HIRING PROCESS 

Thank you for your interest in the Midland Police Department. We look forward to having you participate in our testing process.  This letter contains information which we hope will give you a better insight into our hiring process. 

On test day, you will need to bring with you:

1. Gym clothes and athletic shoes for the physical assessment.
2. A copy of your college transcript which verify the fact that you have the required number of college semester hours with a 2.0 G.P.A. or better as required by this department.
3. Proper identification, specifically your drivers license and your Social Security card. 

Registration and instructions will begin at 9:00 AM on testing dates.  Please call for an appointment.  No one will be admitted once the process has begun.  Out of town applicants are responsible for making their own overnight accommodations.  

Each of the following steps must be successfully completed prior to your appointment as a police officer: 

Physical Assessment Test 

The physical assessment consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run.  The minimum acceptable standards are 30 sit ups in one minute, 25 push ups in one minute, and complete a mile and a half in under 14:46.  Each physical assessment exercise attempts to measure whether or not the applicant is fit for duty as a police officer.  An applicant who fails four consecutive physical assessments may not be tested again until 1 year has elapsed from the date of the last assessment.  Failure in any of the areas tested will constitute failure of the entire physical assessment.

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Entrance Examination 
The entrance examination is a three-part examination which consists of a reading comprehension section, a basic arithmetic section, and a spelling/grammar section.  A score of 70 or higher must be made in each section to pass the entrance examination and be eligible to proceed in the process.  Applicants who do not pass this exam may re-test at the next scheduled exam.  An applicant who fails four consecutive written examinations may not be tested again until 1 year has passed from the date of the last examination taken. 

Both the written test and physical fitness assessment are PASS/FAIL scores.  A passing score in both areas will determine that the candidate is eligible to proceed to the background process. 

If not chosen for hire, the applicants eligibility status remains in effect for one year from the date of the entrance examination, unless information is obtained that would disqualify the applicant. 

              *THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE*

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Personal History Statement
The Personal History Statement will be given to all applicants who have successfully completed the entrance examination and physical assessment.  The applicant will be given a due date when the Personal History Statement has to be returned.  Failure to meet this due date will result in the applicant being disqualified for employment.  Information contained in the Personal History Statement and Preliminary Interview will be used to conduct a background investigation.

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Background Investigation 
After the background investigation is completed, the Administrative Staff will then determine how many applicants will appear before the Interview Board.  The Personnel Sergeant will then notify the selected applicants and schedule them for the interview. 

The applicant is interviewed in the areas of their general background, credit, current and past employment, prior police experience, criminal history, traffic record, drinking habits, drug history, military service, and miscellaneous personal incidents. 

The applicant is also given situational reasoning scenarios, asked a battery of questions, and evaluated on those responses.  During this stress interview, the applicant is evaluated in the areas of appearance, dependability, reaction to pressure and situational reasoning ability, along with interpersonal, oral communication, and writing skills. 

Applicants who fail the Interview Board may contact the Personnel Sergeant after 6 months to re-schedule a second oral interview.  Applicants may only appear before the Interview Board twice in any three-year period.

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Polygraph Examination 
During the pre-test interview you will discuss your personal history in the areas of credit, theft, illegal drug use, convictions, serious crimes, sex crimes, job history, discipline, and excessive force (former police officers). 

The department's polygraph examiner is licensed by the state and conducts the examinations within the state guidelines.  The results of the examinations will be regularly monitored by the Personnel Sergeant to ensure that polygraph procedures are fair, impartial and, that all applicants are given adequate opportunity to resolve areas of deception through every reasonable means.   

The ultimate decision to employ remains with the Chief of Police.

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Physical Examination 
A police officer is responsible for preservation of the public peace, the protection of life, liberty, and  property, the prevention of crime, the arrest and prosecution of violators of State Law and City Ordinances.  The work environment includes vehicle patrol and in some instances foot patrol.  Therefore, applicants are evaluated for their ability to perform the specific job requirements, specifically:  lifting, running, bending and walking.  Hearing and eyesight are also tested with minimum standard of vision being 20/100 or better in each eye corrected to 20/20 with glasses or 20/200 corrected to 20/20 in each eye with soft contacts. 

Successful completion of the physical capacity screening will be required to determine if the applicant is able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.   

Applicants who fail the physical (medical) examination will receive individual consideration as to re-application or final rejection.  The only consideration for re-application in these cases will be if there is some temporary condition which the doctor feels may improve over a short period of time.