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POLICE PATROL OFFICER

NEXT TESTING DATE: June 16, 2026
LOCATION: RICHLAND COUNTY LAW & JUSTICE CENTER
300 12TH AVE. NW
SIDNEY, MONTANA 59270

Prior law enforcement experience?

LATERAL ENTRY STARTS AT $35.25/hr ($73,320.00 annually)

• Are you the kind of person who loves to help others and would jump at the opportunity to help make their community a better place to live and work?

• Are you the kind of person who thrives working as a member of a team to overcome challenges and solve problems?

• Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and embark on a rewarding career?

Then YOU just might be who we are looking for...

The Sidney Police Department is now accepting applications and resumes for the position of PATROL OFFICER.

Applications will be continually reviewed and applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited for testing.

Exceptional applicants may be contacted for immediate testing and interviews.

Entry-level or lateral transfer candidates are welcome.

Why the Sidney Police Department?

The Sidney Police Department is a modern, full-service law enforcement agency whose core values are INTEGRITY, SERVICE, RESPECT, COMMUNITY and FAMILY. These are not just words on our website...they are our guiding principles, and everything we do is framed with those values in mind. We believe in SERVANT LEADERSHIP and the concept that service to others is the noblest of endeavors. Ideal applicants must have a desire to serve and personal values that align with our own. They also must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills, the ability to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations, excellent personal character, and a desire to learn.

Our mission is simple...to enhance the overall quality of life in our community, and we do it by partnering with the community to protect life, property, and the Constitutional rights of all people. To achieve that mission we hold our officers to the highest professional and personal standards, and are dedicated to ensuring our officers are provided with the best training, equipment, and support possible, and encourage professional growth at every opportunity. While we are a small department, with an authorized strength of 13 sworn officers, we can do big things.

Sidney is primarily an agricultural community of approximately 6,500 people located in eastern Montana near the North Dakota border. We are located in the heart of the Yellowstone Valley along the Yellowstone River. Our community is at the periphery of the Bakken oil shale exploration effort. The increase in oil production over the past decade and the associated service industry have brought dramatic changes to the Sidney, Richland County area.

BENEFITS:

Wage: $31.75 - $35.25 DOE

Starting (Non-POST Certified) $31.75
1-2 years $31.75
3-5 years $35.25
6-7 years $36.56
8-10 years $37.58
10 years + $37.93

Shift differential pay:

$1.00/hr, $1.50/hr, or $2.00/hr depending on the shift.

Incentive Pay:

Education (per mo.)
Associate $50.00
Bachelor $100.00
Master's $150.00

POST Certificate (per mo.)
Intermediate $50.00
Advanced $100.00
Supervisory $125.00

Specialty Assignment Pay
Longevity Pay
Vacation accrued at 10 hours per month
Sick leave accrued at 8 hours per month
Holiday pay
Medical insurance
Municipal Police Officer Retirement System
All uniforms and duty gear are provided

SELECTION PROCESS:

The Sidney Police Department's selection process consists of the following:

Initial Phase:

• Montana POST application
• Resume

Testing Phase:

• National Police Officer Selection Test
• Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
• Oral Board Interview

Next Phase:

• For additional information on the remaining phases of our selection process check out our website at https://cityofsidneymt.com/police/page/join-our-team

Applicants invited for testing must complete the National Police Officer Selection Test, which is a 75-minute written examination consisting of four parts: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing. The successful applicant must pass each part of the National Police Officer Selection Test with a minimum of 70%.

Applicants who pass the written testing will then be required to pass the Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) followed by an oral board interview.

Upon completion of testing and interviews, the scores from the written testing and oral board interview will be compiled and applicants' files will be reviewed by the selection committee. Selected applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment that is contingent upon successfully completing the remaining phases of the selection process.

All new hires are subject to a one-year probationary period.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal applicants will have outstanding written and verbal communication skills, the ability to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations, excellent personal character, a desire to learn, and a willingness to serve.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a good driving record, and possess or ability to obtain a Montana driver's license by time of appointment
• Ability to obtain POST certification within twelve (12) months of hire
• No FELONY convictions
• No MISDEMEANOR convictions within the last 5 years
• Ability to legally possess a firearm
• Must be of good moral character
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge and skills in operating computer systems
• Must be of sound physical and mental health
• Ability to perform essential functions of this position

If you have any questions, please contact the Sidney Police Department at 406-433-2210 Monday through Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm (MST) or by email at sidneypd@richland.org.

Applicants who receive a conditional offer of emplyment will be be subject to a comprehensive background investigation.  Applicants who move onto the background investigation will be required to complete a personal history questionnaire, and all the information provided will be subject to verification. The background investigation will consist of reviewing and verifying the applicant's personal information, education and experience, employment history, criminal history, driving record, financial history, and may involve the background investigator contacting past and present employers, spouses, family, friends, neighbors, etc.

Upon successful completion of the background investigation, the applicant will be required to complete a psychological assessment with the Department's contracted psychologist followed by a pre-employment medical examination and drug screening before receiving a final offer of employment.