Vacancy Announcement
Continuous Recruitment
Police Officer
The City of Springfield is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer.
Duties
Performs general police duties, processes and operations for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of federal and state laws as well as municipal ordinances Works special police assignments as required
Requirements
All candidates for the position of Police Officer must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to apply:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be at least 21 years of age at commission
- be in excellent physical condition
- no felony convictions
- may not have more than one DWI conviction; and no DWI conviction in past three years
- may not have three moving violations from separate incidents or be at fault in more than one accident in the past 18 months
- meet vision standards
- meet hearing standards
- no objectionable tattoos and no visible tattoos in a short sleeve uniform shirt
- may not have used a controlled substance illegally within the last three years
Additionally candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following education, experience and training qualifications (candidates must submit copies of supporting documentation at the time of application):
- possess 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university OR
- possess Class A Missouri POST certification OR
- possess Class B Missouri POST certification plus at least two years of full time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years OR
- have two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge OR
- possess 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university plus three years of experience as a Springfield Police Cadet
See Job Description for Essential Duties and Qualifications.
NOTE: Candidates must submit documentation of college transcripts, certifications, and/or military DD-214, etc. in order to receive credit for meeting specific qualification.
Salary
$15.78 per hour during the first 12-18 months of employment Paid training and uniform allowance provided The salary range for Police Officer rank is approximately $15.78 - $25.40.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will be contacted via email regarding the status of their application as time allows.
Schedule
During Academy, hours are generally Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm; will vary for special assignments After Academy graduation, 10 hour days, with varying days off; fixed shifts set on an annual basis Weekends and holidays required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment Pre-employment drug testing required.
Police Officer Position
Testing & Selection
Procedure & Schedule
Regular Academy Program
(For Lateral Hire Program information
see "Lateral Hire Program" section.)
The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements: a physical agility test, written exam, an oral interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment drug testing, post-offer medical examination and psychological evaluation.
Physical agility testing will be a job simulation physical agility course. Candidates will perform a series of linked exercises that simulate the necessary job functions of the Police Officer position and shall include but not be limited to the following:
- 100 meter sprint
- pushing a vehicle 15 feet
- vertical jump
- six-foot wall climb
- three-foot wall climb
- window climb
- dummy drag
- subject resistance
- stair climb
- trigger pull
The above series of job simulated exercises will take place on a continuous 1/2-mile course where the candidate will run or continuously move throughout the course. Candidates must successfully engage all tasks associated with each exercise on the course. The 1/2-mile course must be completed in a maximum time of 7:05.
Preparedness Suggestions
for the Springfield Missouri Police Department Physical Agility Testing
This test shall be considered physically demanding and it is vitally important for applicants to properly prepare for the test. The following are suggestion applicants can use to adequately prepare for the test. The applicant should prepare both physically and mentally for the test. An example of mentally preparing for this test would include having a positive mindset prior to and during the test. It is recommended that applicants should have recovered at least 24-48 hours from any other physical activity prior to conducting this testing. The applicant should also hydrate properly, at least 24 hours prior to participating in this testing. It may be helpful to also consume a light meal 1-2 hours prior to the physical agility testing, as the applicant should have adequate energy levels to help facilitate a better performance. Proper rest prior to testing is also recommended (7-8 hours of a sleep cycle). These tips will help ensure the applicant performs at their peak performance and help manage any risks associated with testing performance during extreme or inclement weather conditions.
Physical agility events and standards are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice. Detailed information may be found in the Physical Agility Test Preparation Guide. You may also view the Physical Agility Video to see each test station being performed.
Applicants must pass every phase of the testing and selection process in order to be considered eligible for appointment. Failure of any phase will result in disqualification from further consideration and testing for the position of Police Officer.
Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.
62nd Academy |
|
Informational Seminar-South District Station |
May 23, 2011 - 7 p.m. |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Through June 10, 2011 |
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes |
June 10, 2011 at 5 p.m. |
Schedule Testing |
Week of June 13, 2011 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
June 25, 2011 |
Physical Agility |
June 26, 2011 |
Schedule Interviews |
June 26, 2011 |
Oral Boards/Backgrounds Returned |
June 27 - July 29, 2011 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Beginning July 1, 2011 |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
Pending date |
Graduation |
Pending date |
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are interested in participating in the June selection process, please complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. If you know you will be testing in August, you will need to apply beginning June 11, 2011 as candidates must apply within the selection cycle they will be testing. Please read and retain this information for your use.
62nd Academy |
|
Informational Seminar-South District Station |
July 11, 2011 - 7 p.m. |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Beginning June 11, 2011 |
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes |
July 29, 2011 |
Schedule Testing |
Week of August 1, 2011 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
August 13, 2011 |
Physical Agility |
August 14, 2011 |
Schedule Interviews |
August 14, 2011 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
August 15 - September 16, 2011 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Beginning August 22, 2011 |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
Pending date |
Graduation |
Pending date |
*Please note: The Background Questionnaire is now due at the Written Exam check-in. Supplemental documents required for the background packet (i.e. transcripts, birth certificate, diplomas, etc.) are required and due at the Oral Interview Board.
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are interested in participating in the June selection process, please complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. If you know you will be testing in October, you will need to apply beginning July 30, 2011 as candidates must apply within the selection cycle they will be testing. Please read and retain this information for your use.
If you are selected for the Police Academy, you will be required to complete the 1/2 mile continuous course in a maximum time of 5:54 to successfully complete the Police Academy physical training exit standard and in order to graduate from the Police Academy.
If you have any questions regarding the testing and selection process for Police Officer, please contact the Recruiting Officer at 417-864-1796 or by e-mail at ResourceManagement@springfieldmo.gov.
62nd Academy |
|
Informational Seminar-South District Station |
Date Pending |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Beginning July 30, 2011 |
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes |
September 23, 2011 |
Schedule Testing |
Week of September 26, 2011 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
October 8, 2011 |
Physical Agility |
October 9, 2011 |
Schedule Interviews |
October 9, 2011 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
October 10 - October 31, 2011 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
October 17, 2011 |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
Pending date |
Graduation |
Pending date |
*Please note: The Background Questionnaire is now due at the Written Exam check-in. Supplemental documents required for the background packet (i.e. transcripts, birth certificate, diplomas, etc.) are required and due at the Oral Interview Board.
If you are selected for the Police Academy, you will be required to complete the 1/2 mile continuous course in a maximum time of 5:54 to successfully complete the Police Academy physical training exit standard and in order to graduate from the Police Academy.
If you have any questions regarding the testing and selection process for Police Officer, please contact the Recruiting Officer at 417-864-1796 or by e-mail at ResourceManagement@springfieldmo.gov.
We appreciate your interest in serving the citizens of Springfield.
Written-Exam Prep Resources
The City of Springfield uses the National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory Exam for the written exam phase of the selection process for Police Officer. Public Safety Recruitment offers two versions (Standard and Enhanced) of the National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory Study Guide that may be beneficial for law enforcement applicants who are preparing for the written-exam phase. Depending on the version purchased, the study guides focus on test-taking strategies, avoiding common errors during the written test, and working through sample test questions.
The informational flyer offers information to obtain the City of Springfield, MO discount code for the "Enhanced" Edition - National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory Study Guide with Practice Exam Simply follow the link on the flyer and/or visit www.publicsafetyrecruitment.com and enter the corresponding code to receive the discount for the "Enhanced" version.(Please note, resources are offered by an external provider and not the City of Springfield; therefore, direct any questions you may have to Public Safety Recruitment.)
Lateral Hire Program
All candidates for the position of Police Officer wanting to attend the Lateral Program must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to apply:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be at least 21 years of age at commission
- be in excellent physical condition
- no felony convictions
- may not have more than one DWI conviction; and no DWI conviction in past three years
- may not have three moving violations from separate incidents or be at fault in more than one accident in the past 18 months
- meet vision and hearing standards
- no objectionable tattoos and no visible tattoos in a short sleeve uniform shirt
- may not have used a controlled substance illegally within the last three years
- currently certified as a law enforcement officer in the state of Missouri with a Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A Peace Officer License. (Contact Missouri P.O.S.T. at 573-751-4905 to find out how to get your Class A).
- Must have a minimum of two years full-time sworn police experience in any state, within the last five years Primary duties must include responding to calls for service, conducting preliminary and/or follow-up investigations of crimes, responding to traffic accidents, and apprehending, detaining and arresting suspects.
The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements: a physical agility test, written exam, an oral interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment drug testing, post-offer medical examination and psychological evaluation.
Physical agility events and standards are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice. Application screening of each candidate will be done prior to physical agility testing to determine eligibility into the Lateral Hire Program.
Physical agility testing will be a job simulation physical agility course. Candidates will perform a series of linked exercises that simulate the necessary job functions of the Police Officer position and shall include but not be limited to the following:
- 100 meter sprint
- pushing a vehicle 15 feet
- vertical jump
- six-foot wall climb
- three-foot wall climb
- window climb
- dummy drag
- subject resistance
- stair climb
- trigger pull
The above series of job simulated exercises will take place on a continuous 1/2-mile course where the candidate will run or continuously move throughout the course. Candidates must successfully engage all tasks associated with each exercise on the course. For Lateral Hire candidates, the 1/2-mile course must be completed in a maximum time of 5:54.
Preparedness Suggestions
for the
Springfield Missouri Police Department Physical Agility Testing
This test shall be considered physically demanding and it is vitally important for applicants to properly prepare for the test. The following are suggestion applicants can use to adequately prepare for the test. The applicant should prepare both physically and mentally for the test. An example of mentally preparing for this test would include having a positive mindset prior to and during the test. It is recommended that applicants should have recovered at least 24-48 hours from any other physical activity prior to conducting this testing. The applicant should also hydrate properly, at least 24 hours prior to participating in this testing. It may be helpful to also consume a light meal 1-2 hours prior to the physical agility testing, as the applicant should have adequate energy levels to help facilitate a better performance. Proper rest prior to testing is also recommended (7-8 hours of a sleep cycle). These tips will help ensure the applicant performs at their peak performance and help manage any risks associated with testing performance during extreme or inclement weather conditions.
Applicants must pass every phase of the testing and selection process in order to be considered eligible for appointment to the Lateral Hire Program. If a candidate fails to meet the physical agility standards for the Lateral Hire program but all of his/her scores meet the regular academy standards, the candidate may opt to be considered for the regular police academy Note: If a candidate opts to be considered for the regular police academy, he/she is not eligible for placement on the pay scale higher than a step one, which is entry level pay and he/she will be required to attend the normal 6-month academy training.
Lateral Hire Pay Scale: You will be placed on a pay scale according to prior full-time law enforcement experience to be determined by the Human Resources Department through the screening process:
At least 2 years experience |
$34,507.20 (step 2) |
At least 3 years experience |
$36,254.40 (step 3) |
At least 4 years experience |
$37,710.40 (step 4) |
At least 5 years experience |
$38,812.80 (step 5) |
At least 6 years experience |
$40,497,60 (step 6) |
At least 7 years experience |
$42,286.40 (step 7) |
At least 8 years experience or more |
$44,387.20 (step 8) |
Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.
62nd Academy |
|
Informational Seminar-South District Station |
May 23, 2011 - 7 p.m. |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Through June 10, 2011 |
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes |
June 10, 2011 at 5 p.m. |
Schedule Testing |
Week of June 13, 2011 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
June 25, 2011 |
Physical Agility |
June 26, 2011 |
Schedule Interviews |
June 26, 2011 |
Oral Boards/Backgrounds Returned |
June 27 - July 29, 2011 |
Interview Scores to Candidates |
Within week of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Beginning July 1, 2011 |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
Pending date |
Graduation |
Pending date |
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are interested in participating in the June selection process, please complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. If you know you will be testing in August, you will need to apply beginning June 11, 2011 as candidates must apply within the selection cycle they will be testing. Please read and retain this information for your use.
62nd Academy |
|
Informational Seminar-South District Station |
July 11, 2011 - 7 p.m. |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Beginning June 11, 2011 |
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes |
July 29, 2011 |
Schedule Testing |
Week of August 1, 2011 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
August 13, 2011 |
Physical Agility |
August 14, 2011 |
Schedule Interviews |
August 14, 2011 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
August 15 - September 16, 2011 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Beginning August 22, 2011 |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
Pending date |
Graduation |
Pending date |
*Please note: The Background Questionnaire is now due at the Written Exam check-in. Supplemental documents required for the background packet (i.e. transcripts, birth certificate, diplomas, etc.) are required and due at the Oral Interview Board.
If you are selected for the Police Academy, you will be required to complete the 1/2 mile continuous course in a maximum time of 5:54 to successfully complete the Police Academy physical training exit standard and in order to graduate from the Police Academy.
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are interested in participating in the June selection process, please complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. If you know you will be testing in October, you will need to apply beginning July 30, 2011 as candidates must apply within the selection cycle they will be testing. Please read and retain this information for your use.
62nd Academy |
|
Informational Seminar-South District Station |
Date Pending |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Beginning July 30, 2011 |
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes |
September 23, 2011 |
Schedule Testing |
Week of September 26, 2011 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
October 8, 2011 |
Physical Agility |
October 9, 2011 |
Schedule Interviews |
October 9, 2011 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
October 10 - October 31, 2011 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
October 17, 2011 |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
Pending date |
Graduation |
Pending date |
*Please note: The Background Questionnaire is now due at the Written Exam check-in. Supplemental documents required for the background packet (i.e. transcripts, birth certificate, diplomas, etc.) are required and due at the Oral Interview Board.
If you are selected for the Police Academy, you will be required to complete the 1/2 mile continuous course in a maximum time of 5:54 to successfully complete the Police Academy physical training exit standard and in order to graduate from the Police Academy.
If you have any questions regarding the testing and selection process for Police Officer, please contact the Recruiting Officer at 417-864-1796 or by e-mail at ResourceManagement@springfieldmo.gov.
We appreciate your interest in serving the citizens of Springfield.
