Hiring Practices of Police Forces

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Hiring Practices of Police Forces The hiring of police officers is quite different from any other profession; because, the sensitive nature of the job the hiring processes is very intensive and thorough. The entire process can take weeks if not months to complete, and starting with the application it can be very demanding. Most departments hire in a multi step process consisting of at least five or six steps. The first would be the application followed by, in most departments, the civil service exam. From there usually a top number of candidates are chosen to participate in the physical exam. For the group passing the physical exam an intensive background check and polygraph screening will take place. After passing the background check and tests, candidates will be interviewed usually by the hiring board or the town council. Upon approval candidates will then move on to an interview with the chief of police. All in all it’s a very strenuous process and not for the faint of heart. For those who are lucky and skilled enough the reward is a job in a great profession. The first part of the process, the application, a candidate must meet a narrowly defined set of standards to even submit for the job. Most departments require potential officers be older than 21 and younger than 35 years of age to even be considered. A few of the other requirements normally are: no felony convictions, no misdemeanor convictions of crimes of moral turpitude or domestic violence, and must have an average or better driving record. Most departments also require officers to live within thirty minutes of the department, and new hires must meet this requirement within six month to a year. Other requirements vary from department to department some smaller departments require candidates possess their OPOTC certifications while others want to train the cadets themselves. Some departments require

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