SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
SIX IMPORTANT STEPS TO BECOMING AN OFFICER
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION
Becoming an officer with the Springfield Police Department starts by filling out an online application to connect with a recruiter.
You’ll receive an email within about a week of applying (if you haven’t received it, check your spam folder) that will inform you of your testing date. Once you do, you’ll receive additional required forms via email as well.
DO I QUALIFY?
- Possess high school diploma or GED, AND
- Any of the following options to fulfill the necessary qualifications to test with us:
- 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university; OR
- Class A POST certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A POST program with successful passing of POST exam within six months of application deadline; OR
- Two (2) years of experience as a Police Service Representative; OR
- Two (2) years of experience as a Traffic Services Officer; OR
- Two (2) years of experience as a 911 dispatcher and/or telecommunicator; OR
- Two (2) years of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge; OR
- Four (4) years of honorable military service in national guard or armed forces reserves; OR
- Three (3) years of full-time successful ownership and management of a business within the last five (5) years; OR
- Three (3) years of full-time employment as a correctional or detention officer within the last five (5) years; OR
- Three (3) years of full-time employment as a licensed professional security or private security contractor within the last five (5) years; OR
- Three (3) years of full-time employment working in the professional trade industry within the last five (5) years; OR
- Three (3) years of full-time employment in the last five (5) years providing paraprofessional work experience to the public or community in one of the following fields: social services, health care services, and/or education.
- U.S. citizen.
- 21 years of age at commission.
- Excellent physical condition.
- No felony convictions.
- No conviction for domestic assault.
- 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.
- Meet vision and hearing standards.
- No objectionable tattoos and no head, face or neck tattoos.
STEP 2: PHYSICAL & WRITTEN EXAMS
Next up is the physical agility test and written exam.
PHYSICAL EXAM
- 100 meter sprint
- Pushing a vehicle 15 feet
- Vertical jump
- 6-foot wall climb
- 3-foot wall climb
- Window climb
- Dummy drag
- Subject resistance
- Stair climb
- Trigger pull
WRITTEN EXAM
TEST PREP RESOURCES
PHYSICAL
- Come recovered, with at least 24-48 hours, from any other physical activity prior to this testing.
- Hydrate properly, at least 24 hours prior to testing.
- Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before the physical agility testing for adequate energy levels to help performance.
- Proper rest prior to testing is also recommended (7-8 hours of sleep).
WRITTEN
UPCOMING TEST DATES
5/31/24 • 6/21/24
STEP 3: BEHAVIORAL-BASED IN-PERSON INTERVIEW
“Think about some of the most memorable or impactful experiences you have had at a job, and write those down for reference. Practice explaining the experience and your role in it with a friend. Practice will help make the interview experience less intimidating.”
“Do your research before going into your interview. The interviewers are silently rooting for you to do your best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to gain a clear understanding of what we are expecting in your response. An interview is nothing more than a conversation about you and how you will fit into the role.”
“Clearly and thoroughly explain technical terms, ask for questions to be repeated as needed, pause and reflect when you need to gather your thoughts, familiarize yourself with the job description, and communicate the skills you have based on the job description.”
“Be yourself! Interviewers want to know more about who you are, not who you think they want you to be. Authenticity helps keep the interview relatable and light.”
“Bring notes! Write down plenty of examples from your past positions, and bring them into your interview for reference. Take a breath - interviews are hard. Let us know how we can make you more comfortable.”
THE STAR METHOD
The City uses a behavior-based interview format. Behavior-based questions typically start with ‘Tell us about a time…’ or ‘Please provide an example of…’
An ideal response will include a story about a previous experience that includes details of the situation, the specific responsibility you held, the steps that you took to address it, and the outcomes from these actions.
This is the STAR method:
- S – Situation: What was the situation?
- T – Task: What tasks were involved in the situation?
- A – Actions: What actions did you take?
- R – Results: What were the results of these actions?
Using the STAR method ensures you provide detailed accounts of your past experience and provides us with the information we need to make an informed hiring decision. You can use examples from past work, school or volunteer experience.
STEP 6: START THE ACADEMY
Candidates who pass all phases of the selection process will be confirmed to start with the next scheduled SPD Academy. SPD is unique in that we run our own academy. Recruits are paid employees of the City of Springfield and receive benefits during the 6-month training academy. Upon graduation, Police Recruits move to Police Officers (and receive a pay raise) and begin 13 weeks of field training with a Field Training Officer.
A PREMIER ACADEMY
The six-month Springfield Police Academy program prepares you for a successful career serving and protecting the Springfield community, and has been recognized as one of the best programs in the state.
Our experienced and professional training staff will equip you with modern policing tactics, prepare you to obtain and maintain your POST certification, and provide an in-depth understanding of local and state law. Our Academy is both mentally and physically demanding, with a balance of hands-on training, classroom work, and physical fitness.
The Springfield Police Academy is recognized by several local colleges, and offers transferrable General Study credits to Officers who wish to pursue a degree during their career.
ACADEMY STARTS
SEPTEMBER 2024
SALARY RANGE
Police Recruits start at $47,195 during the 6-month Academy.
Upon graduation, new Officers receive an automatic pay increase to $51,916.
| ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|
| $47,195.20 – Recruits, starting |
| $51,916.80 – Officers, starting |
Each year, with a satisfactory evaluation, Officers receive a pay increase.
JOB BENEFITS
QUESTIONS?
JUST ASK OUR RECRUITER
READY TO JOIN?
GET STARTED NOW
