FAQ on Recruiting

Do I have to have a MO commission (already attended an academy) to get hired by St. Joe?

No. You do not have to have a MO commission to be hired.  You can be hired by us then sent to the Law Enforcement Academy to obtain your POST License.

What if I'm already an officer with another Missouri city? Do I still need to attend another academy?

No. As long as you have a current Class A or Class B commission, you could potentially be hired by the St. Joseph Police Department.

Do I have to live in St. Joseph to be a police officer there?

No. You do not have to live within the city limits, or Missouri for that matter, to work for St. Joe.

When I test, will I take both the written and physical exam the same day?

Yes. The written test is given in the morning and if you pass, you will be invited to take the physical agility test, given that afternoon.

What shifts do patrol officers work?

Currently, patrol officers work 12-hour shifts. These shifts alternate, 2 days work, 2 days off, 3 days work, 3 days off.  This allows for officers to have every other weekend off of work. 

How soon can I put in for a specialty assignment, like K9 or Special Response Team?

We require that you put in 2 years as a patrol officer before being eligible for specialty units.

How long will I be on the hiring list?

Currently we hold the testing process the first Wednesday of every month at 8am. There is a background packet that is required to be completed by the Friday before the scheduled testing.  If this packet is not turned in, you will have to wait until the next month to test. Once you complete the Written Exam, you will be on the hiring list until you are either hired or disqualified in one of the background process steps.

How many people are hired off of each hiring list?

That truly depends on the amount of retirements or openings we have, which cannot be pre-determined.