Police Officer at City of Sioux Falls – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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!

STARTING WAGE: $34.63 hourly ($72,030.40 annual)

SIGN ON BONUS: $5,000.00

SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL: $2.00 per hour

BILINGUAL PAY: $1,755.00 annually, $33.75 weekly - see minimum qualifications

Why SFPD?

1. Robust Health and Wellness Benefits -You will have access to our therapy dog "Leo", 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!!
2. Career Development Opportunities -The SFPD offers 20+ specialty divisions/units 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!!

1. Community-Oriented Policing - SFPD Police Officers can expect unmatched support from the community and its local government.

1. 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.
2. Public Safety Campus - Our $55 million state-of-the-art training hub offers you unmatched capabilities including, but not limited to, an on-site EVOC course, VR simulator (and) mat room, indoor/outdoor classrooms, indoor gun range, a fitness center, and tactical structures for police and fire rescue.

1. Work/Life Balance - An annual shift-bid enables sworn personnel to set weekly work dates and hours for each calendar year, in addition to generous vacation time, sick leave, and personal days. Most schedules are four (4) 10-hour shifts consecutive, with 3 days off week-to-week.

The Sioux Falls Police Department is currently accepting applications, and is interviewing/testing candidates for its May 18th, 2026, recruitment class.

In 2025, SFPD applicants that are hired average 2 months from application to final offer.

No residency requirement
No state income tax (in South Dakota)

Interested in a one-stop-shop of online resources for the department?

1. Perform assigned police duties such as investigating traffic accidents, responding to emergency situations, and conducting public education programs.

2. Patrol designated areas of the city; answer calls in emergency and nonemergency situations; and initiate action on matters coming to the attention of the officer, including preparing citations.

3. Compile information; prepare and complete reports.

4. Conduct investigations, including gathering and preserving evidence, obtaining statements, and making arrests.

5. Investigate accidents; administer first aid or other aid when necessary.

6. Serve criminal process, including warrants and subpoenas; testify as a court witness.

7. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

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.

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.

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.

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BILINGUAL PAY - 2026-27 FOP Contract, Article 34, Section 9

Any officer demonstrating proficiency to interpret conversations in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Slavic languages, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, Farsi and any other language as determined at the Chief's discretion, shall be eligible to receive an annual amount of $1755.00 prorated in weekly installments of $33.75. In order to receive such compensation, the officer must pass an examination as prescribed by the department and must agree to provide interpretation services while on duty to the extent this is practical given the officer's assignment and workload, and as approved or directed by their supervisor.

• 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.