"The challenge with being a police officer is having to see most people in the worst times of their lives. You have to be able talk with that person and empathize with them to make them feel safe and secure and hopefully give them some sort of comfort depending on what it is that they are going through. This is what I believe is the hardest thing to do in police work and is the most taxing on officers as well. This is also the most rewarding thing when you show up on someone’s worst day and help them in a way they believed nobody could."
– Jordan Berry, Police Officer
Joined Merriam PD in 2020

“In 10 years at Merriam I have been: a training officer, instructor, bicycle officer, peer support team member, detective, master police officer, and now a sergeant. At three years into my career, I went to investigations. I became a member of the KC Metro Squad and worked three homicide investigations with that unit. I had the opportunity to present at the international co-responder conference in 2024. I recently gained a seat on the Kansas Law Enforcement CIT Council. I have assisted with the Shawnee Mission School District's Blue Eagles program and helped several students achieve law enforcement careers. I have also had the privilege of assisting in several critical incident debriefs around the metro. I have no doubt that I would not have been able to build that kind of career at any other department. I have done more in 10 years at Merriam than many officers will do in a 25 year career at other agencies.”
– Rashad Castaneda, Sergeant
Joined Merriam PD in 2014

"I stay in Merriam because the Merriam Police Department believes in me. They could've let me go, but they realized I had a learning disability, they didn't give up on me, so I can't give up on them. I love this place. If I die wearing this uniform, I will be dying for people who believe in me. I've never had anyone truly believe in me and help me the way this PD has. My favorite thing about the department is I know who everyone is, and I'm not afraid to approach anyone about any problems I'm having. I don't feel like I'm being beat down or judged for asking a question. When I was younger, I was so afraid people would think I was stupid because I wanted to ask questions so bad but didn't. When I'm here, I don't worry about that. I ask questions, I learn, and I move on to the next."
– Gary Young, Police Officer
Joined Merriam PD in 2023

"I like that everyone knows everyone and you don't get lost in the crowd. Officers are actually in a position to talk to and get to know the command staff on a personal basis. This would not happen in a very large department. Being a small department also makes it easy to apply for other duties such as investigations, bike patrol, firearms instructor, trainer, etc."
– Phil Lewis, Master Police Officer
Joined Merriam PD in 2002

Apply Now

As a Police Officer with the City of Merriam, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining a safe, welcoming community by enforcing laws, building public trust, and demonstrating the highest standards of courage, sacrifice, and compassion. This dynamic role involves both proactive and responsive policing, requiring strong communication skills, sound decision-making under pressure, and a commitment to ethical service. Officers serve as frontline ambassadors of the department and City, forming meaningful connections with residents and businesses while ensuring public safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively patrol assigned areas to protect life and property, responding quickly and safely to calls for service

• Conduct criminal and traffic investigations, interviews, and arrests while maintaining accurate documentation

• Administer life-saving aid and assist in evacuating individuals from dangerous situations

• Operate patrol vehicles in varying conditions and exercise sound judgment in high-stress scenarios

• Promote the values of the department and foster trust-based relationships within the community

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 21 or older
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Must be in good physical condition 
• Must have good moral character and ethics
• Must have acceptable background

Police Officer Job Description(PDF, 107KB)

Apply Now

If you are an experienced officer who's looking to explore new opportunities, Merriam could be right for you. Our small department allows you to make a big impact every day. You're not just a number in Merriam; you're part of a close-knit team where every officer matters. 

Merriam offers lateral pay for certified police officers from other cities, counties, or state agencies. The certification must meet the training standards set forth by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). 

Each officer's experience is unique. Contact Captain Jeremiah Waters to learn more about how you may fit with our team. 

Military Experience

The Merriam Police Department values the leadership, discipline, and integrity learned through military service. We find that military service often translates well to civilian law enforcement. A commitment to something bigger than yourself, strong moral compass, and decision-making under pressure are assets to our small department where every officer is a leader. Please note, the KLETC only recognizes civilian law enforcement certifications, and does not recognize military police officers as eligible for reciprocity training, so successful completion of the police academy will be required. 

Apply Now

Our hiring process for police officers typically takes about a month. Applicants are subject to polygraphs, background investigations, drug screen, physical, reference checks, and psychological exams.

Merriam is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe there is strength in diversity, where in our vibrant community, every voice matters. We welcome employees from every background. We’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace like the community we serve. 

1. Submit an Application

Review our Police Officer position description and click Apply Now. You must create a username and password for UKG. Once your account is created, complete and submit your application. If you meet our minimum qualifications, you'll be asked to complete a Personal History Statement before you move on to the next step. 

2. Testing and Applicant Processing

Writing Test
Report writing is an essential part of police work. Applicants must complete a 20 minute writing test to assess fundamental communication skills, including clarity, comprehension, and accuracy. 

Fitness Assessment
Applicants must complete the Merriam Police Department's standard fitness assessment to determine your readiness for duty. Successful police officers must possess the necessary strength, endurance, and agility to handle the physical challenges they may encounter on the job. The assessment takes 30-45 minutes, and there is no minimum requirement to pass.

Activities include:
– Beep Test
– Air Squats (60 sec. time limit)
– Push Ups (no time limit)
– Plank

As an added benefit, officers can earn additional paid time off by achieving high scores on the fitness assessment each year. 

Physical Ability Test
This obstacle course evaluates a candidate's physical fitness, aerobic capacity, and ability to navigate obstacles encountered during foot pursuits and other physically demanding situations. The course must be completed in 93 seconds. 

Applicant Processing

• Fingerprints and photograph: These are necessary to complete your background check. 
• Ride-a-long: Experience first hand what the officer's job duties and activities are on a daily basis.  

3. Panel Interview 

The interview will ask questions designed to help the Merriam Police Department assess your overall abilities as they relate to the field of law enforcement, your interest in and knowledge of Merriam, and how you may fit with our team. 

4. Background Investigation 

The background investigation will include pertinent facts regarding your character, work history, and any criminal or traffic records. The investigation may also include reviewing your social media and interviewing people you have lived or worked with. 

5. Polygraph, Psychological, and Physical Exams

Qualified applicants will proceed to the polygraph examination, which is administered by a qualified Polygraph Examiner at the Merriam Police Department. This test will cover criminal activity, drug usage, integrity, truthfulness and employment history, and may last about two hours.

After a conditional job offer is made, recruits must complete a psych exam with a licensed psychologist to assess your fitness for duty. This exam will take about two hours. 

Applicants must complete medical, hearing, and eye examination performed by a licensed physician, after a conditional job offer is made.

6. Job Offer

Based upon the results of the entire hiring process, the Chief of Police will make the final hiring decision. 

Onboarding & Training

If you are hired, we'll work with you to determine your start date. If you have no previous police experience, you will attend the Police Academy. You will receive full pay during your training, beginning on your first day of employment. Officers in training will complete a pre-academy program with the department. After successful graduation from the Police Academy, officers complete a post-academy program in Merriam before beginning an 18 week field training program.

If you're a lateral police officer transfer, we'll determine what training is needed. All officers new to Merriam will complete 18 weeks of department led field training before operating solo. 

Police Academy

New recruits will attend either the Johnson County Regional Police Academy, located in Overland Park, Kansas, or the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. Police officer basic training is a vital step in building a foundation of integrity, excellence, and professionalism in law enforcement. Through comprehensive and progressive instruction, it prepares officers to serve their communities effectively while upholding the highest standards and values of the profession. Successful completion of the 16-week academy results in certification as a Kansas law enforcement officer.