POST-Certified Police Officer

POST-Certified Police Officer position for candidates who have completed a qualifying Peace Officer Basic Course through a federal, state, local, or U.S. military law enforcement agency, or accumulated equivalent training and experience (minimum 512 hours).

Requirements

• Successfully completed probation and earned officer confirmation status through at least one year of sworn law enforcement service by February 5, 2027.
• In good standing with current or former certifying agency.
• Served in a law enforcement capacity within the last five years, in accordance with MCA 7-32-303.
• Final certification eligibility determined by the Montana POST Council.

To apply, submit a City of Missoula Application with the following attachments:

• POST-Certificate (basic)
• Officer Training Transcript

Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) Requirement

A valid Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) score is required as part of the selection process. Candidates are encouraged to complete the MPAT prior to their in-person interview. The Missoula Police Department will accept valid MPAT scores from other Montana law enforcement agencies, provided they are emailed directly to Diana Dattilo by 11:59 pm MST on November 22, 2026. MPAT scores are valid for six months. Candidates without a valid MPAT score at the time of their interview will be required to complete it on the day of the interview.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, or foot to preserve law and order, including traffic safety enforcement and citations.
• Check businesses and residences to prevent and discover criminal activity.
• 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.
• Handle DUI suspects, intoxicated persons, and individuals with mental disorders.
• Identify, collect, and preserve evidence; photograph items as needed.
• Identify witnesses and conduct preliminary investigations.
• Cooperate with patrol and detective divisions to investigate criminal activity.
• Apprehend suspects, make arrests, and issue citations.
• Process arrested persons into jail in accordance with state, federal, and department guidelines.
• Prepare documentation of activities and information gathered.
• Follow up on complaints and cases, interview complainants and victims, and gather pertinent information.
• Coordinate with prosecutors and court staff for warrants, subpoenas, pretrial research, and testimony.
• Respond to citizen questions and requests; assist in making presentations.
• Serve in specialized roles such as Bailiff, School Safety Officer, Special Team member, School Resource Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer, or Firearms Instructor.

Skills

• Knowledge of Montana Code Annotated and Missoula Municipal Code pertaining to police activities and public safety.
• Knowledge of federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of Missoula Police Department policies, goals, and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, methods, and practices, including investigation, patrol, and crime prevention.
• Knowledge of equipment used in law enforcement, including weaponry, communications, and automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of street names and locations in Missoula and surrounding areas.
• Skill in performing day-to-day police operations and interpreting complex statutes and regulations.
• Skill in communicating effectively in person, in writing, and via two-way radio.
• Skill in preparing reports documenting law enforcement incidents.
• Skill in conducting criminal investigations.
• Skill in establishing effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the community.

Qualifications

• Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
• High school graduate or GED.
• U.S. citizen.
• Registered with the Selective Service (if male and 18 or older).
• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions preventing immediate obtainment of a Montana license.
• Must reside within 60 miles of Missoula City limits at the start of employment (exceptions considered).
• Successfully complete oral interviews, psychological evaluation, and background investigation.
• Successfully complete MPAT, POST-legal equivalency, POST DUI Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) course, 4-week Advanced Academy, and 14-week Field Training and Evaluation Program as part of a conditional offer.

Benefits

• Market-competitive salary.
• Work/life balance, including 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.