If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, Idaho is the place to be! The Gem State has some of the best sheriff’s offices and police department agencies in the country.
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best agencies to work for in Idaho. These departments offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement, Idaho is the place to be!
About Law Enforcement Jobs in Idaho
Before we take a look at the best agencies to work for, let’s first take a quick look at law enforcement jobs in Idaho.
The Gem State has a population of just over one million people, and there are currently around 1800 law enforcement officers working in the state.
The average salary for a law enforcement officer in Idaho is between $45,000 and $70k+ per year.
Benefits for law enforcement officers in Idaho include retirement, health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
There are also a number of career advancement opportunities available in Idaho law enforcement. Advancement can come in the form of promotions to supervisory positions or becoming a detective or investigator.
So, if you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, Idaho is the place to be!
The 10 Best Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments to Work For
Now that we’ve taken a look at law enforcement jobs in Idaho, let’s take a look at the best sheriff’s offices and police departments to work for.
These agencies offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement, these are the agencies to consider:
Ada County Sheriff’s Office
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in Idaho. It employs around 350 deputies and support staff, and covers an area of over 1600 square miles.
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office offers a competitive salary and great benefits, including retirement, health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
There are also a number of advancement opportunities available in the sheriff’s office. Advancement can come in the form of a promotion to a supervisory role or becoming a detective or investigator.
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office also has a good quality of life, with plenty to do in the surrounding area.
Boise, Idaho’s capital city, is just minutes away from the sheriff’s office and offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities.
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work, and it’s no wonder why it is one of the top law enforcement agencies in Idaho!
Boise Police Department
The Boise Police Department employs around 350 officers and support staff. It is the largest police department in Idaho, and it is also one of the most respected.
The department has a variety of specialized units, including a K-9 dog unit, bike patrol, and crisis negotiation team.
The Boise Police Department offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Officers can also advance their careers through a variety of specialized units.
With a population of over 220,000, Boise is the largest city in Idaho. It offers plenty to do, including a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The cost of living is also relatively low.
Top attractions in Boise include the Boise Zoo, the Basque Block, and Hyde Park.
If you’re looking for a great career in law enforcement, the Boise Police Department is a top choice!
Meridian Police Department
The Meridian Police Department employs over 130 officers and support staff. It is a smaller department than the Boise Police Department, but it is still one of the most respected agencies in Idaho.
Officers with the Meridian Police Department enjoy a variety of benefits, including a competitive salary and an excellent pension plan.
The department is also known for its strong support of career advancement opportunities.
Officers can move up through the ranks, and many officers have enjoyed successful careers with the Meridian Police Department.
With a population of over 90,000 people, Meridian is a vibrant and growing city. The Meridian Police Department is well-equipped to handle any crime that may occur in the city.
Nampa Police Department
The Nampa Police Department employs nearly 100 officers and support staff. It is one of the largest police departments in Idaho.
Officers with the Nampa Police Department enjoy a competitive starting salary per year.
There are plenty of opportunities for advancement with this agency, and officers can earn more with overtime pay.
The Nampa Police Department also offers excellent benefits, including medical insurance and a retirement plan.
Officers can also take advantage of paid vacation days and sick leave.
With a population of nearly 100,000 people, Nampa is a bustling city with plenty to do. The Nampa Police Department plays an important role in keeping this city safe.
The Nampa Police Department is a great place to work, and it’s no wonder why so many officers choose to stay with the department for their entire career.
Caldwell Police Department
The Caldwell Police Department employs over 50 officers and support staff.
Officers with the Caldwell Police Department enjoy a competitive starting salary per year.
There are plenty of opportunities for career advancement with the Caldwell Police Department.
The Caldwell Police Department also offers a good quality of life, with plenty to do in the city.
With a population of over 50,000 people, Caldwell is the second largest city in Idaho.
The Caldwell Police Department is a great place to work for police job seekers looking for a career in law enforcement.
Top attractions in Caldwell include the Jensen-White Gallery, Indian Creek Park, and the Caldwell Night Rodeo.
Give the Caldwell Police Department a strong consideration if you are looking for a law enforcement career in Idaho.
Idaho State Police
The Idaho State Police is the primary law enforcement agency in the state of Idaho.
The ISP employs over 900 officers and support staff, making it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Idaho.
The ISP is responsible for providing law enforcement services to all of Idaho’s citizens, enforcing over 200 state laws and 30,000 traffic citations each year.
ISP officers are also responsible for investigating serious crimes, conducting forensic examinations, and providing security at the state capitol building.
Consider applying to the Idaho State Police if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career.
Lemhi County sheriff’s office
The Lemhi County sheriff’s office is a small, rural sheriff’s office that covers an area of over 7000 square miles.
Lemhi County is the largest county in Idaho by landmass, and it has a population of just over 11,000 people.
The Lemhi County sheriff’s office is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Lemhi County, as well as providing law enforcement services to the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Idaho State Police.
The Lemhi County sheriff’s office is a great place to work for law enforcement professionals who are looking for a challenge and want to be a part of a small, close-knit team.
Kootenai County sheriff’s office
The Kootenai County sheriff’s office is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Coeur d’Alene is a city of just over 47,000 people and is located in the northern part of the state.
The Kootenai County sheriff’s office is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area.
The sheriff’s office employs over 100 people, including deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers, and support staff.
The Kootenai County sheriff’s office is a great place to work if you are looking for a law enforcement career in Idaho.
Twin Falls Police Department
The Twin Falls Police Department is located in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Twin Falls is a city of just over 44,000 people and is located in the southern part of the state.
The Twin Falls Police Department employs over 100 people, including police officers, detectives, dispatchers, and support staff.
The department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
The department has a variety of specialty units, including a motorcycle unit, a K9 unit, detectives, and more.
The Twin Falls Police Department offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision, sick leave, and more.
The department also offers a variety of career advancement opportunities.
For police job seekers interested in working in a smaller city, the Twin Falls Police Department is a great option.
Coeur d’Alene Police Department
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Coeur d’Alene is a city of just over 47,000 people and is located in the northern part of the state.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is a great agency to work for with plenty of opportunity for advancement.
The department also has a competitive salary and good quality of life.
If you are looking for a police job in Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department should be at the top of your list.
FAQ About Police Jobs in Idaho
Below are some frequently asked questions about police jobs in Idaho.
How do I become a police officer in Idaho?
In order to become a police officer in Idaho, you must:
- If you are an adult person, you must be a citizen of the United States.
- You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent to apply.
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- Have a valid Indiana driver’s license and meet the requirements for obtaining an Idaho driver’s license.
- The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and the FBI conduct fingerprint clearance.
- Complete a background check.
What are the requirements to become a police officer in Idaho?
The requirements to become a police officer in Idaho vary from agency to agency, but most agencies require you to be a US citizen, at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, written exam, and physical fitness test, and have a valid driver’s license.
What is the salary for a police officer in Idaho?
The salary for a police officer in Idaho varies from agency to agency, but most agencies pay between $45,000 and $70,000+ per year.
Are there any specialty units in the Idaho State Police?
There are a number of specialty units in the Idaho State Police, including:
- -Detectives
- -K9 units
- -Motorcycle units
- -Special response teams
- -SWAT teams
What are the benefits for police officers in Idaho?
The benefits for police officers in Idaho vary from agency to agency, but most agencies offer health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, sick leave, and more.
How do I apply for a job with the Idaho State Police?
The best way to apply for a job with the Idaho State Police is to visit their website and fill out an online application.
What are the career advancement opportunities for police officers in Idaho?
The career advancement opportunities for police officers in Idaho vary from agency to agency, but most agencies offer promotional opportunities, including a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief.
Are there any police departments in Idaho that are hiring?
The best way to find out if a police department in Idaho is hiring is to visit their website or contact them directly.
Can I Become a Police Officer in Idaho if I Have a Criminal Record?
Each agency sets its own requirements for hiring police officers, so it is best to contact the specific agency you are interested in working for to find out if having a criminal record will disqualify you from being considered.
However, if you have a felony conviction, you will likely not be able to become a police officer in Idaho.
What should I do if I have questions about police jobs in Idaho?
If you have any questions about police jobs in Idaho, the best thing to do is to contact the specific agency you are interested in working for.
The agencies listed above are a good place to start.
