Lateral
The Memphis Police Department welcomes experienced law enforcement professionals who meet our minimum qualifications and hold a valid P.O.S.T. certification to apply through our Lateral Entry Program. This program provides certified officers the opportunity to continue their law enforcement career with the Memphis Police Department while bringing their valuable experience and skills to serve the Memphis community.
Pre-employment
- Background Investigation and Screening
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- Traffic/Driving History
- Arrest History
- Employment History
- References from select police personnel at previously employed agency
- Psychological Screening and Clinical Interview
- Medical Assessment
- Pre-employment Orientation
Lateral Curriculum
4-Week Training Course Consisting of Memphis Police Policy, Procedure, and Tennessee State Law
Program Advantage
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Recognition of prior law enforcement training and experience
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Accelerated training program/Physical fitness training not required
- Abbreviated Field Training Officer (FTO) Phase
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Opportunity to continue your law enforcement career without completing a full basic recruit academy
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Competitive salary, benefits package, and college incentive pay/$15,000 sign-on bonus
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Opportunities for specialized units and career advancement
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Ability to serve and make an impact in one of the nation’s most dynamic law enforcement environments
- Salary:
- Date of hire through successfully completing probation – PII rate with 1-2 years of experience.
- After successfully completing probationary period – PII rate with 2-3 years of experience.
- College incentive pay cannot be received until after successfully completing the probationary period.
- Promotional Eligibility:
- Requires five years of continuous service as a MPD officer to be considered for promotional testing for Sergeant.
Police Officer-Lateral Salaries:
| Hourly | Pay Period* | Annually | ||
| 4 Weeks of Training + Probationary Period | $31.56 | $2,525.45 | $65,661.70 | |
| Completion of Probation – 2 Years | $33.95 | $2,716.00 | $70,615.91 | |
| 2-3 Years | $37.44 | $2,995.28 | $77,877.31 | |
| 3+ years | $38.18 | $3,054.35 | $79,413.11 |
*26 pay periods per year.
Lateral FAQ
Q: What is the difference between Lateral Candidates and Basic Recruit Candidates?
A lateral candidate is a currently certified or previously certified law enforcement officer who has already completed a police academy and has prior law enforcement experience. Lateral candidates typically complete an abbreviated training program focused on department policies and state requirements.
A basic recruit candidate is someone who is not currently certified as a law enforcement officer and must attend and complete the full police academy before becoming a sworn officer.
Q: What is the starting pay for Lateral Officers
A: The starting pay for Lateral Officers is $65,661.61
Q: Is there any pre-employment testing?
A: Yes. There is a psychological and medical assessment.
Q: Is there a physical training requirement to successfully complete lateral training?
A: No. Lateral Officers are not required to participate in Physical Training during the 4 week academy.
The Memphis Police Department Training Academy is a Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Accredited Public Safety Training Facility and is a VA certified training facility.
The City of Memphis, including the Memphis Police Department, does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin in Federal or state sponsored programs, services and activities, pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d).
The Memphis Police Department is a equal opportunity employer.
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