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 years of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge; OR
- Four years of honorable military service in national guard or armed forces reserves; OR
- Missouri Class B certification as a peace officer plus at least two years
of full-time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years; OR - Two years of experience as a Police Services Representative; OR
- 3 years as an SPD Cadet and 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university
- U.S. citizen.
- 21 years of age at commission.
- Excellent physical condition.
- No felony convictions.
- No conviction for domestic assault.
- 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 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
APPLY FOR TEST (Requires creating an account)
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
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.
PAY SCALE STEPS
Each year, with a satisfactory evaluation, Officers receive a pay increase.
| CAREER STEP | ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|---|
| Recruits, starting | $47,195.20 |
| Officers, starting | $51,916.80 |
| Step 6 | $54,516.80 |
| Step 7 | $57,241.60 |
| Step 8 | $60,091.20 |
| Step 9 | $63,107.20 |
| Step 10 | $66,268.80 |
| Step 11 | $69,576.00 |
| Step 12 | $73,049.60 |
| Step 13 | $76,710.40 |
| Step 14 | $80,516.80 |
JOB BENEFITS
