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SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: The City of Columbia, Missouri is seeking highly motivated and dependable individuals willing to provide a professional level of police services to our community.The starting salary for Missouri POST Certified officers is a $60,611.20 ($29.14/hr) minimum to $73,881.60 ($35.25/hr) maximum - plus a shift differential of $1.00/hr for all hours worked from 6:00PM - 6:00AM. Police officers hired with full-time law enforcement experience or military service that consists of law and order operations that are substantially similar to the duties of a Columbia Police Officer will make a lateral entry into the compensation plan based on their years of service up to ten years. The final determination on later entry pay will be made by the Police Chief or designee. Not POST Certified?Your academy tuition is paid for and the salary for non-POST Certified officers (Police Officers in Training - while attending the police academy) is $53,874 ($25.90/hr plus a shift differential of $1.00/hr for all hours worked from 6:00PM - 6:00AM)Upon successful completion of academy training and obtaining Missouri POST Certification, you will earn $60.611/yr ($29.14/hr).As a City of Columbia, Missouri employee, you will receive one of the best employment benefit packages in the state. NOTE -An online police officer test is required for all applicants. After you have submitted your application and resume, you will receive an email with additional information from hr@como.gov and an email with a test link from testgenius.com. Please follow all instructions in the emails. You will need to complete the online test before 11:59PM CST on December 31st, 2026. You will also need access to a laptop or desktop computer to complete the required test. DO NOT use a cellphone, tablet, or Chromebook to take the test.Upon achieving a passing score on the required online test, you will be notified of the next steps in our selection process.

Responsibilities

The purpose of this job is to enforce the law and protect citizens within the community. Detects and prevents crime in assigned area and completes administrative duties as required. Participates in training and continuing education. Responds to calls, conducts investigations, promotes problem solving activities, and provides court testimony as necessary.

Ensures safety and security of citizens by enforcing laws and ordinances.
Maintains and develops partnerships and relationships with citizens and community organizations.
Conducts investigations; collects and examines evidence.
Patrols city roadways, enforces traffic ordinances, directs traffic and investigates traffic accidents.
Adheres to legal protocols and processes.
Participates in ongoing training and maintains required certification and licensure.
Provides court testimony as necessary.
Performs administrative duties; completes and maintains accurate records and documentation.
Instructs and mentors co-workers.
Participates in meetings.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience Requirements

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associate's Degree or 2 years of college in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or related field preferred.

Knowledge of:

Relevant federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Departmental policies and procedures.
Law enforcement vehicles, equipment, tools, and technology.

Skill in:

Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and/or technicial data.
Preparing and maintaining detailed and accurate reports.

Ability to:

Process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
Operate police vehicles, approved weapons, and equipment safely and effectively.
Render credible testimony.
Maintain a permanent residence within a 50-mile straight line radius of the Columbia Police Department, 600 E. Walnut St, Columbia, MO within 180 days of hire.
To work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner.
Work varied shifts to include nights, weekdays, and holidays.

Benefits

Health insurance Dental Vision Retirement Paid time off

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Police Officer

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