Police Officer; Recruits and Laterals - Testing Date

This job posting is for our January 23rd testing date and may qualify you for the September 2026 academy.

If you are interested in applying for a testing date on February 20th, March 20th, April 17th, May 15th, or June 12th for the September 2026 academy contact Karissa Sieloff at ksieloff or call .

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. Read more about our Lateral Program here.

• Written Exam
• Physical Agility Test
• Interview
• Background Investigation
• Drug Screen*
• Polygraph*
• Psychological Evaluation*
• Medical Examination*

* These examinations are completed after a conditional job offer is accepted.

Testing

To help with costs incurred from traveling to participate in entry testing, travel vouchers are provided.

Distance Traveled – Travel Assistance Provided

50‑150 miles – $50 travel voucher

150 miles or more – $125 travel voucher and 1 overnight hotel accommodation

Follow‑up Testing and Post Offer

During the post‑offer phase of the Officer selection process, on‑site testing is required such as a polygraph and psychological examination. Testing is coordinated and accommodations are made so that the least amount of travel is required of our candidates. Additional assistance is available to help with costs incurred for both Police Recruits and Lateral Officer candidates.

Distance traveled – Travel Assistance Provided

150 miles or more – $125 travel voucher per visit and 1 overnight hotel accommodation

50‑150 miles – $50 travel voucher per visit

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.

Distance Traveled – Reimbursement Amount

50‑150 miles – Up to $1,000

150‑300 miles – Up to $3,000

300 miles or more – Up to $5,000

This application must be submitted to determine your eligibility to take the written exam. If you’ve read through this information and you’re not ready to apply, consider getting more information by talking to a recruiter.

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• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.

• 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…