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Sworn

qualifications

Knowledge of:

Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts. Techniques for dealing with varied groups of people. Standard record keeping and report writing procedures and techniques.

 

Ability to:

Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces and incidents. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies. Analyze situations and make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines. Use two-way radio communication equipment effectively. Drive a motor vehicle safely. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise, and competent reports.

becoming A Sworn Officer

Entry Level; $63,857 plus benefits // Lateral; up to $76,196 plus benefits

Officers are responsible for patrolling assigned areas, issuing citations, making arrests, responding to calls, monitoring traffic, preparing reports and operating mobile data terminals. The Department responds to over 45,000 calls for service each year.

This position reports to a Police supervisor or manager.

  1. Patrols assigned areas to observe, prevent or stop unlawful activities by issuing citations or making arrests. 
  2. Responds to calls involving domestic disputes, rescue efforts, accident scenes, potential criminal activity and determines the appropriate course of action.
  3. Issues warnings or summons as appropriate.

Education:

Prospective candidates must be US citizens, at least 18 years old, and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. College coursework in law enforcement or related fields is beneficial, it is not mandatory for application.

 

Other Requirements:

Must be eligible to obtain a Montana driver’s license, maintain proportional height and weight, and have corrected visual acuity to 20/20 with the ability to pass a color vision test. Candidates should have no convictions that could have led to imprisonment in federal or state penitentiaries and must demonstrate good moral character. Furthermore, they should possess interpersonal and problem-solving skills, maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the public, and be willing to engage with the community.

GFPD offers specialized units such as HRU (High Risk Unit), HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Task Force), Field Training Officers, Drone Pilots, DET (Directed Enforcement Team).

GFPD recognizes the importance of maintaining health in three areas: Physical Fitness, Physical Health and Mental Health. We have developed a Wellness Program in order to promote and recognize an employee’s healthy lifestyle and encourage all of their members to participate in this voluntary program. Under the current CBA participating employees can earn up to 2 full days off paid.

WE'RE HIRING

  • Committed to community outreach and award-winning policing techniques
  • State-of-the-art safety equipment and specialized units
  • Resources to solve real-life problems
  • Resources for career advancements
  • Positive work/life balance

Frequently asked Questions

  • A full list of qualifications can be found by searching Montana Code Annotated(MCA) 7-32-303 on the internet. Hear are a few of them:
    • Must be a citizen of the United States
    • Must be at least 18 years of age
    • Not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary
    • Have a high school diploma or have been issues a high school equivalency diploma
    • Must possess or be eligible to possess a Montana driver’s license
    • Visual acuity of, or corrected to, 20/20
    • Ability to pass a color vision test
    • College coursework in law enforcement or related fields is helpful but not required
  • Please contact a recruiter via our “Text A Recruiter” link at the bottom of every page.
  • You may also check open positions here

The hiring process is split up into 4 phases

Phase 1: Application/Testing

      • 4-part written test covering basic math, reading, grammar and report writing
      • Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
      • Oral boards, personal history, and a background investigation which takes about 3 weeks

Phase 2: Physical/Psychological Exam

        • Physical Exam/Drug Screening
        • Psychological Exam
        • Police Commission Review
        • Prep Week
          • On-boarding with HR
          • Swearing-in Ceremony
          • Online MLEA course work
          • MPAT for current score prior to leaving for MLEA

Phase 3: Academy 

  • 12 weeks Monday–Friday with occasional weekend trainings. 
  • Recruits will meet at the GFPD and car-pool to Helena in an assigned PD car

Phase 4: Post-Academy

      • Two weeks of hands-on training building on MLEA
      • 16 weeks Field Training with an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO)
      • Divided into 4 phases
      • Daily grading/evaluation of performance

You can find the additional information in our FAQ’s page

  • The Great Falls Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality of police service to the citizens of Great Falls, in partnership with the entire community. Officers are responsible for patrolling assigned areas, issuing citations, making arrests, responding to calls, monitoring traffic, preparing reports and operating mobile data terminals . The Department responds to over 45,000 calls for service each year.
  • There are currently three academy classes per year. We average onboarding 2-3 new officers per hiring round.
  • Yes, all officers are hired prior to attending the academy and will be paid their wage while in attendance.
  • The written test consists of 4 tests covering basic math skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and report writing. All tests require only the knowledge gained at the high school level and do not require any previous law enforcement training or experience. Applicants will be provided with an internet link to a study guide specific to the test we are using once they have applied.
  • The Great Falls Police Department conducts its interviews in such a way that no law enforcement training or experience is necessary. The questions are generally behavior based to challenge an applicant’s morals and ethics. General knowledge of the Great Falls Police Department and the City of Great Falls as organizations is also helpful.

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