2026 Testing Date

City of Springfield•Springfield, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Springfield Police Department is seeking to hire passionate new officers to make a positive impact in the Southwest Missouri area. Our department has one of the best training programs in the area, along with an abundance of diverse specialized units to experience, and an excellent benefits package. We are looking for people who are dedicated and motivated to serve. Individuals who believe in constitutional, community-engaged policing and who are committed to protecting the rights of all people. As a Springfield Police Recruit, you'll have received quality training through the Academy to prepare you for the position of Police Officer. After graduating the Academy, you will start off in patrol, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and promoting the safety of the public and of fellow police officers. You will be a proactive member of our Department, engaging in community-oriented policing, traffic enforcement, and on occasion, special detail. SPD is one of the best agencies in Missouri for specialized assignments and promotional opportunities. Through our 6-month paid Police Academy, as a Police Recruit you will develop skills to: Understand and enforce the law in order to provide quality service and assist in our mission to reduce crime within the City of Springfield. Use modern policing methods to solve problems in our community while treating people fairly and with a helpful attitude. Hold yourself and others around you accountable using sound moral principles that earn the public trust, respect, and confidence of the community. Effectively communicate with citizens through active listening, compassion, and empathy. As a Lateral hire, you will have a shortened 1-month academy to learn about Springfield’s specific policies and procedures.

Requirements

Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D
21 years of age at or before being commissioned
U.S. Citizen
Excellent physical condition
No felony convictions
No conviction for domestic assault
No more than one DWI conviction; and no DWI conviction in the past three years
May not have two (2) moving violations from separate incidents within the past twelve months, or have been at fault in more than one (1) traffic crash/accident during the past twelve (12) months
Meet vision and hearing standards
No objectionable tattoos and no head, face or neck tattoos
A MO POST Class A license (if candidate does not possess a MO POST Class A license, but possesses law enforcement certification through another state, he/she may participate in the testing process while seeking reciprocity through MO POST) AND A minimum of two (2) years full time sworn police experience in any state within the last five (5) years.
Police experience must include the primary duties of responding to calls for service, conducting preliminary and/or follow-up investigations of crimes, responding to traffic accidents and apprehending, detaining and arresting suspects.

Nice To Haves

A degree from an accredited college or university
Experience or education in law enforcement
Class A P.O.S.T. certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A P.O.S.T. program
Military service with an honorable discharge or honorable military service in national guard or armed forces reserves
Three (3) years of full-time employment