Career Opportunities

Welcome to the Ozark Police Department – a committed and community-driven law enforcement agency dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. With a proud history and a forward-looking approach, we stand as a beacon of trust and security in our vibrant city.

At the heart of our mission is a steadfast commitment to serving and protecting. Covering a diverse and dynamic community spanning 12.42 square miles, we understand the unique needs and challenges that come with ensuring public safety in every neighborhood.

Apply for the Academy Today! 

Ozark PD is excited to help you achieve your dreams! 

Get paid while going to school and secure your spot as an Ozark Police Officer.

How to Become an Ozark Police Officer:

✔Step One(1) - Fill out an Application

The first step to becoming an officer with the Ozark Police Department (OPD) begins by completing an application online, via email, or in person.  

Applicant Must:

  • Be 21 prior to being sworn in;
  • Be a US Citizen;
  • Be a High School graduate or obtained a GED;
  • No felony convictions;
  • No more than one(1) DWI conviction and no DWI conviction in the past three(3) years of application date.

✔Step Two(2) - Written & Physical Exams

Next up is the written exam and physical agility test. Ozark Police Training Staff will schedule testing dates to accommodate applicants.

Applicants will perform a series of linked exercises that simulate necessary job functions of the Police Officer position and shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 

  • Pushups – Passing Score consists of 20 in 1 Minute.
  • Sit-ups – Passing Score consists of 25 in 1 Minute. 
  • 300-meter sprint – Passing Score / 1 minute 15 seconds.  
  • 1.5 mile – Passing Score / 17 minutes 1 second.
In-Person Interview

✔Step Three(3) - In-Person Interview

Eligible applicants will be notified to schedule a selection interview with the Ozark Police Department. Those who succeed at the interview will continue through the background investigation.

✔Step Four(4) - Background Investigation

Applicants complete a detailed background questionnaire. Once submitted, a background investigator will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the applicant's background. 

Conditional Offer of Employment

✔Step Five(5) - Conditional Offer of Employment

The entire background investigation is reviewed, and you will receive a conditional offer of employment. This means you must submit to a medical exam, including a drug screen, a psychological evaluation, and a polygraph examination.

✔Step Six(6) - Start Working

  • If the applicant is POST Certified, they will begin with OPD's in-house academy and will progress to the 14-week Field Training Program.
  • If the applicant is currently in a police academy, they will be hired as a Recruit Police Officer and will be paid while they are in the police academy. Once they graduate, they will progress to OPD's in-house academy and then enter the 14-week Field Training Program.
  • If the applicant is not currently enrolled in a police academy, the applicant will be hired as a Recruit Police Officer, and OPD will sponsor the applicant in an upcoming police academy. The Applicant will work in a non-commissioned position within the department until the academy begins. Once the academy begins, the Recruit Police Officer will be paid while they are in the police academy. Upon graduation, they will progress to OPD's in-house academy and then enter the 14-week Field Training Program.