The Board of Police Commissioners consists of five citizens of Bridgeton, who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council for a term of two years. Also, one elected official of the City Council acts as ex officio to the board. As provided by City Charter, it is the responsibility of the Commission to publish and update a manual of Rules and Regulations for the conduct of police personnel. The Commission meets regularly at the city hall on the third Monday of each month.

In addition to the timely review and promulgation of policy for the conduct of the police department, the Commission is responsible for the selection of candidates for the position of police officer. Furthermore, the Commission makes certification of promotions within the department, as rank vacancies occur, and serves as the hearing board for citizen complaints, employee appeals and grievances, according to the Rules and Regulations of the Police Department.

RECRUITMENT
In order to hold the position of police officer in a First Class City, as defined by Missouri Revised Statute 590.150, a candidate seeking employment must meet specific criteria. He or she must be at least twenty-one years of age, a citizen of the State of Missouri, and qualify under the prescribed training requirements before he or she may perform the duties of a police officer. At least six hundred hours of formal classroom training at an accredited law enforcement academy are mandatory under this statute.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, effective January 26, 1992, the process of attaining employment as a Bridgeton police officer is constructed to select the most qualified applicant to meet the standards set by the community through the Police Commission. Along with the age and citizenship requirements set forth by statute, an applicant must complete a most arduous screening process. Sixty hours of college credit, or prior police experience is a prerequisite before an applicant can further proceed in the selection process. The applicants must successfully complete, among competing candidates, a physical agility fitness test, a written examination, a thorough background investigation, an oral interview before veteran police officers, and an oral interview before the Board of Police Commissioners. Four months of intensive academy training and a minimum of two months of field training with an experienced police officer are provided newly hired probationary police officers. A probationary period of twelve months from the date of hire has been established to further screen the new officer's suitability for the duties of a police officer.

All commissioned officers must attain a thorough working knowledge of Federal, State, and Municipal laws and ordinances. They must adhere to the policies, procedures, and directives of the department. All officers are required to focus their duty activities toward service to the citizens of Bridgeton.