Police Officer (New Recruits and Laterals) -08/15/2025 Testing Date
Recruitment began on July 16, 2025
and the job listing Expires on August 8, 2025
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.
Springfield Police Recruit
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. Learn more about becoming a Springfield Police Recruit at https://gospd.com/officer/ .
Police Recruits start at $56,825.60 during the 6-month Academy.
Upon graduation, new Officers receive an automatic pay increase to $63,128.00.
Full range for Police Officer $63,128.00-$93,246.40.
Lateral Police Officer
As a Lateral hire, you will have a shortened 1-month academy to learn about Springfield’s specific policies and procedures. Read more about our Lateral Program go to https://gospd.com/lateral/ .
Full range for Police Officer $63,128.00-$93,246.40. Staring pay is based on experience, training, and previous agency size.
Hiring Incentive
Police Officer Recruits receive $5,000.00 upon graduation from the academy.
Police Officer Laterals receive $10,000.00 upon graduation from the academy.
Selection Process
Applicants must successfully complete the following steps in the hiring process before being hired as a Springfield Police Recruit and go through our Police Academy. To learn about the hiring process here.
* Physical Agility Test
* Interview
* Drug Screen*
* Polygraph*
* Psychological Evaluation*
* Medical Examination*
*These examinations are completed after a conditional job offer is accepted.
Testing Assistance
We offer testing assistance to help with costs incurred from traveling to participate in entry testing, follow-up testing, and post testing travel.
Relocation
We love welcoming new Officers to our wonderful community. To make things easier, we offer relocation reimbursement. This benefit is offered to both new Recruits and Lateral Officer candidates.
Qualifications
* Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.
AND ONE of the following:
* 30 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university;
* Class A POST certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A POST program with successful passing of POST exam within six months of application deadline;
* Two (2) years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge;
* Four (4) years of honorable military service in national guard or armed forces reserves;
* Three (3) years of full-time successful ownership and management of a business within the last five (5) years
* Three (3) years of full-time employment as a correctional or detention officer within the last five (5) years;
* Three (3) years of full-time employment as a licensed professional security or private security contractor within the last five (5) years
* Three (3) years of full-time employment working in the professional trade industry within the last five (5) years
* Three (3) years of full-time employment in the last five (5) years providing paraprofessional work experience to the public or community in one of the following fields: social services, health care services, and/or education;
* Two (2) years of experience as a Police Service Representative;
* Two (2) years of experience as a Traffic Services Officer;
* Two (2) years of experience as a 911 dispatcher and/or telecommunicator.
Police Officer (Lateral) Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, lateral candidates must possess the following:
* 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 years full time sworn police experience in any state within the last five 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability and Vet
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 is required.
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