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Public
Safety Job & Career Guide
Law Enforcement
FINDING A JOB
Growing concerns over the quality of life especially with
crime, increased government revenues in a strong economy, and a shortage of qualified
candidates have contributed to a demand for police and other law enforcement candidates.
Employment
Mega Links in Criminal Justice offers a State-by-State breakdown of police
agencies with employment links.
Check
out the listings and links at our Government Jobs pages for
current openings.
GETTING HIRED
Getting hired for a law enforcement position will include
most if not all of the tests or evaluations below. The tests will be administered in
a sequence to be determined by the law enforcement agency. A number of the tests are
conditional on passing other tests.
Written Test
The written test typically measures reading comprehension, English usage, reasoning, and
written communication skills. An essay may also be administered as part of the
written test.
Law Enforcement Test Guides are available from Amazon at up to
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Interview
The interview may be structured or unstructured and include questions regarding
your personal history; problem-solving abilities; working effectively with the other
people, including supervisors, peers and a diverse public; ability to communicate
effectively; and personal qualities including motivation, integrity, and self-discipline.
Free job interview tips and sample questions are
available from Job-Interview.net
Medical Examination / Written Psychological Test
A thorough medical exam is given to insure that candidates are in excellent
health with no conditions which would restrict their ability to safety perform as their
law enforcement duties. The written psychological test consists of several
personality and life history questionnaires. The results are evaluated by psychologists
and may be used in conjunction with an oral psychological evaluation.
Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
The PAT consists of a number of physical activities to measure a candidate's
strength, agility, endurance, and balance. For example, the California Highway
Patrol test includes:
- 100-Yard Sprint
- Upper Body Strength Test
- Trunk Strength Flexion Test
- Side Step
- 500-Yard Run
Background Investigation
The Background Investigation may include fingerprinting, photos and a background
interview. The investigative phase of the background process includes a thorough check of
police records, personal, military and employment histories, as well as reference checks.
The criteria for the Background Investigation are respect for the law; honesty; mature
judgment; respect for others; employment and military record, financial record, driving
record, and use of drugs and intoxicants.
Psychological Interview
Your interview is based on the factors related to successful performance in a
difficult and stressful job environment. The interview may be based on the
written psychological tests as well as the background findings.
Certification and Appointment
Certification and Appointment are the final steps. Successful completion or
passing of all other steps is required prior to Certification and/or Appointment.
Your name may be certified so that the law enforcement agency can select those best
qualified for appointment. More names are provided than there are vacancies.
Pre-Employment Substance Screening
A pre-employment substance screening for drugs and alcohol may be required prior
to appointment.
WORKING
Connect to the following resources to find out
about the latest in law enforcement:
National
Sheriffs' Association features crime prevention information along with research and
development.
Law Enforcement Links
is the guide to law enforcement links on the web.
The Police Officer's
Internet Directory includes links for Employment, Terrorists, Radicals,
Investigations, and SWAT.
References
- A Review Guide for the
Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation (Serial), Gregory L. O'Hara, 1998
- Criminal Investigation,
Wayne W. Bennett, 1997
- Police Field
Operations, Thomas F. Adams, 1997
- Practical Aspects of
Interview and Interrogation (Elsevier Series in Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic
Investigations), David E. Zulawski, 1996
- The Art of
Investigative Interviewing: A Human Approach to Testimonial Evidence, Charles
L. Yeschke, 1997
- Written and
Interpersonal Communication Methods for Law Enforcement, Harvey Wallace, 1996
PROMOTION
References
- Management &
Supervision of Law Enforcement Personnel, Frank Lombardo, 1997
- Police Administration,
James J. Fyfe, 1996
- Supervision of Police
Personnel/Study Guide, 1994
- Supervising Police
Personnel: The Fifteen Responsibilities, Paul M., Ph.D. Whisenand, 1998
- Supervision of Police
Personnel (Supervision of Police
Personnel, 5th Ed), Nathan F. Iannone, 1993
Review
our strategy and tips for promotion.
Law Enforcement Test Guides are for promotional exams
available from Amazon at up to 40% off retail prices. |
