1. Frederick Police Department
Police Officer Selection Process
Updated 12/2016

2. Policy
The Department is committed to meeting the goal of attracting, selecting and hiring the most qualified candidates without discriminating against an individual for reasons of race, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age or conditions of handicap. The Department is an "equal opportunity employer" and is committed to affirmative action.
This is our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement. We do not discriminate against persons in protected classes. We do however, make discriminating choices in other areas.

3. Objectives To attract and hire the most qualified applicants;
To provide a realistic, nondiscriminatory, comprehensive selection and hiring process;
Scoring methods and criteria for all elements of the process are administered, scored, evaluated, and interpreted in a uniform manner;
Ensure that applicants understand the qualifications required for employment with the department;
Ensure that police personnel involved in the selection and hiring process understand their duties and responsibilities; and,
Provide a process which fulfills the mandates of the “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" (ADA) and title vii of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Like most employers we are looking for the BEST applicants to fill our vacancies. Because police officers have the power to take people’s freedom and even their life if necessary we are looking for candidates who have demonstrated excellent moral character and sound decision making. Because police officers are entrusted with the safe operation of emergency vehicles, we are looking for candidates with safe driving records. Because police officers are charged with upholding and enforcing the law, we are looking for people who are law abiding.

4. Selection Steps Stage 1 – Pre-offer stage Online Application
Orientation
Written entry-level test and Personal History Questionnaire
Panel interview
Background investigation –to include Polygraph
Physical Fitness test
The selection and hiring process used by the Frederick Police Department is a two (2) stage, multi-step process. Stage I, the "pre-offer" stage, consists of the following steps:
-You all have completed the application, which is how you were invited to sign up for Orientation.
We screen applications for basic qualifications such as US citizen, High School diploma or GED

5. Selection Steps Stage 1 – Pre-offer stage Written Testing Math
Reading comprehension
Grammar
Report Writing
Studying for test
-Written testing
1. Explain standards
2. Explain how test is scored and when they will be notified
3. Explain re-testing if they fail
4. Explain written test makes them eligible to interview, but doesn’t guarantee interview
a. PHQ may deem them unsuitable
b. We may have to have a cut-off score due to high number and inability to interview them all

6. Preparation Practice Test - $15 Study Guide - $5
Available from FPD or the website below

7. Personal History Questionnaire
This is your Autobiography and it is the document that the background investigator will work from.
PHQ
-You will fill out a PHQ
1. Review automatic disqualifier information
2. Review how PHQ is screened for completeness and suitability such as driving record, work history, etc.
a. If you cannot complete background on self, you may not be good candidate for police work
Do not attempt to attach any documents. Resume, Certificates etc.

8. Personal History Questionnaire
Automatic Disqualifiers
Failing to provide requested information
Providing false information
Any Criminal involvement within 3 years of application
Any illegal drug use within 3 years of application
Any uses of Heroin, LSD, PCP or Hallucinogen including Psilocybin, Methamphetamine, ecstacy, cocaine or any Synthetic Cannabinoids.
Exceeding the maximum lifetime Marijuana usages (20) or usages over 21 (5).
If you can’t investigate yourself who can you investigate?
Drug use
- Been convicted or otherwise found guilty of selling any CDS
Ever illegally sold, produced, grew, distributed, or transported a CDS
Have used any CDS in past 3 years
Ever illegally used a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana for other than experimentation
Ever used:
Heroin, PCP, LSD, Ecstasy, Mushrooms
- marijuana: More than experimental usage.

9. Automatic Disqualifiers Cont.
Conviction for any felony or for any domestic violence offense
Being terminated from a previous law enforcement position
DUI/DWI or any equivalent to Maryland Vehicle Law Section (Impaired Driving) within 5 years of application
Discharge from military service with less than “general Under Honorable Conditions”
Terminated Sworn or civilian

10. Selection Steps Stage 1 – Pre-offer stage 4. Panel Interview
1. Explain how interview is conducted
2. Explain how many we can do and how we determine who gets invited

11. Selection Steps Stage 1 – Pre-offer stage 5. Background Investigation
- Inc Polygraph examination
Background investigation
1. Explain how we select people for background (book legible, addresses, zip codes; no blanks if it doesn’t apply to you write N/A)
2. Explain entire PHQ will be reviewed with investigator
3. Explain all referenced will be contacted and that candidate should contact each reference to let them know and to remind them to respond promptly to investigator.
Polygraph: is used to verify truthfulness. We are not looking for perfect people, but we are definitely looking for honest people. You are not lying to me you just don’t believe yourself.

12. Physical Agility Test
Obstacle course at the Frederick Police Department Training academy.

13. Selection Steps Stage II - Post-offer stage Psychological examination
Selection Panel LT, Capt, Chief
Medical examination
Mayor and Board approval.
Stage II – Post Offer Stage
The offer is the Conditional Offer of employment. Legally necessary to conduct medical and psych screening
Psych and medical are two part exams.
1. Candidates can self schedule for convenience – we will provide details once candidates advance to this step
-Physical Agility testing
1. Standards are on recruiting website
2. Plenty of notice – no reason to fail
-Selection Panel: Sgt. Lt. Captains, Chief makes final picks
-Mayor and Board: must be willing to fund the position

14. Increase Your Competitiveness
Ensure contact information is up to date
Notify FPD of changes to , address, phone#
Notify FPD of any changes to your background
Job change
Legal issues
Driving citations etc
is critical because this is how all notifications will occur.
-Recruiting website contains all information about the process
-Facebook page is Frederick Police Department
-City Website – press released and civilian jobs
-Ride Along – how to request more information

15. Thoroughly read the information we send to you.
Prepare for the Written and Physical Fitness Tests.
Provide any and all information requested
All communications will be by so check it daily.

16. Questions?