POST-Certified Police Officer

City of Missoula • Missoula, MT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Missoula is seeking a POST-Certified Police Officer for a regular full-time position. This role requires candidates to have completed a qualifying Peace Officer Basic Course and possess training and experience equivalent to the Montana POST Basic Course (minimum 512 hours). Candidates must have successfully completed probation and accumulated at least one year of sworn law enforcement service by February 5, 2027, and be in good standing with their previous agency. Service in a law enforcement capacity within the last five years is also required. Final certification eligibility is determined by the Montana POST Council.

Requirements

• POST-Certified completed a qualifying Peace Officer Basic Course through a federal, state, local, or U.S. military law enforcement agency, accumulated training and experience equivalent to the Montana POST Basic Course (minimum 512 hours).
• Successfully completed probation and earned officer confirmation status through at least one year of sworn law enforcement service by the final hiring decision date of February 5, 2027.
• Be in good standing with their current or former certifying agency.
• Served in a law enforcement capacity within the last five years, in accordance with MCA 7-32-303.
• Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
• High School graduate or GED.
• Successfully complete oral interviews and psychological and background investigation.
• Citizen of the United States of America.
• Acceptable results of a thorough background investigation.
• For all males 18 or older, registered with the Selective Service.
• Possessing a valid driver's license from their State of residence at the time of application AND have no restrictions or traffic infractions which would preclude obtaining a Montana driver's license immediately upon appointment.
• All Missoula City Police Officers must reside within 60 miles of the Missoula City limits at the start of employment.
• Knowledge of the Montana Code Annotated and the Missoula Municipal Code pertaining to police activities and public safety.
• Knowledge of federal, state, county, and City of Missoula laws and ordinances to be enforced.
• Knowledge of the policies, goals, and procedures of the Missoula Police Department.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, methods, techniques, and practices including investigation, intelligence, surveillance, court procedures, community relations, identification, patrol, special weapons and tactics, traffic control, report preparation, custody of persons and property, and crime prevention.
• Knowledge of equipment used in law enforcement, including weaponry, communications, personal computers, and automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of the street names and locations in the City of Missoula and surrounding area.
• Skill in performing the day-to-day operations of a police officer.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• Skill in communicating, in person, in writing, and on two-way radio.
• Skill in preparing reports documenting the facts and actions regarding criminal and civil law enforcement incidents.
• Skill in conducting investigations of criminal activities.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, other law enforcement agencies, criminal justice system staff, the business community, and citizens.

Nice To Haves

• A valid Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) score is required as part of the POST-Certified Officer selection process. Candidates are encouraged to complete the MPAT prior to their in-person interview.
• The Missoula Police Department will accept valid MPAT scores completed through other Montana law enforcement agencies. MPAT scores are valid for six months from the date of completion.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision and training.

Responsibilities

• Patrols an assigned area of the City on an assigned shift in a radio-equipped vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, including traffic safety enforcement and citations.
• Checks businesses and residences.
• Discovers and prevents the commission of crimes.
• Enforces state and municipal laws and ordinances.
• Responds to calls for assistance, including motor vehicle crashes, assaults, domestic disturbances, thefts, and other criminal or civil complaints.
• Intervenes in disputes and re-establishes law and order at the scene.
• Deals with DUI suspects/offenders, intoxicated persons, and individuals with mental disorders and takes appropriate action.
• Identifies items of evidence and properly collects and preserves them.
• Photographs items needed during investigations.
• Identifies witnesses and conducts preliminary investigations.
• Cooperates with other members of patrol and detective divisions to investigate criminal activity.
• Apprehends suspects and makes arrests, issues citations.
• Arrests persons with outstanding arrest warrants.
• Ensures efforts to apprehend offenders are fully explored.
• Processes arrested persons into jail in accordance with state and federal guidelines and Police Department standards.
• Prepares documentation of activities performed and information gathered.
• Follows up on all complaints and cases assigned.
• Interviews complainants and victims and obtains all available pertinent information.
• Coordinates with prosecutors and court staff to issue warrants and subpoenas, conduct pretrial research and dispositions, and prepare testimony.
• Responds to questions and requests from citizens; assists in making presentations.
• Performs other duties as assigned, which may include serving as Bailiff, School Safety Officer, Special Team member, School Resource Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer, or Firearms Instructor.

Benefits

• Veterans Preference

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED