Hiring
Process
The Mesa Police Department is currently hiring Police Officer Recruits and Police Officer Laterals.
☑ 1. Apply
Go to the City of Mesa’s Job Opportunities and apply for a position.
☑ 2. Take the Written Test
Once you apply, the City of Mesa Human Resource Department will provide you with instructions on taking the written test from NTN (National Testing Network). If you fail the written test, you can retest in 90 days.
Applicants must have a passing NTN score before moving on to the next step and attending M.E.S.A. Day
☑ 3. M.E.S.A. Day: Preparing applicants for success
Experience Mesa Day, where applicants engage in the Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) and receive guidance through the initial stages of the hiring process. This event embodies our commitment to mentoring every successful applicant, offering insights into physical requirements, background procedures, and the support systems in place to help candidates thrive. Join us to see how Mesa PD invests in the growth and readiness of its future team members.
Note: Out-of-state applicants should proceed directly to Step 4.
The Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test course contains the following five events:
- 500-yard run
- Scaling a 6’ chain link fence followed by a 25-yard sprint
- Scaling a 6’ solid wood fence followed by a 25-yard sprint
- 99-yard obstacle course
- 165 lb. “dummy” drag
Click here for instructions on POPAT (Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test). You will receive an invitation to start the background once you have attended a MESA event (See available dates here). The background will be finalized once you have a passing score for POPAT. You have 9 months to pass POPAT before your background file expires.
☑ 4. Complete eSOPH Profile
Once you pass the written test and attend a MESA event, the Mesa Police Department Hiring Unit will send you an email invitation to start your background process using eSOPH (electronic statement of personal history). You have 21 days to fill out all questionnaires thoroughly and have the waiver notarized. Once you complete eSOPH, your file will be assigned to an investigator.
Out-of-state applicants will receive ESOPH access after completing NTN.
☑ 5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
When you meet standards, your investigator will contact you to set up your background interview. Please wear professional business attire. After the interview, you’ll complete a 20-minute typewritten assessment.
☑ 6. Polygraph
After you complete the background interview, you may be scheduled for a polygraph exam. This exam will take approximately 2 hours. Business casual dress is acceptable.
☑ 7. Sergeant’s Interview
After approval by the Hiring Review Board, you are on the eligibility list for up to one year. You may be contacted for a Sergeant’s interview. Wear professional business attire.
☑ 8. Conditional Offer
After you receive a conditional offer, you’ll be scheduled for both a medical and psychological evaluation. Upon successful completion of the evaluations, your position in the academy will be finalized.
Candidate must undergo a complete medical examination that meets the standards of AZPOST. Minimum vision requirement for a Police Officer Recruit is 20/20 corrected or 20/200 uncorrected.
| Visual Acuity 20/20-20/70 | Acceptable |
|
| Visual Acuity 20/80-20/100 | Acceptable with correction |
|
| Visual Acuity 20/200 or >20/200 | Disqualified |
|
| Post Corrective Surgery | Acceptable with stability |
|
If candidate is given a conditional offer of hire, then a psychological assessment must be completed. The purpose of this assessment is to determine the candidate’s overall psychological fitness to function as a sworn officer. There are three components involved in the evaluation process: a clinical interview, the administration of psychological tests, and a review of the individual’s background.
☑ 9. PREP Program
Once you accept a conditional offer, you’ll automatically enter Mesa PD’s paid PREP Program. A short-term program designed to help you succeed in the academy.
PREP includes: Strength and cardio training, report writing and grammar, stress management and nutrition, as well as wellness and team-building activities.
While not a prerequisite for the academy, PREP is required for all new hires and begins as soon as you’re hired. The length of the program depends on how early you’re hired before the academy starts.
☑ 10. Start the Academy!
The Mesa Police Department holds three academy classes per year: January, May, and September. Each academy is 26 weeks.
☑ 1. Apply
Go to the City of Mesa’s Job Opportunities and apply for a position.
☑ 2. Complete AZ Post
Complete AZ Post Personal History Form on the AZ Post site, or my.azpost.gov. Select the option to share this document with the Mesa Police Department and save your AZ Post Form ID Number for future reference. Directions to complete this step will be emailed to the applicant after step 1.
☑ 2. Take the Written Test
Once you apply, the City of Mesa Human Resource Department will provide you with instructions on taking the written test from NTN (National Testing Network). If you fail the written test, you can retest in 90 days.
Applicants must have a passing NTN score before moving on to the next step and attending M.E.S.A. Day
☑ 3. M.E.S.A. Day: Preparing applicants for success
Experience Mesa Day, where applicants engage in the Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) and receive guidance through the initial stages of the hiring process. This event embodies our commitment to mentoring every successful applicant, offering insights into physical requirements, background procedures, and the support systems in place to help candidates thrive. Join us to see how Mesa PD invests in the growth and readiness of its future team members.
Note: Out-of-state applicants should proceed directly to Step 4.
The Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test course contains the following five events:
- 500-yard run
- Scaling a 6’ chain link fence followed by a 25-yard sprint
- Scaling a 6’ solid wood fence followed by a 25-yard sprint
- 99-yard obstacle course
- 165 lb. “dummy” drag
Click here for instructions on POPAT (Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test). You will receive an invitation to start the background once you have attended a MESA event (See available dates here). The background will be finalized once you have a passing score for POPAT. You have 9 months to pass POPAT before your background file expires.
☑ 4. Complete eSOPH Profile
Once you pass the written test and attend a MESA event, the Mesa Police Department Hiring Unit will send you an email invitation to start your background process using eSOPH (electronic statement of personal history). You have 21 days to fill out all questionnaires thoroughly and have the waiver notarized. Once you complete eSOPH, your file will be assigned to an investigator.
Out-of-state applicants will receive ESOPH access after completing NTN.
☑ 5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
When you meet standards, your investigator will contact you to set up your background interview. Please wear professional business attire. After the interview, you’ll complete a 20-minute typewritten assessment.
☑ 6. Polygraph
After you complete the background interview, you may be scheduled for a polygraph exam. This exam will take approximately 2 hours. Business casual dress is acceptable.
☑ 7. Sergeant’s Interview
After approval by the Hiring Review Board, you are on the eligibility list for up to one year. You may be contacted for a Sergeant’s interview. Wear professional business attire.
☑ 8. Conditional Offer
After you receive a conditional offer, you’ll be scheduled for both a medical and psychological evaluation. Upon successful completion of the evaluations, your position in the academy will be finalized.
Candidate must undergo a complete medical examination that meets the standards of AZPOST. Minimum vision requirement for a Police Officer Recruit is 20/20 corrected or 20/200 uncorrected.
| Visual Acuity 20/20-20/70 | Acceptable |
|
| Visual Acuity 20/80-20/100 | Acceptable with correction |
|
| Visual Acuity 20/200 or >20/200 | Disqualified |
|
| Post Corrective Surgery | Acceptable with stability |
|
If candidate is given a conditional offer of hire, then a psychological assessment must be completed. The purpose of this assessment is to determine the candidate’s overall psychological fitness to function as a sworn officer. There are three components involved in the evaluation process: a clinical interview, the administration of psychological tests, and a review of the individual’s background.
☑ 9. PREP Program
Once you accept a conditional offer, you’ll automatically enter Mesa PD’s paid PREP Program. A short-term program designed to help you succeed in the academy.
PREP includes: Strength and cardio training, report writing and grammar, stress management and nutrition, as well as wellness and team-building activities.
While not a prerequisite for the academy, PREP is required for all new hires and begins as soon as you’re hired. The length of the program depends on how early you’re hired before the academy starts.
☑ 10. Start the Academy!
The Mesa Police Department holds three academy classes per year: January, May, and September. Each academy is 26 weeks.
THE MESA WAY
