A Police Officer - Lateral is an individual who is currently, or was previously, a certified peace officer in Arizona or another state and would like to transfer to the Mesa Police Department. Potential laterals include the following: Currently / Previously employed as a police officer in Arizona and has successfully completed the Field Training Program / Probation. Currently / Previously employed as a police officer in the United States and has successfully completed the Field Training Program / Probation, has had 2 years of employment in a patrol capacity, and cannot have been separated from their last agency for more than 1 year.