A current lease or letter from your landlord including dates of tenancy and rent payments. A utility bill showing your name and current address. Your voter registration card. Income tax returns showing your current address. An automobile registration certificate or insurance policy.
Have ever been convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor. Were dishonorably discharged from the military. Have a demonstrable history of disrespect for the law (e. g. , a pattern of repeated convictions or arrests). Have violent tendencies. Have ever been fired from a job due to poor behavior or difficulty dealing with authority.
Memory Written comprehension and expression Deductive and inductive reasoning Informational ordering Spatial orientation Problem sensitivity Visualization
A vision test. Your corrected vision must be at least 20/30, and your uncorrected vision in each eye must be at least 20/100. Bring your glasses or contacts to the exam. A hearing test. Hearing aids are not allowed during this test. You must be able to hear sounds no louder than 35 decibels, ranging from 500 hertz to 6000 hertz, with each ear. A blood pressure test. You must have a controlled blood pressure of no greater than 140/90, as well as a pulse of fewer than 100 beats per minute. For best results, do not eat or drink any products containing caffeine or other stimulants within 24 hours before the test. An electrocardiogram to test for any cardiac problems. A medical history assessment and general physical exam.
An official copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal Records of name change, if applicable Naturalization papers, if you are a foreign-born citizen Certificates and records relating to your marital status, if applicable Your Social Security Card Your driver’s license and motor vehicle registration for any vehicles owned by you or your spouse 2 proofs of residency (e. g. , a copy of your lease and a utility bill) Selective Service Registration and Classification Cards
Your high school diploma (or equivalent), transcripts from college, and diplomas from any completed college degree programs Original Discharge or Separation papers for military service, if applicable Your employment history for the past 10 years or since the age of 18
W-2 forms and tax returns for the past 5 years Records of disability benefits or workmen’s compensation benefits Records of outstanding debts A Social Security Detailed Earnings Report
Membership cards from any unions and social or fraternal organizations to which you belong Records of any arrests or trials at which you were a defendant Any licenses you hold from a government agency (e. g. , a pistol license or a liquor license) A DMV Lifetime Driver’s Abstract from every state in which you have held a driver’s license
There is no specific preparation you can do for a police psychology evaluation. The psychologists evaluating your written and oral responses are trying to get an idea of your honesty, general personality, and suitability for the stresses of police work. [9] X Research source You will be asked questions designed to evaluate various aspects of your personality, including emotional stability, social competence, adaptability, assertiveness, dependability, attention to safety, ethics and integrity, ability to tolerate stress, and decision-making skills. [10] X Research source
Eating a well-balanced diet in the days leading up to the exam and avoiding junk food, tranquilizers (such as alcohol), and stimulants (such as caffeine). Getting plenty of rest and avoiding any intense exercise 24 hours before the exam. Fasting for at least 1. 5 hours before the exam. Wearing a T-shirt, sweat pants, sneakers, and batting gloves on the day of the exam.
A civil service attorney can help you through the appeal process, including writing your appeal letter and gathering supporting evidence for your appeal. If you failed your medical or psychological exam, you must see an independent medical or psychological professional (e. g. , your own primary care doctor or a private psychological therapist) and have them write up their own report supporting your suitability for the job. You must submit any supporting medical/psychological documentation within 60 days of filing your appeal. If the Commission decides to consider your appeal, they may schedule a hearing. If you are working with an attorney, they should attend the hearing and present arguments on your behalf. If you were disqualified for medical reasons, bring your doctor.
However, you are automatically eligible for promotion to the rank of 3rd Grade Detective (the lowest detective rank) after spending 18 months doing work that is considered investigative (e. g. , serving as a plainclothes officer).
Consider taking courses in crime scene investigation, forensic science, or any area of specialization that you are particularly interested in (e. g. , homicide investigations, missing persons, or weapons trafficking).
For example, you might take a writing class to help hone your skills at drafting exceptionally thorough, well-written police reports. You might also catch your supervisor’s attention by demonstrating exceptional risk assessment and problem-solving skills. [16] X Research source Demonstrate your suitability for the detective role by maintaining high personal and professional standards for honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior. To be a good police officer, you should be intelligent and make decisions based on your heart and mind together. You need to be somewhat athletic and have a guardian-type mindset. You have to interact with people. So strong communication skills are important.
