APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 29, 2026

Tentative hiring process schedule:

• Phone interviews for candidates selected on or around 7/6/26
• Written testing, MPAT and interviews for candidates selected on or around 07/31/26 - 8/1/26.

The Belgrade Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Probationary Police Officer. The Belgrade Police Department is a progressive, community-oriented department seeking motivated, career-minded officers who will be responsible for performing a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; conducting and participating in general investigations of crimes, accidents, and cases; controlling traffic flow and enforcing state and local traffic regulations; and performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Department.

The Mission of the Belgrade Police Department is to protect lives, property, and constitutional rights with fairness, integrity, and professionalism, recognizing that serving the citizens of Belgrade is a privilege and their trust is our purpose.

Position: Police Officer
Department: Police Department
Supervisor: Shift Sergeant

Bargaining Unit: Belgrade Police Officers Association (BPOA)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; eligible for overtime for hours worked over 80 in a pay period
Hours: Shift as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training)

• Graduation from High School or GED certificate;
• Must be a citizen of the United States;
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• No felony or convictions of PFMA, assaulting or alluding a peace officer;
• Must be able to successfully complete basic course at MLEA or equivalent as designated by P.O.S.T advisory council or as determined by the Chief of Police.

Special Requirements/Licenses or Certificates

• Meet any and all requirements for employment as required by the State of Montana law and the City of Belgrade.
• Successfully pass a criminal history and driving record check.
• Ability to pass entry-level police written examination and Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) physical agility test.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record at the time of hire and have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within six months of hire.

Job Description/ Essential Duties

These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.

• Patrol assigned areas on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or in a radio-equipped car depending on assignment to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic, and to enforce motor vehicle operation and parking regulations.
• Investigate reports of complaints involving fire, robberies, neighborhood disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, which include securing crime scenes, conduct preliminary investigations, gather evidence, and obtain witnesses.
• Administer aid at the scene of automobile accidents, investigate accident by gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed accident reports.
• Interview person(s) with complaints and inquires to make proper disposition or direct to proper authorities.
• Interact with the public to provide general advice and information.
• Perform public and community relation’s services.
• Participate in regular training program in police methods, target practice and related subjects.
• Serves appropriate legal papers.
• Testify in court as a witness for the City of Belgrade regarding arrests and citations made.
• Writes or inputs data into reports, logs, forms as required.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position

The successful candidate will possess:

Knowledge of:

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of law enforcement.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of basic report preparation.
• Techniques used in public relations.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Safe driving principles and practices

Skill to:

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Operate necessary tools and devices such as police vehicle, radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons, baton, handcuffs, pager, phone, cameras, finger print materials, intoxilyzer, and flashlight.
• Learn, interpret, and apply the policies, procedures, statutes, ordinances, criminal laws, codes, investigative techniques, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Learn and use radio 10-code to communicate with dispatch.
• Determine the proper action to take when confronting humans who are agitated, under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, frightened, or injured.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Prepare clear, complex, and extensive reports.
• Observe and recollect details accurately.
• Meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Use good judgment and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police or as assigned.

Tools and Equipment:

Unmarked and marked vehicles, police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other firearms, side handle baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, pager, taser, intoxilyzer, mobile data and digital camera/equipment. Operates modern office machines and equipment including PC, word processors, printers, copiers, calculators, and FAX machines.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work in a standard office environment, in a police car, and outdoors with ability to sit, stand, see, hear, walk and lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and up to 100 pounds on an infrequent basis.
• Physical and mental ability to successfully make arrests as a Police Officer when necessary and as mandated by Montana Codes Annotated and Belgrade City Codes.
• Physical strength and ability to engage in foot pursuit, physically restrain humans and agility to sufficiently perform duties safely.
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.
• Requires the availability for twenty-four hour call-out for emergency/disaster situations as well as working various shifts ranging from day, night and graveyard.
• May be exposed to extreme noise, hot/cold temperatures, outdoors, chemicals, mechanical hazards, confined spaces, and blood borne pathogens and other bodily fluids.
• Duties are performed in variety of environments to include office related work as well as working in weather extremes and outside.
• Reading materials and verbal instructions require moderate interpretation.
• The noise level ranges from quiet to moderate and potentially noisy.
• Have the ability to talk and hear in person and by telephone; ability to see and read instructions, spreadsheets, reference materials and computer reports.

Safety Related Duties:

• Follow the City’s and departments work practices.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses, and near misses immediately to Supervisor.
• Follow supervisor instructions for obtaining first aid or medical attention.
• Participate in accident investigations as required.
• Participate in safety training.
• Suggest improvements in safety training requirements or programs to Supervisor
• Identify unsafe work conditions and unsafe practices. Correct hazards or report them to Supervisor as appropriate.