Entry-Level Police Officer

Salary : $95,326.40 Annually
Location : Missoula, Montana
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 00740
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Overview
Police Officer - Regular Full-Time position


The Missoula Police Department (MPD) is actively seeking qualified candidates to join our team and help fulfill our mission of serving the City of Missoula. With a current force of 118 sworn officers, we are dedicated to building a pool of eligible applicants to fill vacant positions as needed.

Details: Deadline for completing the application is Sunday, October 4, 2026, 11:59 PM M ST

Online Written Examination Requirement

• Applicants for the Entry-Level Police Officer position must first submit a City of Missoula Application.
• After application is submitted, eligible candidates will be advanced to the next step in the selection process. Candidates who move forward will receive instructions regarding the required online written examination through the agency's designated testing provider. The testing provider will contact candidates directly to schedule the examination.
• Candidates should be aware that completion of the online written examination requires payment of a $25 testing fee, which is paid directly to the testing provider prior to testing.
• For complete details regarding the hiring process, testing dates and requirements, timelines, and other important candidate information, applicants should review the webpage on the Missoula Police Department's website.

Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) Requirement

• A valid Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) score is required as part of the Entry-Level Police Officer selection process. Candidates are encouraged to complete the MPAT prior to their in-person interview. The Missoula Police Department will accept valid MPAT scores completed through other Montana law enforcement agencies. For candidates who complete the MPAT prior to their in-person interview, the MPAT score must be valid as of December 13, 2026. MPAT scores are valid for six months from the date of completion.
• Candidates who have completed a MPAT through another Montana law enforcement agency must contact the agency that administered the test and request that their official MPAT score be emailed directly to no later than 11:59 pm MST on December 13, 2026. MPAT scores submitted directly by applicants will not be accepted.
• Candidates who do not have a valid MPAT score by the time of their in-person interview will be required to complete the MPAT on the day of their in-person interview. Successful completion of the MPAT is required to continue in the hiring process.
• For complete MPAT requirements, submission instructions, deadlines, and testing information, applicant should review the webpage on the Missoula Police Department website.

The City of Missoula will not accept incomplete or late applications. It is in your best interest to review the accuracy of your application before submitting your application for consideration. No additional documents are required at the time of application and will not be forwarded to the Hiring Committee for review. Please do not attach unrequested files to your application.

Cover Letter and Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.


If you have specific questions about the process and future interview scheduling, please contact Diana Dattilo with the Missoula Police Department at or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The Application and Pre-Screening Short Form may take up to a full hour or more to complete. The in-depth application process is part of the preparation for a background investigation for successful candidates.


The Pre-Screening Short Form will ask a series of questions, most of which are about your past. In some cases, these past events may disqualify a candidate from employment, and in others, they may not. Remember that most people have things in their past they would prefer other people not to know. MPD understands this may be a difficult and sometimes embarrassing process, but please do not make assumptions about circumstances you believe may disqualify you. Be honest and forthright, and let the hiring committee make that determination. All criminal justice agencies have different standards for hiring and employment. For you to be successful in our hiring process you must be completely truthful in your answers. Let us evaluate your answers in light of our hiring standards. Any deliberate attempts to withhold information will result in your removal from the employment list.
Veterans Preference
If you are seeking employment preference, please include applicable documentation (i.e. DD214) when submitting your application materials. If you have specific questions regarding the application or need accommodation, please contact the HR Recruitment Specialist Emmalee Plenger at View email address on click.appcast.io or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Essential Functions
Patrols an assigned area of the City on an assigned shift in a radio-equipped vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, including traffic safety enforcement and citations. The following tasks are typically required of a Police Officer:

• Checking businesses and residences.
• Discovering and preventing the commission of crimes.
• Enforcing state and municipal laws and ordinances.
• Responds to calls for assistance, including motor vehicle crashes, assaults, domestic disturbances, thefts, and other criminal or civil complaints
• Intervenes in disputes and re-establishes law and order at the scene.
• Frequently deals with DUI suspects/offenders, other intoxicated persons, and person with mental disorders and takes appropriate action.

• Identify items of evidence as well as properly collect and preserve noted items.
• Photograph any items needed during the course of the investigation.
• Identifies witnesses, conducts preliminary investigations.
• Cooperate with other members of both the patrol and detective divisions to effectively and collectively investigate criminal activity.

• Apprehends suspects, makes arrests, issues citations
• Arrests persons with outstanding arrest warrants.
• Assure efforts to apprehend offenders are fully explored
• Ensures that arrested persons are processed into jail in accordance with state and federal guidelines and Police Department standards.
• Prepares documentation of activities performed and information gathered.

• Shall follow up all complaints and cases assigned to them. They shall interview complainants and victims as soon as reasonably possible and obtain all available pertinent information.

• Coordinates with prosecutors and court staff to issue warrants and subpoenas, conduct pretrial research and dispositions, and prepare testimony.
• Responds to questions and requests from citizens; assists in making presentations.

This list does not include all of the duties that may be required of a police officer. Some positions serve as Bailiff, School Safety Officer, Special Team members, School Resource officers, Crime Prevention Officers, Motorcycle Officers, Field Training Officers, Firearms Instructors, and in other training/instructor positions; performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Montana Code Annotated and the Missoula Municipal Code pertaining to police activities and public safety.
• Knowledge of federal, state, county, and City of Missoula laws and ordinances to be enforced.
• Knowledge of the policies, goals, and procedures of the Missoula Police Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision and training.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, methods, techniques, and practices including investigation, intelligence, surveillance, court procedures, community relations, identification, patrol, special weapons and tactics, traffic control, report preparation, custody of persons and property, and crime prevention.
• Knowledge of equipment used in law enforcement, including weaponry, communications, personal computers, and automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of the street names and locations in the City of Missoula and surrounding area.
• Skill in performing the day-to-day operations of a police officer.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• Skill in communicating, in person, in writing, and on two-way radio.
• Skill in preparing reports documenting the facts and actions regarding criminal and civil law enforcement incidents.
• Skill in conducting investigations of criminal activities.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, other law enforcement agencies, criminal justice system staff, the business community, and citizens.

Qualifications and Additional Application Materials


Minimum Requirements Under Montana State Statute

• Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
• High School graduate or GED
• Successfully complete written testing, physical testing, oral interviews, psychological and background investigation, medical and eye exam, and drug screen;
• Citizen of the United States of America;
• Acceptable results of a thorough background investigation;
• For all males 18 or older, registered with the Selective Service
• Possessing a valid driver's license from their State of residence at the time of application AND have no restrictions or traffic infractions which would preclude obtaining a Montana driver's license immediately upon appointment
• All Missoula City Police Officers must reside within 60 miles of the Missoula City limits on the start of employment. Reasonable exceptions may be considered upon request.
• Additional requirement standards to become a Peace Officer in Montana refer to MCA (7-32-303)
• As part of a conditional offer of employment, must successfully complete the MPAT, Conditional Offer of Employment appointments (physical exam, eye, psychological exam, and drug screen), Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) (12 weeks in Helena, Montana), 6-week Advanced Academy (in-house), and 14-week Field Training and Evaluation Program.

Some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, whatever their background. The City of Missoula will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

The City of Missoula will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

• Market-Competitive Salary
• Work/life balance, including the possibility of flexible schedules and remote work opportunities
• $0 premium for health and dental coverage for employees and 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
• Constitutionally with the City contributing 8.77% of salary on your behalf and the ability to contribute to a supplemental deferred compensation program
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts
• The City of Missoula may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Look to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Additional benefits package information is available
01


Please provide specific dates of unemployment since age 18 (format: XX/XX/XXXX). Indicate N/A if you have had no periods of unemployment.
02


Have you ever tested or applied with the Missoula Police Department? If yes, please list dates. If no, indicate N/A.
Required Question