Description

Police Officer (POST Certified & Trainee Opportunities Available)
City of Columbia, Missouri
Full-Time | $60,611 - $73,881 annually + Shift Differential | Police Department

Posting Number: 4167P
Department: Police
Division: Operations / Patrol
Job Code: 03001
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation: CPOA
Pay Grade: P2
Number of Openings: Establishing Eligibility Roster
Application Deadline: June 17, 2026
Open Until Filled: No

Schedule: 12-hour shifts (assigned based on seniority, including nights, weekends, and holidays)

The City of Columbia Police Department is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals ready to make a difference in their community. Whether you are an experienced law enforcement professional or just starting your career, this is an opportunity to serve, protect, and build a meaningful career with one of the most respected municipalities in Missouri.

Starting Pay and Career Path Opportunities:

POST Certified Officers: $60,611 to $73,881 annually ($29.14 to $35.52 per hour), plus $1.00 per hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Lateral Entry: Officers with prior law enforcement or qualifying military experience may enter at a higher pay level based on up to 10 years of service. Final determination is made by the Police Chief or designee.

Not POST Certified: The City of Columbia will pay for your police academy training. While attending the academy, Police Officer Trainees earn $53,872 annually ($25.90 per hour), plus applicable shift differential. Upon successful completion and POST certification, salary increases to $60,611 annually.

In addition to competitive pay, the City of Columbia offers one of the strongest benefits packages in the region, including retirement plans, health coverage, paid time off, and long-term career advancement opportunities.

Position Summary:

Police Officers are responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, and building strong relationships within the community. Officers respond to calls for service, conduct investigations, enforce traffic laws, and support public safety through proactive policing and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Enforce federal, state, and local laws to ensure public safety
Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
Conduct investigations, collect and analyze evidence, and prepare reports
Patrol assigned areas and enforce traffic regulations
Maintain positive relationships with citizens and community organizations
Provide court testimony as required
Complete detailed documentation and administrative reports
Participate in ongoing training and professional development
Mentor and support fellow officers as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required
Associate's degree or college coursework in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or related field preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong understanding of laws, ordinances, and law enforcement procedures
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in high-pressure situations
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Capability to manage stressful or confrontational situations with professionalism
Ability to safely operate police vehicles, equipment, and approved weapons
Ability to provide credible court testimony
Ability to maintain a permanent residence within a 50-mile radius of the Columbia Police Department within 180 days of hire
Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position involves both indoor and outdoor work in a variety of environments, including patrol vehicles, roadways, and public spaces. Officers may encounter hostile individuals, extreme weather conditions, loud environments, and physically demanding situations.

Physical requirements include exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and maintaining the physical and mental fitness necessary to perform essential job functions. Candidates must pass a post-offer medical physical and maintain required health standards throughout employment.

Additional requirements may include use of respiratory protection equipment.

Application Process and Testing Requirements:

All applicants are required to complete an online police officer assessment.

After submitting your application, you will receive:
An email from hr@como.gov with application instructions
An email from TestGenius with a link to complete the required online test

The assessment must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CST on June 17, 2026.

Applicants must use a laptop or desktop computer to complete the test. Mobile phones, tablets, and Chromebooks are not supported.

Candidates who achieve a passing score will be contacted with next steps in the hiring process.

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573-874-2489 or TTY 711 (Missouri Relay).

The City of Columbia is a merit-based, affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program. Pre-employment drug testing is required.