hello

[andy_koolkid]

hey everyone, my name is andrew but everyone calls me andy. im a 19 year old student wanting to join the state police in my area. once i turn 21 i will try and make it to the academy. i thought it would be a good idea to join this forum since im headed that way. maybe i can learn alot of what i need to know by sticking around and reading things on here.

[Beans]

Hey Andy, whats up?
So what are you doing to prepare for the state police and what state is it?

[Buttercup]

Hello and welcome!

[Crimebytes2]

Hi and a BIG welcome to LEF!

[andy_koolkid]

Hey Andy, whats up?
So what are you doing to prepare for the state police and what state is it?

hey man, well, i stay away from trouble, i have a clean record, i stay physically fit and i am pretty motivated to join. i been working a office job for the transportation department for a year and a few months now. i dont think a office job is for me, i thought about law inforcement alot and it seems right for me. im from las vegas, new mexico btw.

[Beans]

hey man, well, i stay away from trouble, i have a clean record, i stay physically fit and i am pretty motivated to join. i been working a office job for the transportation department for a year and a few months now. i dont think a office job is for me, i thought about law inforcement alot and it seems right for me. im from las vegas, new mexico btw.

Good deal, you have any college or military? Most police agenices require one or both these days.

[andy_koolkid]

Good deal, you have any college or military? Most police agenices require one or both these days.

30 credit hours right now, 44 after this semester. here in new mexico, they only require 30. im good to go. i just have to wait til im 21. in the mean time ill continue building up my credits.

[Beans]

Good luck then. Enjoy the forum, lots of good knowledge on here.

[andy_koolkid]

thanks, and this forum seems really great. you all seem very cool

[rob84]

Welcome!

Have fun with the application process. Its the most unique process you will EVER go through.

[andy_koolkid]

Welcome!

Have fun with the application process. Its the most unique process you will EVER go through.

tell me more on what you have to do, i know they give you a lie detector test here and some other stuff..

[bird1]

welcome from the windy city

[rob84]

tell me more on what you have to do, i know they give you a lie detector test here and some other stuff..

Im not a LEO as of yet, but I will be happy to tell you about my experiences thus far. First off, you have the written test. It may include a video with scenarios, and math problems. Its to weed out the people who most likley are un desirable for the job. After that, there is the polygraph, then the interview with your B.I. Then there is a psych exam, physical fitness test, physical, then the final interview. This is for a deputy sheriff where I am. I belive the process for a police officer is a little different, im sure that someone will chime in soon enough. Good luck!

Oh yeah, I forgot, all this happens while your background is being reviewd.

[andy_koolkid]

Im not a LEO as of yet, but I will be happy to tell you about my experiences thus far. First off, you have the written test. It may include a video with scenarios, and math problems. Its to weed out the people who most likley are un desirable for the job. After that, there is the polygraph, then the interview with your B.I. Then there is a psych exam, physical fitness test, physical, then the final interview. This is for a deputy sheriff where I am. I belive the process for a police officer is a little different, im sure that someone will chime in soon enough. Good luck!

thanks for the information, ill prepare myself before i go through these tests. i just have to do some research lol

[Willowdared]

Howdy!

[LAW DOG]

Welcome Good Luck!

[rob84]

thanks for the information, ill prepare myself before i go through these tests. i just have to do some research lol

Your welcome,definatly do research on the department your applying too.

[Beans]

Andy, this is the requirements for my department. I think it is a pretty good guide line of what to expect.

COMMISSIONED POLICE OFFICER
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICER
AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be at least 21 years of age, or applicant must reach their 21st birthday by
the time of completion of the academy training course.
RESIDENCY: Must be a citizen of the United States.
EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE: You must have either:
1. An associate’s degree or 64 semester credit hours from an accredited university or college. Both
require a cumulative average letter grade of “C” or a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or
equivalent, OR
2. A high school diploma or GED with one year full-time prior police experience or two years of
military service. Police experience can be in a civilian position with the Police
Department designated by the Chief as part of the Department’s Cadet Program.
Out-of-state police officers who possess or obtain State of Missouri POST class “A” certification
will be evaluated in conjunction with their education/work experience.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT: Weight must be in proportion to height according to Department standards
(attached).
VISION: Minimum Department standard is 20/200 in each eye, uncorrected; correctable to 20/20 in each eye.
ARREST RECORD: Must be free from conviction of a Felony or a Class “A” Misdemeanor.
DRIVER’S LICENSE: Must possess a valid State Driver’s License by date of employment and have
five (5) or less points charged against his/her driving record at time of application.
MILITARY: Must have an “Honorable” discharge, or a discharge “Under Honorable Conditions” if
having served in the military.
COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS
Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the Police
Department are made on the basis of an open, competitive selection process conducted under the
supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of
the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step. The selection steps, in their
order, take up to six months to complete:
PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND REVIEW: A review and detailed evaluation of Personal History
Questionnaire and supporting documents to determine if applicant meets the minimum requirements for
the position.
PHYSICAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT: A physical condition assessment shall be conducted at the
Police Academy. This assessment will include sit-ups, push-ups, trunk
flex and a 1.5 mile run. Applicants are expected to meet the minimum requirements in each category.
A limited amount of applicants will be scheduled per session with each session lasting approximately
two to four hours. A score for rating each applicant will be given.
WRITTEN TEST: Administration of a reading and comprehension test.
VIDEO BASED ORAL EXAMINATION: Candidates will be judged on verbal communication, ability
to assess situations and deal with people and their probable adaptability to police duties. A police
record check will be completed prior to the examination. Applicants will also be photographed and
fingerprinted.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough background investigation will be conducted on all
police applicants in the areas of past employment record and reputation, personal references,
neighborhood reputation, police record check, credit history and military record (when applicable). The
background investigation is concluded with a polygraph examination in an attempt to verify
information received from and about the applicant. Results of the polygraph examination are confidential
and are provided only to the Chief of Police.
STAFF SERVICES DIRECTOR’S INTERVIEW: A further evaluation to determine the candidate’s
overall fitness for the position, including appearance, self-expression, mental alertness and suitability
for police duties.
FINAL REVIEW BOARD: This is the final determination toward an offer of conditional appointment.
High-ranking Department officials provide the final evaluation of the candidate to the Chief of Police.
This evaluation may result in an offer of conditional employment or an end to the current selection
process.
REAPPLICATION: In the event an applicant is eliminated during any phase of the process, reapplication
may not be made for six months unless circumstances indicate that an earlier review may be warranted.
PHYSICAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS: These examinations will be
given after a conditional offer of employment by a Department designated physician and psychologist
and shall consist of various organic tests to determine the applicant’s suitability for the rigors of police
work and their ability to participate in an increasingly difficult physical training program as a recruit at
the Police Academy. The psychological exam will be used to determine the applicant’s suitability for
police work. If a Department designated physician or psychologist finds that the applicant meets
physical and psychological standards for employment, the applicant will be appointed.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Academy recruits are on probation while attending the Academy.
Experienced police officers who are hired or Academy recruits who are promoted to Police Officer
serve a 12-month probationary period.
SALARY
After graduation from the Police Academy and upon completion of a probationary period, police
officers are eligible to receive a yearly merit increase until they reach the top step in pay. Department
employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Pay for the various classifications is:
STARTING
SALARY
WITH BACHELORS
DEGREE
WITH MASTERS
DEGREE
TOP
SALARY
POLICE RECRUIT – UNTIL PROMOTION
TO POLICE OFFICER (23 WEEKS)
$16.27/Hr.
$16.67/Hr.
$17.08/Hr.
POLICE OFFICER
$40,177
$41,182
$42,187
$63,677
POLICE OFFICER - WITH 10+ YEARS
OF FULL-TIME POLICE EXPERIENCE
$41,361
$42,395
$43,428
$63,677
POLICE OFFICER - WITH 15+ YEARS
OF FULL-TIME EXPERIENCE
$45,802
$46,948
$48,092
$63,677

[10-42Adam]

Welcome to LEF. Have you ever done any ride-alongs? I would definitely recommend doing some with different departments!

[BigDawg]

Welcome