05/04/2026
Lateral Police Officer — $86,300 – $116,770 annually
48/96 schedule. Approximately 243 days off per year.
Hayden PD is still hiring a lateral police officer.
And yes, we said still.
To be clear, we are not just looking for someone with a pulse, a badge, and a dream of living in Colorado.
We are not trying to fill a uniform. We are looking for the right person.
Someone with good judgment.
Someone who knows how to talk to people.
Someone who can work independently without turning every call into a federal incident.
Someone who understands that small-town policing means your reputation gets to the call before you do.
Hayden is a small but growing community in Northwest Colorado, about 25 minutes from Steamboat Springs. We offer competitive lateral pay, modern equipment, on-duty workout time, supportive leadership, and a schedule that gives you actual time to enjoy where you live.
Our patrol schedule is currently built around a 48/96 rotation, meaning officers work two days on, followed by four days off. That comes out to approximately 243 days off per year.
Yes, really.
Apparently, the second responders have been onto something with this schedule for years, so we finally decided to steal one of their better ideas. Mostly because they seemed well-rested and suspiciously happy.
That means time for family, hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, hiking, sleeping, or simply staring into the mountains, wondering why you spent so many years being ordered to work on your days off.
We're looking for an experienced officer who wants to do meaningful police work, be part of a professional department, and serve a community where officers are expected to be approachable, capable, and accountable.
If you’re checked out, cutting corners, or looking for somewhere to hide, this probably is not your place.
But if you’re a solid lateral officer looking for a better fit, a better schedule, and a better quality of life, we should talk.
No sales pitch.
No recruiter blowing up your cell phone.
Just a real conversation about whether Hayden PD is the right fit.
Apply or express interest here:
https://www.haydencolorado.com/271/Town-of-Hayden-Employment
Hayden Police Department
Same profession. Better scenery. Fewer excuses.
