Police Officer

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

***The Sioux Falls Police Department is currently accepting applicants for pursuit of its May 19th, 2025, recruit class. Effective January 6th, 2025, the starting wage is $32.52 hourly ($67,641.60 annual)

SIGN ON BONUS: $5,000.00
SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL: $2.00 per hour (between 6:00pm - 6:00am)

Why SFPD?

• Mental & Physical Health Resources - 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
• Community-Oriented Policing - SFPD Police Officers can expect unmatched support from the community and its local government.
• 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.
• 20-Plus, Specialty Units - The SFPD offers varied opportunities 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
• Work/Life Balance - An annual shift-bid enables sworn personnel to set weekly work dates and hours for each calendar year.

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

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

Ability to rapidly acquire working knowledge of modern approved principles, practices, and procedures of police work.

Knowledge of state laws and City ordinances.

Ability to deal with individuals under stressful conditions, including those involving physical violence.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to develop skill in the use of firearms, first aid, emergency vehicle operation, and other police-related activities.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to deal courteously but firmly with the public.

Ability to deal with those requesting or requiring police services in a prompt and courteous manner.

Ability to comply with orders, policies, and regulations governing the activities of the Police Department.

Must meet preemployment medical requirements.

Applicant must pass drug screening requirements and display proper character and personality traits for law enforcement work as determined by psychological testing and background checks.

Maintain physical condition necessary to perform official duties and day-to-day operations and to operate job-related equipment.

Our Culture

Sioux Falls is growing exponentially, and we need you to join our team of 1,400 full-time and hundreds more part-time and seasonal employees. Find a place to serve alongside us in a range of careers available in 12 diverse departments.

There’s a role for every interest, from public safety and health, to culture and recreation, to technology and internal operations. Our employees partner with local businesses and community members to provide the infrastructure, safe neighborhoods and recreation opportunities that keep Sioux Falls consistently ranked among the top places to live and work.

Our core values of safety, teamwork, innovation, character and respect build community from the inside out. Employees’ top culture drivers include a strong sense of accomplishment, growth through learning and training, and supportive colleagues. Team members achieve job satisfaction every day with the knowledge that their service positively impacts the high quality of life this community enjoys.

Our Compensation and Benefits Summary

Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.

The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Public safety employees receive a 8% match. Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.

11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.

New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.

Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.

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 EOE.