Police Officer; Recruits and Laterals - Testing Date

Overview

This job posting is for our February 20th testing date and may qualify you for the September 2026 academy. If you are interested in applying for a testing date on 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
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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 will receive 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.

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.

• 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

• Travel vouchers are provided for costs incurred from traveling to participate in entry testing.
• 50–150 miles: $50 travel voucher
• 150 miles or more: $125 travel voucher and one overnight hotel accommodation

Follow‑up Testing and Post Offer

• On‑site testing such as a polygraph and psychological examination is required during the post‑offer phase.
• Travel assistance for 150 miles or more: $125 travel voucher per visit and one overnight hotel accommodation
• Travel assistance for 50–150 miles: $50 travel voucher per visit

Relocation

• 50–150 miles: up to $1,000
• 150–300 miles: up to $3,000
• 300 miles or more: up to $5,000

• 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 successful passing of POST exam within six months of Final date to receive applications
• 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 in the…