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
This test shall be considered physically
demanding and it is vitally important for
applicants to properly prepare for the
test. Prepare both physically and
mentally for the test.
- 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
2023 TEST DATES
9/15 • 10/6 • 11/3
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
JANUARY, 2023
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
