: reimbursement available for continuing education and degree programs
    • Longevity Pay: additional pay based on years of eligible sworn service (prior LE service may count)

  • Incentive Pay

    • SWAT / K9 / Bomb Squad $115.38 / pay period per assignment
    • Field Training Officer $350.00 / pay period
    • Education Incentives $23.08 / pay period
    • Bilingual Pay (Full proficiency) $23.08 / pay period
    • Bilingual Pay (Conversational) $9.23 / pay period
    • Shift Differential (Swing) $11.54 / pay period
    • Shift Differential (Graveyard) $23.08 / pay period

Requirements

APD values your experience. Meet these qualifications to join as a Lateral Officer.

Minimum Requirements

  • 21+ years of age

    By academy graduation

  • U.S. citizen

    Required

  • Valid driver's license

    NM Class D within 30 days of hire

  • High school diploma or GED

    Education requirement

  • LE certification

    NM certified or eligible for NMDPS waiver

Disqualifiers

  • Felonies

    Any conviction or diversion adjudicated → permanent disqualification

  • Misdemeanors

    Convictions within 3 years of testing may disqualify

  • DWI

    No convictions within 5 years; 2+ in 10 years → disqualifying

  • Domestic Violence

    DV Act conviction → disqualifying

  • Drug Use

    Illegal felony drug use within 5 years → disqualifying; marijuana case-by-case

Integrity Matters

Most disqualifications happen for lying, omitting, or minimizing facts — not for the underlying issue itself. Be honest throughout the process.

Your Path to APD

The lateral process typically takes 3–9 months. Out-of-state applicants should plan for at least two trips to Albuquerque.

  1. 1

    Submit your interest card to begin the process.

  2. 2

    Complete the PHS with full and accurate information.

  3. 3

    Reading comprehension test administered at APD.

  4. 4

    Certification records, Use of Force history, and supporting docs.

  5. 5

    Standardized psychological screening.

  6. 6

    Comprehensive review of employment, criminal, and financial history.

  7. 7

    Integrity screening with a licensed examiner.

  8. 8

    One-on-one interview with a psychologist.

  9. 9

    Final review and approval by APD leadership.

  10. 10

    Physical fitness and substance screening.

Streamlined Training for Experienced Officers

The Lateral Police Academy is a condensed program (approximately 6–10 weeks) focused on APD procedures, city ordinances, and department standards. Officers with prior experience move through training at an accelerated pace.

Streamlined Training for Experienced Officers

  • APD Standard Operating Procedures

    Comprehensive review of APD policies, protocols, and operational standards.

  • City Ordinances & Laws

    Albuquerque-specific ordinances and New Mexico state law updates.

  • Defensive Tactics & Firearms

    Practical skills refresher and APD weapons qualification.

  • Scenario-Based Training

    Real-world simulations covering patrol, crisis, and community scenarios.

  • Community-Focused Policing

    Albuquerque community engagement strategies and APD community initiatives.

  • Week Academy

  • Paid Training

  • Weeks OJT

  • Year Probation

Advance Into Specialized Units

Your experience opens doors to APD's elite teams.

SWAT

Join the frontline of high-risk operations. APD's Special Weapons and Tactics team responds to the most dangerous situations — hostage rescues, barricaded suspects, and high-risk warrants.

  • 2–4 years non-probationary service required

  • Competitive selection with physical and tactical assessments

  • $115.38 biweekly specialty pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making the move to APD? Here are the answers lateral officers ask most.

Do you have a tattoo policy?

Yes. Tattoos may be visible on arms, hands, and legs with chain-of-command pre-approval for appropriateness.

Do I get paid during the Lateral Academy?

Yes. Salary and benefits begin Day 1.

How long does the lateral process take?

Typically 3–9 months, depending on your case and scheduling.

Is the Lateral Academy live-in?

No. You return home daily. Lateral training is primarily dayshift with some swing shift blocks.

How do I schedule a ride-along?

Contact one of APD’s six Area Commands and request approval through the Area Commander.

Do I need college credits to apply?

No college credits are required.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?

Yes.

What is required for out-of-state lateral certification?

Before applying, complete the NMDPS Certification by Waiver Packet 1 to confirm your certification will transfer. For assistance, call 1-800-7POLICE. Once you receive confirmation, submit your APD application.

What happens after I graduate the Lateral Academy?

You are on probation for the first year. For the first 12–17 weeks (at minimum), you are on on-the-job training (OJT). Each phase you are paired with a different field training officer. OJT is a practical application of what you learned in the Lateral Academy.

Where do most candidates get dropped?

Lying, omitting, or minimizing facts is where most candidates are dropped. The act itself may not disqualify you — but the integrity violation will.

How long do I have to work patrol before transferring to a specialty unit?

You are on probation for one year from graduation. Investigative units require a minimum of two years non-probationary service; tactical units require four years.

Will APD still conduct a background check if I already have one from another agency?

Yes. APD’s Background Unit conducts its own thorough investigation for every applicant, regardless of prior clearances or military service.

How many trips do out-of-state applicants need to make?

A minimum of two. The first covers weekend testing. The second covers polygraph, psychological interview, and chief’s selection committee. The medical exam is completed once you relocate to Albuquerque.

Is there an age limit?

There is no upper age limit to apply as a Lateral Officer.

Will I need to purchase my own gear?

You will need to purchase your own uniforms, shoes, and accessories. The department provides a gun belt and firearm.

What if I cannot locate my high school diploma?

A letter from your high school on official letterhead with the school seal, stating your attendance and graduation date, will suffice.

What if I am missing documents before my testing weekend?

Bring what you have. For each missing document, attach a note explaining what it is. Your background file will not be processed until all documents are provided.

How do I get proof of my Selective Service registration?

Visit sss.gov/verify for information on obtaining your proof of registration.

Apply Today

Ready to Take the Next Step?

APD is ready for experienced officers. Bring your certification, your record, and your drive — and take your career further.

Apply Now Contact a Recruiter