Police Officer

City of Jefferson•Jefferson City, MO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Jefferson is accepting applications for a Police Officer with the Jefferson City Police Department. The position protects life and property, prevents and investigates crime, apprehends offenders, and enforces state laws and municipal ordinances. Missouri POST-certified candidates are eligible for a $15,000 incentive. Applicants must pass a written exam and physical fitness assessment, as well as an extensive background and criminal history check. The written and physical exams are tentatively scheduled for December 7, 2026. Applicants will be notified by email on November 30, 2026, to schedule a testing time. The minimum starting annual salary is $54,679.55. Licensing training is paid, and equipment and uniforms are furnished.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 21 years of age.
Valid Missouri driver's license with a good driving record.
No felony convictions or convictions of crimes of moral indecency.
Possess or be able to obtain a Missouri state license as a commissioned law enforcement officer within six months of hire.
Ability to maintain physical fitness; stoop, bend, crawl, walk, climb, lift or move heavy objects or people, pursue suspects on foot, and restrain people in accordance with police procedures.
Ability to work in confined spaces and outdoors in all weather and at any time of day or night, and to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods.
Physical strength and agility to defend oneself or others in hostile or combative situations; ability to operate a police vehicle and proficiently use firearms.
Ability to respond quickly and maintain composure, self-restraint, and emotional control in stressful, difficult, dangerous, or criminal situations.
Ability to remember details, solve problems, make sound decisions, and analyze situations quickly and objectively to recognize danger and determine an appropriate response.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement agencies, groups, and members of the public from varied backgrounds, and to use tact, discretion, courtesy, and respect for individual rights.
Must pass a written test, physical fitness assessment, and extensive background and criminal history check.
Must be able to work a 28-day rotating shift.

Nice To Haves

Missouri POST certification; certified candidates are eligible for a $15,000 incentive.

Responsibilities

Attend the Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute and obtain a Missouri POST basic certificate within six months of hire if not already certified.
Work with an assigned field training officer to learn field activities, tactics, and strategic planning, and perform duties individually or as part of a team.
Respond to calls for service; investigate automobile accidents and misdemeanor and felony offenses; analyze crime scenes; and identify and collect evidence.
Patrol assigned city zones by vehicle or on foot to deter and detect crime; enforce state laws and city ordinances; take offenders into custody; and deliver them to appropriate confinement locations.
Report deficient public road and traffic infrastructure, assist motorists, and establish traffic control and police protection.
Perform duties in specialized or rotational assignments, which may include evidence handling, juvenile law enforcement, traffic, community policing, D.A.R.E., detective or investigative work, and school resource officer duties.
Prepare accurate, comprehensive, timely, and legible written reports in accordance with police procedures and prosecution requirements.
Determine probable cause; locate and interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; take suspects and offenders into custody; and follow investigations through to a logical conclusion.
Coordinate with other law enforcement officers during teamwork and emergencies to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Provide protection and transportation to appropriate care facilities for people with mental or psychiatric problems; provide first aid and assist injured or sick people and medical personnel.
Provide security and crowd control at social events.
Develop and present community safety and crime-prevention programs; communicate with school partners; maintain knowledge of school-related threat assessment; mentor, counsel, and educate; and conduct proactive policing and develop crime-prevention strategies.