For those ready to meet the challenge of a career in law enforcement, there are numerous benefits in working at the Opelousas Police Department. Here are a few:

• The advantage of working at a Civil Service Agency
• Certification at a State-recognized law enforcement academy
• Advanced instruction from a team of the finest law enforcement instructors
• Take-home car program (after initial in-service training period)
• Health/Medical benefits through City of Opelousas
• Opportunity to enroll in the Pelican State Credit Union
• State Supplemental Pay of $300/month (after 1 year of service)
• Starting salary-$12.00/hr. Cost of living -2.5% per year
• Differential Pay-after one-year probation, eligible for promotion upon completing Civil Service exam- 10% step increase. Percentage increased as successive rank is obtained.
• Excellent retirement benefits through Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System (MPERS)- www.lampers.org

In addition, there are numerous opportunities within the Department for a goal-oriented individual to work in specific areas, such as:

• K-9 Division
• Traffic Division (Motorcycle Officer traffic enforcement)
• Crime Suppression Team (selected personnel to perform street-level narcotics and crime enforcement)
• Investigative Division
• S.W.A.T/ Strike Force © units
• Community Policing Division

In exchange for the opportunity to work for one of the most progressive agencies in the State, all new hires will be asked to sign a two-year contract of employment.

Any inquires should be directed to the Opelousas Fire and Police Civil Service Board (337) 948-5240 of faxed to (337) 948-5247

An Application Form can be obtained through the State Examiner's website: www.ose.state.la.us, or at the Fire and Police Civil Service Office, 318 North Court Street. Direct your request to the Civil Service Secretary, Mrs. Rachel Babineaux.

Return the completed application with a copy of your Birth Certificate, Driver's License and High School Diploma (or Equivalency Certificate). Your application must be received before any listed due date to be considered. Your application will then be processed by the Secretary and presented to the Board for approval for testing.

All Applicants will be notified by mail of the date, time and location of testing, Once the test is completed, they are submitted to the Fire and Police Civil Service Office, and the Board must meet to certify and accept the scores. All applicants will then be notified by mail of the score received on the exam. If the applicant already possesses a valid score from an exam taken elsewhere in the State of Louisiana, that documentation must be presented to the Civil Service Secretary.

A list of the eligible applicants is then forwarded to the Chief of Police. The Police Department will then conduct interview, background checks and other required procedures to facilitate the selection process.

  Law Enforcement Applicant Letter from Perry Gallow, Chief of Police

Physical Condition Assessment for Police Recruits

Opelousas Police Department Contract