Entry-Level Police Officer

Police Officer - Regular Full-Time position with the Missoula Police Department (MPD). We are actively seeking qualified candidates to join our team of 118 sworn officers and help fulfill our mission of serving the City of Missoula.

About the role

This position patrols an assigned area of the City on an assigned shift in a radio-equipped vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, including traffic safety enforcement and citations.

Responsibilities

• Check businesses and residences.
• Discover and prevent the commission of crimes.
• Enforce state and municipal laws and ordinances.
• Respond to calls for assistance, including motor vehicle crashes, assaults, domestic disturbances, thefts, and other criminal or civil complaints.
• Intervene in disputes and re-establish law and order at the scene.
• Frequently deal with DUI suspects/offenders, other intoxicated persons, and persons with mental disorders, taking appropriate action.
• Identify, collect, and preserve items of evidence; photograph items needed during investigations.
• Identify witnesses and conduct preliminary investigations.
• Cooperate with patrol and detective divisions to investigate criminal activity.
• Apprehend suspects, make arrests, and issue citations.
• Arrest persons with outstanding arrest warrants.
• Ensure efforts to apprehend offenders are fully explored.
• Process arrested persons into jail in accordance with state, federal, and department guidelines.
• Prepare documentation of activities performed and information gathered.
• Follow up on complaints and cases; interview complainants and victims to obtain pertinent information.
• Coordinate with prosecutors and court staff to issue warrants and subpoenas, conduct pretrial research, and prepare testimony.
• Respond to questions and requests from citizens; assist in making presentations.
• Serve as Bailiff, School Safety Officer, Special Team member, School Resource Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, or in other training/instructor positions as assigned.

Requirements

• Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
• High school graduate or GED.
• Successfully complete written testing, physical testing, oral interviews, psychological and background investigation, medical and eye exam, and drug screen.
• Citizen of the United States of America.
• Acceptable results of a thorough background investigation.
• For all males 18 or older, registered with the Selective Service.
• Possess a valid driver’s license from their State of residence at the time of application with no restrictions or traffic infractions that would preclude obtaining a Montana driver’s license immediately upon appointment.
• Reside within 60 miles of the Missoula City limits at the start of employment (reasonable exceptions may be considered).
• Successfully complete the Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT), Conditional Offer of Employment appointments (physical exam, eye exam, psychological exam, and drug screen), Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) (12 weeks in Helena, Montana), 6-week Advanced Academy (in-house), and 14-week Field Training and Evaluation Program.

Skills

• Knowledge of the Montana Code Annotated and the Missoula Municipal Code pertaining to police activities and public safety.
• Knowledge of federal, state, county, and City of Missoula laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the policies, goals, and procedures of the Missoula Police Department.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, methods, techniques, and practices, including investigation, intelligence, surveillance, court procedures, community relations, identification, patrol, special weapons and tactics, traffic control, report preparation, custody of persons and property, and crime prevention.
• Knowledge of equipment used in law enforcement, including weaponry, communications, personal computers, and automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of street names and locations in the City of Missoula and surrounding area.
• Skill in performing day-to-day operations of a police officer.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• Skill in communicating in person, in writing, and on two-way radio.
• Skill in preparing reports documenting facts and actions regarding criminal and civil law enforcement incidents.
• Skill in conducting investigations of criminal activities.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, other law enforcement agencies, criminal justice system staff, the business community, and citizens.

Benefits

• Market-competitive salary of $95,326.40 annually.
• Work/life balance, including the possibility of flexible schedules and remote work opportunities.
• $0 premium for health and dental coverage for employees; affordable premiums for family coverage.
• $10,000 employer-sponsored Accidental Death and Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy.
• Options for supplemental life, disability, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• Constitutionally guaranteed retirement plan with the City contributing 8.77% of salary; ability to contribute to a supplemental deferred compensation program.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts.
• Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Schedule

Regular, full-time position.

Application deadline: Sunday, October 4, 2026, 11:59 PM MST. Applicants must complete an online written examination, which requires a $25 testing fee paid directly to the testing provider. A valid Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) score is required; scores are valid for six months from the date of completion. Veterans preference is available with applicable documentation (e.g., DD214).