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The Oberlin Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for Police Officer to serve in a rural Kansas community. You will patrol streets, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, and engage with residents to build trust and safety.
Successful candidates will meet Kansas LEO standards and hold a KS CPOST full-time LEO certificate. Starting pay ranges from $37,500 to $62,000 DOQ, with benefits including paid leave, full medical/dental/vision coverage for the employee, and retirement
Oberlin is located in Northwest Kansas, just 12 miles from the Nebraska border and 81 miles from the Colorado border. As the seat of Decatur County, Oberlin offers a welcoming environment with amenities for all ages, from nature walks to golden age activities. The city covers approximately 1.5 square miles and is surrounded by the scenic Kansas prairie and agricultural fields. Decatur County is home to about 2,700 people, with 1,650 residing in Oberlin.
Oberlin boasts an excellent school system, providing K-12 education through local district campuses. The community also includes a small Christian school and several home-schooled families. Several daycare providers serve the area, including county and school-operated centers.
If you are seeking a supportive rural community with a high quality of life, excellent schools, and opportunities for all ages, Oberlin may be the perfect fit for you!
The Oberlin Police Department (OPD) is a dedicated team of four full-time Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs). Each full-time sworn LEO is assigned a vehicle and responds to calls as needed. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a 12-bed jail facility in the courthouse, located in Oberlin, which the OPD may utilize. While it is preferred that OPD officers live within city limits for on-call coverage and emergency callout needs, requests for outside residency may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The OPD and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office enjoy an excellent working relationship. All city OPD officers are currently sworn deputy sheriffs with authority throughout the county.
The Police Officer serves as a front-line representative of the City of Oberlin, responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and fostering trust within the community. Under the direction of the Chief of Police, officers perform a wide range of duties including patrol, emergency response, investigation, and community engagement. This role requires integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to ethical law enforcement in a rural setting. Officers are expected to uphold the values of transparency, professionalism, and service while working collaboratively with residents, businesses, and regional partners.
The City of Oberlin is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.