Job Description

Police Officer - Lateral Transfer

The City of Topeka is seeking current Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) for the Topeka Police Lateral Academy. Enjoy big city career opportunities with a small town feel in a community that supports its Police Department.

Current LEOs are eligible for entry pay rates that recognize up to 12 years of previous Law Enforcement experience (up to $44.64/hour!) and enjoy an accelerated hiring process and shortened Academy and FTO training.

The Topeka Police Department offers excellent opportunities for training and career advancements.

Interested candidates must schedule, complete and pass the written test and the Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) to be eligible for consideration.

To register for an upcoming test date, please click ‘Start Your Application’ on the City of Topeka’s careers site at https://www.topeka.gov/careers

What to expect in the recruitment process:

1. Register for and complete the Written Test and Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT)
2. Background Investigation
3. Interview Process (Initial, Staff, and Civil Service Interviews)
4. Exam Process (Polygraph, Psychological and Medical Exams)
5. Final Offer

Annual entry rate of pay: $65,374.40 to $92,851.20

Click here to view a full position description, Please right-click to open in a new tab.

Questions? Contact our Recruiting Team! Call Sgt. J. Joyce at 785-368-2419 or email tpdrecruiting@topeka.org

Benefits & Incentives

• Starting pay of $31.43 per hour / $65,374.40 per year in 2026
• Approximately $1 per hour increase per year (for 15 years) up to $49.52 per hour / $103,001.60 per year in 2026
• Shift differential Pay ($1 per hour for shifts starting after 12:00 p.m.)
• Premium pay for detectives (base salary up to $110,676.80 per year) and sergeants (base salary up to $115,523.20 per year)
• Attend paid Police Academy in Topeka
• Lateral Transfer Program: starting pay up to $44.64 per hour / $92,851.20 per year in 2026, accelerated hiring process, shortened police academy and FTO phase (upon approval of the Chief)
• Receive GI bill benefits throughout the academy and FTO phase
• Department issues all required gear
• Granted 24 core Criminal Justice credits at Washburn University for academy completion
• 10-Hour workdays for patrol officers and academy
• Monthly Education Bonus (Associate’s Degree: $25, Bachelor’s Degree: $100, Master’s Degree: $125)
• 11 paid holidays per year (triple-time pay if working)
• Minimum 4.5 hours of compensatory time or 3 hours overtime pay for off-duty court appearances
• Physical incentive pay (up to $90/quarter) with On-site Gym - Workout on Duty
• Compensation for certified bilingual officers (up to $2,500 per year)
• Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per year
• Employee Assistance Program. Ride Share Reimbursements
• Health/Dental/Prescription Insurance with Free Onsite Health & Wellness Clinic
• Top notch training and access to our Regional Training Center
• $2 per hour incentive for field training officers and supervisors
• Personal Leave (2 days awarded annually), Perfect Attendance Leave (1 day per quarter), Funeral Leave (3 days per use), Vacation Leave (96 hours per year, increases with years of service), Sick Leave (96 hours per year)
• Promotion and specialty unit selection points for military service and formal education
• Medical expense reimbursement (up to $1,300)
• Contractual agreement between the city of Topeka and FOP lodge #3
• Specialty Units and Assignments Include K-9 Unit, Response Team, CSI, Detectives, Bomb Unit, Narcotics Officers, Behavioral Health Unit, Motorcycle Unit, School Resource Officers, Youth Education OFC, ATV Unit, Community Police, Crisis Negotiator, Security Preservation Team (SPT), FBI, ATF, & U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, Accident Reconstruction, Accident Investigation Unit, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Honor Guard, Pipe and Drum Corps, EVOC Instructor, Polygraph Examiner, Training Unit, and UAV Unit
• Retirement is under Kansas Police & Fire. Full retirement is available at 25 years of service & 50 years of age. For more information click here: KP&F Retirement Services
• Click here to see other benefits offered: Other Benefits Available