WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF POLICE
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BUREAU
TO: Police Officer Candidates
FROM: Lt. Thomas Mitney
SUBJECT: Police Candidate Selection Process
DATE: June 16, 2014
We appreciate your interest in applying for a position as a Police Officer with the Wethersfield Police Department. The selection process is generally acknowledged as a key activity in determining the operational effectiveness of a law enforcement agency. Our main objective in this process is to identify the best-qualified candidates for the position of Police Officer. We believe the process that we have developed ensures that our objectives are attained. The following is a brief description of the components of the selection process we will utilize.
The Wethersfield Police Department will utilize the following components in its selection process: Physical Ability Assessment, Written Examination, Oral Board Examination, Background Investigation, Polygraph Examination, Psychological Test and Interview and Medical Examination (including Drug Screening and Stress Test).
A brief overview of the various components is provided for your information.
Components of the Selection Process
1. Physical Ability Assessment
The Physical Ability Assessment evaluates candidates in four areas, muscular endurance, flexibility, absolute strength and cardiovascular capacity, as measured by four physical activities. These activities include the sit-up, flex, bench press and 1.5 mile run. The Physical Ability Assessment follows standards set forth by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council of the State of Connecticut.
Applicants must successfully pass the Physical Ability Assessment, as conducted by the Complete Health & Injury Prevention, Inc. (C.H.I.P.) at the 40 % standard. Applicants are required to have a current C.H.I.P. card at the time of their oral board examination.
Additional information including registration forms can be found at www.policeapp.com or www.chip-inc.com .
2. Written Examination
The written examination will test your ability to read and apply new information, reading and writing skills, problem solving ability and your attitude toward police work. The written exam will be provided through the Chief’s of Police Association testing procedure found on www.policeapp.com.
3. Oral Board Examination
The oral board examination will be offered to those applicants who scored in the top portion of the written examination. The examination consists of the applicant answering a series of questions as presented by a panel of raters, generally a police lieutenant, police sergeant and field training officer. The oral board examination is meant to measure the applicant’s verbal comprehension and expression and problem solving abilities. The minimum passing score on the oral board examination is 70 % .
The group of applicants who score with the highest weighted combined written and oral board examination scores will be invited to continue in the hiring process.
4. Background Investigation
An in-depth and thorough background investigation will be conducted on all applicants prior to their appointment as a probationary employee by this agency. This investigation is multifaceted and will address many areas including, but not limited to, verification of information pertaining to employment history, education, citizenship, military history, criminal records, general reputation and motor vehicle driving history. Information uncovered in this investigation may be further addressed in other phases of the selection process.
5. Polygraph Examination
The polygraph examination is used as an investigative tool in conjunction with the other remaining components of the process. Generally speaking, the subject areas from which questions are developed include health, prior arrests, if any, use of drugs, including marijuana, use of alcohol, involvement in illicit sexual relationships or acts, motor vehicle history, military background, gambling activities, education, prior and/or current applications and involvement in theft or misappropriation of property. Specific questions may be asked subject to responses to general questions. It is the policy of this Division of Police that no candidate for employment as a Police Officer will be rejected solely on an adverse or unfavorable report of a polygraph examination. Information obtained from other phases including the background investigation, coupled with an adverse or unfavorable polygraph report may be sufficient grounds for rejection of a candidate.
6. Psychological Tests and Interview
Candidates will be required to interview with a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist. This interview may be coupled with the taking of appropriate tests. The purpose is to determine a candidate’s suitability for employment as a Police Officer. An adverse or unfavorable report may be grounds for rejection of a candidate.
7. Medical Examination
Prior to appointment to probationary status, candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination to determine suitability for employment. Among the areas to be checked will be the candidate’s cardiovascular system. A drug- screening test will be conducted as part of the medical examination.
The Town of Wethersfield reserves the right to accept a previous polygraph examination or psychological interview of any candidate if such examination report is acceptable and such test or interview was conducted within the time limits established by the CT Police Officers Standards and Training Council.
Candidates not offered employment or placed on the eligibility list resulting from this testing process may reapply in a future selection process. The closing date for applications is August 1st; this testing process is expected to be concluded by January 2015.
EEO STATEMENT
The Town of Wethersfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination on any basis prohibited by law in employment or the provision of services. If you require a reasonable accommodation when applying or interviewing for a Town position, please contact Mr. Jeff Bridges, Town Manager at 721-2801.