ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Police Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

City of St. Joseph

Police Officer

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$55K/yr

Police Officer DEPARTMENT: Police DIVISION: Police SALARY: $55,103.15/YR $26.491899/HR ... No previous experience required for an entry level position. * Newly appointed officers are ...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

$60K/yr

USBP is hiring immediately to fill full-time, entry-level, career positions in federal law enforcement where your prior experience in public safety, security, military police or law enforcement may ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolice JobsEntry Level Police JobsEntry Level Police Jobs in Missouri

Entry Level Police information

See Missouri salary details

$30.5K

$58.3K

$97.1K

How much do entry level police jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police in Missouri is $58,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, completion of police academy training, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with radio communication systems, report-writing software, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively serve and protect the community. These skills and qualities ensure officers can uphold the law, respond to emergencies, and build trust within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, handling stressful or unpredictable situations, and learning to apply law enforcement procedures in real-world scenarios. Building effective communication skills with both colleagues and the public is essential, as is balancing enforcement duties with community relations. Officers are also expected to quickly master report writing and legal documentation, all while working under close supervision and receiving ongoing training.

What are entry level police officers?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a law enforcement agency and are beginning their careers in policing. They are typically responsible for basic law enforcement duties such as patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, writing reports, and assisting the public. Entry level officers usually undergo training at a police academy before starting fieldwork, where they learn about criminal law, procedures, and community relations. As they gain experience, they may have opportunities for advancement within the department.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level PoliceCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionPrison facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, prisons
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Police officers and Correctional Officers both require similar credentials and work in related environments within law enforcement. While police officers focus on patrolling and community safety, correctional officers manage inmates in detention facilities. Both roles serve the criminal justice system but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Police jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Police jobs in Missouri? For Entry Level Police jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Police jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Police jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Entry Level Police jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Entry Level Police job openings:
Entry Level Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,295 per year, or $28 per hour.
Police Officer

Police Officer

City of St. Joseph

Saint Joseph, MO • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Police Officer
DEPARTMENT: Police
DIVISION: Police
SALARY: $55,103.15/YR $26.491899/HR (Commissioned Officer)
$39,137.94/YR $18.816317/HR (Emergency Services Trainee)
Salary Negotiable based off experience. If candidate is not a Commissioned Officer, the starting salary is $39,137.94/yr while attending the police academy. Once the candidate has graduated and becomes Commissioned their salary will increase to $55,103.15/yr.
Job Summary/Scope
Enforces federal, state and local laws, statutes and ordinances. Protects the lives and property of citizens. Assists in the investigation on various cases. No supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Answers calls and engages in preventative routine patrols and warrant service arrest and search.
  • Performs traffic law enforcement and traffic accident investigation.
  • Reads and writes various reports. Enters reports into computer and performs filing when necessary.
  • Appears and testifies in federal, state and municipal court.
  • Locates and interviews witnesses, victims and suspects. Collects evidence.
  • Checks suspicious persons, and completes field interview cards.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations and interviews.
  • Collects, preserves and books evidence.
  • Provides information and assistance to the general public.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Performs desk duties in office when assigned.
  • Assists other emergency service personnel when needed or required.
  • Performs special detailed assignments as directed.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Skills in report writing, oral communications, firearms handling, operation of a motor vehicle and speed measuring devices.
  • Knowledge of interrogating and interviewing procedures and identifying suspects.
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of criminal, constitutional and traffic laws.
  • Knowledge of City geography, criminal activities and criminals.
  • Ability to make decisions of a serious nature and perform duties under varying degrees of physical and mental stress.
  • Ability to understand and empathize with the public. Skills in dealing with people and resolving conflicts.
  • Some familiarity with operation of computers.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Must be POST- certified in order to perform law enforcement duties or able to obtain POST-certification after appointment prior to performing law enforcement duties. No previous experience required for an entry level position.
  • Newly appointed officers are required to complete the field training program with a training officer prior to independently performing a full range of police duties.
  • Semi-annual firearms qualifications required.
  • Must be able to pass a City-specified physical agility, medical, psychological, and written exam, and a pre-employment drug screening.

Material and Equipment Directly Used
Operates a variety of equipment including police vehicle, radio, radar equipment, breathalyzer equipment, weapons such as sidearm, shotgun, handcuffs, baton, mace flashlight and other related equipment. Also uses office equipment such as telephone, computer, copier and photography equipment.
Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Some work in an office setting with a controlled environment. Exposure to extreme weather conditions and highly intense situations. Extended sitting while conducting field operations. Physical activity includes bending, walking, lifting, standing, running and stooping. Exposure to environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, loud noise, fumes and sudden temperature change. May have exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. Visual acuity and color perception a must. Normal hearing ability essential. Occasional intense physical contact while affecting arrests. Occasional sprint in process of apprehending a suspect. Physical strength to subdue combative individuals. Must perform these functions in a range of conditions including residences, stairwell, traffic-ways and open areas over uneven surfaces. Must refrain from using tobacco products while on duty.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree in criminal justice preferred.
Please visit Missouri Department of Public Safety to obtain information regarding POST forms, commissioning, continuing education and additional information. https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/post/forms.php/
Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
Passing of a polygraph test required prior to appointment.
Passing of a psychological exam required prior to appointment.
All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.
Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.

Apply