JOB OPPORTUNITIES
NOTICE OF CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT PROGRAM
Police Officer
APPLICATION INFORMATION
We are currently accepting applications for the 2013 Police Officer Academy. There will be three opportunities for Lateral Academy candidates to test for the Police Officer position; May 3rd, June 2nd and August 11th. Regular Academy candidates have two opportunities to test for the Police Officer position; June 2nd and August 11th. Candidates must apply to the testing cycle they wish to participate in.
Visit the Springfield Police Department's Recruiting Facebook page and "Like" us to be notified of the next SPD Police Officer hiring process.
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.
REGULAR ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. Citizen, 21 yrs at commission, excellent physical condition, no felony convictions, may not have more than 1 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 1 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, high school diploma or GED; possess 60 sem hours from accredited college or univ OR Class A MO POST certification OR Class B MO POST certification plus at least 2 yrs of full time law enforcement exp within the last 5 yrs OR two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge OR possess 30 sem hours from an accredited college or univ plus 3 yrs of exp as a Springfield Police Cadet to enter the Academy. *Law enforcement experience and/or education preferred, but not required*
LATERAL ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the requirements listed above, lateral candidates must possess a Class A MO POST and have a minimum of 2 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.
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: Regular Academy starting pay is $15.78 per hour during the first 12-18 months of employment. Paid training and uniforms or uniform allowance provided. Lateral Academy starting pay is discretionary, but may range from $16.59 - $21.34 per hour. The complete salary range for Police Officer rank is approximately $15.78 - $25.40 Hourly.
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.
SEE BELOW FOR Current Testing & Selection Procedure and Schedule
In accordance with the City Merit Rules, a Continuous Recruitment Program has been declared for the Police Officer job classification. Based on the notice of Continuous Recruitment, applications received as a result of this posting will be considered continuously until the Director of Human Resources terminates this Continuous Recruitment Program. Eligible candidates are those who successfully pass the testing and selection process. The names of eligible candidates shall be added to and removed from the Eligible List on a continuous basis and will be submitted to departments based on rank irrespective of dates on which the testing and selection process occurred. Once a candidate attains eligible status, he/she may remain on the Eligible List for no longer than eighteen months from the date the candidate attained eligibility status. If a candidate wants to be eligible after his/her 18 month eligibility has expired, he/she must retake the testing and interview process in order to maintain eligibility as long as the Continuous Recruitment Program has not been terminated.
CITY EMPLOYEES desiring consideration must have received a satisfactory rating on their last performance evaluation, per Merit Rule 10.1(c), and MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED APPLICATION.
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.
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.
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 suggestions 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 sleep). These tips will 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.
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 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 suggestions 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 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 sleep). These tips will 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: Starting pay for lateral hires is discretinoary and based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, years of law enforcement service, law enforcement assignments. special trianing and agency size. The starting pay range for Lateral Hires is $34,507.20 - $44,387.20.
Step 2 |
$34,507.20 |
Step 3 |
$36,254.40 |
Step 4 |
$37,710.40 |
Step 5 |
$38,812.80 |
Step 6 |
$40,497,60 |
Step 7 |
$42,286.40 |
Step 8 |
$44,387.20 |
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.)
Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Beginning March 16, 2012 |
Application Deadline for this Testing |
April 20, 2012 at 5 p.m. |
Schedule Testing |
Week of April 23, 2012 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
May 3, 2012 |
Physical Agility |
May 3, 2012 |
Schedule Interviews |
May 3, 2012 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
May 3 & May 4, 2012 |
Interview Scores to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Pending date |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
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 the Lateral Hire Program for the Police Officer position and are interested in participating in the May testing, please complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. If you want to test in June or August, you will need to apply for the June or August testing cycle. Please read and retain this information for your use.
Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.
| Informational Seminar - The Mill 216 West Central |
May 7, 2012 - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
March 16, 2012 |
Application Deadling for Testing Purposes |
May 18, 2012 |
Schedule Testing |
May 21, 2012 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
June 2, 2012 |
Physical Agility |
June 3, 2012 |
Schedule Interviews |
June 3, 2012 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
Begin June 4, 2012 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Pending date |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
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 the Police Officer position and are interested in participating in the June testing, please complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. If you want to test in August, you will need to apply for the August testing cycle. 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.
Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.
| Informational Seminar - The Mill 216 West Central |
May 7, 2012 - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. |
Accepting Applications for this Testing |
Beginning May 19, 2012 |
Application Deadling for Testing Purposes |
July 27, 2012 at 5 p.m. |
Schedule Testing |
Week of July 30, 2012 |
Written Exams & Results to Candidates |
August 11, 2012 |
Physical Agility |
August 12, 2012 |
Schedule Interviews |
August 12, 2012 |
Oral Boards/Interview |
Begin August 13, 2012 |
Interview Results to Candidates |
Within 2 weeks of completed interview |
Background Investigations |
Pending date |
Employment Offers |
Pending date |
Post-Offer Exams |
Pending date |
Final Notices |
Pending date |
First Day of the Academy |
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.
