Job Description

Join the Polson Police Department!

Now hiring for the position of probationary police officer.

Are you ready for an exhilarating career where every day brings new challenges and the chance to make a real difference? The Polson Police Department is on the lookout for dynamic, courageous, and dedicated individuals to join our extraordinary team of police officers. Dedicate yourself to the noble profession of law enforcement in the heart of Montana, while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains!

Be the hero your community looks up to. Your efforts will directly contribute to making Polson a better place to live, work, learn, and play. No two days are the same. From thrilling emergency responses to in-depth investigations, your skills will be put to the test and honed. We invest in our officers with top-notch training programs and opportunities for specialization. Join a close-knit team of professionals who value service to their community and dedicate themselves to the mission while supporting each other.

Keep Polson safe by patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, and maintaining a visible law enforcement presence. Dive into investigations, gather crucial evidence, and solve cases that impact our community. Build strong relationships with residents through outreach programs, fostering trust and cooperation. Experience the unique opportunity of serving on the Flathead Indian Reservation, where diversity and cultural understanding are paramount. Work collaboratively with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to ensure a harmonious and respectful community. Participate in ongoing training to stay at the forefront of law enforcement tactics and technology.

The starting hourly wage for an officer is $27.70 (higher for POST certified lateral officers). Annual cost of living adjustments and additional incentives such as shift differential, holiday pay, and field training officer pay. Overtime assignment opportunities are available. Officers with the Polson Police Department are enrolled in the Municipal Police Officers Retirement System (MPORS).


Following a required amount of time in Patrol, officers have numerous opportunities to move to a different or collateral assignment such as Investigations, Field Training Program, Quick Reaction Force, and the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team.

All equipment is provided, to include a take-home vehicle, and all training is paid for. Patrol officers work four ten-hour shifts with three days off per week. Officers are eligible to purchase an annual membership to Polson Bay Golf Course at a reduced rate.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a high school diploma or equivalent. They must be at least 20 years of age. They also must not have been convicted of a crime in which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state prison. Applicants must possess or be eligible for a Montana driver's license. They must be of good moral character, as determined through a background investigation.

Applicants cannot have a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; nor can they have any convictions for misdemeanors involving false statements, perjury, or domestic violence. Other potential disqualifiers include past drug use, inappropriate social media activity, problematic driving or work history, criminal associations, and inappropriate tattoos.

The top qualified applicants will be invited to written and physical testing. The written exam consists of four separately timed sections, with no prior law enforcement knowledge required. Applicants who have taken the exam within six months prior to the application close date and whose scores were proctored by a Montana Law Enforcement Agency can submit those scores instead of retaking the exam. Applicants must complete the Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) which consists of a push/pull activity, dummy drag, and obstacle course within 6:30 minutes. Previously taken MPAT scores from within six months are also accepted.

If you're ready to take on the challenge and become a vital part of the Polson Police Department, we want to hear from you! For more information, visit our website at or contact our office at (406) 883-8210.

Embrace the adventure. Serve with pride. Make Polson your mission. We can't wait to welcome you to our team!

All successful applicants will undergo a background investigation and drug screening.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Work at office, Immediate start, Shift work, 3 days per week

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