Police Officer - Columbia, Missouri Police Department

The City of Columbia, Missouri is seeking highly motivated and dependable individuals willing to provide a professional level of police services to our community.

The starting salary for Missouri POST Certified officers is a $60,008 ($28.85 per hour) minimum to $73,153.60 ($35.17 per hour) maximum - plus a shift differential of $1.00 per hour for all hours worked from 6 : 00 pm – 6 : 00 am).

Police Officers hired with full-time law enforcement experience or military service that consists of law and order operations that are substantially similar to the duties of a Columbia Police Officer will make a lateral entry into the compensation plan based on their years of service up to ten years. The final determination on lateral entry pay will be made by the Police Chief or designee.

Not POST Certified? Your academy tuition is paid for and the salary for non-POST Certified officers (Police Officers in Training – while attending the police academy) is $42,717 ($20.54 per hour plus a shift differential of $1.00 per hour for all hours worked from 6 : 00 pm – 6 : 00 am). Upon successful completion of academy training and obtaining Missouri POST Certification, you will earn $60,008 annually ($28.85 per hour).

As a City of Columbia, Missouri employee, you will receive one of the best employment benefit packages in the state.

NOTE - An online police officer test is required for all applicants. After you have submitted your application and resume, you will receive an email with additional information from hr@como.gov and an email with a test link from testgenius.com.

Please follow all instructions in the emails. You will need to complete the online test before 11 : 59 pm CST on February 3, 2025.

You will also need access to a laptop or desktop computer to complete the required test. DO NOT use a cellphone, tablet or Chromebook to take the test.

Upon achieving a passing score the required online test, you will be notified of the next steps.

The purpose of this job is to enforce the law and protect citizens within the community. Detects and prevents crime in assigned area and completes administrative duties as required. Participates in training and continuing education. Responds to calls, conducts investigations, promotes problem solving activities, and provides court testimony as necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities -

Ensures safety and security of citizens by enforcing laws and ordinances.

Maintains and develops partnerships and relationships with citizens and community organizations.

Conducts investigations; collects and examines evidence.

Patrols city roadways, enforces traffic ordinances, directs traffic and investigates traffic accidents.

Adheres to legal protocols and processes.

Participates in ongoing training and maintains required certification and licensure.

Provides court testimony as necessary.

Performs administrative duties; completes and maintains accurate records and documentation.

Instructs and mentors co-workers.

Participates in meetings.

Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact -

Interactions may result in decisions regarding implementation of policies. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public / employee relations.

May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor division or program / promotional level budget and expenditures.

Education and Experience -

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Associate’s Degree or 2 years of college in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or related field preferred.

Knowledge of :

Relevant federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Departmental policies and procedures.

Law enforcement vehicles, equipment, tools, and technology.

Skill in :

Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and / or technical data.

Preparing and maintaining detailed and accurate reports.

Ability to :

Process and handle confidential information with discretion.

Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

Operate safety and effectively police vehicles, approved weapons, and equipment.

Render credible testimony.

Maintain a permanent residence within a 50-mile straight line radius of the Columbia Police Department, 600 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO, within 180 days of hire.

To work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Work varied shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Work Environment :

Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently / Often

Outdoor environment – Frequently / Often

Street environment – Sometimes

Confined space – Sometimes

Vehicle – Frequently / Often

Right of way environment – Sometimes

Exposures :

Individuals who are hostile or irate – Frequently / Often

Individuals with known violent backgrounds-Frequently / Often

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Sometimes

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) – Sometimes

Communicable diseases – Sometimes

Fumes or airborne particles – Sometimes

Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances – Sometimes

Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction) – Sometimes

This position involves occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and / or hazards and outside work.

Incumbents may be required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Incumbents required to maintain mental / physical health required to perform essential functions of the job. Required to successfully complete a post-offer pre-employment medical physical and at least bi-annually thereafter.

1 2 hour shifts, which are determined by seniority.

Starting Salary    $60,008 annually ($28.85 per hour) minimum to $73,153.60 annually ($35.17 per hour) maximum plus shift differential of $1.00 per hour for all hours worked between 6 pm and 6 am

Pay Grade    P2

Number of Positions Available    Establishing Eligibility Roster

Deadline to Apply    02 / 03 / 2025

Open Until Filled    No

Special Instructions to Applicants

The City of Columbia, Missouri is seeking highly motivated and dependable individuals willing to provide a professional level of police services to our community.

The starting salary for Missouri POST Certified officers is a $60,008 ($28.85 per hour) minimum to $73,153.60 ($35.17 per hour) maximum – plus a shift differential of $1.00 per hour for all hours worked from 6 : 00 pm – 6 : 00 am).

Police Officers hired with full-time law enforcement experience or military service that consists of law and order operations that are substantially similar to the duties of a Columbia Police Officer will make a lateral entry into the compensation plan based on their years of service up to ten years. The final determination on lateral entry pay will be made by the Police Chief or designee.

Not POST Certified? Your academy tuition is paid for and the salary for non-POST Certified officers (Police Officers in Training – while attending the police academy) is $42,717 ($20.54 per hour plus a shift differential of $1.00 per hour for all hours worked from 6 : 00 pm – 6 : 00 am). Upon successful completion of academy training and obtaining Missouri POST Certification, you will earn $60,008 annually ($28.85 per hour).

As a City of Columbia, Missouri employee, you will receive one of the best employment benefit packages in the state.

NOTE – An online police officer test is required for all applicants. After you have submitted your application and resume, you will receive an email with additional information from hr@como.gov and an email with a test link from testgenius.com.

Please follow all instructions in the emails. You will need to complete the online test before 11 : 59 pm CST on February 3, 2025.

You will also need access to a laptop or desktop computer to complete the required test. DO NOT use a cellphone, tablet or Chromebook to take the test.

Upon achieving a passing score the required online test, you will be notified of the next steps.

Notice to Applicants

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)

TTY : 711 (MO RELAY)

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER : MALE / FEMALE

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING

The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program

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Salary : $60,008 - $73,154