Apply Here!

Step 1:   Apply Online

Step 2:   Indicate on your application if you are a licensed law enforcement officer or need to attend a basic academy.

Step 3:   Begin filling out the Background Investigation Packet

Step 4:   Academy vs Lateral (see below)


Academy Criteria:  

September 26, 2020 - Application Deadline

If you are wanting to join the Joplin Police Department, are not currently a licensed law enforcement officer in the State of Missouri and required to attend a Basic Law Enforcement Academy, you will be required to take a Cognitive/Behavioral Exam and a Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT). Once we have received you application we will schedule the cognitive/behavioral exam with you.  We will also schedule you to attend the next available physical testing date.  Once you complete your physical test you will need to submit your background investigation packet fully completed with all supporting materials included.  Please read the instructions carefully on the background packet.  Any mistakes can cause you not to be moved forward in our hiring process.

Police Officer Testing

                                                               Written Testing September 14-22

Physical Testing September 26

08:30 - Completion

Public Safety Training Facility (across from Joplin Regional Airfield on HWY 171)

5102 Swede Ln., Joplin, MO  64801

(Please bring completed background packet on testing day, if possible)


Lateral Criteria:  

Applications Accepted Anytime

Applicants who have been full-time employed as a law enforcement officer or who have been licensed by Missouri POST, within one-year of application, are not required to pass the cognitive/behavioral testing or the physical ability testing phases of the selection process.  You will need to submit your application and your background investigation packet fully completed with all supporting materials included.  Please read the instructions carefully on the background packet.  Any mistakes can cause you not to be moved forward in our hiring process.

We also recognize that applicants who possess previous law enforcement experience bring additional skills and knowledge to our department, and most importantly, experience. Because of that, applicants who successfully complete the hiring process that have previous, full-time sworn law enforcement experience, may be hired in at a rate higher than the entry level range.  Contact our Human Resource Department or one of our recruiting staff for more details.

Now Hiring!

GET APPLICATIONS IN ASAP!!