How You Can Get Started

Entry-level police officers start their career by going through a police academy. This is an important time where you will dedicate yourself to learning how to be a law enforcement professional. The academy is 23 weeks and it takes place locally at the Owen Landeck Safety City training facility. During this time, academy cadets learn academic skills such as constitutional law, state statute, laws of arrest, and report writing while also performing hands-on learning in areas like professional communication, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, and firearms. The academy is affiliated with San Juan College, so cadets earn college credit during their training.


It’s an exciting time to learn about service, commitment, teamwork, problem-solving, and so much more. When graduation comes, the new officers have formed lifelong bonds while accomplishing something great together. After graduation, the new officers move to field training where they will put all that they’ve learned into practice while responding to calls on the streets with a training officer.


Qualified lateral officers who have attended an academy or served in another jurisdiction will begin their career at Farmington Police Department in a modified field training program where they will learn how to be a police officer in our agency.

ACTION STEPS

Thank you for your interest in serving with the Farmington Police Department! Below, you will find everything you need to know about our recruiting process from start to finish.

  • 1. Apply

    After filling out the simple form HERE on our apply page, expect further instructions and the steps below to be outlined for you.

  • 2. Selection Process

    You will complete a series of requirements during the selection process. The requirements are listed below in the order they will be given. A description of each requirement is included following the list.

  • 3. Testing & Interview

    Physical Fitness Test – (Click here for specifics)


    Written Test – Applicants will take the National Testing Network’s Law Enforcement Test as described HERE


    *Beginning October 1, 2024, we will be using the Next Generation Law Enforcement Exam. Information about the exam can be found HERE


    Interview – Applicants will complete a job interview in front of a panel of law enforcement officers.


  • 4. Background Investigation

    Applicants will undergo a background investigation to determine their suitability for a job in law enforcement.  A polygraph (lie detector) test will be used to verify information found during the background investigation.

  • 5. Medical and Psychological Exams

    Applicants will complete a medical and psychological exam to ensure they meet the standards to be a police officer physically and mentally.

  • 6. Final Steps

    Your completed profile, along with recommendations from the Recruiting Division, will be submitted to the chief of police for review. Upon acceptance, the applicant will either enter the police academy as a cadet, or, if a lateral transfer, begin work with a field training officer (FTO). 


    What happens if I don't pass a section?


    Written Test: You may reschedule one more time. If you do not pass the second time, you must wait one year to retake. Passing scores are good for one year.


    Physical Standards: You may retake as many times as needed.


    Background Investigation: Your ability to reapply following a disqualifying item on his/her background investigation is situational.  


    Oral Board, Polygraph, Psychological Evaluation, & Medical Exam: You must wait one year to reapply.