POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE Position Available In Richland, South Carolina

Job ID55742
Location
Columbia
Full/Part TimePart-Time
Hiring Department
MU Police Department
Job Description

Overview:

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. If you’re passionate about helping others, value a team-oriented environment, and seek career growth with outstanding benefits, this could be your path forward.
What You’ll Do 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, Trainees are promoted to Police Officer and enter the department’s Field Training Program.
What You’ll Do as a

Police Officer:

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
Why Join MUPD?

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
Shift

Shift and Schedule:

Academy schedule determined by the training institution. After certification, we offer both 8-hour and 10-hour shift options across three rotating shifts: 1st (Day), 2nd (Afternoon), and 3rd (Overnight). Most of our officers work 10-hour shifts, which provide more days off and greater scheduling flexibility. Overtime may be required for special events.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent. A valid Missouri operator’s license (for positions at UMKC only, valid Kansas operator’s license acceptable).
Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

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
Anticipated Hiring Range

Pay & Benefits:

Pay Rate:

$23.88/hour during training
Promoted to $28.13/hour upon certification
Full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement (8% matching contributions)
Paid time off, short/long-term disability, caregiver and parental leave, and more

Grade:

GGS-007

University Title:

Police Officer Trainee
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Other Information
Selection Process (3-month timeline):
Application review and screening
Committee Interview
Background investigation, polygraph/voice stress analysis, and reference checking
Chief’s Interview
Conditional offer phase includes psychological and medical evaluations
Ready to Make a Difference? Apply today and join a department where purpose meets growth. Questions? Contact Lieutenant Jerry Armentrout at (573) 882-5804.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 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. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.