Employment


The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to MU’s Inclusive Excellence Framework. We offer a variety of full-time and part-time employment opportunities. Our full-time positions include police officer, police officer in training, security officer, and communications officer. Additionally, our part-time campus safety officer position is suitable for student workers and/or community members.

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As the primary law enforcement response agency for MU, we are responsible for the safety and security of nearly 45,000 students, faculty, staff, and visitors that are on our campus each day. MUPD is an accredited (IACLEA & CALEA), full-service, 24/7 operation with authorization for 50 commissioned police officers, eight security officers, 13 communications officers (dispatchers), two administrative staff and between 15 – 50 (seasonally dependent) part-time campus safety officers.

MUPD supports the university’s values and mission through positive relationships with the university community, and we are committed to working with them to maintain an environment that is not only safe and free of crime but also supports an ideal learning environment. While our primary area of concern is core campus, our jurisdiction also includes satellite properties in and around Boone County and several roadways and areas adjacent to the MU campus.

As a small to mid-size police department, MUPD is often described by many of its employees as having a family atmosphere and a higher sense of camaraderie. We understand the importance of a work/life balance and, although we must maintain adequate coverage, we do our best to be flexible with scheduling. The university hosts a variety of events (concerts, sports, festivals, etc.), which allows for plenty of overtime opportunities and unique experiences (football games are very labor intensive, and most personnel are required to work home football games).

Columbia Area

Columbia, population 123,195 (2019 data), is a college town that is home to the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College. It is the fourth largest city in Missouri and boasts many trails, parks, and nature areas, as well as unique events, such as the True/False Film Festival and the Roots N Blues Festival. Columbia consistently ranks high in nationwide livability rankings. Often described as “not too big and not too small,” Columbia has many of the amenities found in larger cities without the urban feel of a larger city. Located 125 miles west of St. Louis, 126 miles east of Kansas City, and 72 miles (by car) north of the Lake of the Ozarks, Columbia is not too far for a day trip in any direction.

Benefits

Note: The descriptions below are a brief summary of benefits. These do not encompass all the details of each category. See the provided links for a full explanation of benefits. Many of the listed benefits can be accessed from the University’s Total Rewards webpage. However, direct links to each topic have been provided for quick access.

Pay

See specific job posting for salary information. Shift Differential is paid to evening and night shift employees at a rate of $1 per hour.  Overtime is offered at 1 ½ times hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 in each work week. 

Paid Leave

Holidays – The University of Missouri offers 9 paid holidays through the course of the year. Employees required to work on these holidays receive pay at 1 ½ times their hourly wage. 

Paid Time Off (PTO) – PTO is a single bank of days employees may use for sick, vacation, or personal time. New employees start out receiving 18 days of PTO annually. Accrual rates increase at 5 and 15 years of service. Employees may accumulate a maximum of twice the yearly accrual rate (e.g., 36 days maximum if accrual rate is 18 days per year). 

Qualifying Leave – This leave includes short-term diability, parental leave, and caregiver leave. 

Winter Break Leave – Four days of Winter Break Leave are granted to employees between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Employees who are unable to utilize these days during this time, may use it at another time. However, these days must be used by November 30 of the following year.

Benefits Under the Total Rewards Program

Retirement – Employees hired on or after Oct. 1, 2019 fall under the Defined Contribution Plan  

Health, Dental, Vision Plans – MU offers competitive Health, Dental, and Vision plans.  

Other Insurance – Employees are eligible for several tiers of Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance. 

Educational Assistance/Grant Education – Tuition Assistance for employees, their spouses, and dependents. Additional professional/personal development funds are available through Staff Advisory Council awards

Employee Assistance ProgramWellness Program

Other Benefits

Training/Educational Opportunities: – there are a variety of opportunities for university employees to learn something new. Many of these are free or at low cost. Partnerships with local agencies also present training opportunities. 

MUPD Exercise Facility and Wellness Program – in addition to the university’s wellness program, MUPD employees have access to an in-house weight/exercise facility and wellness program. 

Full-Time Positions

Police Officer/Police Officer in Training

Applicants who have not been through an academy/are not Missouri POST certified, may be hired as a Police Officer in Training and sent through a police academy at MUPD’s cost. Police Officers in Training are paid and accrue university benefits while they are in the police academy. Upon successfully completing the academy, passing the Missouri POST exam, and meeting the minimum qualifications (see below), Police Officers in Training will transition to the Police Officer position and undergo field training with the MU police department. MUPD officers have full powers of arrest in accordance with Missouri Revised Statutes, additionally holding City of Columbia commissions and a mutual aid agreement with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department to assist with enforcement throughout Boone County as needed. Because we are a full-service department, we are responsible for enforcing statutes, laws and regulations within our jurisdiction, as well as providing community programming, and conducting our own investigations. This allows personnel opportunities to gain experience and specialize in a wide variety of call types and police services. Officers must graduate from a police academy in compliance with Missouri state statue for certified peace officers and maintain continuous training in compliance with Missouri’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). For more information regarding police officer responsibilities, please see the Operations Division section of our Department Units page. 

Hours
  • Patrol: Officers work one of three shifts. While each shift has an 8-hour base, officers are given the option to work 10 hour shifts as long as the 8-hour base shift is covered. The base shifts are First Shift (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Second Shift (3 – 11 p.m.), and Third Shift (11 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
  • Investigations: Investigators work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but are on-call and respond, as necessary, for involved cases.
  • Crime Prevention: Two of our Crime Prevention Officers (one of which is our K-9 handler) work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Our third Crime Prevention Officer works Monday through Friday, 3 – 11 p.m. However, Crime Prevention Officers are responsible for handling program requests and presentations outside their normal operating hours, as these requests arise.
Specialization Opportunities

Bomb Technician, Explosive K-9 Handler, Crime Prevention, Investigations, Computer Forensics/Cybercrime, Accident Reconstructionist, Crisis Intervention Team, Peer Support Team, Drone Operations, Type II Instructor/Technician, In-house Instructors (Firearms, Defense Tactics, Taser, OC (pepper spray), ASP Baton, Field Sobriety Testing & Breath Test Operator, De-Escalation, Civilian Self-Defense). 

Training

Officers receive training to remain compliant with Missouri POST continuing education requirements. However, officers are encouraged to attend training that will benefit their current assignment and/or hone their skills in specialty areas or areas of interest. 

Wellness/Fitness Program

All employees are able to utilize our wellness program to assist them in staying mentally and physically fit. When call volume allows, officers are allotted four paid hours per week to utilize the weight/exercise facility. 

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants for the position of Police Officer/Police Officer in Training with MUPD must meet the following minimum qualifications: 

  • Citizen of the United States
  • Resident of the state of Missouri by date of appointment
  • Twenty-one years of age by date of appointment
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • A valid Missouri operator’s license
  • Missouri POST certification may be required prior to employment, but it is required once job has started.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony or class A misdemeanor
  • Has not consumed any alcoholic beverages within the past six months because of an addiction to alcohol.
  • Has not within two years of appointment used, manufactured, sold or cultivated any controlled substance (as defined by Missouri state statues) with the exception of the use of marijuana as described in the following, nor is addicted to any controlled substance.
  • Has not used, within two years prior to appointment, marijuana, nor has manufactured or sold marijuana ever. Marijuana cases may be judged on a case-by-case basis with regard to experimental use and recreational use in legalized cities.
  • Has no criminal history as outlined in section 590.080.1 and section 590.100.1, Revised Missouri Statutes (RSMo.)
  • Prior to beginning job duties, all officers must graduate a Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, pass the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam, and be certified as a police officer within the state of Missouri (Police Officers in Training do not have to meet this qualification prior to being hired).
Applying

Applicants are required to submit a Police Officer employment application OR Police Officer Trainee employment application with MU’s Human Resource Services (HR) and participate in all phases of the selection process, which includes a background investigation. Once HR receives the application, they pre-screen the applicant pool and forward only qualified (see above qualifications) applicants to MUPD. These pre-screened and accepted applicants are then provided written information from MUPD detailing the selection process, including process duration and reapplication policy.  

Selection Process

MUPD’s selection process for entry-level police officers consists of the following steps which are divided into two distinct phases: 1) pre-conditional and 2) conditional. The process typically takes four to eight weeks to complete. Each step, and the order in which they are administered, contributes valuable insight into the intellectual, physical and psychological makeup of each applicant. Phase I, Pre-Conditional

  • MU Human Resource application accepted
  • Oral Review Board (Interview)
  • Background investigation
  • Voice stress analysis and/or polygraph examination
  • Oral interview – Chief of Police

Phase II, Conditional Offer of Employment

  • Psychological examination and interview
  • Medical examination

Communications Officer

MUPD houses its own communications center, which is manned by a minimum of two communications operators per shift. Communications operators are responsible for radio communications with officers, security and campus safety officers in the field, as well as handling community walk-in and telephone contacts. All operators must be capable of operating the applicable computer software and, must be able to obtain certifications in the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) and the Association of Public Communication Officials (APCO). Communications personnel are also cross-trained in records duties. Communications operators are often the first contact a person makes with MUPD. Therefore, professionalism is important. A communications operator’s ability to remain calm and professional during periods of intense stress is essential to completing an operator’s duties and ensuring the safety of all patrol personnel. 

Hours

Communications officers work one of five shifts. 

  • Three weekday shifts (Monday through Friday):
    • First shift (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
    • Second shift (3 – 11 p.m.)
    • Third shift (11 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
  • Two weekend shifts (Saturday & Sunday, each with two additional 8-hour weekday shifts:
    • AM shift (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
    • PM shift (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
    • Note: Personnel working these hours will pick up two more 8-hour shifts during the regular work week. These hours, while often flexible, are directed by the Communications Supervisor according to coverage needs.
Specialization Opportunities

Communications operators, if interested, are given the opportunity to become instructors and assist with the department’s civilian self-defense courses. 

Training

Communication officers receive training to remain compliant with APCO continuing education requirements. However, communications officers are encouraged to attend training that will benefit their current assignment and/or hone their skills in specialty areas or areas of interest. 

Wellness/Fitness Program

All employees have access to the department’s weight/exercise facility and may utilize our wellness program to assist them in staying mentally and physically fit. 

Applying

All applicants are required to submit an employment application with MU’s Human Resource Services (HR) and participate in all phases of the selection process, which includes a background investigation. Once HR receives the application, they pre-screen the applicant pool and forward qualified applicants to MUPD. These pre-screened and accepted applicants are then provided written information from MUPD detailing the selection process, including process duration and reapplication policy. 

Selection Process

Selection of non-sworn personnel is of vital interest to the MUPD and the university. The following elements and activities are used specifically in the selection process of full-time, non-sworn personnel: 

  • Initial screening and referral of applicants by MU’s Human Resource Services
  • Selection Board Interview (30- to 45-minute interview)
  • Background Investigation – All backgrounds will include at a minimum
    • Verification of qualifying credentials
    • A review of any criminal history
    • Verification of personal and professional references
    • Verification of reported education
    • Review of employment history
  • Computer Voice Stress Analysis/CVSA (If deemed necessary by the Chief of Police.)
  • Interview with the Chief of Police

Security Officer

Security officers responsible for ensuring campus buildings are secure, providing safety escorts, directing traffic for special events, conducting fleet maintenance, conducting emergency phone checks, transporting supplies, posting closed campus signs and other duties as assigned. While not engaged in the above listed duties, security officers provide a presence around campus and alert patrol officers to criminal or unusual activities. 

Hours

Security officers work one of five shifts. 

  • Three weekday shifts (Monday through Friday):
    • First shift (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
    • Second shift (3 – 11 p.m.)
    • Third shift (11 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
  • Two weekend shifts (Saturday & Sunday, each with two additional 8-hour weekday shifts:
    • AM shift (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
    • PM shift (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
    • Note: Personnel working these hours will pick up two more -hour shifts during the regular work week. These hours, while often flexible, are directed by the Security Sergeant according to coverage needs.
Wellness/Fitness Program

All employees have access to the department’s weight/exercise facility and may utilize our wellness program to assist them in staying mentally and physically fit. 

Applying

All applicants are required to submit an employment application with MU’s Human Resource Services (HR) and participate in all phases of the selection process, which includes a background investigation. Once HR receives the application, they pre-screen the applicant pool and forward qualified applicants to MUPD. These pre-screened and accepted applicants are then provided written information from MUPD detailing the selection process, including process duration and reapplication policy. 

Selection Process

Selection of non-sworn personnel is of vital interest to the MUPD and the university. The following elements and activities are used specifically in the selection process of full-time, non-sworn personnel: 

  • Initial screening and referral of applicants by MU’s Human Resource Services
  • Selection Board Interview (30- to 45-minute interview)
  • Background Investigation – All backgrounds will include at a minimum:
    • Verification of qualifying credentials
    • A review of any criminal history
    • Verification of personal and professional references
    • Verification of reported education
    • Review of employment history
  • Computer Voice Stress Analysis/CVSA (If deemed necessary by the Chief of Police.)
  • Interview with the Chief of Police

Part-Time Positions

Campus Safety Officer

Campus safety officers (CSO’s) are part-time civilian employees who serve the university community by assisting in the mission, goals and objectives of the MU police department. CSO’s provide security and traffic direction for campus events (sporting events, concerts, etc.) as well as overnight security for residence halls. As CSO’s are a vital aspect to MUPD’s event management, certain events (football and large events) are mandatory assignments. CSO’s working special events are utilized inside events to provide an extra layer of security by watching for and reporting criminal and unusual activity they might see. It should be noted that CSO’s are strictly observers and do not physically intervene to stop criminal activity.The CSO position builds useful skills in leadership, public relations and communications, among other areas. Hours are flexible and allow for student employees to work around class schedules and exams. However, in accordance with university regulations, they are not permitted to work more than 28 hours per week. The number of CSOs employed by the department varies throughout the year. 

Wellness/Fitness Program

All employees have access to the department’s weight/exercise facility and may utilize our wellness program to assist them in staying mentally and physically fit. 

Applying

All applicants are required to submit an employment application with MU’s Human Resource Services (HR) and participate in all phases of the selection process, which includes a background investigation. Once HR receives the application, they pre-screen the applicant pool and forward qualified applicants to MUPD. These pre-screened and accepted applicants are then provided written information from MUPD detailing the selection process, including process duration and reapplication policy. 

Selection Process

Selection of part-time, non-sworn personnel is of vital interest to MUPD and the university. The following elements and activities are used specifically in the selection process of part-time, non-sworn personnel: 

  • Initial screening and referral of applicants by MU’s Human Resource Services
  • Interview with hiring supervisor (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Background Investigation – All backgrounds will include at a minimum:
    • Verification of qualifying credentials
    • A review of any criminal history
    • Verification of personal and professional references
    • Verification of reported education
    • Review of employment history