POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Are you ready to begin a career that makes a real impact? The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) is looking for individuals driven by purpose, service, and community to join our team as Police Officer Trainees. This full-time, entry-level role offers paid academy training and a pathway to becoming a fully sworn Police Officer.

About the role

This position provides paid academy training and a structured pathway to becoming a fully sworn Police Officer with the University of Missouri Police Department.

Responsibilities

As a Trainee

• Attend and successfully complete an approved Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy.
• Prepare for and pass the Missouri POST licensing exam.
• Participate in training, mentorship, and departmental orientation while at the academy.
• Support non-sworn department functions as assigned.

Upon successful completion of academy training and POST certification

• 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, and interview witnesses.
• Write detailed reports and testify in court as needed.
• Make arrests, transport detainees, and complete processing.
• Assist with events, traffic control, and campus outreach.
• Provide first aid and support during crises.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Missouri operator's license (for positions at UMKC only, valid Kansas operator's license acceptable).
• Must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri by the date of appointment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must not have been convicted of any Felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense.
• Must not have consumed alcoholic beverages within the past six months due to alcohol addiction.
• Must not have illegally used, manufactured, sold, or cultivated any controlled substance (as defined by Missouri state statutes) within the past two years; limited, legal, or experimental marijuana use may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Must be in compliance with Missouri POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) licensing and drug use eligibility requirements, including RSMo Sections 590.080.1 and 590.100.1.

Benefits

• Academy Sponsorship: We cover the cost of your training.
• Structured Mentorship: Learn from seasoned officers and prepare for your career.
• Tuition Discounts: Available to you and your family across the UM System.
• Career Growth: Pathways into specialized units, training roles, and leadership.
• Team Culture: Experience camaraderie, community support, and leadership you can count on.
• Continuous Training Opportunities: Drug Enforcement, DWI, Reporting, Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques.
• Comprehensive benefits package: 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.

Pay

$26.45/hour during training, promoted to $28.85/hour upon certification.

Schedule

Academy schedule determined by the training institution. After certification, both 8-hour and 10-hour shift options are available across three rotating shifts: 1st (Day), 2nd (Afternoon), and 3rd (Overnight). Most officers work 10-hour shifts, which provide more days off and greater scheduling flexibility. Overtime may be required for special events.

Expected start date: August 1, 2026, to enroll in the Law Enforcement Training Institute for the 2026 LETI class on August 31, 2026. Applicants not hired for this class may be considered for the January 2027 class.