TESTING PROCESS

The City tests for police officer approximately every two (2) years. Applications are reviewed after the closing date to ensure that the minimum requirements stated in the job description are met.

PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION

The agility examination is conducted by Complete Health & Injury Prevention (C.H.I.P.) and consists of four basic tests:

• Sit-up: This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force.
• 300 Meter Run: This is a measure of anaerobic power. It is an important area for performing sprinting ability that is highly predictive of police job tasks.
• Push Up: This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the upper body. It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength.
• 1.5 Mile Run: This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system's capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance.

Non-certified and certified candidates must meet the 40th percentile of physical fitness. Information on C.H.I.P. can be found online at ichiptest. 

WRITTEN EXAM

If you meet the application requirements, you will be invited to take a written exam. The written examination tests observation and memory, ability to learn new information, judgment and problem solving, writing skills and interests relative to success in police work. A passing score, as determined by the City, will be considered 50% of the final earned score for the entire examination process.

INTERVIEW PANEL

Applicants passing the written and agility tests will be invited to participate in an oral panel examination. No part of the testing process requires any prior knowledge of law enforcement. A passing score, as determined by the City, will be considered 50% of the final earned score for the entire examination process.

VETERANS POINTS

Five points will be added to a final passing score (maximum score="100" points) to veterans who have completed a minimum of ninety days of active military service with an honorable discharge or a discharge under honorable conditions. Form DD214, Member Copy #4, will be required to verify the right to receive veteran’s credits.

ELIGIBILITY LIST

An eligibility list is established for all non-certified candidates who have passed the initial agility test, the written exam and the oral exam. That list is valid for two years or until it is exhausted, whichever comes first.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The Police Department will conduct a thorough background investigation which may include checking employment, school, military and police records, personal references, a credit check, and other sources as necessary. The process will include a  polygraph examination, psychological exam, and medical exam. Rejection from a police hiring process in another agency may be disqualifying.

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

As vacancies are anticipated, candidates are presented to the Board of Police Commissioners for consideration. The Board of Police Commissioners is the hiring authority and may interview and make a conditional offer of employment to any candidate on the eligibility list.

POLICE ACADEMY TRAINING

For information about training in the police academy, click here.