Show All Answers

1. I want to become a Springfield Police Officer. What are the minimum qualifications for the position?

To prepare to become a Springfield Police Officer you must first meet the minimum qualifications which include:

Must possess high school diploma or GED; Possess 60 semester hours from accredited college of university; OR Class A MO POST certifications or currently enrolled in a Class A POST program with successful passing of POST exam within six months of application deadline; OR Class B MO POST certification plus at least 2 years of full time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years; OR Two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge; OR Possess 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university plus 3 years of experience as a Springfield Police Cadet to enter the Academy. 

*Law enforcement experience and/or education preferred, but not required* 

Additional requirements include the following: U.S. Citizen 21 years of age at commission, Excellent physical condition, No felony convictions, No DWI, DUI, or BAC conviction within the past three years. May not have been at fault in more than one traffic accident in the past twelve months. Meet vision and hearing standards, No objectionable tattoos and no visible tattoos while on duty (i.e., can be covered with a long sleeve shirt), or when representing the SPD in an official capacity, unless approved by the Chief of Police.  May not have used an illegal controlled substance within the last three years.

LATERAL ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the requirements listed above, lateral candidates must possess the following:

A MO POST Class A license (if candidate does not possess a MO POST Class A license, but possesses law enforcement certification through another state, he/she may participate in the testing process while seeking reciprocity through MO POST) AND A minimum of two years full time sworn police experience in any state within the last five years. Police experience must include the primary duties of responding to call for service, conducting preliminary and/or follow-up investigations of crimes, responding to traffic accidents and apprehending, detaining and arresting suspects. Candidates must submit copies of supporting documentation to meet specific qualification: College transcripts; certifications, and/or military DD-214, etc.

2. I missed the application deadline for the last testing process for Police Officer. When will you accept applications for this positions again?

Applications are accepted for each testing cycle for Police Officer only during the posting period for a designated testing cycle. It is imperative that you submit an application by the posted deadline for the specific testing cycle in which you want to participate.

In accordance with City Merit Rules, “Continuous Recruitment” has been declared for the Police Officer job classification. Based on the notice of “Continuous Recruitment”, applications received as a result of this posting process will be considered on a continual basis until such time the Director of Human Resources terminates the “Continuous Recruitment” process.
Eligible candidates are those who successfully pass the testing and selection process. The names of eligible candidates shall be added to, and removed from, the Eligible List on a continuous basis and will be submitted to the Springfield Police Department based upon rank, irrespective of dates on which the testing and selection process occurred.

Once a candidate has attained eligibility status, his or her name may remain on the Eligible List for a period of no longer than eighteen (18) months from the date the candidate attained his/her eligibility status. If a candidate desires to become eligible after his/her eighteen (18) months of eligibility has expired, he or she must participate in the testing and interview processes again in order to maintain eligibility and as long as the “Continuous Recruitment” process has not been terminated.

3. I have experience as a Police Officer. Do I need to participate in the Springfield Police Department's Police Academy?

Springfield Police Department offers a Lateral Hire Program for qualified candidates. This program includes incentives such as an abbreviated academy and a starting salary based on years of experience.

4. When do you hire Police Officers?

Candidates are hired as Police Officers after successfully completing the Springfield Police Academy and FTO training program which typically is a period of 3 months.

5. How many Police Officers will be hired?

There is no pre-determined number of Police Officers who are hired each year. The number of new hires is based upon the department’s needs. New positions are rarely created, so candidates are typically hired to replace Police personnel who resign or retire.

6. I do not live in MIssouri, can I still apply to become a Police Officer?

Out of state applicants are welcome to apply. Applicants who travel to Missouri to participate in the various processes are encouraged to become familiar with the City’s hiring process and requirements prior to applying.

Lateral candidates must possess a Missouri POST Class A license (if a candidate does not possess a Missouri POST Class A license, but does possess a law enforcement certification through another state, he or she may participate in the testing process while seeking reciprocity through Missouri POST.)

7. What is the process for hiring Springfield Police Officers?

The Police Officer selection process typically occurs on an annual basis. Each year, the dates of the testing and other related events will vary slightly. Announcements will be posted on this website and messages will be recorded on our telephone hotline numbers.
The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements; a physical agility test, a written exam, an oral interview, a background investigation, a polygraph examination, a pre-employment drug test, a post-offer medical examination and a psychological evaluation. Applicants must pass every phase of the testing and selection process in order to be considered eligible for appointment.

8. I do not have Police Officer experience. Do I still qualify?

There is no requirement stating candidates must have experience as a Police Officer. Police Officers will benefit from additional training through the academy.

9. Does the City of Springfield provide the necessary training to become a Police Officer?

The Springfield Police Department’s Training Division provides extensive training for newly hired Police Officers. Successful completion of the Springfield Police Academy and Field Training Officer Program is a requirement to successfully complete the probationary period. Candidates who are selected to participate in the Police Academy will be required to complete the ½ mile continuous course in a maximum time of 5:54 to successfully complete the Police Academy’s physical training exit standard and in order to graduate from the Police Academy.

10. Do I have to pass a physical if I am offered a position?

Yes. If a conditional offer of employment is made, the candidate must satisfactorily complete a complete medical physical examination. In general, candidates should be in excellent physical condition and meet vision and hearing requirements.

11. I do not have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Can I still become a Springfield Police Officer?

No. A minimum qualification for the position of Police Officer specifies that candidates must have graduated high school or obtained a G.E.D.

12. I have a criminal background. Can I still become a Springfield Police Officer?

The Springfield Police Department is very selective when hiring its new Officers. The most desirable candidates will possess a clean criminal record and meet all of the other requirements. Candidates who have a felony conviction; more than one DWI; a DWI in the past three years; used an illegal controlled substance within in the last three years; or have had more than one traffic accident in the past twelve months will not be considered eligible for the position.

13. I do not remember the dates of my traffic violations or other criminal convictions. Do I still need to include them?

Absolutely. The City requires full disclosure of criminal background regardless of when the criminal activity occurred or the location where the criminal activity was recorded. It is the candidate’s responsibility to be aware of his or her own record and to provide accurate information. If undisclosed information is discovered during a background investigation it may disqualify a candidate for employment with the City.