Police department looking for new recruits

Kyle Schmidt, St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
·2 min read
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Apr. 22—Those looking for a career in law enforcement will have a chance to find out if it's right for them, as the police department is hosting new-hire testing dates this month.

The St. Joseph Police Department hosted its first testing date on Monday morning, and will host additional testing on April 24 at 8 a.m. and April 27 at 9 a.m. at 501 Faraon St.

"I encourage everybody to definitely look into if it is something you think about doing," SJPD recruiting officer Ethan Miles said. "This does not lock you into a career; it kind of allows you to get some insight on what we have to offer."

Even people who live outside of St. Joseph can apply. The only requirement is to fill out the application at https://www.stjosephmo.gov/637/Join-SJPD before coming to the training. Prior experience is not needed.

"The whole goal is to open as many days as we can to allow people to attend testing based on people's schedules," Miles said. "We do kind of three things all at once to get the process and the ball rolling for people."

During the hire test days, the first task will be a state-standardized written test, which is timed and proctored by the city. If recruits pass that, then it's on to the physical agility course.

"We host out at our outdoor range," Miles said. "That involves things such as running, there is some heavy lifting. There is a 170-pound dummy drag, there is 17 tires (for) a tire run, 25-pound bucket carry, a 10-foot lattice wall and a couple other obstacles you have to go over."

If the agility course is passed, the last step will be the interviews. All of these will be done on the same day.

Miles also encourages those interested in law enforcement to go on a ride-along. People can sign up by contacting Miles at (816) 273-9134, or visit https://www.stjosephmo.gov/637/Join-SJPD for more information on joining the police department.