Police Patrol Officer

Next testing date: August 20, 2026
Location: Richland County Law & Justice Center, 300 12th Ave. NW, Sidney, Montana 59270

About the role

The Sidney Police Department is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Patrol Officers. We welcome both entry-level and lateral transfer candidates. If you are passionate about serving the community, thrive in a team environment, and are eager to develop your skills in a rewarding career, this opportunity may be for you.

Prior law enforcement experience qualifies for lateral entry starting at $36.02/hr ($74,921.60 annually).

The Sidney Police Department operates with core values of Integrity, Service, Respect, Community, and Family. We emphasize servant leadership and hold our officers to the highest professional and personal standards. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting life, property, and the Constitutional rights of all people.

Sidney is an agricultural community of approximately 6,500 people in eastern Montana, near the North Dakota border and the Bakken oil shale region. The area has seen significant growth due to increased oil production and related industries.

Pay

• Starting wage (Non-POST Certified): $32.67/hr
• 1-2 years of experience: $34.30/hr
• 3-5 years of experience: $36.02/hr
• Shift Differential Pay: $1.00/hr, $1.50/hr, or $2.00/hr depending on the shift
• Incentive Pay (per month):
  • Education:
    • Associate degree: $50.00
    • Bachelor’s degree: $100.00
    • Master’s degree: $150.00
  • POST Certificate:
    • Intermediate: $50.00
    • Advanced: $100.00
    • Supervisory: $125.00
• Specialty Assignment Pay
• Longevity Pay

Benefits

• Vacation accrued at 10 hours per month
• Sick leave accrued at 8 hours per month
• Holiday pay
• Medical insurance
• Municipal Police Officer Retirement System
• All uniforms and duty gear provided

Selection Process

The selection process includes the following phases:

• Initial Phase:
  • Montana POST application
  • Resume submission
• Testing Phase:
  • National Police Officer Selection Test (75-minute written exam covering Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing; minimum 70% required in each section)
  • Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
  • Oral Board Interview
• Next Phases (additional details available on the Sidney Police Department website):
  • Conditional offer of employment contingent on successful completion of remaining phases
  • Comprehensive background investigation (including personal history questionnaire, verification of education, employment, criminal, driving, and financial history)
  • Psychological assessment
  • Pre-employment medical examination and drug screening

All new hires are subject to a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a good driving record and possess or be able to obtain a Montana driver’s license by time of appointment
• Ability to obtain POST certification within twelve (12) months of hire
• No felony convictions
• No misdemeanor convictions within the last 5 years
• Ability to legally possess a firearm
• Must be of good moral character
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge and skills in operating computer systems
• Must be of sound physical and mental health
• Ability to perform essential functions of this position

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations
• Excellent personal character
• Desire to learn and grow professionally
• Willingness to serve the community
• Alignment with the department’s core values of Integrity, Service, Respect, Community, and Family