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Begin Your
Journey as a
Police Service Aide

An entry-level role designed to give you experience, training, and a pathway toward becoming a sworn officer.

Apply Now

  • Starting Pay

  • PSA Academy

  • Selection Process

  • Pension Eligibility

Pay & Benefits

Start your career with competitive pay, city benefits, and a clear path toward becoming a sworn officer.

  • Police Service Aide

    $18.05 / hour

    • Police Service Aide $18.05

  • 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

    • PERA retirement — eligible after 30 years of service
    • Medical, hospitalization, and dental plans
    • Overtime paid at 1.5× rate or comp time
    • Sick leave: starting at 3.70 hours per pay period
    • Vacation Leave: accrues based on years of service
    • Holidays: 12 official holidays plus floating holiday per year

Requirements

The PSA role is designed to be attainable. Here's what you need to qualify.

Minimum Requirements

  • 18+ years of age

  • Valid driver's license (NM license within 30 days of hire date)

  • U.S. citizen or valid work permit

  • High school diploma or GED

Disqualifiers & Case-by-Case Reviews

  • Felonies

    Felony conviction or diversion adjudicated → permanent disqualification

  • Domestic Violence

    Domestic Violence Act conviction → disqualifying

  • Misdemeanors

    Misdemeanor convictions within 3 years of initial testing → may disqualify

  • DWI

    DWI within 5 years, or 2+ DWIs within 10 years → disqualifying

  • Drug Use

    Illegal misdemeanor drug use (excl. marijuana) within 2 years; felony drug use within 5 years → disqualifying

  • Marijuana

    Marijuana use is reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Integrity Matters

Most removals happen for lying, omitting, or minimizing facts — not for the underlying issue itself.

The Path to Becoming a PSA

APD's PSA selection process is straightforward. Here's what to expect from application to badge.

  1. 1

    Interest Card

  2. 2

    Personal History Statement

  3. 3

    Submit Required Documents

  4. 4

    Nelson-Denny Test

  5. 5

    Background Investigation

  6. 6

    Chief's Selection Committee

  7. 7

    City of Albuquerque Employment Application

  8. 8

    Medical Exam & Drug Screen

Job Duties

A PSA assists officers on patrol with traffic accidents, misdemeanor offenses, delivery of paperwork, parking enforcement and many other duties and responsibilities. The PSA program allows PSAs to learn about the Albuquerque Police Department’s policies and procedures prior to entering the Police Academy as a Police Cadet.

Those enrolled in college, must take a semester off in order to attend the full time, 6 to 9 week training program. Upon completion of training, individuals can then re-enroll in college the following semester.

PSA Academy

The Police Service Aide Academy gives you classroom knowledge and practical skills. Duration: approximately 6 weeks, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Not live-in — you go home daily.

PSA Academy

  • Criminal justice system & law

  • Patrol procedures & scene management

  • Traffic investigations & crash response

  • Professional communication & report writing

  • Physical fitness fundamentals

  • Academy Duration

  • OJT Minimum

  • Probation Period

Your First Step Toward Becoming an Officer

Many of APD's officers began as PSAs. It's your opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, and prepare for the academy.

SWAT

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

  • Achieve Police Officer status to qualify

  • Competitive selection with physical and tactical assessments

  • $115.38 biweekly specialty pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about joining APD as a Police Service Aide.

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 PSA Academy?

Yes. Pay and benefits start Day 1.

How long does the PSA selection process take?

Typically 1–3 months, depending on scheduling and background timelines.

How do I schedule a ride-along?

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

Is the PSA Academy live-in?

No. You go home daily. Training runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

No. You can be a U.S. citizen or hold a valid work permit.

Can I attend college while working as a PSA?

It’s possible but difficult. The PSA role is full-time, so your class schedule must work around your shifts. You will also need to take a semester off during the Academy.

What if I can't find my high school diploma?

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

What if I'm missing documents before testing?

Bring what you have and attach a note for each missing document explaining what it is. Your background file won’t be processed until all documents are submitted.

Where do most applicants get removed from the process?

Integrity violations — lying, omitting, or minimizing facts during the background investigation or polygraph process.

How do I get proof of Selective Service registration?

Request verification at sss.gov/verify.

How long do I have to work patrol before I can transfer 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 who advances past testing, regardless of prior clearances.

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

A minimum of two. The first covers weekend testing. The second covers the 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 Police Service Aide.

Do I need college credits to apply?

No college credits are required to apply as a Police Service Aide.

What happens after I graduate from the PSA Academy?

You begin a one-year probation period. For the first six weeks minimum, you are on on-the-job training (OJT), spending three weeks each with two different field training PSAs.

Apply Today

Ready to Begin Your Career?

Start your path in law enforcement. APD's PSA program puts you alongside officers from day one — gaining real experience with a clear path to becoming a sworn officer.

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