Missoula Police Department Launches Major Recruitment Drive

MISSOULA — The Missoula Police Department is launching a comprehensive recruitment campaign, hosting a testing and open house event October 25th at Big Sky High School as it seeks to fill multiple officer positions with competitive benefits and flexible scheduling.

The department is actively recruiting for three distinct roles: entry-level officers, POST-certified lateral officers from other departments, and reserve officers for part-time positions.

“We highly value the experience, training, and professionalism that POST-Certified officers bring to our department,” according to the department’s recruitment materials. “Officers from diverse jurisdictions across the country have joined our team, enriching our department and strengthening our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our community.”

Competitive Compensation Package

All sworn officer positions start at $42.63 per hour, equaling $88,670 annually, with wages increasing to $45.83 per hour ($95,326 annually) effective July 1, 2026. The department offers additional pay increases for education, with associate degree holders receiving a 0.5% bump and bachelor’s degree holders earning 1% more.

Officers can retire after 20 years of service and receive comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves, spouses and dependents, along with uniform allowances and initial equipment.

Unique Work Schedule

One standout feature of MPD positions is the work-life balance offered through patrol shifts averaging 15 shifts per month, providing officers with two weekends off monthly. Entry-level officers receive three weeks paid vacation annually, eight hours of paid sick leave monthly, and 12 paid holidays per year.

Multiple Career Paths

Entry-level officers handle public calls for service, conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests and prepare court documentation. The department provides ongoing professional training with a minimum 120 hours of department-sponsored training annually.

POST-certified lateral officers can fast-track their career advancement. “We honor your prior years of service and credentials, allowing you to become eligible for specialty assignments and promotional opportunities sooner within our agency,” the department states.

Reserve officers provide courtroom bailiff duties and City Council security in a part-time role starting with six weeks of full-time training before transitioning to 10-30 hours per week. Reserve positions accommodate school and work schedules while offering law enforcement experience.

Specialty assignments available to sworn officers include detective work, traffic enforcement, drone operations, negotiations, SWAT, and K-9 units.

Testing Event Details

The October 25th event begins with check-in at 7:30 a.m., with testing starting promptly at 8:00 a.m. at Big Sky High School. Late arrivals will not be permitted to test.

Applicants must register by October 24th at 4:00 p.m. and bring government-issued photo identification. The written test precedes physical testing, so candidates should wear appropriate athletic clothing.

An open house runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., allowing prospective officers to learn more about department operations and ask questions.

Residency Requirements

All sworn officers must reside within 60 miles of Missoula city limits at time of hire. Reserve officer candidates must have lived in Montana for at least one year and in the county for at least six months prior to appointment.

The department maintains a continuous application process for POST-certified officers, establishing a candidate pool for both regular and off-cycle hiring throughout the year.

Those unable to attend October 25th testing can contact the recruitment team about secondary testing options.