What is the Hiring Process for Police Officers?
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Background Checks and Reference Check
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All police officer applicants, upon completion of the basic application, must undergo a background check and reference check that can take upwards of 6 months. This is to ensure that no applicant has a troubled background. Background checks are very thorough, and every aspect of the applicant's life is processed. All references are also checked.
Polygraph Exam
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A polygraph and psychological exam is given for applicants, either before or after the background and reference check. Polygraph tests are lie detector tests; results are not shown to the applicant. The questions are formulated by the one asking the questions and can range from anything from minute details to the applicant's personal life.
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Interview
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Just as any job will do, an interview will take place. The interview is treated as a regular job interview. At this point in the process, the interviewer will have detailed information on the applicant, and as such the interview will either go quickly or slowly depending on the results. Any question can be asked about any topic.
Test
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A final test is given to ensure the applicant understands the rules and regulations about being a police officer. Throughout police officer training, applicants go through classes and on-the-field training. The final culmination of training is an exam much like finals at the high school or college level.
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