INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER I

Transcription

1 INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER I This packet has been published to inform you as fully as possible of important aspects of the position of Police Officer I and Kent State University. It discusses the various phases of the selection process, as well as suggestions for your preparation for it. Scheduling of the various phases is done by Kent State University Police Services in such a way as to avoid undue inconvenience to candidates. The following material should give you a reasonable understanding of the position of a Kent State University Police Officer. POSITION Kent State University Police Services is a year round, State of Ohio trained and commissioned law enforcement agency responsible for the protection of lives and property for a campus community of approximately 30,000 people. The Department recognizes and supports in action and spirit the philosophy that community policing and service is its foundation. On November 16, 1991, the Police Department was first awarded accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. Kent State University Police Department became the 199 th nationally accredited law enforcement agency, and the third university police department in the country bestowed with this honor. During reaccreditation in 2004, the agency was also awarded as the first and only university police to receive Flagship Agency status, signifying special achievement in international accreditation. Responsibilities Under general supervision, on the campus of the University, enforces law and University Administrative Code provisions, maintains order, prevents crime, makes arrests and performs related work as required. Kent State University Police Services tends to be more service oriented than many other departments. It takes action through the University s conduct programs, short of arrest, if appropriate; provides services to drivers such as unlocking vehicles; transfers University funds among facilities and to the University s depository; provides first aid or emergency transportation; and advises members of the community on law, policy, and features of the University. Information for the Police Applicant Page 1

2 Essential Functions Police officers patrol an assigned area on foot or in a vehicle; check University buildings and other premises for fire, burglary and other disturbances; investigate and report suspicious or unsafe conditions, including unlocked doors. Police officers also respond to complaints of criminal occurrences, hazardous conditions, or breaches of the peace; report on investigations of criminal or non criminal matters; conduct continuing or follow up investigations on reported incidents; and conduct general patrol for detection and prevention of criminal acts. Officers observe traffic hazards and conditions, and act to correct them; investigate traffic accidents; enforce traffic and parking codes; and direct traffic. Kent State University officers make arrests for violations of the laws; prepare and file necessary court forms and papers; testify in court; transport prisoners to police station, court or jail; register and book prisoners; detail and locate treatment for self endangering individuals; and locate lost persons. Officers may be assigned administrative duties such as radio dispatching, special record maintenance, and assisting in preparation of administrative reports. They perform technical or specialized duties as assigned; operate and maintain departmental equipment; attend training and/or instructional meetings; perform other related law enforcement functions; and may be called on at any time for emergency duties. Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to deal effectively and courteously with others; ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, and to record them clearly and completely; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to enforce laws and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality; ability to develop skills in the use and care of firearms, and in the operation of motor vehicles and other departmental equipment; and the ability to exercise judgement. Minimum Qualifications Required Be a U.S. Citizen Be at least 21 years of age by date of appointment. Information for the Police Applicant Page 2

3 Possess a valid Ohio Driver s License with a safe driving record. - No serious criminal offenses. High School diploma or equivalent. Candidates with two years or more of college have preference. Special Requirements Meet the minimum physical fitness requirements. Maintain the above minimum physical fitness standards throughout employment, age and sex qualified. Must possess basic typing and computer skills. Undergo pre employment, drug testing. No use of tobacco products while on duty. Meet the minimum eyesight standards of: * Distant Vision Corrected to 20/40 either eye * Near Vision Corrected vision worse than 20/20 in one eye and less than 20/30 in the other * Color Blindness Greater than 3 out of 15 errors on the Dvorine test for color vision is disqualifying All incumbents must sign a pre employment contract upon employment. Information for the Police Applicant Page 3

4 Phases of the Selection Process The selection of police officers at Kent State University involves an eleven phase selection process. The individual phases of the process are: 1. Written Test This test is designed to measure mathematics, reading and comprehension, and other such knowledge and aptitudes that are necessary to do the work of a police officer. 2. Supplemental Application This is a comprehensive, in depth background questionnaire that is completed by the applicant. This information aids in conducting a thorough background investigation, assessing suitability for the position and providing material for the polygraph interview. 3. Background Investigation Specially trained and supervised police investigators conduct a background investigation based on the Supplemental Application and an interview with the applicant. 4. Physical Fitness Evaluation The physical fitness evaluation is a comprehensive battery of tests designed to determine the applicant s general physical condition. This evaluation is conducted in a practical environment. This process is further explained in the enclosed Police Officer Candidates Physical Fitness Testing and Qualifications brochure. 5. Assessment Center The first phase of the Assessment Center is role play scenarios that place each candidate in real life working circumstances reflecting a normal working situation. This allows the candidate to be evaluated in regards to judgment, interpersonal relations, logical actions, and response to stress. The second phase of the Assessment Center requires each applicant to participate in a panel interview. 6. Administrative Interview Candidates are interviewed by a committee of command and administrative personnel chaired by the Chief of Police. Interviews will be conducted on a structured basis, although each interviewer may ask additional questions. 7. Conditional Offer of Employment Upon successful completion of the above six phases, qualified applicants are proffered an appointment as a police officer, and proceed to the polygraph examination, medical examinations, and psychological assessment. Information for the Police Applicant Page 4

5 8. Polygraph Examination The applicant is required to take a polygraph examination. Its purpose is to verify response given by the applicant on the Supplemental Application, and to resolve any issues that may have arisen during the selection process. Applicants may be asked questions from the following areas during the polygraph interview: Falsification of application Criminal history including convictions and undetected crimes Driving record Drugs, to include sale and/or use Alcohol Theft Financial Status Gambling 9. Medical Examination Several medical/physical conditions are examined during the selection process for police officer. Conditions which are temporary and non chronic will not be considered as disqualifying. Conditions which are serious or chronic may be disqualifying if the condition affects the candidate s ability to perform essential job functions which cannot be reasonably accommodated. A candidate who is disqualified either permanently or temporarily may submit additional medical evidence to appeal such disqualification. This may be in the form of evidence from the candidate s physician, or other medical specialists with whom the candidate may wish to consult. 10. Psychological Assessment Psychological testing is carried out to eliminate from further consideration an individual with mental health conditions which would interfere with his/her ability to perform the significant job functions of a police officer. 11. Final Appointment Contingent upon successful completion of the polygraph examination, medical examination and psychological assessment, successful applicants are offered employment based on qualifications and positions available. Information for the Police Applicant Page 5

6 POLICE SERVICES DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Stockdale Building Kent, Ohio Phone: (330) Fax: (330) RE-APPLICATION POLICY Police Services allows applicants not selected to reapply under the following conditions: - Applicants who successfully complete the Selection Process, but are not offered employment, will be placed on an availability list for one year. The applicant will be removed from the list after one year and must reapply for future consideration. - Applicants whose results of the Background Investigation are unsatisfactory because of one or more of the following reasons are automatically disqualified from reapplying: * any felony conviction, * any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude, including domestic violence, * false or misleading statement on the application or during the Selection Process, * permanently revoked driver s license.. - Applicants who have something revealed in their Background Investigation that is a negative factor causing non-selection, but does not constitute automatic disqualification may be considered eligible for re-application at the next posting of the position based on the following factors: * nature and seriousness of the conduct, * circumstances surrounding the conduct, * absence or presence of rehabilitation, or effort toward rehabilitation, * age of the applicant at the time of occurrence, * reliability of the source of the information. - Other than those reasons stated above, applicants disqualified at any other phase of the Selection Process are eligible to reapply, if they meet all the minimum requirements, at the next posting of the position.

7 Minimum Required Scores Kent State University Police Male 50th Percentile Age Sit Ups About the Test The three tests used are designed to test muscular strength and endurance and aerobic capacity. The tests have Push Ups 1.5 mile run :58 12:25 13:05 14:33 Female 50th Percentile 15 16:19 Applicant Physical Fitness Examination been identified by the Cooper Institute Age of Dallas, Texas, as being predictive of Sit Ups performing job tasks in law enforcement. Push Ups 1.5 mile run :15 15:14 16:13 18: :08 WHY IS PHYSICAL FITNESS IMPORTANT? Physical fitness is a job related element of law enforcement that correlates to; Completion of these tests at the 50 th the ability of officers to perform essential functions of the percentile is required for graduation from an Ohio Basic Police Academy. Kent State University Police PO Box 5190 Kent, Ohio job, minimizing the risk of excessive force situations, and, This guide is intended to familiarize Phone: Fax: u352@police.kent.edu minimizing the known health risks associated with the public safety job. you with the requirements of the physical testing process and help you pre- KSU Police Services KSU Police Services pare for a successful test. Telephone : Nationally Accredited

8 Cooper Testing Guidelines ONE MINUTE SIT UP TEST This is a measure of the muscular endurance and strength of the core body. It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force. It is also important for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is the number of correct sit ups completed in one minute. The person is to complete as many correct situps as possible in one minute. Score is number of correct sit ups completed in one (1) minute. PUSH UPS UPS This is a measure of the muscular endurance and strength of the upper body. It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength including use of force, lifting and pulling. The person is to complete as many correct push ups as possible. 1.5 MILE RUN This test is designed to measure the heart and vascular systems capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds. PREPARING FOR THE 1.5 MILE RUN. Be sure to stretch and warm up before running. Walk 1 mile in about 20 minutes, 5 times the first week. Walk 1.5 miles in about 25 minutes, 5 times the 2nd week. PREPARING FOR THE PUSH UP TEST. Do as many push ups in the prescribed manner as possible. This is the set number. Do 3 sets at a time, at least 3 times a week Walk 2 miles in about 32 minutes, 5 time the 3rd week. Walk/Jog 2 miles in about 30 minutes, 5 times the 4th week. Walk/Jog 2 miles, 5 times a week, reducing your time each proceeding week. PROCEDURE: PREPARING FOR THE SIT UP TEST. Do as many bent leg sit ups (hands behind the head) as possible in one minute. This is the set number. Do 3 sets at a time, at least 3 times a week. Legs, hips, torso must stay in the same plane Hands shoulder width apart. Feet no more than six inches apart Upper arms are parallel to the floor at low position Return to full arm extension Equal Employment Opportunity Kent State University is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and veterans are Rest only in the up position. encouraged to apply.