Police Officer

Police Officer Job Summary

Are you seeking a career that combines purpose, challenge, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community? One where you serve, protect, and promote the quality of life in Sioux Falls? If so, the role of a Police Officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department may be the perfect fit for you!

Starting wage (effective 1 / 6 / 2025) : $32.52 hourly ($67,641.60 annual)

Sign on bonus : $5,000.00

Shift differential : $2.00 per hour

Why SFPD?

• Robust health and wellness benefits - You will have access to our therapy dog "Leo", our wellness specialist, peer support group, employee assistance program, three fitness centers, and mentorship that will be assigned to you during your first month of employment. At the SFPD, we care about you!!
• Career development opportunities - The SFPD offers 20+ specialty divisions including, but not limited to : SWAT / Bomb Squad, School & Community Resource Officers, Detective's Bureau, Police Service Dog Unit (K-9), Training Division, and many more!! Candidates may also seek out our clear path rank-based promotional opportunities, such as Sergeant, starting at 4-years of continuous service.
• Community-oriented policing - SFPD Police Officers can expect unmatched support from the community and its local government. In addition, the agency spearheads community-orientated policing through engagement such as Hydrant Parties, Coffee / Shop / Cast with a Cop, the Public Service Trunk-or-Treat, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and much more.
• Paid training experience - We will serve you with nine months of training with our subject matter experts within the training division! You will work through eight total weeks of in-service training, 13-weeks at the LET state academy, and 15-weeks on the street, with our Police Training Officers. In addition, you will also be provided an SFPD mentor during your first weeks of employment.
• Public safety campus - Our $55 million state-of-the-art training hub offers you unmatched capabilities including, but not limited to, an on-site EVOC course, VR simulator (and) mat room, indoor / outdoor classrooms, indoor gun range, a fitness center, and tactical structures for police and fire rescue.
• Work / life balance - An annual shift-bid enables sworn personnel to set weekly work dates and hours for each calendar year, in addition to generous vacation time, sick leave, and personal days.

The Sioux Falls Police Department is currently accepting applications for pursuit of its Monday, October 27th, 2025 recruit class. If selected for the interview phase, more real-time discussion will be had on current processes and timelines. No residency requirement. No state income tax (in South Dakota). Want to know more about our state-of-the-art Public Safety Campus? CLICK HERE!! Want to know why Police Chief Thum believes you should join the SFPD? CLICK HERE!!

Job Responsibilities

1. Perform assigned police duties such as investigating traffic accidents, responding to emergency situations, and conducting public education programs.

2. Patrol designated areas of the city; answer calls in emergency and nonemergency situations; and initiate action on matters coming to the attention of the officer, including preparing citations.

3. Compile information; prepare and complete reports.

4. Conduct investigations, including gathering and preserving evidence, obtaining statements, and making arrests.

5. Investigate accidents; administer first aid or other aid when necessary.

6. Serve criminal process, including warrants and subpoenas; testify as a court witness.

7. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree or at least 60 semester hours of college credits from an accredited institution; or two years of certified law enforcement experience; or two years of military experience; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority. The Sioux Falls Police Department recognizes that not all applicants have post certified law enforcement experience, education credits, conferred degree, or military experience. The Sioux Falls Police Department also desires applicants that currently serve in a position of responsibility, have a stable work history, a clean criminal history, and an interest in serving and protecting the community. The Department will consider applicants who possess these collective qualities and experience when determining an applicant's suitability for employment. Must be eligible for certification under the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission. Must be a United States citizen. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age at the time of interview, and no greater than 44 years of age at the time of interview. Has not unlawfully used any prescribed drug, controlled substance, or marijuana within one year before the time of application for certification. Must have no convictions of any crime by any state or federal government punishable by imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary. Must possess or be able to obtain prior to hire a valid driver's license. Must have vision correctable to at least 20 / 40 in each eye. Must recognize and distinguish among the colors of traffic control signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber. Must have hearing in which able to hear forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid, or does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid. Applicant must pass all phases of the hiring process designated by the Rules of Civil Service Board.

Supplemental Information

The City of Sioux Falls takes pride in being an Employer of Choice including our Culture, Values, and Compensation and Benefits. Apply today to become part of ONE Team and help us take care of today for a better tomorrow!