In order to be considered for a position with the City of Bozeman Police Department as a police officer, applicants must meet the minimum following qualifications:

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Be fingerprinted and a search made of the local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;
• Must not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
• Be of good moral character, and conduct personal life above reproach as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• Be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D. certificate;
• Possess or be eligible to obtain a Montana driver’s license at time of hiring;
• Be of sound physical and mental health;

Please note that meeting the above minimums does not guarantee an opportunity to participate in the rest of the selection process. Applications are screened and prioritized prior to the start of all hiring processes.

Disqualifiers

The following disqualifiers will automatically make you ineligible to become a Bozeman Police Officer:

• Convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary.
• Convicted of a crime of domestic violence in any state that would be a conviction pursuant to §45-5-209 M.C.A., Partner or Family Member Assault.
• Convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921(a) (33) A).
• Dishonorably discharged from the armed forces and unable to possess a firearm in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 922.
• Demonstrated a pattern of violence, including domestic violence, regardless of whether or not resulting in conviction.
• Past or ongoing affiliation with, and/or support of, an organization or group which fosters anti-government beliefs or any organization that supports hatred toward any protected class or advocates violence or disruption of government, or whose organizational or individual goals are contrary to the interests of public safety and welfare.
• Demonstrated a pattern of bias constituting racial, gender, age, religion, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, sexual harassment or other discrimination.
• Evidence that the applicant has willfully provided false information, misleading information or omitted information during the application or background investigation process.
• Fail to possess a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
• Been registered as a violent or sexual offender in any state.
• Unable to work rotating shifts, weekends and/or holidays.
• Fail to satisfy pre-employment medical requirements.

Please note that the list above is not comprehensive.

1. PREPARATION:You must prepare for EVERY stage of the hiring process. This includes the initial testing process, interviews, background investigation, etc. The prepared are noticed and so are the unprepared. Be noticed for the right reasons! Prepare for commonly asked questions by referring to various resources and talking with others now working in the field. Maintain physical fitness and practice wellness. Diligent preparation often makes the difference between successful and unsuccessful candidates. You certainly can be the BEST PREPARED candidate!
2. FOLLOW APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:You must meticulously read and follow all instructions. Application and background forms must contain all required information. Failure to follow written or verbal instructions reflects poorly on the applicant, and in some cases may result in disqualification. Public safety positions demand rigorous attention to detail and thoroughness. Sloppy, incomplete and error-filled paperwork may indicate an applicant’s lack of attention to detail and an overall lack of professionalism.
3. HONESTY: In all phases of the selection process, be completely truthful. This means providing total and complete information. Information provided at each step of the process is validated against information that was previously provided. Dishonesty in any form will result in immediate disqualification—and is the #1 reason candidates are eliminated from the hiring process. Integrity, honesty and trustworthiness are essential. Honesty is your responsibility.
4. COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:Oral and written communication skills are critical in public safety occupations, and are emphasized in the testing process. Read the job description and qualifications thoroughly and ensure that you highlight your relevant skills and experiences in these areas in your application and resume. Applications can only be scored based on what you write. During oral interviews make eye contact with all panel members and practice concise, confident answers. Oral communication skills and the ability to establish rapport with an interview panel can be developed through practice and honest feedback from others.
5. KNOWLEDGE OF OCCUPATION & DEPARTMENT:Applicants must have a solid knowledge of the specific duties and demands of the profession, as well as knowledge of the Bozeman Police Department and our jurisdiction. Good sources are the department and city website, the department’s annual report, talking to department employees, friends in the profession, and ride-a-longs. Failure to possess basic knowledge about the Department or the position for which you are applying indicates an applicant who is neither serious nor passionate about the profession or the Bozeman Police Department.
6. PUNCTUALITY:Arrive at all appointments at least 15 minutes early. Develop a habit of being early. Arriving late for scheduled appointments could result in disqualification from the process. Anticipate any possible cause for a delay. Poor time management skills will reflect negatively on applicants.
7. PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ATTIRE:Dress and groom professionally and conservatively during any interview: business attire is usually best. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The Bozeman Department expects professional, conservative dress and grooming. If you are unsure what that is, ask someone who knows.
8. CANDOR & SINCERITY:Demonstrate sincerity, candor, integrity, conviction and honesty. If you are not yourself, it will show. Avoid canned responses; we want to see who you are, how you think and what you value.
9. KNOW YOURSELF:Know why you want to work in public safety, and how your background, skills and aptitude indicate success in performing specific duties. The Bozeman Police Department wants to know your capability and potential to address the various issues and challenges faced in public safety and in our community.
10. LISTEN CAREFULLY:Be an active listener, especially during the interview process. Listen carefully to the questions asked and think before you respond. Take a few seconds to formulate a thoughtful, concise answer. Active listening is a valuable skill in all jobs, especially police work.