Lateral / certified officer · Posted Aug 11, 2026
Police Officer - Lateral - PERA NM Retiree
Pay
$30.28/hr to $43.68/hr$30.28 - $43.68 Hourly
Closes
Oct 9, 2026Closes in 8 days
Bonus
$30,000$10,000.00 at hire, $10,000.00 at completion of field training, $10,000.00 one day prior to end of probationary year, plus $5,000.00 relocation assistance (based on eligibility)
Laterals
In-state only
In the posting's words
The sentences our figures come from.Must have a current law enforcement certification that is issued or recognized and approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.Officers must have a minimum of two (2) years experience.$30,000 recruitment and retention incentive paymentLateral Officer Payout ScheduleTake home car programRetirement program (P.E.R.A.)ten-hour shifts on a rotating basisMust have a current law enforcement certification that is issued or recognized and approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.The posting
From GovernmentJobs.com · read Oct 1, 2026 · originalFull-time, regular, non-exempt position. Pay will be based upon number of years of full-time experience in law enforcement up to the salary range posted at top of announcement.
Offering a $30,000 recruitment and retention incentive payment and 5 personal leave days (40 hours) with a 36 month commitment.
Lateral Officer Payout Schedule Amount
At Hire $10,000.00
At the Completion of Field Training $10,000.00
One Day Prior to the End of the Probationary Year $10,000.00
Relocation assistance $5,000.00
Relocation assistance is based on eligibility.
Performs general duty police work involved in the protection of persons and property; prevention and investigation of crimes; and enforcement of laws.
Position is subject to competing demands such as ten-hour shifts on a rotating basis; extended work hours beyond regular shift when necessary; multiple tasks; strict deadlines; and exposure to serious bodily harm. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.
Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
This position is graded between a POF 1 - POF 9. Performs general duty police work in order to provide protective services to the general public of Las Cruces.
Patrols streets, roads, and public places on foot, motorcycle, patrol car, or any other means of conveyance to prevent crime, enforce laws, or respond to criminal actions.
Issues tickets to traffic violators.
Renders first aid at accident sites, reroutes traffic accordingly, and investigates causes and results of accidents.
Responds to reported crime scenes adhering to required processes and procedures.
Writes and files report of daily activity immediately following each shift.
Cooperates with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and detention of persons involved in criminal activity.
Appears in court to present evidence and testify against apprehended individuals violating the law.
Potential duty of working in the Real-Time Crime Center.
Twenty (21) years of age
United States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Valid driver's license
Valid high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
No misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years
No convictions of domestic violence
No felony convictions
Any drug usage since receiving a peace officer certification will disqualify
Must not have ever transported illegal drugs
Must not have a Dishonorable Discharge from the US Military
Must pass all steps of the Selection Process ; see below
Must have a current law enforcement certification that is issued or recognized and approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Officers must have a minimum of two (2) years experience. Law enforcement experience must include, but not limited to: conducting traffic stops and/or investigations: responding to domestic violence calls, disorderly conduct and public affray calls, DWI/DUI; community policing.
One (1) year minimum requirement accepted if you currently possess a NMLEA Police Officer Certification.
One (1) Year minimum requirement waived if applicant has graduated a Las Cruces Police Department Academy.
Must complete LCPD Lateral Training
Must complete LCPD Field Training & Evaluation Program (up to 14 weeks).
Officers who have been retired for two years or more must complete a 10 day NMLEA certification by waiver course (held in Santa Fe, NM within the first year of employment.
Must be retired for less than 8 years as a NM Public Safety PERA retiree
Selection Process ( NM Certified only) : Complete and submit City of Las Cruces application
LCPD Physical Agility assessment
NMDPS Day & Night firearm qualification course
Extensive background investigation
LCPD Assessment Center
Polygraph
Psychological examination, evaluation and interview
Medical physical/Drug screening
Police Chief interview
Benefits : Thirteen (13) paid holidays per year
Twelve (12) sick leave days per year
Personal leave
Vacation leave
Bereavement leave
Health insurance plans
All uniforms, equipment and sidearm provided
Work related injury compensation
Retirement program (P.E.R.A.)
Take home car program
Promotional opportunities
Four (4) – 10 hour work days
Paid overtime & compensatory time off
Forty (40) hours of annual leave upon hiring
Sixteen (16) hours of personal leave upon hiring. Sixty-four (64) additional hours after probation completion)
Spanish speaking pay - Incentive
Advanced Education - Incentive (Bachelor's and Master's Degree)
Referral Program - Incentive
Retiree eligibility and requirement Information:
PERA Link: Return to Work (nmpera.org)
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate police and civilian activities. Knowledge in police operations, techniques, practices, traffic control and enforcement, and resource planning. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary in interacting with general public and City staff. Knowledge of safety and standard police practices. Working knowledge of personal computer with appropriate software is necessary. Ability to operate all assigned equipment and tools.
About Las Cruces PD
Full department page- Starting pay$62,962
- Top of scale$90,854
- Sworn officers (2025)200
- Open jobs2
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