Police Officers

We are pleased that you are visiting the employment page and believe that many of your questions concerning employment opportunities can be answered here. You will find that our employees are very proud of their service with the department, and we encourage you to take a close look at us if you are considering a career in law enforcement, or in one of our many civilian staff positions.

The City of Jackson is located near the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee and is the county seat for Cape Girardeau County. It has a population of about 15,481 and is governed by a Board of Alderman-Manager form of government. The friendliness and charm of small-town living can be found in our community, With excellent schools, a healthy business environment, attractive neighborhoods and parks, our town is a great place to live and work.

Our Police Officers

The Jackson Police Department consists of 32 commissioned full-time Police Officers and 1 full-time civilian. Commissioned supervisory positions include 3 Sergeants, 3 Lieutenant,1 Captain, 1 Assistant Chief of Police and Chief of Police.

The duties of our Police Officer positions are similar to other law enforcement agencies. Officers perform general police work for the protection of life and property, order maintenance, preserving the peace and service to our community. Patrol assigned areas on foot or vehicle to deter and detect crimes. Respond to emergencies and provide general public safety services. Enforce criminal and traffic laws and local regulations as well as investigate crimes and traffic accidents. Officers must demonstrate ability to exercise quick, independent and sound judgment, and display initiative in applying work methods. Prepare reports. We offer a variety of Patrol, Investigative, and Special Duty assignment opportunities. Every day will bring a new, non-routine and exciting challenge to you and another opportunity to help and protect others. Our new Officers are hired with the expectation that during each day of their career, they will provide a high level of service to our customers, continuing the efforts of the dedicated men and women of our Department.. We are seeking police officer applicants who can accept responsibility, act independently, and be dedicated to serving our citizens as we continue to place an emphasis on community oriented police philosophies.

Jackson Police are seeking qualified men and women for the position of police officer. Women, minorities, and persons with foreign language ability are particularly encouraged to apply. Jackson Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Potential applicants who are seeing additional information may contact our Recruiting Officer, Lieutenant Jason Wilhelm at 573-243-3151, ext. 2103 or email Jason Wilhelm.

We are pleased to offer the Police Recruit Program that allows those who are not academy trained, licensed police officers to be sent to the police academy, at no cost to the police recruit.  The police recruit will also receive a salary and benefits as specified contractually **.  After successfully graduating from the police academy, recruits advance to the position of police officer and receive a raise.

**The Contractual Agreement requires the Jackson Police Department be reimbursed for training and other related  cost in the event employment is voluntarily or involuntarily terminated for good cause prior to the expiration of a three-year period from the date of hire.