What you do matters. Every single day.
“You go home knowing you made a difference, and I think that’s the most rewarding aspect of my career,” said Micah Shelton, police officer at the St. Louis County Police Department.
Police officer Kim Haus said the draw for her is that no two workdays are the same.
“You don’t know what type of calls you’re going to get,” Haus said. “Things can go from zero to 180 degrees pretty quickly.”
Six and 16 years ago, respectively, Shelton and Haus took the oath to protect and serve the St. Louis community. Three and a half years ago, both moved from their positions as patrol officers to lead recruitment officers for the St. Louis County Police Department. And today, the two are looking for new candidates to join their ranks and make a meaningful difference throughout the community.
“The career pathways within the department are so varied,” Shelton said. “I don’t think people realize how many different job types there really are. After a minimum of three years in patrol, an officer can start interviewing for a specialized unit, such as Crimes Against Persons. This unit has detectives for robbery, homicide, child abuse or domestic violence. Officers can also interview for tactical operations, K-9 or the drug unit. The list is endless.”
And so are the benefits. Haus likes to inform potential candidates that as recruits at the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy they have instant access to substantial medical benefits — generous PTO, longevity pay and ongoing Wellness Unit and Peer Support programs. After six months of employment, they are eligible for 12 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave. Concluding one year of probationary status, there are countless secondary opportunities available. And, of course, for those individuals who thrive on variety and excitement, the work involves a dynamic combination of unique and challenging opportunities. Every. Single. Day.
The department, which offers two police academies (January and June), is currently accepting applications for the June 2025 academy class. Prior to being accepted into the academy, candidates undergo a two- to three-month hiring process that includes a basic, entry-level police officer test; a personality and trigger pull assessment and a physical agility assessment. There are also several interviews with Background Detectives and commanders of the agency. Police Officer study guides are available through Amazon should an applicant choose to invest in one.
Once accepted into the academy, which is full-time, Monday through Friday, recruits earn $19.31 per hour with full benefits. Upon graduation, there is a pay increase. A patrol officer will work a 12-hour shift, earning a minimum of $27.70 per hour. Education incentives are offered for completed degrees.
Haus is most excited about the department’s mentor program, which is designed to provide support and camaraderie to the new recruits during their time at the academy, as well as throughout their career. This is a newer program, already showing much success for recruits attending the academy. Haus just watched her mentee graduate the academy this month!
“As part of the Peer Support program, each officer also has access to a phone app that helps them connect with a professionally trained peer, at any time, to talk about anything, whether it’s regarding work or a personal issue,” she said. “Peers are fellow police officers, dispatchers, crime lab workers and other employees throughout the entire department who can help provide relief from any of life’s stressors. It’s just another resource in our pocket.”
To learn more about becoming a police officer, visit joincountypd.com or call/text 314.250.1262 and 636.628.1070 for more information.
