OPPD Assignments and Opportunities

Join a winning team of progressive officers whose dedication to public safety make the Overland Park Police Department one of the best in the nation.

WALK IN TESTING DATE FOR POLICE OFFICER POSITION
Wednesday, May 28
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Overland Park Fire Training Center
12401 Hemlock
Please bring your drivers license and social security card

• Police Qualifications
• Police Officer Candidate Preparation Guide (.pdf file)
• Police Officer Oral Board Candidate Preparation Guide (.pdf file)
• 2008 Meet the Recruiter Dates
• Explorers Program (ages 14-20)

"Making a Difference" - Potential Applicant Informational Video
(25MB .wmv file)

Work Week:
Officers either work five eight-hour or four 10-hour work days during a normal work week, depending on shift assignment.

The OP Police Department pays time and one-half for assigned overtime (over 40 hours). All personnel are subject to overtime assignments as necessary. This includes time in court during off-duty hours and other off-duty assignments. Time devoted to scheduled training, in addition to the normal workday, also is considered overtime.

Shift Assignment:
An officer's initial assignment is generally as a patrol officer. The Patrol Division is staffed on a 24-hour basis through three work shifts and three relief teams. The department also has one permanent day shift and one permanent evening. Officers are assigned through a bidding system, based on seniority, to a team for a 12-month period.

Officers assigned to the day shift work eight months of days and four months of evenings. Officers assigned to the evening shift work eight months of evenings and four months of days. Officers assigned to the day/evening relief, midnight's, and midnight's relief shifts work their assigned shift for the entire year.

Specialized Units:
Transfer to specialized units is based upon the needs and best interests of the organization as defined by the Chief of Police. In addition to service in the Patrol Division as an officer, positions are available in the following divisions:

• Patrol
• Patrol Support
• TAC
• Criminal Investigations
• Investigation Support
• Technology/Communications and
• Homeland Security

Other assignments and specialized units include membership in the:

• Tactical Response Team
• Bomb Unit
• Dive Team
• Weapons of Mass Destruction Unit
• Canine (K-9) Unit
• Color Guard
• Honor Guard
  

Lateral Entry:
At the discretion of the Chief of Police, lateral entry may be considered, based on prior experience as a full-time police officer.

• Compensation for Public Safety Positions

Advancement Opportunities:
The Chief of Police makes promotions from a list of eligible officers. Officers are eligible for the promotion to Sergeant after three years of service to the department. Eligibility for promotion to Lieutenant and Captain occurs after two years service in grade.