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1. What are the minimum requirements for becoming a police officer?

Qualified applicants will have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by graduation from the Police Academy, possess a valid driver’s license by hire date, a U.S citizen, no felony convictions, or a dishonorable discharge from military service.

2. Where do I obtain an application?

Applications can be obtained online at cityoflavista.org, click on jobs.

3. How long does the hiring process take?

The hiring process time frame varies but could take up to six months. The hiring process is as follows:

Step 1: Online Application

Step 2: Personal History Statement

Step 3: Physical Fitness and Written Test

Step 4: Background Investigation

Step 5: Police Panel Interview

Step 6: Civil Service Interview

Step 7: Conditional Offer which includes Polygraph, Psychological, and Medical Evaluation

4. How do I prepare for the Physical Fitness Test?

The LVPD utilizes the Cooper Institute Fitness Test for law enforcement. The assessment measures health related components to fitness. The testing standards are age and gender specific. The LVPD minimum standard for successful completion of the Physical Agility Test is a 40% level, with a required finish in all events. The Five Foot Agility Wall Climb and Dummy Drag are pass/fail and not included in the Cooper Test scoring. Cooper Standards Course: To pass, you must successfully get over the Five Foot Wall, complete the Dummy Drag in the allotted time, and score at least 40% in the Cooper activities, with at least one point in each. Go to the “Selection Process” tab for more information.

Five Foot Agility Wall Climb

Dummy Drag

Vertical Jump

1 Minute Sit-Up

1 Minute Push-Up

300 Meter Run

1.5 Mile Run

5. Do I have to live in La Vista as an officer?

You do not need to live in the City of La Vista to be an officer at LVPD. You can live anywhere in the surrounding area.

6. What kind of hours do police officers work?

Officers work 12-hour, day or nighttime shifts with a three-day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) weekend every other weekend. Officers bid a year in advance for their shifts.

7. What is the salary range of an officer?

Applicants will be offered the minimum base salary of $60,133 and with experience will earn increases to a maximum base salary of $85,738. 

8. What benefits are included?

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation, 10 Holidays, Personal, and Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement / Education Incentive Pay
• Longevity Pay
• Bilingual Pay
• Military Leave with Pay
• Paid Uniforms and Equipment

9. What is the Academy like?

The Sarpy Douglas Law Enforcement Academy is a 20-week program held in the Sarpy County area. The SDLEA runs Monday through Friday. It consists of classroom work, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, and physical fitness training.

10. How long is the Field Training Officer Program (FTO)?

Recruit and lateral officers are required to successfully complete the Field Training Program. The training period for lateral officers may be modified depending on their demonstrated performance and level of experience. Upon successful graduation of the Police Academy, recruits will complete the entire Field Training and Evaluation Program. The FTO Program is divided into four phases covering a period of 16-weeks.