Police Officer

City of St. Joseph; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 39,137 - 55,103; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Missouri is seeking a Police Officer to enforce laws and protect the community. This entry-level position involves routine patrols, conducting traffic enforcement, and assisting with investigations. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and a high school diploma. No prior experience is required, and training will be provided. The role offers a full-time employment opportunity with the responsibility of ensuring public safety and conducting investigations in accordance with the law.

Qualifications

• Must complete a field training program with a training officer.
• Must pass physical agility, medical, psychological exams; drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Engages in preventative routine patrols, warrant service, arrests.
• Conducts preliminary investigations and interviews.
• Appears and testifies in court.

Skills

Report writing

Oral communication

Firearms handling

Motor vehicle operation

Interrogation and interview procedures

Knowledge of laws and ordinances

Decision-making under stress

Conflict resolution skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in criminal justice (preferred)

Tools

Police vehicle

Radio

Breathalyzer

Sidearm

Office equipment

Job description

Police Officer

Team: Police Department, City of St. Joseph.

Base Pay Range

$55,103.15/yr - $55,103.15/yr (Commissioned Officer) / $39,137.94/yr - $39,137.94/yr (Emergency Services Trainee)

Job Summary

Enforces federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances. Protects the lives and property of citizens. Assists in investigations of various cases. Does not have supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Answers calls and engages in preventative routine patrols, warrant service, arrests, and searches.
• Performs traffic law enforcement and traffic accident investigations.
• Writes and enters reports into the computer system and files them when necessary.
• Appears and testifies in federal, state, and municipal courts.
• Locates and interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects; collects evidence.
• Checks suspicious persons and completes field interview cards.
• Conducts preliminary investigations and interviews.
• Collects, preserves, and books evidence.
• Provides information and assistance to the general public.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs desk duties in the office when assigned.
• Assists other emergency service personnel when needed.
• Performs special detailed assignments as directed.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct

City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and exhibit appropriate conduct towards all contacts, both internally and externally. Professional conduct includes communication, fairness, honesty, and respect.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Report writing, oral communication, firearms handling, motor vehicle operation, and speed measuring devices.
• Interrogation and interview procedures; suspect identification.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and departmental policies.
• Criminal, constitutional, and traffic law knowledge.
• Knowledge of City geography, criminal activity, and criminals.
• Decision‑making under serious nature and varying degrees of physical and mental stress.
• Understanding and empathy toward the public; conflict resolution skills.
• Basic computer operation.
• Valid driver’s license.
• POST‑certified or able to obtain POST‑certification prior to performing law‑enforcement duties. No previous experience required for entry level.
• Newly appointed officers must complete the field training program with a training officer before independent duties.
• Sem‑annual firearms qualification required.
• Must pass a City‑specified physical agility, medical, psychological, and written exam; drug screening required.

Material and Equipment Used

Police vehicle, radio, radar equipment, breathalyzer, sidearm, shotgun, handcuffs, baton, mace flashlight, and other related equipment. Office equipment: telephone, computer, copier, and photography equipment.

Working Environment / Physical Requirements

Work may occur in an office and in the field. Exposure to extreme weather, loud noise, fumes, extreme temperatures, blood, and bodily fluids. Requires strong physical conditioning, standing, bending, walking, lifting, and occasional running. Vision, hearing, and color perception essential. Tobacco use prohibited while on duty.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree in criminal justice preferred.

Additional Information

Visit the Missouri Department of Public Safety to obtain information regarding POST forms, commissioning, continuing education, and additional information: https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/post/forms.php/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment. Any job offer is contingent upon these screenings. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects otherwise qualified handicapped individuals from discrimination.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function & Industries

Other, Information Technology, and Management. Government Administration.