Go SPD

smiling police officer holding laughing son in a park with text: lateral transfer

SECURE YOUR FUTURE WHILE SECURING THEIRS.

Ready to bring your experience to a community that backs their blue? We offer a diverse array of special assignment and promotional opportunities including Investigations, Training, Narcotics, Special Response Team, Community Services, on-campus University assignments, and much more. Officers work 12-hour schedules with rotating days off to ensure a healthy work-home balance. Officers have the opportunity to identify their strengths and aspirations and align their careers accordingly.

The Springfield Police Department has a strong relationship with the community, built on a foundation of transparency and mutual respect. We are committed to providing quality service to our community through personal integrity, fairness, open communication and a helpful attitude.

ENJOY THE LIFE YOU WANT

Springfield, Missouri has everything you need.

You can fast-track your career, afford the home you’ve always wanted, shorten your commute, and lose yourself in the natural beauty. One of the major factors attracting people to the Ozarks is the surprisingly low cost of living. With an average home sales price of $161,703, people from across the U.S. are often astonished by the amount of home they can purchase here for a relatively low cost. Whether you’re investing in a home or simply buying groceries, clothing or gas, your money stretches farther here.

COST OF LIVING

One of the major factors attracting people to the Ozarks is the surprisingly low cost of living.

CATEGORY SPRINGFIELD vs NATIONAL AVERAGE
Overall -13.8%
Housing -30.9%
Groceries -1.6%
Utilities -11.2%

DO I QUALIFY?

  • Currently certified as a law enforcement officer. If not currently certified in the state of Missouri, with a Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A Peace Officer License, candidates may be allowed to complete written, physical and oral testing. However, Missouri Class A certification must be obtained prior to starting the lateral academy. (Contact Missouri P.O.S.T. at 573-751-4905 to find out how to get your Class A or visit the Missouri P.O.S.T. website).
  • Must have a minimum of two years full-time civilian law enforcement experience in any state, within the last five years. Primary duties must include responding to calls for service, conducting preliminary and/or follow-up investigations of crimes, responding to traffic accidents, and apprehending, detaining and arresting suspects.
  • High school diploma or GED
  • U.S. citizen.
  • 21 years of age at commission.
  • No felony convictions.
  • No domestic violence convictions.
  • Can pass a psychological and physical exam and background check.
  • May not have more than one DWI, DUI, or BAC and no conviction in the past three years.
  • May not have been at fault in more than one traffic accident in the past twelve months.
  • No objectionable tattoos and no head, face or neck tattoos

APPLY FOR TEST (Requires creating an account)

UPCOMING TEST DATES

2/14/25 • 3/14/25 • 4/18/25

female officer and youth in the aisle of a store, smiling at the camera

SALARY RANGE

The starting pay for Lateral Police Officers is discretionary and based on numerous factors including, but not limited to years of law enforcement service, law enforcement assignments, special training and agency size.

Full salary scale: $55,619.20 - $82,139.20

Each year, with a satisfactory evaluation, Officers receive a pay increase.

$10,000 hiring incentive paid after you complete the in-house training academy

Student loan reimbursement $2,500 per year for five years, not to exceed $12,500

JOB BENEFITS

  • $50-$125 travel vouchers during entry/follow-up testing + one overnight hotel stay, depending on distance

  • Relocation cost reimbursement up to $5000

  • Zero-dollar health insurance premiums with tiered options for spouse and family.

  • Voluntary dental and voluntary life insurance

  • Cafeteria plan which includes medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts

  • Non-contribution required pension program

  • Paid leave

  • 24-hour fitness access

  • Annual clothing allowance: $1450

  • Tuition reimbursement and educational incentive

QUESTIONS?

JUST ASK OUR RECRUITER

READY TO JOIN?

GET STARTED NOW

head to waist portrait of officer john van gorden in his police uniform