Police Officer; Recruits and Laterals - Testing Date

Overview

The Springfield Police Department is seeking to hire passionate new officers to make a positive impact in the Southwest Missouri area. The department offers one of the best training programs in the area, a variety of specialized units, and a strong benefits package. We are looking for individuals who are dedicated and motivated to serve, believe in constitutional, community-engaged policing, and are committed to protecting the rights of all people.

As a Springfield Police Recruit, you will receive quality training through the Academy to prepare for the position of Police Officer. After graduating the Academy, you will begin in patrol, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, promoting public safety, and supporting fellow officers. You will engage in community-oriented policing, traffic enforcement, and, on occasion, special details. SPD offers opportunities across specialized assignments and promotions.

• During the 6-month paid Police Academy, as a Police Recruit you will develop skills to understand and enforce the law, provide quality service, and help reduce crime within the City of Springfield.
• Use modern policing methods to solve problems while treating people fairly and with a helpful attitude.
• Hold yourself and others accountable using sound moral principles to earn public trust, respect, and confidence.
• Effectively communicate with citizens through active listening, compassion, and empathy.

As a Lateral hire, you will have a shortened 1-month academy to learn Springfield’s policies and procedures. Read more about our Lateral Program here.

Applicants must complete the following steps before being hired as a Springfield Police Recruit and going through the Police Academy:

• 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.

We offer testing and relocation assistance. Travel vouchers are provided to offset costs incurred from traveling to participate in entry testing.

Distance Traveled and Travel Assistance Provided: 50-150 miles – $50 voucher; 150 miles or more – $125 voucher; plus 1 overnight hotel accommodation. For follow-up testing and post-offer activities, similar travel assistance and accommodations are provided.

Relocation reimbursement is available for new Recruits and Lateral Officers:

• 50-150 miles:
  Up to $1,000
• 150-300 miles:
  Up to $3,000
• 300 miles or more:
  Up to $5,000

Police Recruit

• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D
• 21 years of age at or before being commissioned

Preferred

• A degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience or education in law enforcement.
• Class A P.O.S.T. certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A P.O.S.T. program.
• Military service with an honorable discharge or honorable service in National Guard or reserves.
• Three (3) years of full-time employment.

• U.S. Citizen
• Excellent physical condition
• No felony convictions
• No conviction for domestic assault
• No more than one DWI in the past three years; and no DWI in the past three years
• No more than two moving violations in the past twelve months; or no more than one fault in more than one crash in the past twelve months
• Meet vision and hearing standards
• No objectionable tattoos on the head, face, or neck

• MO POST Class A license or active certification in another state with reciprocity consideration
• A minimum of two (2) years full-time sworn police experience in the last five (5) years; duties include responding to calls for service, investigations, traffic incidents, and arresting suspects

For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the job description for Police Recruit and Police Officer.

• Submit application.
• Receive email notification with instructions to schedule for written exam.
• Schedule for written exam on March 27, 2026.
• Bring photo  the day of testing.
• Complete the written exam and physical agility test. Interviews will be scheduled immediately following the written exam for the following week.
• Attend scheduled interview.
• Background investigation will begin.
• Once the background investigation is completed, a conditional job offer can be made.
• The final steps after a conditional job offer include a drug test, medical exam, psychological evaluation, and polygraph before the job offer is confirmed.

The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Individuals with disabilities seeking accommodations should request in accordance with the…