Official Police Department Study Guide and Sample Test

Official Police Department
Study Guide and Sample Test
To Learn more about the Written Entrance Exam
Including information helpful to passing the test
visit
http://www.golawenforcement.com/HiringProcess/WrittenTest.htm
LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN
POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE RECRUIT
STUDY GUIDE
revised 02/12/08 dp
The “Vision” of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is to be the safest
community in America.
The “Mission” of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is to protect the community
through prevention, partnership and professional service.
I NTEGRITY
C OURAGE
A CCOUNTABILITY
R ESPECT FOR PEOPLE
E XCELLENCE
The acronym “I CARE” is the guiding principle for each and every LVMPD employee. This
acronym represents the values of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Integrity,
Courage, Accountability, Respect for People, and Excellence. The values are supported by
behaviors, demonstrated by the actions of employees, as they live these values. All
employees are expected to represent the values of the Department while in the workplace
and off-duty.
2
INTRODUCTION
This booklet provides information about the selection processes that are required to become a Police
Recruit with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. It contains a sample of the Mini PHQ
Screener, Written Examination, Physical Fitness Test Exercises with pictures, Oral Board Interview Tips,
Background Investigation Procedures, Academy Expectations, and Answers to Frequently Asked
Questions Section.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the position of Police Recruit consists of several phases. This section is
designed to inform you of each phase to better prepare yourself and improve your chances of success,
however, the sequence in which each phase of the selection process is presented is not necessarily the
order in which it is administered.
POLICE OFFICER MINI PHQ SCREENER (Pass/Fail)
Candidates should plan on being at the mini PHQ screener approximately 2 hours. This screener asks
questions about your personal history and life experiences. This questionnaire consists of 169 multiplechoice questions. Nearly all of your responses to this questionnaire are verifiable. For example, this
questionnaire will ask you questions about your driving record that will be verified through the state and
national driving record databases. This questionnaire asks you questions about your educational record
that will be verified through review of your educational transcripts. This questionnaire asks you questions
about your employment history that will be verified through your “social security printout” that lists all jobs
you have held and through contacting present and past employers. This questionnaire asks you questions
about criminal and legal history that will be verified through local, state, and national criminal history
databases. This questionnaire will ask you questions about your drug use history that will be verified
through a polygraph examination.
More candidates are disqualified through the background process for either denying or minimizing past
problems than are disqualified for admitting past problems-so it is to your benefit to be truthful in
responding to this questionnaire.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION (Weighted 60%)
The Police Recruit Written Examination contains four sections with a total of 169 questions. This booklet
will give examples of each section including instructions and sample questions with answers (see pages
7-17). The Written Examination is designed to measure the following areas which have been determined
to be important for the job of Police Recruit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Observation and Memory Skills;
Written Communication Skills; and
Reading Comprehension.
Biographical Inventory
The last section of the exam, Biographical Inventory, will ask you questions about you as a person and
is designed to measure your potential for success as a Police Recruit.
Candidates should plan on being at the exam for approximately 4 hours.
3
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (Pass/Fail)
The Physical Fitness Test is comprised of six (6) exercises, this booklet will provide you with a detailed
description of how each exercise is to be performed and what standard must be met in each to pass (see
pages 18-20). Along with these descriptions, you are given pictures to guide you in performing the
exercises correctly.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW (Weighted 40%)
The Oral Board Interview tips (see pages 21 & 22) are designed to prepare you for this structured interview
in which each candidate is asked the same set of questions. The Oral Board Interview is a highly
structured interview designed to measure your background/suitability for position, problem
solving/organizational citizenship, and verbal communication skills. The board consists of three
commissioned personnel who evaluate you in the above areas.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS
The Background Investigation Process (see page 23) will give you some insight into each step of the
background investigation process.
ACADEMY EXPECTATIONS
During the Academy and Field Training Program, you are required to adhere to many rules. The setting
is one of strict discipline and you are expected to give 100%.
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In the final section, we have provided answers to some of our most frequently asked questions (see page
24).
4
STUDY GUIDE FOR WRITTEN EXAM
Purpose
This guide was developed to assist you in doing your best on the entry level Police Recruit exam used by
the LVMPD. It will provide some advice and tips for preparing yourself to take the test and discuss strategy
for taking the test effectively. It will provide you with a sample of the actual instructions and question types
found in the exam. While this guide may be applied to other written exams, it was specifically produced
to provide guidance for this particular exam. Most of the suggestions are relevant to your immediate plans
for taking the exam. Other suggestions (such as improving basic skills) will have more impact over a
longer period of time.
Preparing for the Examination
Tests are given to assure selection of the most qualified persons into the LVMPD while providing all
candidates a chance to compete fairly. The LVMPD will use several kinds of tests and screening methods
to gauge your readiness to enter the Department. The written exam is one component of the overall
selection process. Knowing the rationale for this test and having a realistic idea of the job can improve
your chance to demonstrate your job potential.
This test is designed to assess:
<
how well you observe things and how well you remember what you observed
<
your basic writing skills
<
your basic reading skills
<
the similarity between your work preferences and experiences and those of persons who have been
successful in a community policing organization such as the LVMPD
So in the days and weeks before the exam these suggestions are offered:
1.
Carefully read the Police Recruit Study Guide Booklet. Make sure you understand each step in the
process to show your very best at each stage. Get a feel for what the job is really like for a new
recruit, and what it will be like to be a police professional.
2.
Make sure that you accurately complete any forms or requirements prior to the exam.
3.
Take some time every day to improve your reading and writing skills. These skills are important for
effective performance as a Police Recruit and will be assessed by the test. Of course, these skills
are also important in many other lines of work, including promotions within the LVMPD.
4.
Practice taking other tests. This can reduce testing anxiety and improve your test taking strategies.
5.
Organize your schedule so you can perform your best on the day of test. The first day of testing
takes virtually the entire day and into the evening. Avoid any other commitments on this day.
5
Getting Ready the Day of the Examination
1.
Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Some suggestions may not be in your normal
routine, but they usually allow most persons to perform at their best.
2.
Get adequate sleep. Most adults do best with 7-8 hours. Adopt this pattern at least several days
before the exam.
3.
Get up early enough to have plenty of time to have a light, balanced breakfast.
4.
Minimize the use of outside influences (food, caffeine, nicotine, entertainment, etc.) that might over
or under stimulate you. The main thing is to not do anything too radical - and not too different than
what is normal for you.
5.
Leave for the test early enough in order to allow for the traffic, weather, parking, etc.
Taking the Examination Effectively
1.
Listen to instructions and directions from hall monitors and test proctors. Make sure that you
understand the instructions and ask questions at the designated time before the test begins if you
are unsure of any aspect of what you should do during the test.
2.
Use your time carefully, especially on the first part of the written test which is brief and closely
timed. After that period you should have enough time to cover the entire test if you move through
it steadily and do not spend too much time on any one question.
3.
Read the questions and alternatives carefully. Do not jump to an answer before you have
completely read all of the alternatives.
4.
Respond to each question separately. The answer to one question is not meant to lead you to
another.
5.
Answer all of the questions. Use your informed judgement to make a choice between alternatives.
This may feel like an “educated guess” but to the extent that it is informed, you are demonstrating
a degree of knowledge and not just blindly guessing.
6.
Don’t worry about trick questions. None of the questions in this test is designed to be a trick
question. The test is really intended to allow you to show your best on what it is assessing. Avoid
reading too much into a question.
7.
Take care of your answer sheet. Follow the proctor’s instructions on filling in your name and other
information. Make sure that you fill in the bubbles, not making too light or small a mark - or one that
goes out of the bubble either. Make sure that the space on the answer sheet you are marking
actually corresponds to the question you are answering. Do not make stray marks or smudges on
the answer sheet. If you change a response, make sure that you completely erase your first choice.
6
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
The actual test contains four sections with a total of 169 questions. This sample has 3-5 questions as
examples of each section. Try reading the instructions and questions and responding as though you were
actually taking the test. The sample test begins on the following page.
© Darany and Associates, 1997
ACCURACY OF OBSERVATION
This part of the examination consists of a picture and forty questions to test your observation and memory
abilities. When the monitor tells you to begin, you will open the Recall page and have TWO (2) minutes
to observe as many details of the entire scene as possible. When time is called, you must stop studying
the picture.
The questions in this part of the examination will refer to the picture. Read each statement about the
picture carefully and decide whether it is true or false. Then use the key below to record your answer on
the answer sheet.
Key
A = The statement is true
B = The statement is false
Look at the sample statements below and note how the response to each question is marked on the
sample answer sheet.
1. The test takers are being given the instructions.
2. There is an elephant sitting in the corner of the room.
Sample Answer Sheet
The first sample statement is true. Therefore, the letter "A" has been marked on the Sample Answer Sheet
for number 1 to indicate that sentence number 1 is true.
The second sample statement is false. Therefore, the letter "B" has been marked on the Sample Answer
Sheet for number 2 to indicate that sentence number 2 is false.
When you mark your answers on the answer sheet, be sure that the number of the answer space you mark
is the same as the number of the question that you are answering. Be sure that you mark only one answer
for each question.
7
ACCURACY OF OBSERVATION (continued)
8
The following test questions refer to the picture that you have just studied. Read each statement carefully
and decide whether it is true or false. If the statement is true, blacken the "A" space on the answer sheet
for that question. If the statement is false, blacken the "B" space on the answer sheet for that question.
Key
A = The statement is true.
B = The statement is false.
1. The time of the accident was approximately 10:00 o'clock.
2. There is a stop sign on the corner nearest the accident.
3. There were passengers on the bus.
4. Both the bus driver and the policeman wore moustaches.
Correct Responses
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
B
A
B
9
Each of these questions is an object that may or may not have been visible in the picture that you just
studied. If one or more of each listed object was visible, you are to blacken the "A" space on the answer
sheet. If the object was not visible, you are to blacken the "B" space on the answer sheet. If only part of
the object was visible you are to consider it as being present in the picture.
Key
A = Visible in picture.
B = Not visible in picture.
26. Doctor's office
27. Fire hydrant
28. Drug store
29. Telephone booth
Correct Responses
26.
27.
28.
29.
B
A
A
B
10
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
This part of the test consists of written sentences. Some of these sentences are grammatically correct and
others are incorrect. You are to read each sentence and decide whether it is correct or incorrect. Then
use the answer key below to record your answer on the answer sheet.
Key
A = The sentence is grammatically correct.
B = The sentence is grammatically incorrect.
The kinds of errors that you will find include incomplete sentences, incorrect word usage, and subject/verb
disagreements. There are no intentional errors in spelling, punctuation, or capitalization. However, word
usage errors that you should be alert to may include the use of the incorrect form of a word that has more
than one form or spelling. For example, a sentence may include the word "to" when the word should have
been "two".
Look at the sample sentences below to see some of the kinds of errors that you should be looking for and
note how the response to each numbered sentence is marked on the Sample Answer Sheet.
Sample Sentences
1.
The accident in the busy intersection required to officers to direct traffic.
2.
Is a favorite spot for homeless persons to spend the night.
3.
The smaller boys plays in the fenced yard.
4.
Shop owners expect officers to handle incidents in the mall.
Sample Answer Sheet
The first sample sentence is incorrect because it has the word "to" where the word "two" should have been
used. Therefore, the letter "B" has been marked on the Sample Answer Sheet for question number 1 to
indicate that sentence number 1 is incorrect.
The second sample sentence is incorrect because it is an incomplete sentence. It does not tell us what
it is that is a favorite spot for homeless persons. Therefore, the letter "B' has been marked on the Sample
Answer Sheet for question number 2 to indicate that sentence number 2 is incorrect.
11
The third sample sentence is incorrect because it has a subject/verb disagreement. The plural subject
"boys" should be used with the verb "play", not the verb "plays". Therefore, the letter "B" has been marked
on the Sample Answer Sheet for question number 3 to indicate that sentence number 3 is incorrect.
The fourth sample sentence is correct. Therefore, the letter "A" has been marked on the Sample Answer
Sheet for question number 4 to indicate that sentence number 4 is correct.
When you mark your answers on the answer sheet, be sure that the number of the answer space you mark
is the same as the number of the question that you are answering. Be sure that you mark only one answer
for each question.
The key that you will use to answer these questions will be reproduced on each page so that you will not
have to come back to these instructions to use the key.
Key
A = The sentence is grammatically correct.
B = The sentence is grammatically incorrect.
1.
The problem started when the man in the blue hat through a beer can at a man in the
crosswalk.
2.
The first officer on the scene found the store clerk on the floor behind the counter.
3.
The frightened child runned to the corner store to get help.
4.
Since it was a holiday weekend and the traffic was congested.
5.
The dead trees that fell during the storm was a serious hazard.
Correct Responses
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B
A
B
B
B
12
READING WITH UNDERSTANDING
This part of the test contains a set of policies or procedures labeled General Orders. You are to read each
General Order and answer the questions that follow. This is not a memory test. You may refer back to
the written information as often as you wish. You should not assume anything that is not stated in the
text, nor apply any knowledge you may have of law enforcement policies and procedures.
The following instructions are to be followed in answering the multiple-choice questions in this part of the
examination. Read these instructions and the example carefully, then note how the answer has been
indicated on the Sample Answer Sheet.
Multiple-Choice Instructions
When you are given a multiple-choice question, select the ONE BEST ANSWER of the choices given.
Then blacken the space over the correct letter on the answer sheet.
Multiple-Choice Example:
1. The capital of the United States is:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Chicago.
New York.
Los Angeles.
Washington, D.C.
Sample Answer Sheet
The correct answer to example number 1 is "D". Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.
Therefore, you will notice that on the Sample Answer Sheet the letter "D" has been blackened for sample
item number 1.
13
Any City, USA
Police Department
General Order: #106
Subject: Special Event Crowd Control
Policy
This policy is intended to ensure the safe operation of the recreational facilities contained within the City
during special events where large numbers of people are involved.
Procedure
A)
The closing of City facilities will be determined prior to the event by city officials and event
coordinators. When an officer is preparing to close a park facility, he/she will announce the
following script on the public address system of the squad car:
1.
"The City Park is now closed. Please leave the area."
a.
The above script will be the only words used on the public address system
when officers go through an area on the first and second sweeps, announcing
that the area is closed.
Special Circumstances
A)
When the safe flow of traffic is prevented by overcrowding in a park facility, these
recommendations should be followed:
1.
Closure of an area at 15 minute intervals to allow patrons to leave an area prior to
allowing additional patrons into the area.
a.
The time intervals are at the discretion of the supervisor on the scene.
b.
In these situations officers are reminded that the public is entitled to know why
the area is closed and approximately when they will be allowed into the area.
c.
The safety of the public shall be the primary concern.
d.
Officers involved in the control of traffic in these situations will wear their traffic
vests and pay close attention to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
e.
When vehicles are used to assist in the control of traffic, they will be
strategically placed where they do not impede the flow of other traffic. The
emergency lights of the vehicles should be turned on for safety purposes and
to reduce confusion for the public.
This order supersedes all written and unwritten policies and directives of the City Police Department on
this subject. By order of the Chief of Police.
14
1.
According to General Order #106, when an officer is preparing to close a park facility, the
second sweep through the area is used to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
2.
inspect for unsafe or hazardous situations.
complete a case report about the area.
identify areas for attention by the custodial crew.
repeat the closing announcement.
According to General Order #106, when overcrowding occurs in a park facility, the officer's first
consideration should be:
A.
B.
C.
D.
the safety of patrons.
the safe flow of traffic.
allowing patrons to leave an area prior to allowing additional patrons into the
area.
keeping the public informed of approximately when they will be allowed into the
area.
3. When officers are controlling traffic they will:
A.
B.
C.
D.
wear their traffic vests.
use the public address system of the squad car.
complete a case report.
notify Headquarters desk personnel via telephone.
Correct Responses
1.
2.
3.
D
A
A
15
BIOGRAPHICAL INVENTORY
This section is a Biographical Inventory. The questions ask for information about you and your
background. These kinds of questions are often asked during an oral interview. For years, employers
have been using interviews to relate personal history, preferences, and attitude to job success. This
Biographical Inventory attempts to do the same.
An interview often fails because the wrong questions are asked or different questions are asked of each
candidate. The Biographical Inventory includes questions which have been shown to be related to job
success. It has been found that successful employees tend to select some answers more often than other
answers, while less successful employees tend to select different answers.
The usual employment test includes questions which have one "correct" or "best" answer. The questions
in a Biographical Inventory do not have a single correct answer. Credit is usually given for more than one
answer, since some successful employees may select one of the answers while others may tend to select
another of the answers.
Instructions
You are to answer the following questions using the instructions for multiple choice questions provided at
the beginning of this examination. You may only mark one response to each question. It is possible that
none of the answers applies well to you. However, one of the answers will surely be more true (or less
inaccurate) for you than the others. In such a case, mark that answer.
You cannot improve your score by trying to fake your answers. The answer which may seem most
desirable may not receive any credit. Trying to answer questions according to what looks like a desirable
answer is more likely to lower your score than raise it. The credit that is given is not based upon what
seems to be a desirable answer. The credit that is given depends upon how successful employees
describe themselves when honestly responding to these same questions. Therefore, it is to your
advantage to answer each question as it is most true for you. It is also to your advantage to answer every
question.
1.
When you were a student, how would you compare yourself with others if you had done the very
best you could?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
2.
I would have been at the top of the class.
I would have been in the top 10 percent of the class.
I would have been above average.
I would have been average.
I would have been below average.
How often do you like to be told how well you are doing in your job?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
About once a week.
About once a month.
About once a quarter.
Only during standard performance periods.
Only when a major project has been completed.
16
3.
Do you feel that the grades you received in high school were as good
as your capabilities?
A.
B.
4.
In what area did you have your most outstanding negative experience
on your first job?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
5.
Yes, they were about as good as I could do.
No, they were poorer than what I could do.
Relationships with management or supervisors.
Relationships with my fellow workers.
Relationships with clients or the public.
Lack of enjoyment of the work itself.
None of the above.
What do you feel has been your major accomplishment outside of work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Family activities.
Community activities.
Development of self.
Development of social activities.
Something else.
17
PHYSICAL FITNESS EXAMINATION
DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISES
The JAMAR GRIP STRENGTH is measured using a Jamar Hand dynamometer. For this exercise,
candidates will squeeze on the Jamar hand dynamometer first with the dominant hand and then with the
nondominant hand. Two trials are given for each hand with the highest peak score used as the test result.
The candidate must demonstrate a minimum of 80 lbs of pressure.
The SIT-UP begins while laying on the back with legs bent at the knees at approximately a 45 degree
angle with hands placed behind head with fingers interlocked, where they remain for each sit-up. The
upper body is then raised in a roll-up type movement to an upright position breaking the 90 degree plane,
and is then lowered back to a lying position. One repetition will be counted using this procedure (no jerking
movement allowed). If the hands come apart, the sit-up will not count. They may be performed on a sit-up
board with roller pads (provided) to hold the feet or on a mat with another candidate holding your feet. The
candidate will have one minute to complete 32 proper sit-ups.
The PUSH-UP begins in the “up” position with arms extended and hands flat on the surface and shoulderwidth apart. The toes and palms remain on the floor. The body and head are aligned and straight, and
the body is raised until the arms are straight. The body is then lowered to the point where the back is lower
than the elbows of both arms and the front side of the body is not touching the ground. In other words,
you must be able to come down to a point low enough which equals an average fist and then return to the
“up” position. When done correctly, this movement equals on repetition. The candidate will need to
complete 24 push-ups, with no time limit. Resting must be done in the “up” position.
The 100 YARD DASH measures the candidate’s ability to run as fast a possible. The score is the number
of seconds elapsed from start to finish. The candidate must complete this dash in 19 seconds or less.
The BEND, TWIST & TOUCH is administered with the candidate’s back to a wall and far enough from the
wall that the candidate could bend over without hitting the wall with the buttocks. Directly behind the
middle of the candidate’s back, at shoulder height, an “X” is marked on the wall and another “X” is placed
on the floor between the candidates feet. When given the command to “go”, the candidate bends over and
touches the “X” between the feet and then rises up, twisting to the left to touch the “X” on the wall with both
hands. This is counted as one cycle. In the next cycle, the candidate repeats this procedure, except the
twist is to the right. The candidate must complete 15 cycles in twenty seconds.
The ONE MILE RUN. The candidate must be able to run a mile in 10 minutes and 49 seconds or
less.
Candidates MUST wear shirts with short sleeves (no tank tops). Shorts or sweat pants and running shoes
(tennis shoes) should be worn. Candidates are encouraged to bring their own water to the test. Casual
observers are not allowed to enter the testing facilities.
18
POLICE RECRUIT PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
FITNESS STANDARDS
Jamar Grip Strength
must grip 80 lbs.
Sit-Ups
must complete 32
(one minute)(rest in up position)
Push-Ups
must complete 24
(no time limit) (rest in up position)
19
POLICE RECRUIT PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
FITNESS STANDARDS
100 Yard Dash
19 seconds
Bend, Twist & Touch
20 Seconds
15 (cycles of the BTT)
1 Mile Run
10 minutes 49 seconds
20
POLICE RECRUIT ORAL INTERVIEW TIPS
The oral board is designed to test the suitability of a candidate in a way that cannot be measured on a
written exam. All candidates are asked the same set of structured questions; however, they are openended questions that allow the candidate to express his/her individual view more thoroughly than a
multiple-choice question would permit. Answers are evaluated by a panel of three, with a scoring range
of “does not meet minimum competency” to “exceptional.” This section contains questions that are
commonly encountered in many oral interviews. The questions do require a great deal of thought about
yourself and why you want to become a Police Recruit with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Knowing what to expect in an oral board interview may help you overcome some of your nervousness.
Remember that a little nervousness is to be expected. The key is to control it.
Helpful Hints
•
•
•
Dress appropriately (i.e., shoes polished, clothes clean, hair and nails clean). Do not wear something
that is too tight or uncomfortable.
Introduce yourself confidently with a firm handshake.
Show appreciation for the interview. Thank the interviewers for their time after the interview.
DO NOT:
‘
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‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
Do not arrive late!
Do not dress casually.
Do not smoke.
Do not wear sunglasses or a hat during your interview.
Do not chew gum.
Do not bring a drink with you (i.e. coffee or coke).
Do not slouch.
Do not swear or use inappropriate language.
Do not bring a friend or family member with you to your interview.
Do not downgrade previous employer(s).
21
Types of Questions Encountered in an Oral Board Interview
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‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
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‘
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Why do you want to become a Police Recruit with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department?
How have you prepared for this position?
Tell us about your experience and training as it relates to the position of Police Recruit.
What are your qualifications?
What do you consider to be your greatest assets (strengths)?
What do you consider to be your greatest liabilities (weaknesses)?
What do you consider to be your most outstanding trait? Why?
How would you rate your ability to get along with others? What is the basis for this rating?
What experience do you have as part of a team effort?
Why did you choose a career in law enforcement?
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
How would you describe your work ethic?
How has your education/training prepared you for a career in law enforcement?
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why?
In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
How would you rate your ability to work under pressure? What is the basis for this rating?
What two or three things are most important to you in your present job?
Additionally, you can expect several scenario type questions that are designed to measure your reactions
to certain situations. Generally, these questions have no clear cut, right or wrong answers. Instead, the
raters will be looking at your decision making ability and your justifications for your actions. The key to
being successful in these questions is to be yourself. Answer the questions the way you would actually
handle the situations. The raters DO NOT expect you to have any prior law enforcement experience to
answer these questions; they DO expect you to approach them logically by applying common sense and
interpersonal skills.
Typically, the final question of an Oral Board will be something like:
“Is there anything you would like to add that will assist us in making our rating?”
Remember, this is a question for which you should have a well thought out answer. This is your
last opportunity to sell yourself.
22
THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS
This part of the selection process involves several areas and is designed to obtain a complete picture of
your character. Since a Police Officer must be above reproach in behavior, both on and off duty, it is
critical that any appearance of impropriety be researched before hiring.
Written Psychological Exam and Oral Clinical Interview
You will be required to complete a six-hour written psychological exam as well as an oral clinical interview
which is conducted by a licensed psychologist. Prior to the oral clinical interview, you will be given a
conditional offer of employment.
Background Interview/Investigation
You will also undergo a background investigation, which includes a background interview as well as law
enforcement computer systems checks. As part of the background investigation, you will be required to
complete a lengthy Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). This inquires into your marital history, family,
character references, places of residence, financial history, work history, military background, driving
record, criminal history, drug and alcohol usage, and educational background. You will also be required
to provide originals or certified copies of the following documents, if applicable to you:
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Birth Certificate;
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (if born abroad);
High School Transcript or GED Certificate AND GED Transcript;
College Transcript;
DD-214 or Statement of Service (if in the military);
Valid Driver’s License;
Social Security Card;
Selective Service Registration (males under 27);
All Legal Name Change Documents;
Criminal Court Documents;
Social Security Work History Report (10 years); and
IAB Clearance Letter (Law Enforcement ONLY).
Polygraph Examination
The background process also includes a polygraph examination. This examination is used in conjunction
with the other aspects of the testing process to assist the Department in determining your suitability for
employment.
Medical Examination
At the very end of the selection process, you will also be required to undergo a complete medical
examination and drug screening test meeting the Department’s medical standards. The medical
examination will include a standard physical exam, visual acuity testing, color perception testing (normal
color vision required), audiogram, routine blood and urinalysis testing, chest x-ray, and an
electrocardiogram.
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Financial Concerns in the Academy
It is expected that Recruits enter the Academy with their financial matters in order. Recruits will be
required to purchase several items from the Academy, such as P.T. clothes. Recruits will also be required
to have other items that, if not currently owned, must be purchased. Some of these items are
shoes/boots, running shoes, flashlight, firearm(large expense), and there is an option to buy books from
the Academy. Every Recruit needs to be financially prepared to cover the costs of these and additional
items. Any Recruit who does not buy the required equipment or who bounces a check will be subject to
termination.
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.
The Department does not pay expenses for those testing for positions or related expenses for
those hired.
2.
All newly hired Police Recruits must complete their academy during probation. The Academy is
conducted by the Department’s training staff at the Department’s training facilities in Las Vegas and
it does not require Recruits to “live in.”
3.
If you successfully complete the selection process, you will be hired by the Department as a Police
Recruit which is a civilian classification assigned to pay schedule K24. Upon graduation from the
Academy, you will receive your commission and the title of Police Officer I, which is assigned to
commissioned pay schedule M20. You will then begin your 18 month probationary period.
4.
Cost of living raises are negotiated with employee associations.
5.
Military members are reminded that DD-214 copies or statements of service must be turned in at
the time of your Oral Board Examination to ensure receipt of veterans points.
6.
The Department does not restrict the employment of family members.
7.
Upon completion of probation, you are eligible for educational assistance to pursue a degree from
an accredited college or university.
*If you have any further questions about our testing process or the requirements listed within this booklet,
please contact our Recruitment Center at (702) 828-5601. Our offices are open Monday through Friday,
0800-1600 hours.
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To learn more about a Career in Law Enforcement
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