Recruiting
Join the Gila River Police Department – Build a Career with Purpose, Pride, and Opportunity! 
The Gila River Police Department is one of the nation's fastest growing tribal law enforcement agencies, offering unmatched opportunities for those ready to make a real difference. Whether you’re a seasoned officer or just beginning your journey in law enforcement, GRPD provides the foundation, training, and support you need to thrive.
With a commitment to community policing and innovative practices, we go beyond routine patrol. Our agency offers specialized units, advanced training programs, and professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement, to help you grow in your career.
GRPD officers enforce state law as AZPOST-certified peace officers, uphold tribal law under the authority of the Gila River Community Court, and may even be certified to enforce federal laws. But it’s not just about sworn officers—we’re also looking for dedicated professionals to fill critical civilian roles like dispatchers, records clerks, crime analysts, evidence technicians, and more. Not every role requires a badge, but every position contributes to our mission.
Serving a jurisdiction of over 600 square miles, GRPD protects and serves diverse landscapes, from serene desert terrain to vibrant residential neighborhoods and bustling commercial areas, including shopping districts, gaming enterprises, and industrial hubs.
Are you ready to join a dynamic team where every day is a new challenge and every effort makes an impact? Explore our current openings and test dates today. Your future with the Gila River Police Department begins now—click the link below to apply and start your journey with us!
Click here to start your career in law enforcement!
Police Officer Recruit
Salary for a new POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
- $33.03 hourly
- $$7,500 hiring bonus
Academy / Field Training
Police officer recruits who receive an offer of employment will be sent to an Arizona certified law enforcement academy for a period of approximately 22-24 weeks to prepare for appointment as a police officer. After successful completion of the police academy, employees are sworn, and a Field Training program commences. Formal on-the-job training is provided during this period.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must be a United States Citizen
- Must be at least 21 years of age, or turn 21 years of age before graduation from the police academy
- No convictions of a felony or more misdemeanor offenses
If you meet the minimum qualifications, your first step is to APPLY TODAY!
Click here to begin your career in law enforcement!
STEP 2: Physical Agility Test
After you have submitted an application will receive a letter inviting them to take the physical agility test. The test is not adjusted for age or gender. All applicants must pass every portion of the test. The physical agility test consists of:
- 24 push-ups (Max Effort-No Time-Limit)
- 26 sit-ups within one minute
- 1.5 mile run within 15 minutes and 20 seconds.
STEP 3: Written Test
Applicants who pass the physical agility test will be offered the opportunity to take the written test. The written test is administered directly following the physical agility test and consists of 100 questions to include subjects such as mathematics, reading comprehension, mapping, critical thinking and grammar. The test will be scored on site and successful applicants will be set up with a date for an oral board interview.
STEP 4: Oral Board
Applicants will be interviewed by a panel of Gila River Indian Community employees. Qualified applicants will proceed in the hiring process.
STEP 5: Background Questionnaires, Background Interview and Investigation
Applicants are given the AZPOST background packet and Gila River Indian Community Police Department Personal History Questionnaire for Peace Officer Packet. Additional hiring documents are also requested from the applicants. The packets must be completed and returned to the department for review. Qualified applicants will then be contacted to set up a background interview. A thorough background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The information will be used to determine your Suitability for a law enforcement position as defined according to AzPost, 25 CFR, Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention of 1990, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 3207, Crime Control Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 13041, Gun Control Act, as amended, 18 U.S.C.922 (g) and Security requirements for a law enforcement position. All background investigations must be adjudicated and Suitability determinations based on 5 CFR 731.105 (competitive service) and 441 DM 5.5 (expected service).
STEP 6: Polygraph Examination
Qualified applicants will be scheduled for a polygraph examination which is administered by a trained professional.
STEP 7: Psychological Evaluation
Applicants will be evaluated by a licensed psychologist for Police Officer suitability.
STEP 8: Medical Examination
Applicants will undergo a medical examination by a licensed physician. Applicants will submit a urinalysis test at this time. (steps 6-8 may be scheduled in any order)
STEP 9: Completion of the Background Investigation
Suitable applicants will be notified by human resources and given a conditional offer of hire.
STEP 10: Command Staff Interview
Following the conditional offer of hire, applicants will be set up for an interview with the Chief of Police, Commander or Designee.
Applicants may be disqualified at any time during the background investigation and will be notified by the human resources office. The number one reason applicants are disqualified is for falsification, deliberate misstatements and omissions that are relevant to the background investigation.
What to expect next:
- Recruit Officers will attend a 22-26 week Police Academy (depending on holidays) of the departments choosing. Upon successful graduation of the Police Academy, Officers will enter a Post Academy and Field Training Program.
- Lateral Officers will begin a Post Academy and Modified Field Training Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have no experience in law enforcement? Answer: Yes, Law enforcement experience is not necessary but prior law enforcement experience can earn an applicant preference points during the hiring phase.
Do I have to be Native American to apply? Answer: No, Everyone is welcome to apply.
Do I need a college degree? Answer: No, although if the applicant wants to advance in his/her career a college degree may be required for other positions within the department.
What if I have an arrest or criminal charge on my record? Answer: Applicants must not have any Felony convictions, or a misdemeanor offense other than a traffic violation within one year preceding the application. The applicant must have never been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any felonious offense, or any misdemeanor offenses, under Federal, State, or tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.
What is the age requirements? Answer: Applicants must be 21 years of age prior to graduation from police academy. There is no age cut off to apply.
What are my employee health benefits? Answer: Some of the benefits include medical, dental, vision, mental health services, retirement though the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System of the State of Arizona, life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, education leave and paid holidays. Contact the Gila River Indian Community Human Resources office for details.
Does the department accept out of state applications or out of state law enforcement certifications? Answer: Yes, the department will do its best to accommodate out of state applicants during the testing process, but travel and other expenditures are at the applicants cost. Officers with out of state Law Enforcement certifications can apply and upon hiring may be eligible to be certified via the AZPost Waiver Process to become certified in Arizona if all minimum requirements are met.
How long does the background process take? Answer: The background investigation varies on a case by case basis but usually takes between 3 to 6 months to complete.
How long is the academy? Answer: The Gila River Police Department currently utilizes the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center (SALETC) located in Tucson, Arizona. SALETC is a 16 week 640 hour academy and provides lodging and meals.
What happens after the academy? Answer: Upon graduation from the police academy, officers will report to the department for Post Academy Training and a 18 week Field Training Program. Upon successful completion of the Field Training Program Officers will be granted solo officer status.
Are there specialty units? Answer: Yes, The department has multiple opportunities to advance your career within the department. Some units include the Field Training Officer Program, Criminal Investigations Bureau, Traffic Unit, K9 unit, Gang Enforcement Unit, Special Investigations Unit, Tribal Rangers, Special Response Team and the School Resource Officer Program.
