What is a Lateral Police Officer?
The term "lateral police officer" refers to a law enforcement professional who has already served as an officer in another law enforcement agency and is looking to transfer to a new police department or agency. The term "lateral" comes from the fact that the officer is transferring to a new department "lateral" to their existing career path.
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Benefits of Lateral Transfers
There are several benefits to lateral police officer transfers. For one, laterals can bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to a new department, having already served as police officers in another agency. This can be especially helpful for departments looking to infuse new skills and ideas into their ranks.
- Some of the benefits of laterals include:
- Faster time to proficiency: Because laterals have already received basic and advanced training, they require less time to get up to speed on new departments’ policies and procedures.
- Cost savings: Hiring laterals can save departments money on training, as they do not have to pay for basic academy training.
- Increased diversity: Lateral transfers can bring diverse experience and perspectives to a department.
Requirements and Eligibility
To be eligible for lateral transfer, police officers must typically meet certain requirements. These may include:
- Minimum number of years of law enforcement experience (often a minimum of 2-5 years)
- Being currently certified or eligible to be certified as a peace officer in the state/region where the department operates
- Having a spotless or mostly spotless record (depending on department policies)
- Meeting all department-specific requirements, such as passing a background investigation and psychological evaluation
Not all lateral applicants will be accepted, especially if the department has its own hiring requirements and quota.
Application and Hiring Process
For police officers interested in taking the lateral route, here is an overview of what to expect during the hiring process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Application | Fill out an application and provide resume, certifications, and other required documents. |
| 2. Review and Review | Department personnel review all applications and conduct background screenings. |
| 3. Written Exam | Officer may be required to pass a written exam testing basic knowledge of law enforcement techniques and procedures. |
| 4. Interview Process | Officer may participate in a panel interview, may be asked behavioral questions assessing their experience and decision-making skills. |
| 5. Medical Evaluation | Officer may undergo a psychological evaluation and/or medical assessment to ensure they are healthy and fit for duty. |
| 6. Background Investigation | Officer is subject to a thorough investigation of their criminal and arrest records, employment history, and personal references. |
Benefits Packages and Salaries
Police officers considering lateral transfers should research the compensation packages and salaries offered by the departments they are considering. Some departments may have more competitive offers than others, depending on the locale, department size, and budget.
- Benefits to consider:
- Competitive salary
- Strong benefits package (health, dental, vision, disability, etc.)
- Opportunities for overtime pay, bonuses, or stipends
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth within the department
This is a significant factor, as laterals will sacrifice seniority and promotion tracks in their current department
Differences between Lateral vs. Recruit Hiring Processes
Many departments have distinct processes in place for lateral and rookie hires. Lateral hire processes are typically streamlined because the officer already has pre-existing training and experience:
- Less comprehensive psychological evaluation: Because the lateral officer has already been a police officer, the psychologist may focus on more-specific areas, such as transitioning to a new department, rather than the overall decision-making abilities.
- Less extensive background check: The background check for lateral hires may focus more on the officer’s current employers, references, and record, rather than their high school and college transcripts (as is typical for newbie hires).
- Conditional offer: The department might offer a conditional position for the lateral officer, conditional on passing the required fitness test, background investigation, and medical evaluation.
It is crucial that laterals research and comply with the hiring requirements in their desired department, failure to do so could negatively impact their application or be grounds for disqualification
<h2Conclusion
Police officers considering a lateral move should weigh the benefits carefully, considering their individual and professional goals, department values, and overall job expectations. Lateral transfers often bring valuable experience and continuity to a new department while allowing officers to take up new challenges and continue honing their skills.
From a department perspective, inviting lateral transfers can lead to a more experienced, resourceful, and dedicated pool of officers, reducing administrative burdens and fostering department reputation.
The Bottom line: A lateral police officer is a seasoned law enforcement professional seeking to join a different department, bringing a broad range of skills, ideas, and experiences. Before making the transition, understand the hiring process, competitive benefits, and unique implications for your career trajectory in the new department. Research, plan, and get ready to leverage your expert skills in a new chapter of your law enforcement journey!
Additional resources for both laterals and departments on the lateral transfer process were included below for further readings and exploration
