Missouri Police Officers | How to Become One

The steps to becoming a police officer in Missouri are very close to those laid out on the main page. Individuals wishing to apply must meet minimum requirements and complete an application to a specific police department or specific opening. Following the submittal of the application, Missouri applicants take substance abuse questionnaire. This questionnaire and a ride-a-long prior to the police academy training are the only real differences between the Missouri process and the process explained on the homepage.

How to Become a Police Officer in Missouri

The following list includes all the minimum requirements for those wishing to become law enforcement officers in the state of Missouri. If a person is able to meet all of these requirements then they are permitted to apply for a police job.

  • Be able to own and operate a firearm
  • Able to clearly communicate verbally
  • Height and weight proportional
  • Missouri driver’s license by date of hire
  • S. citizen
  • At least 21 years old
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Honorable discharge from the military, if applicable
  • No excessive traffic violations or history of drug use
  • No felony convictions

Salary for Law Enforcement Jobs in Missouri

The mean yearly wages of patrol officers in Missouri is approximately 41,000 a year. There is opportunity to reach a higher pay level through spending years of good service in the force. Education can increase pay (above and beyond the required high school diploma) and so can being promoted to a higher rank. For instance, detective and criminal investigators in Missouri make around 54,400 per year.

Law Enforcement Programs at Schools in Missouri

Below is a list of schools in Missouri with degree programs related to law enforcement. Those wishing to pursue a degree to better their chances of getting hired, can begin by looking into these schools and programs.

  • Avila University

11901 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145

816-942-8400

  • Central Methodist University

411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248

660-248-3391

  • College of the Ozarks

100 Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout, MO 65726

417-334-6411

  • Columbia College

1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216

573-875-8700

  • Crowder College

601 Laclede Ave, Neosho, MO 64850

417-451-3223

  • Culver-Stockton College

1 College Hill, Canton, MO 63435

573-288-6000

  • East Central College

1964 Prairie Dell Road, Union, MO 63084

636-584-6500

  • Evangel University

1111 N Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802

417-865-2815

  • Hannibal-Lagrange University

2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401

573-221-3675

  • Harris-Stowe State University

3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103

314-340-3366

  • Jefferson College

1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO 63050

636-789-3000

  • Lincoln University

820 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

573-681-5000

  • Lindenwood University

209 S. Kingshighway, Saint Charles, MO 63301

636-949-4949

  • Maryville University of Saint Louis

650 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141

314-529-9300

  • Mineral Area College

5270 Flat River Road, Park Hills, MO 63601

573-431-4593

  • Missouri Baptist University

1 College Park Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63141

314-434-1115

  • Missouri Southern State University

3950 E Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801

417-625-9300

  • Missouri State University

901 S National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897

417-836-4126

  • Missouri Valley College

500 East College Street, Marshall, MO 65340

660-831-4000

  • Missouri Western State University

4525 Downs Drive, Saint Joseph, MO 64507

816-271-4200

  • Moberly Area Community College

101 College Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270

660-263-4100

  • North Central Missouri College

1301 Main Street, Trenton, MO 64683

660-359-3948

  • Park University

8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152

816-741-2000

  • Saint Louis University

1 North Grand, Saint Louis, MO 63103

800-758-3678

  • Sanford-Brown College

1345 Smizer Mill Road, Fenton, MO 63026

636-651-1600

  • Southeast Missouri State University

One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

573-651-2000

  • Southwest Baptist University

1600 University Avenue, Bolivar, MO 65613

417-328-5281

  • St. Charles Community College

4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, MO 63376

636-922-8000

  • State Fair Community College

3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301

660-530-5800

  • Truman State University

100 E Normal Street, Kirksville, MO 63501

660-785-4000

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City

5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110

816-235-1000

  • University of Missouri-St. Louis

1 University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121

314-516-5000