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CAREERS

KCPD IS HIRING NOW

Whether you are considering a future in public service, or are an experienced officer interested in exploring new opportunities, a career path with purpose starts here. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is a diverse, progressive department that believes strongly in the principles of crime management, community collaboration, professional accountability and employee wellness. Since 1874, KCPD officers have protected and served residents. Now, etch your name into Kansas City history.

ROOM TO GROW

Beyond competitive salaries and benefits, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department provides officers and professional staff with leadership opportunities and comprehensive training to increase their earning potential. As the largest police department in the region, KCPD offers all members the chance to find the perfect spot. Our specialized units are varied, highly-trained and high performing. Other area law enforcement agencies often request our specialized units to assist them.

CREATE YOUR OWN STORY

Not only is KCPD the place where you can find your purpose, Kansas City is the city where you can find it all. Kansas City is where the Midwest thrives, famous for its barbecue, jazz, and fountains. It’s where professional and collegiate sports take center stage and where the World Cup will come calling in 2026. Yes, Kansas City IS global. It’s the #1 city in the world to work by day and play by night. Work here. Thrive here.

WHY KCPD?

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU STEP UP TO KCPD

YOUR FUTURE WITH KCPD

Instead of focusing solely on personal gain, you can make a difference by joining an organization that positively impacts people's lives.
At KCPD, we're dedicated to doing everything in our power to serve and protect our community. Our mentality doesn't allow for any
shortcuts. We're looking for individuals who share this same sense of commitment. If you're someone who doesn't cut corners, we
believe you'd be a great addition to our team. Join us and become a part of something meaningful and impactful. Your future is waiting.

KCPD IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITY. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR OPENINGS...

  • Police Officer
  • Call Taker
  • Detention Officer
  • Patrol Desk Clerk
  • See More Current Openings

When you've found the fit for YOU, Go ahead to STEP 2 - Employment Checklist to prepare to apply

Note: Many factors affect the expected duration of the hiring process. Completing the entire process may take several months.

Before you begin the application process, please review the following list of important documents that are required during the process and make sure you will be able to produce what is needed.

Employment Application Checklist

The following documents must be submitted before your application is considered complete; and all documents must be an Original or Certified Copy.

  1. Birth Certificate (hospital copy not accepted)
  2. High School Diploma or G.E.D Certificate
  3. College Degree or Certified Transcript
  4. Passport sized photograph less than 1 year old. Can be uploaded.
  5. DD214-Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (long form, if applicable)
  6. Official Identification (one of the following)

a. driver's license

b. state-issued I.D. card with photo

c. U.S. Passport

d. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

e. Alien Registration Card with photo

f.  Unexpired Foreign Passport with attached Employment Authorization

    7. Social Security Card

If you have the documentation required, you're ready to register and login to the application portal. See Step 3 - Register & Login

 Click the Apply Now on whichever career is your best fit. 

You'll answer a few questions about yourself and complete an Illegal Drug Use questionnaire. 

It shouldn't take you more than 10 minutes! 

See Step 4 - Paperwork

Substance Abuse / Illegal Drug Use Form

Sworn and Non-Sworn Positions

You will fill this out online, immediately after your Application For Employment.

Application For Employment

Sworn and Non-Sworn Positions

Once complete, the sworn applicant will be contacted to select a date to participate in the written examination and physical abilities testing. The non-sworn/Professional Staff applicant will be given instruction (either by phone, e-mail or messaged through the Inbox in the application portal) as to what type of testing, if any, is required to move on in the process.

Which brings us to Step 5 - Next Steps

Here are the final tasks to get you to the finish line!

 

Written Examination

Sworn Positions

You will begin with and must take the Entry Level Police Officer Exam, which is administered by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

Non-Sworn Positions

Applicants may be required to take various tests related to the positions they are applying for (i.e. typing test)

Physical Abilities Test / Unit Specific Testing

Sworn Positions

The physical abilities test is an obstacle course designed to simulate challenges that could be encountered during an officer’s tour of duty. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to maneuver through the course with minimal errors. The physical abilities test is administered following the written exam.

Non-Sworn Positions

You may be required to take Unit Specific Tests, which are directly related to the position you are applying for. This would include tests beyond basic skills and would be administered by the Unit you are applying to.

Pre-Employment Polygraph Examination

Sworn and Non-Sworn Positions

Qualified applicants will proceed to the polygraph examination, which is administered by a qualified Polygraph Examiner. This test will cover criminal activity, drug usage, integrity, truthfulness and employment history.

Background Investigation

Sworn and Non-Sworn Positions

The background investigation will cover pertinent facts regarding your character, work history and any criminal or traffic records.

Ride-Along

Sworn Positions

During the background investigation, you will be required to ride with a Kansas City Missouri Police Officer on a weekend for a full tour of duty during the evening or night shift. This experience will expose you to the actual duties performed by Kansas City Missouri Police Officers.

Oral Board

Sworn Positions

This is an interview conducted before the members of the Employment Section. The interview will consist of relevant questions designed to allow the Kansas City Missouri Police Department the opportunity to assess your overall abilities as they relate to the field of law enforcement and/or official employment with KCPD.

 

Those who successfully complete the process at this point can receive an offer contingent upon the final two examinations you will learn about in STEP 6 - Eligibility Pool

Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment have two final examinations...

 

Psychological Examination

Sworn and Non-Sworn Positions

This interview is conducted by a certified psychologist, after a conditional job offer has been made.

 

Physical Examination

Sworn and Non-Sworn Positions

Applicants undergo a complete medical and eye examination performed by a licensed physician, after a conditional job offer has been made.

 

Once you have completed all and a job offer has been made and accepted, you will be placed in a Ready state or Eligibility Pool, awaiting your start date.

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