Chapter 12 Departmental Issues

In most police agencies 80 to 90 percent of the budget is allocated for personnel In most police agencies 80 to 90 percent of the budget is allocated for personnel The formal application is the first step in the hiring process. The formal application is the first step in the hiring process. Requirements to becoming a police officer are: be a US citizen, have a valid drivers license, not have been convicted of a felony. Requirements to becoming a police officer are: be a US citizen, have a valid drivers license, not have been convicted of a felony.

There is usually a residency requirement There is usually a residency requirement There may be a written examination to determine: basic skills, grammar, mathematical ability, reasoning ability. There may be a written examination to determine: basic skills, grammar, mathematical ability, reasoning ability. The oral interview is used to measure personality, alertness, communication ability, social adaptability, judgment, emotional stability, and interest in and suitability for the job. The oral interview is used to measure personality, alertness, communication ability, social adaptability, judgment, emotional stability, and interest in and suitability for the job.

The oral interview last about 30 minutes. The oral interview last about 30 minutes. Physical fitness tests evaluate a candidate’s coordination, speed and strength, The most common physical fitness test are similar to military obstacle courses that must be completed in a designated time. Physical fitness tests evaluate a candidate’s coordination, speed and strength, The most common physical fitness test are similar to military obstacle courses that must be completed in a designated time. 89% of police departments require physical fitness testing of applicants 89% of police departments require physical fitness testing of applicants

The probationary period is a trial period, usually one year, during which time the officer is observed while obtaining training and applying training on the street. The probationary period is a trial period, usually one year, during which time the officer is observed while obtaining training and applying training on the street. Police labor unions have long played an active role in the law enforcement community. Police labor unions have long played an active role in the law enforcement community. A union, in the broadest context, is any group authorized to represent the members of the law enforcement agency in negotiating such matters as wages, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment A union, in the broadest context, is any group authorized to represent the members of the law enforcement agency in negotiating such matters as wages, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment

A union shop is an agency where people must belong to be hired A union shop is an agency where people must belong to be hired Line officers usually favor unionization as it gives them collective bargaining power with the administration Line officers usually favor unionization as it gives them collective bargaining power with the administration