The Rapid City Police Department is built on a strong foundation of community, service, and integrity that influences our daily actions. With a variety of career path options we are a great choice for those looking to grow in their Law Enforcement Career. Our officers enjoy amazing benefits and unparalleled community support.
The Rapid City Police Department is one of the most progressive law enforcement agencies in the region and the only internationally accredited police department in South Dakota. The RCPD is comprised of three divisions with diverse operations staffed by uniformed and non-uniformed staff. These operations include field services, criminal investigations and support services.
RCPD offers a variety of services, and are especially proud of our proactive programs to keep our community safe, such as the School Liaison Program and our civilian traffic investigators. We also see ourselves as a leader in quality training throughout the region, with outstanding recruit training and Police Training Officer programs to cultivate committed, courteous officers for our department.
About Our Job
As a Police Officer, you'll provide protection of life and property within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rapid City.
For a detailed job description, click here.
About You
To be eligible to test, applicants must possess one of the following minimum requirements:
- Associate's degree or a minimum of 64 hours of college credit from an accredited institution; or
- Current certified law enforcement experience (at least 2 years of previous certified law enforcement experience may be acceptable, however experience in corrections does not apply); or
- Four years of active full-time military experience; or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable.
In addition, candidates must be at least 21 years of age, a US Citizen, possess a valid driver's license and have not been convicted of a felony crime or serious misdemeanor offense.
Testing & Hiring Process for Police Officer Candidates
For questions about the hiring process for the Rapid City Police Department please contact Recruitment Manager, Alexcia Kalal, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 605-877-4825.
Step 1:
Fill out the online application for employment here! If applications are not open please complete the "Contact a Recruiter" form at the bottom of the page. A recruiter will be in touch about future hiring class timelines.
Step 2:
Qualified candidates will be invited to test. After you fill out your application, you will receive further information about testing dates.
Step 3:
Tests will include:
- Written test. This computer-based exam is timed, and consists of both multiple-choice and observational questions. Candidates must pass the written test to move on to the physical fitness test. Study for the written test here.
- Physical fitness test. Exercises include push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. Candidates should bring proper athletic attire for this test. Candidates must pass both the written and physical fitness test to move on to the oral interview.
- Oral interview. Candidates will be questioned individually by the Interview Board. After all of the interviews are complete, the Interview Board will determine the top candidates, who will move on to the next phase in the hiring process.
Step 4:
A number of top candidates (dependent on the number of current or projected openings) will receive contingent offers of employment and move on to an extensive background investigation, psychological exam, medical exam, and possible polygraph.
We will stay in touch with you through all steps of the hiring process, and we work hard to make it as expedited as possible.
New Officer Training & Police Academy
New officers begin training on their very first day with the department. New hires spend several weeks training in the classroom before attending an intensive 13-week program at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre to earn their South Dakota Law Enforcement Officer certification.
After graduating from the Academy, new hires begin an 18-week Police Officer Field Training Program. This program helps the officer learn hands-on, and ensures that the officer is prepared and ready to work on his or her own. At the end of the field training program, the new officer will receive a permanent shift assignment on patrol.
Police Officer Wages and Benefits
The Rapid City Police Department offers a competitive salary and benefits package to all its officers.
Starting salary for an RCPD officer: $31.02/hour (effective July 1st 2024). Officers work a 40-hour week, and are paid overtime for work outside their normal shift.
- Gym membership Reimbursement Program
- Sabbatical program
- Paid quarterly wellness days
- Student Loan Reimbursement Program
- Uniforms and equipment provided
- Health insurance provided for the employee at minimal cost. The City pays a portion of the premium for family coverage.
- Patrol officers enjoy a four-day (10 hour shifts) work week
- Sick leave
- Paid leave of 2 weeks per year. This jumps to 3 weeks of paid leave per year when the employee reaches 4 years of service.
- Paid holidays
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan provided through the South Dakota Retirement System. City matches 8% of the employee’s pre-tax wages.
- Supplemental retirement plan available
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending plans for health and dependent care