Police Officer – City of Columbia, Missouri
Starting Pay: $60,611.20 – $73,881.60 annually ($29.14 – $35.52 per hour)
Plus: $1.00/hour shift differential for all hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
The City of Columbia, Missouri is seeking highly motivated, dependable, and community-minded individuals to join our Police Department. As a Columbia Police Officer, you will serve and protect citizens, prevent and investigate crime, and uphold the highest standards of public safety and professionalism.
POST Certified Officers: Starting at $60,611.20 annually ($29.14/hour), up to $73,881.60 annually ($35.52/hour).
Shift Differential: $1.00/hour for all hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Lateral Entry Pay: Officers with full-time law enforcement or qualifying military police experience may enter the pay plan based on years of service (up to 10 years). Final determination made by the Police Chief or designee.
Not POST Certified? Academy tuition is fully paid . While attending, you’ll earn $43,576 annually ($20.95/hour) plus shift differential. Upon certification, your pay increases to $60,611 annually ($29.14/hour).
Police Officers enforce laws and ordinances, respond to calls for service, investigate crimes, and work proactively to build trust within the community. Officers patrol assigned areas, provide court testimony, and participate in ongoing professional development and training.
Enforce laws and ordinances to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
Patrol assigned areas, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes and accidents.
Collect and preserve evidence; prepare accurate and detailed reports.
Testify in court and participate in ongoing training and certification.
Build partnerships with community members and organizations.
Maintain professionalism, composure, and integrity in all situations.
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Must maintain a residence within a 50-mile radius of the Columbia Police Department (600 E. Walnut St.) within 180 days of hire.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must pass required background checks, drug testing, medical exam, and online entrance testing.
Preferred:
Associate’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
Missouri POST Certification or eligibility to attend a POST academy.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Strong communication, observation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Skilled in report writing, data collection, and analysis.
Commitment to ethical conduct and public service.
Work may involve exposure to hostile or irate individuals, extreme temperatures, noise, and outdoor elements.
Must be able to exert up to 100 lbs. occasionally and meet ongoing physical fitness standards.
Requires mental and physical readiness to respond to emergencies and maintain public safety.
12-hour shifts , determined by seniority.
Includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
An online police officer test is required for all applicants.
After submitting your application and resume:
You will receive an email from hr@como.gov with instructions.
A separate email from testgenius.com will include your test link.
Testing must be completed by 11:59 PM CST on January 15, 2026.
Important: Use a laptop or desktop computer. Do not use a cellphone, tablet, or Chromebook.
Applicants achieving a passing score will be notified of next steps in the hiring process.
As a City of Columbia employee, you’ll receive one of the best benefits packages in the state , including:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation and sick leave
Retirement and pension plan
Paid training and professional development
Apply online at
For assistance, call 573.874.CITY (2489) or TTY: 711 (MO Relay)
The City of Columbia is a Merit, Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer – Male/Female.
Pre-employment drug testing is required .
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program.
Salary/Compensation: $60,611 - $73,882 per year
recblid enarblm6e7gvh8admv2sn46bz2yp5k...A large behavioral health care facility in Las Vegas, Nevada is seeking a Psychiatric Physician Assistant comfortable treating all ages. Employed, full time position, offering an above average salary with full compensation of benefits that include health insurance, paid...
Today, United has over 28,000 active flight attendants. We are the largest airline in the world with... ...will be officially welcomed as a full-time United employee. While in training, United... ...: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Dreams into reality: Have...
...What youll need to succeed as a Class B Driver at XPO Minimum qualifications: To be... ...job Pay, benefits, and more: ~ Home daily ~ Expected pay range: $27.22 to $30.30... ...typical day: Safely operate a straight truck (GVWR or GVW of 26,001 lb. or more) Provide...
...seeking a detail-oriented and hardworking Warehouse Sorter to join our dynamic team. In this... ..., bend, and lift for extended periods of time. Ability to lift and move items up to... ...vacation and medical / dental / vision for full-time qualified employees as well as...
ClinicalOur client, a trailblazing global pharmaceutical powerhouse, renowned for their expertise in developing and manufacturing a wide array of world-class pharmaceutical drugs, life-saving vaccines, and innovative animal-health products, is in search of an Associate...