POLICE OFFICER

Hiring Department

University of Missouri Columbia Police MU Police

Job Description

Overview:

At the University of Missouri Police Department, law enforcement is about more than just policing — it’s about building community, fostering trust, and protecting the future. As a certified Police Officer at MUPD, you will work in a dynamic, university-centered environment where your contributions matter. With various responsibilities, community engagement, and a supportive team, this is your chance to do meaningful work — and grow while doing it.

What You’ll Do:

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, or foot
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and public assistance calls
• Enforce laws, university rules, and traffic regulations
• Conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses
• Write detailed reports and testify in court as needed
• Make arrests, transport detainees, and complete processing
• Assist with events, traffic control, and community outreach
• Provide first aid and support during crises

Why Join MUPD?

• Case Ownership: Officers often manage incidents from start to finish
• Broad Community Interaction: Work with students, faculty, staff, and healthcare professionals
• Community Trust: Be part of a department known for compassion and professionalism
• Career Flexibility and Growth: Opportunities to train new recruits, serve in specialized roles, and advance into training roles, or leadership.
• Educational Incentives: Tuition discounts for you and your family across the UM System
• Continuous Training Opportunities: Drug Enforcement, DWI, Reporting, Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques

Shift

Shift and Schedule: We offer both 8-hour and 10-hour shift options across three rotating shifts: 1st (Day), 2nd (Afternoon), and 3rd (Overnight). Most of our officers work 10-hour shifts, which provide more days off and greater scheduling flexibility. Overtime may be required for special events.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. A valid Missouri operator's license (for positions at UMKC only, valid Kansas operator's license acceptable). Must obtain and maintain Missouri POST certification in accordance with current state requirements. Certification may be required prior to appointment and is mandatory once employed.

Preferred Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and Missouri residency required by the date of appointment
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
• No felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions
• No alcohol consumption within the last six months due to addiction to alcohol
• No illegal use, manufacture, sale, or cultivation of any controlled substance within the past two years (as defined by Missouri state statute); limited, legal, or experimental marijuana use may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
• No criminal history that would disqualify licensing under Missouri POST requirements, including RSMo Sections 590.080.1 and 590.100.1
• Successful completion of a Missouri POST-approved Basic Law Enforcement Training Center, passage of the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam, and active certification as a peace officer in the State of Missouri
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Ability to type and effectively utilize law enforcement technology systems

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $28.13 - $30.68/hour

Grade: GGS-009

University Title: Police Officer

Other Information

Selection Process (3-month timeline):

• Application review and screening
• Committee Interview
• Background investigation, polygraph/voice stress analysis and reference checking
• Chief's Interview
• Conditional offer phase includes psychological and medical evaluations

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply today and join a department where purpose meets growth. Questions? Contact Assistant Chief Jerry Armentrout at (573) 882-5804.

NOTE: we are in the process of changing the selection process. You will be notified of any changes via email.

Agencies Policy on Reapplication:

The Police Department allows applicants not selected to reapply. This includes all applicants who successfully completed the selection process but were not offered employment. All applicants must reapply to be considered in future positions. Applicants who fail portions of the selection process will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be notified in writing of their elimination/non-selection in the process and a determination on reapplication and/or testing.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.