POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 36,437 - 39,743; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Discounts

Career Growth Opportunities

Structured Mentorship

Job summary

A public university in Columbia Township is seeking Police Officer Trainees to join the MU Police Department. This full-time, entry-level role offers paid training at an approved academy, leading to full officer certification. Responsibilities include patrolling, responding to incidents, and enforcing laws. Candidates must meet qualifications including a high school diploma and be at least 21 years old. This position provides a competitive salary with opportunities for career growth and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri by appointment date.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must not have been convicted of any felony or Class A misdemeanor.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete an approved POST academy.
• Patrol assigned areas and respond to calls.
• Conduct investigations and write reports.

Skills

Patrol assigned areas

Respond to incidents

Enforce laws

Gather evidence

First aid support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Hiring Department

MU Police Department

Overview

Are you ready to begin a career that makes a real impact? The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) is looking for individuals driven by purpose, service, and community to join our team as Police Officer Trainees. This full-time, entry-level role offers paid academy training and a pathway to becoming a fully sworn Police Officer. If you're passionate about helping others, value a team-oriented environment, and seek career growth with outstanding benefits, this could be your path forward.

What You'll Do as a Trainee

• Attend and successfully complete an approved Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy.
• Prepare for and pass the Missouri POST licensing exam.
• Participate in training, mentorship, and departmental orientation while at the academy.
• Support non-sworn department functions as assigned.

Upon successful completion of academy training and POST certification, Trainees are promoted to Police Officer and enter the department's Field Training Program.

What You'll Do as a Police Officer

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, or foot
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and public assistance calls
• Enforce laws, university rules, and traffic regulations
• Conduct investigations, gather evidence, and interview witnesses
• Write detailed reports and testify in court as needed
• Make arrests, transport detainees, and complete processing
• Assist with events, traffic control, and campus outreach
• Provide first aid and support during crises

Why Join MUPD?

• Academy Sponsorship: We cover the cost of your training.
• Structured Mentorship: Learn from seasoned officers and prepare for your career.
• Tuition Discounts: Available to you and your family across the UM System.
• Career Growth: Pathways into specialized units, training roles, and leadership.
• Team Culture: Experience camaraderie, community support, and leadership you can count on.
• Continuous Training Opportunities: Drug Enforcement, DWI, Reporting, Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques.

Shift

Academy schedule determined by the training institution. After certification, we offer both 8‑hour and 10‑hour shift options across three rotating shifts: 1st (Day), 2nd (Afternoon), and 3rd (Overnight). Most of our officers work 10‑hour shifts, which provide more days off and greater scheduling flexibility. Overtime may be required for special events.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. A valid Missouri operator’s license (for positions at UMKC only, valid Kansas operator’s license acceptable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri by the date of appointment
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
• Must not have been convicted of any Felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense
• Must not have consumed alcoholic beverages within the past six months due to alcohol addiction
• Must not have illegally used, manufactured, sold, or cultivated any controlled substance within the past two years; limited, legal, or experimental marijuana use may be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis
• Must be in compliance with Missouri POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) licensing and drug use eligibility requirements, including RSMo Sections 590.080.1 and 590.100.1

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary: $26.45/hour during training, promoted to $28.85/hour upon certification

Grade: GGS-007

University Title: Police Officer Trainee

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Other Information

The Police department hopes to fill these positions by April 1, 2026 in order to enroll candidates in the Law Enforcement Training Institute for the 2026 LETI class, May 4, 2026 – August 21, 2026.

An update will be sent to all applicants after applications are reviewed updating them of their status in the process.

Agencies Policy on Reapplication: The Police Department allows applicants not selected to reapply. This includes all applicants who successfully completed the selection process but were not offered employment. All applicants must reapply to be considered in future positions. Applicants who fail portions of the selection process will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. The applicant will be notified in writing of their elimination/non‑selection in the process and a determination on reapplication and/or testing.

All Elements of the Selection Process:

Phase I, Pre‑Conditional

• University of Missouri Human Resources application accepted.
• Oral Review Board
• Background Investigation to include at a minimum: verification of qualifying credentials, a review of any criminal record, and verification of at least three personal references.
• Voice Stress Analysis and/or Polygraph Examination
• Oral Interview – Chief of Police

Phase II, Conditional Offer of Employment

• Psychological Examination and Interview
• Medical Examination

Application Notice: You can contact Lieutenant Armentrout at (573) 882‑5804 for more information on the selection process. It is critical that you check the e‑mail you listed with this application as most correspondences will be handled through e‑mail in addition to phone contact.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.