Career Opportunities
The Olathe Police Department offers a wide variety of career advancement opportunities. All Officers (including lateral Officers from other agencies) begin their career in the Patrol Division, which currently works a 4/10 schedule with 3 days off in a row.
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Officers work as a Patrol Officer for a minimum of 2 to 3 years before they are eligible to apply for specialty assignments. A few are highlighted below.
Patrol Division
The Patrol Division's primary responsibility is the initial response to emergency calls for service.
This Division is comprised of multiple units to include K-9, Field Training, Hostage Negotiation, Gang, Crisis Intervention, Bicycle, Honor Guard, and more!
Investigations Divsion
The Investigations Division is the clearing house for any and all misdemeanor to felony cases. This Division is comprised of Persons, Property, Domestic Violence, Missing Persons and Crime Scene investigators.
Special Operations
The Special Operations Division is comprised of the Traffic and School Resource Units.
The Traffic Unit works in part to enforce traffic/commercial vehicle laws and investigate serious traffic collisions.
The School Resource Unit works directly with the School District to provide security and educational awareness for our schools.
Tactical Support Unit
The Tactical Support Unit (TSU) consists of multiple areas of expertise to include Explosive Breaching, Sniper, Tactical Driving, and more. These Officers respond to high risk calls for service, warrant services and dignitary protections to name a few.
Promotional Opportunities
There are many opportunities for promotion within the Olathe Police Department. Officers have the ability to become Field Training Officers and other areas of leadership within specific units. Additionally, Officers have the ability to promote to Sergeant and beyond after 5 years of total law enforcement experience, 3 years within the Olathe Police Department.
