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THE HIRING PROCESS

These documents must be submitted before your application is considered complete; and all documents must be an Original or Certified Copy.
These documents must be submitted before your application is considered complete; and all documents must be an Original or Certified Copy.
Note: Many factors affect the expected duration of the hiring process. Completing the entire process may take several months.
Note: Many factors affect the expected duration of the hiring process. Completing the entire process may take several months.

KCPD IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITY

Here is your path to success!

Have you already checked out our open opportunities and found your future? When you've found the fit for YOU, peruse our Employment Checklist to prepare to apply.

If you have the documentation required, you're ready to apply!

When you click Apply Now, you will be directed to the application portal for the job you want.  

Apply

Simply answer a few brief questions about yourself and then complete the Illegal Drug Use questionnaire. 

Once you have submitted this information, you will receive an e-mail confirmation that will provide information about next steps. 

Our Employment Unit will then reach out to you to schedule you to begin the process. Be sure to watch your e-mail, as they may contact you there first.  

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.

Professional Staff Positions

You may be required to take basic skills tests depending on the position you 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.

Professional Staff 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 Professional Staff 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 Professional Staff 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 / Interview

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.

Professional Staff Positions

At what point you are interviewed in the hiring process depends on the position and availability of the Unit Command Staff. There may be cases where candidates are interviewed even before the initial qualifications testing, or not until after the polygraph. If you have concerns at any point in the process, don't hesitate to reach out. 

Those who successfully complete the process to this point can receive an offer contingent upon the final two examinations you will learn about next.

Psychological Examination

Sworn and Professional Staff Positions

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

Physical Examination

Sworn and Professional Staff 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 accepted, you will be placed in a Ready state or Eligibility Pool, awaiting your start date.