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.
