PRIMER FOR PROSPECTIVE POLICE

PRIMER FOR PROSPECTIVE POLICE

APPLICANTS

REQUIREMENTS **

** Will differ from agency to agency and state to state, but these

appear to be the most common.

* Applicants must be at least (18-35) years of age.(Most require

21 years of age for entry, and a maximum of 35. Some hire as low

as 18, and some have no maximum age limit for entry.

* Must have a high school diploma or GED.

* Must have a valid driver's license.

* Must be free from defects in color vision and hearing.

* Weight/Height proportionate.

* Must pass a physical examination.

* Must complete a background investigation.

* May be required to pass drug screen.

* Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions

involving moral turpitude.

* Veterans must have a honorable discharge.

* Must not have excessive traffic violations.

* No DWI/DUID convictions.

* Must have stable employment history.

The Application and Testing Process

Provided below is a brief description of the testing process

used by many agencies.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Usually a test of basic reading comprehension and writing skills

necessary to perform police tasks.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Used to verify information provided on the initial application

and personal history questionnaire.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Used to eliminate applicants with medical conditions or

limitations that would prevent them from safely performing

police duties. Drug testing will probably be included in the exam.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

A check of the information you provided on the personal

history questionnaire. It will include a check of your

criminal history and driving record. May also include a check

of your employment history, credit history, personal/business

references and educational background.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

Used to evaluate your psychological and emotional health as

it relates to the position you are seeking.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

This test will include such events as:

Running a pre-determined distance. You might have to run in

order to catch a suspect. Climbing flights of stairs. You

may have to answer calls for service or pursue suspects in

multi-story buildings. Dragging a dummy. You may have to

drag an unconscious person to a place of safety at an

accident scene or other disaster. Climbing over walls or

obstacles. You may have to climb over fences or walls to

check buildings or pursue suspects. Negotiating an obstacle

course. You may have to avoid different types of obstacles

quickly while running, such as if you are pursuing a suspect

through a crowd of people. Broad jump. You may have to jump

across a ditch. Walking a beam. You may have to walk on a

log, etc. to get across a creek or ditch. Weight lifting.

You may have to lift heavy objects or push people or objects

off of you. (usually demonstrated with the bench press and

leg press and other exercises) Most of these events are

timed.

ASSESSMENT CENTER

More departments are utilizing this form of "hands on" type

of test. Assessment centers subject the applicant to a battery

of job related reasoning and decision-making exercises. This

procedure may also include group discussion exercises with

other applicants and an oral interview. The applicant usually

participates in most of these events before a panel of

"assessors".

ORAL INTERVIEW

Finally, there is usually an oral interview conducted as part

of the assessment center, or before the department head, or

both. You are certain to be asked questions such as: "Why do

you want to be a police officer? or "Why do you feel you are

more qualified than the other applicants to be a police

officer?" or "Describe your strengths and your weaknesses." You

may also be asked to give the interviewer(s) a short history of

your background, etc. You could be asked to give your opinions

on current events in the field of law enforcement.