(Aug. 9, 2023) -- The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is looking for a few good individuals to serve as Public Safety Officers.

Those interested in working as a Sikeston DPS officer, who possess the qualities of a law enforcement officer or fire fighter, can reserve their seat for testing that will take place Aug. 19, 2023, at 9 a.m. The testing will be held at Sikeston DPS headquarters and those who wish to test are asked to reserve their seat and get their application by 5 p.m. Aug. 11 by calling City of Sikeston HR Director Carrie Burgfeld at 573-475-3712.

Sikeston DPS offers a fast-paced environment.

“Although we are a small town, we take a proactive approach to law enforcement in our city,” said Sikeston DPS Sgt. Tyler Rowe.

Sikeston DPS officers went from 8-hour shifts to 10-hour shifts in July and so far, it has been a success.

“Overall, I think people like it,” said Sikeston DPS Chief James McMillen. “I’ve talked to officers. They like the extra days off a month, but I think the overlap helps them write reports. It makes it a lot more flexible for their schedule.”

Both McMillen and Rowe said the 10-hour schedule offers a more stable schedule for officers with less of a likelihood of working overtime or being called in early or held over late.

“You’re able to plan a little better,” Rowe said, also adding that the schedule allows for officers to perform more proactive police work.

Sikeston DPS Capt. Jon Broom said they are a technically advanced department, using the cutting-edge technology in law enforcement.

He said they also offer many training opportunities, whether held here in Sikeston or at other locations.

McMillen said Sikeston DPS is a young department with a lot of chances for advancement.

“Our department has a lot more opportunities and a lot of specialized units” McMillen said, adding they have School Resource Officers, detectives, the power squad, the Mobile Communications Unit, Homeland Security Response Team, canine officer, drone operations, peer support, Southeast Missouri CIT council and field training officer program.

There are also grant-funded overtime opportunities and plenty of special details officers can volunteer for, like the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

Those chosen have one year to locate within 30 miles of Sikeston. Rowe said currently they have officers that live in Charleston, Dexter, and Jackson.

Officers will have their equipment issued as well as receive a uniform allowance while also receiving excellent retirement and health care benefits.

“We also have three spots open in communications that if someone is under 21 and is computer savvy and like to talk to people and has a willingness to work on that side, they can start their career in communications,” Rowe said. “We’ve had several officers start their career in communications and then transition to the law enforcement end.”