If getting into law enforcement is something you want to do, the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) currently has positions to fill.
They currently have five positions open and are in the middle of the hiring process meaning candidates have taken the initial test at the Montana Law Enforcement Testing Consortium.
GFPD will now move into the next step of the hiring process, which includes oral interviews and background investigations.
GFPD Lieutenant Doug Mahlum said although they hope to fill all five positions, it’s unlikely and difficult to do. He added, “We’re looking down the road, we’re always recruiting. We’re always looking for good people.”
Although the department continues to protect the community, being currently short-staffed limits GFPD’s community engagements.
GFPD runs through a hiring process three times a year, one in January, which is ongoing, one in June, and one in October.
Before being able to apply to the GFPD, you need to test through the Montana Law Enforcement Testing Consortium. You can find out more information at www.mtletc.org.
The next deadline to be registered for the Montana Law Enforcement Testing Consortium will be May 26, which is for GFPD’s June deadline.
Once you go through this testing process, you are able to apply to the GFPD through www.policeapp.com/greatfallsmt.
This application process allows people to apply with a smart device and helps GFPD speed and refine the application process.
The department isn’t looking for a specific type of person, meaning they could come from any job background. But they want somebody who is willing to become a part of something bigger than themselves, and are highly motivated and driven individuals who are willing to give back to the community.
Right now, their recruiting process is mostly through word of mouth but want to expand.
Mahlum said, “One of the things that we’ve discovered is that we need to do a better job of talking about our agency. We do a lot of amazing things, I mean I’ve seen it day in and day out. But, we don’t talk about it enough.”
In the future, GFPD plans to put together recruitment videos to showcase why someone should apply. These videos will include everybody who makes up the department, the day-to-day activities of officers and of different assignments done in the community.
