Police Academy Recruit or Experienced Officer

St. Louis County, Missouri; Minnesota; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid medical insurance

PTO and holidays

Education incentives

Job summary

St. Louis County is seeking commissioned police officers to protect life and property, prevent crime, and enforce laws across unincorporated areas of the County.

The role includes patrols, investigations, court security, and specialized assignments in various divisions, with training and a chance to advance within the department. New recruits undergo six-month paid training at the rate of $19.31 per hour, followed by entry into the existing pay matrix.

Qualifications

• Must meet minimum qualifications including education/work experience as specified.
• Out-of-state police officers with POST certification will be evaluated accordingly.
• Visit the Missouri POST website for additional information and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area of the County in a marked police car.
• Prevent and discover the commission of a crime.
• Apprehend criminals and offenders.
• Enforce vehicle and traffic laws and deter violations.
• Respond to calls and prepare shift reports.
• Conduct investigations and gather evidence; testify in court.
• Establish traffic control and police protection at incidents; handle incidents such as parades or demonstrations.
• Perform specialized duties in different divisions after training.

Skills

Patrol procedures

Criminal law knowledge

Interrogation techniques

First aid

Firearms handling

Report writing

Education

32 semester credit hours from accredited college

High school diploma or GED with police/military experience

Five years of continuous full-time work experience

Tools

Police equipment operation

Job description

Discover Your Future with Opportunity Central! Job Description Summary:

The work of the commissioned police officer involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances. Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic regulation. Police officers also may be assigned duties as detectives, court security officers, crime prevention officers, Department training officers, field training officers, accident investigators, helicopter pilots, firearms instructors, hostage negotiators, dog handlers or special response team officers. Work involves an element of personal danger. The employee must be able to exercise sound independent judgment under stress. Assignments may include work on special tasks, which call upon specialized abilities and knowledge possessed by the officer. Work assignments can be general or specific, and instructions are received from a supervisor who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection and discussion.

Become a St. Louis County Police Officer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOttgVCDgIY

The six month basic training period is compensated at $19.31 an hour.

Upon graduation, Probationary Police Officers enter the existing commissioned pay matrix.

Start gaining experience now with our Pre-Academy Paid Employment with Benefits Program.

Ask a recruiter how you can become a Pre-Recruit!

Experienced Officers are compensated at one to one for completed years of service.

For more information, please review the COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS which is attached.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Patrol a designated area of the County in a marked police car;
• prevent and discover the commission of a crime;
• apprehend criminals and offenders;
• enforce vehicle and traffic laws and make police presence known in a manner that contributes towards deterrence of violations.
• Answer calls and radio complaints involving fires, automobile accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, and wide variety of domestic-related disturbances including assistance with mentally or physically ill persons, neglected children, and marital disturbances; prepares varied related case, complaint, and shift reports.
• Conduct accident investigations and preliminary investigations at the scene of crimes; administer first-aid; gathers evidence; locate and question witnesses; make arrests as necessitated by circumstances; seek and obtain arrest warrants, search warrants and testify in court.
• Establish traffic control and police protection at fires and other incidents which may attract crowds; perform police duties at parades, processions, demonstrations, and sporting events; check and report on deficient street lights, signs, road surfaces, or other facilities which serve the public.
• Upon completion of appropriate training and education, perform specialized duties as required in the different divisions of the Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of modern police practices and methods.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances particularly the laws of arrest and evidence.
• Some knowledge of the geography of St. Louis County.
• Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of interrogation.
• Knowledge of first aid principles.
• Skill in the use and care of firearms and in operating police vehicles.
• Ability to wear and effectively utilize all Department issued items of uniforms and equipment as specified in the Department's General Order, Uniforms, and Appearance regardless of assignment.
• Ability to work regular and irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide police services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year (weekends and holidays included).
• Work shifts vary between 8, 10, or 12 hours in duration but may be extended in the event of an emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload, or work-in-progress.

The St. Louis County Police Department offers exciting and rewarding career opportunities to candidates who have the skills and determination to succeed in the exciting profession of law enforcement.

Please read the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS to ensure that you are eligible. If you do not meet the qualifications, you may be interested in the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy's Open Enrollment Program.

The St. Louis County Police Department provides a uniform patrol presence spanning 370 square miles across unincorporated St. Louis County. We are also the largest provider of contracted law enforcement services in the State of Missouri, contracting with over 70 agencies for a variety of services. We appreciate our employees and the citizens we serve. We seek to attract applicants from every community, other law enforcement agencies, professions and disciplines to all positions in our Department. We value the men and women of America's military. Everyone is equally welcome and encouraged to apply. Every day will bring a new, non-routine and exciting challenge to you and the opportunity to help and protect others. We offer a positive work environment; fair and family-friendly work policies; cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and many opportunities to receive advanced training for your safety, security and advancement. We are the St. Louis County Police https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1vE4AAouPM.

Minimum Qualifications:

AGE REQUIREMENT:

Must be at least 21 years of age, or applicant must reach their 21st birthday by the time of completion of the academy training course.

RESIDENCY:

No residency requirement. Must be a citizen of the United States.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE:

You must have either:

1. 1. 32 semester credit hours from an accredited university or college. Both require a cumulative average letter grade of "C" or a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, OR
2. 2. A high school diploma or GED with one year full-time prior police experience or two years of active military service or four years of National Guard/Reserve service. Police experience can be in a professional staff position with the St. Louis County Police Department designated by the Chief, to include the Department's Cadet Program.
3. 3. Five years of successful work experience. Successful work experience is defined as: Continuous full-time employment, averaging 30 hours or more per week; and Overall positive reviews of work performance from employers; and No negative terminations of employment; and Multiple employers are acceptable if the above factors are met.

Out-of-state police officers/military peace officers who possess or obtain State of Missouri POST class "A" certification will be evaluated in conjunction with their education/work experience.

Visit the POST website at www.dps.mo.gov/POST/Main/POSTForms.htm for additional information.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG GUIDELINES:

Any illegal adult use or possession of a controlled substance, excluding marijuana, within one year prior to employment.

The word "drug" refers to any type of controlled substance for which you do not have a prescription; to include marijuana in all forms (edibles, gummies, or any other product containing THC).

TATTOO POLICY:

Department employees shall not display tattoos that are visible on the face, neck, or head. Tattoos which may be visible in a short sleeve uniform will be considered by the Chief of Police on a case-by-case basis. Imagery which may be deemed inappropriate or offensive in nature shall be considered grounds for disqualification. Applicants will be required to provide a photograph and explanation to provide context of any visible tattoos.

VISION:

Minimum Department standard is 20/200 in each eye, uncorrected; correctable to 20/20 in each eye.

ARREST RECORD:

Free from conviction of a Felony or any other criminal offense that would prohibit the applicant from obtaining a Missouri POST Class "A" license, if none currently held. All convictions for a Class "A" Misdemeanor will be cause for a review and authorization from the Chief of Police.

DRIVER'S LICENSE:

Possess a valid operator's license at the time of appointment and have five (5) or fewer points against their operator’s license at the time of application;

MILITARY:

Must not have a Dishonorable or Bad Conduct Discharge from the military service. Honorable Discharge and General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions) are accepted. Other Than Honorable discharges shall be reviewed on an individual basis, if applicable.

INCENTIVES

• 7% shift differential pay for those who work the midnight shift.
• In addition, the Department offers tuition reimbursement and education incentives for officers who possess a degree of higher education from an accredited institution.
• They shall receive the following addition to their base rate of pay: Associate's degree: $1,200/year Bachelor's degree: $2,400/year Master's degree: $4,800/year Doctorate degree: $7,200/year Education incentive pay is subject to confirmation by Human Resources and will include proof of an official transcript awarding or conferring the degree.

BENEFITS

• St. Louis County offers its employees a variety benefits to meet the needs of its diverse workforce including paid medical insurance, 20 days of PTO (paid time off) the first year and increasing with seniority, and 11-12 paid holidays, 480 hours of paid parental leave, and a robust Wellness Plan. Other benefits include paid life insurance, credit union, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, pre-tax premium pay plan, dependent care and medical expense reimbursement plans, and short- and long-term disability insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation. St. Louis County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application or hiring process should contact the St. Louis County ADA Coordinator at 314-615-1796 or call Relay MO at 711 or 1-800-735-2966 (TTY) or email [e-mail].

Welcome to Opportunity Central — your gateway to meaningful careers in local government. We’re more than just a job board; we’re a hub for purpose-driven professionals looking to make a real difference in their communities. Saint Louis County is the most populous county in Missouri, home over a million people and spans 523 square miles. Saint Louis County maintains a convenient proximity and access to the city of St. Louis while also providing a place where one can explore and carve out their own niche. Saint Louis County is a place where all are welcome to pursue the endless opportunities available to them.