What is Required

If you have any questions, please contact:

 SJPD Recruitment Officer
 816-273-9134

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR A POLICE OFFICER

  • Citizen of the United States
  • Age 21 (by time of appointment)
  • Possesses a high school degree or GED
  • Never convicted of a felony
  • Of good moral character
  • Vision correctable to 20/20

STEPS IN BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER

  • Complete a standard Application Form; attach copy of resume (optional)
  • Pass a Written Examination
  • Pass a Physical Agility Test

STEPS ADMINISTERED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • Police Records Check
  • Background Investigation
  • Polygraph Examination (Lie Detector Test)
  • Assessment Panel Interview

STEPS TO BE COMPLETED AFTER CONTINGENT JOB OFFER

  • Psychological Examination
  • Medical Examination by a licensed physician
  • Pass a Drug Screen
  • Obtain POST certification, if not already certified

Appointment will be conditional on successful completion of the medical examination, psychological examination and drug screen. Continued employment for those hired who are not POST certified is contingent upon successful completion of POST certification.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Written tests will be administered as set by the Human Resource Department in conjunction with the Police Department. Applicants who successfully complete the written test will be eligible to participate in the physical agility testing. Testing dates will vary depending on need. The list of those who have successfully completed both the written and physical ability tests will then be sent to the Chief of Police.
After a review of the applicants on the list (normally within 4 to 6 weeks), applicants selected to participate in the assessment panel interview will be notified in writing of the date they are scheduled to appear. The Professional Standards Unit will then conduct a background investigation (normally within 4 weeks). Applicants determined to be ineligible during processes conducted by the Police Department (steps 4 through 7) will be notified in writing by the Police Department. Selected applicants will receive a written contingent job offer. At that time applicants will be directed in the procedures for completing steps 8 through 12 listed. Applications from persons who do not receive contingent job offers will be kept on file for one year from the date of the written test, and will be used when/if any subsequent openings occur prior to the one year deadline. Applicants may reapply with the Human Resource Department after one year.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

The written examination will be administered annually. This will be reviewed throughout the year to determine if there is a need to test more frequently. Applicants must notify Human Resources if they will be participating in the test. If you fail to notify Human Resources that you wish to test, you will be required to wait until the next time the test is administered. The next test date is to be announced.

The test consists of four sections. Applicants must have 70% in at least two of the four sections AND 70% overall. The test is a pass/fail. If you fail the written test, there will be a six-month waiting period before you are eligible to test again. If you successfully complete the written test, you will be eligible to participate in the physical agility.

PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION

The physical agility test will consist of an obstacle course as outlined below:

  • Two laps around the Civic Arena
  • Jump a simulated 4 foot ditch
  • Vault a 4 foot wall
  • Traverse a balance beam approximately 8 feet long
  • Crawl through a simulated window
  • Up/Down steps 3 times, then 4 foot jump to floor
  • Drag a 175 pound body 50 feet
  • Carry a 25 pound box 50 feet
  • Sprint to the finish

The City reserves the right to modify the physical agility test without prior notice.

You must successfully complete every step of this selection process in order to be eligible for appointment as a Police Officer with the City of St. Joseph. Keep in mind that eligibility does not guarantee being hired nor does it guarantee standing on any employment list. We retain the right to limit the number of names appearing on the eligibility lists.

If you accept a job offer, you will, as a condition of employment, be required to sign an agreement to reimburse the City of St. Joseph, a pro-rated amount for costs associated with hiring, equipment and training, if you resign from the department prior to completion of three years of service.