Police Officer Trainee - Academy- Career Path

Overview: Are you ready to begin a career that makes a real impact? The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) is looking for individuals driven by purpose, service, and community to join our team as Police Officer Trainees. This full-time, entry-level role offers paid academy training and a pathway to becoming a fully sworn Police Officer. If you're passionate about helping others, value a team-oriented environment, and seek career growth with outstanding benefits, this could be your path forward.

What You'll Do as a Trainee:

• Attend and successfully complete an approved Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy.
• Prepare for and pass the Missouri POST licensing exam.
• Participate in training, mentorship, and departmental orientation while at the academy.
• Support non-sworn department functions as assigned.

Upon successful completion of academy training and POST certification, Trainees are promoted to Police Officer and enter the department's Field Training Program.

What You'll Do as a Police Officer:

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, or foot
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and public assistance calls
• Enforce laws, university rules, and traffic regulations
• Conduct investigations, gather evidence, and interview witnesses
• Write detailed reports and testify in court as needed
• Make arrests, transport detainees, and complete processing
• Assist with events, traffic control, and campus outreach
• Provide first aid and support during crises

Why Join MUPD?

• Academy Sponsorship: We cover the cost of your training.
• Structured Mentorship: Learn from seasoned officers and prepare for your career.
• Tuition Discounts: Available to you and your family across the UM System.
• Career Growth: Pathways into specialized units, training roles, and leadership.
• Team Culture: Experience camaraderie, community support, and leadership you can count on.
• Continuous Training Opportunities: Drug Enforcement, DWI, Reporting, Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques

Academy schedule determined by the training institution. After certification, we offer both 8-hour and 10-hour shift options across three rotating shifts: 1st (Day), 2nd (Afternoon), and 3rd (Overnight). Most of our officers work 10-hour shifts, which provide more days off and greater scheduling flexibility. Overtime may be required for special events.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. A valid Missouri operator's license (for positions at UMKC only, valid Kansas operator's license acceptable).

Preferred Qualifications

* Must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri by the date of appointment

* Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment

* Must not have been convicted of any Felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense

* Must not have consumed alcoholic beverages within the past six months due to alcohol addiction

* Must not have illegally used, manufactured, sold, or cultivated any controlled substance (as defined by Missouri state statutes) within the past two years; limited, legal, or experimental marijuana use may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

* Must be in compliance with Missouri POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) licensing and drug use eligibility requirements, including RSMo Sections 590.080.1 and 590.100.1

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary: $26.45/hour during training, promoted to $28.85/hour upon certification

Grade: GGS-007

University

Title:

Police Officer Trainee

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Final date to receive applications

Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Other Information

The Police department hopes to fill these positions by April 1, 2026 in order to enroll candidates in the Law Enforcement Training Institute for the 2026 LETI class, May 4, 2026-August 21, 2026.

An update will be sent to all applicants after applications are reviewed updating them of their status in the process.

Other Information

Agencies Policy on Reapplication:

The Police Department allows applicants not selected to reapply. This includes all applicants who successfully completed the selection process but were not offered employment. All applicants must reapply to be considered in future positions. Applicants who fail portions of the selection process will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be notified in writing of their elimination/non-selection in the process and a determination on reapplication and/or testing.

All Elements of the Selection…