Normally the Orientation, Physical
Agility Test, and Written Test are conducted on the same day. This
allows applicants to complete 30% of the testing process in a single day
and assists applicants that have to travel to participate in testing.
The entire testing process can take as
much as 4 to 8 months to complete. Once an applicant has
successfully passed all the phases of the testing process he/she is placed
on a final eligibility list.
Upon being hired an applicant will be on
an 18-month probationary period. During this time the applicant will
attend the Police Training Institute (P.T.I.), receive training and be
guided by a Field Training Officer (F.T.O.) and be constantly evaluated on
his/her performance, conduct, appearance, and demeanor.
Application
The testing process
begins with completing a written application. The application serves
to provide the City of Macomb and its agents with information about
you. The information is also used in part to complete your payroll
paperwork should you be hired.
Orientation
Applicants are
required to attend a pre-employment orientation. This orientation is
normally held before the physical agility test. The orientation
typically informs applicants about the testing process and what the
different tests determine.
Physical
Agility Test
The pre-employment
Physical Agility Test is governed by the Illinois State Statutes.
The test, commonly known as the Power Test, is designed to examine the
applicant's physical fitness. Physical fitness is an essential part
of a police officer's job. The City of Macomb's Physical Agility
Test currently mirrors the P.O.W.E.R. Test. Police departments can
and have used obstacle courses in the past. The City of Macomb
reserves the right to administer the physical testing method of its
choosing.
Written
Test
The City of Macomb
includes a Written Test portion during the pre-employment testing
process. The Written Test is designed to gauge the applicant's
ability to read, write, calculate basic math, use logic and reasoning, and
comprehend selected writings. Currently the Written Test is designed
so no prior specific police knowledge is required.
Oral
Interview
After
the scores are tabulated from the Written Test and the Agility Test
applicants will be contacted for an Oral Interview. The Oral
Interview consists of applicants individually appearing before members of
the City of Macomb Police and Fire Commission. The Commission asks
applicants carefully designed questions and evaluates the applicant's
answers. The Commission also reviews the applicant's appearance,
demeanor, and/or ability to perform well as a police officer.
Background
Investigation
Once
the Oral Interview is completed applicants will receive a Personal History
Statement. The Personal History Statement should be filled out as
completely as possible and returned within 10 days from the day of the
Oral Interview. This document will in turn be given to the
Investigations Division of the Macomb Police Department so that background
investigations can be conducted on applicants.
The
Background Investigation, an intense examination of the applicant's
character, is comprised of checking public records, examining open source
material, checking the applicant's driving record and criminal history,
investigating the applicant's alcohol and/or drug usage, and the
interviewing of the applicant's references, neighbors, and past workplace
supervisors and colleagues. The Background Investigation is done to
insure the City of Macomb and the citizens of the community are investing
in a fair, moral, intelligent person. Details of the Background
Investigation are not published and not available for review by the
applicant.
Psychological
Screening
The
City of Macomb employs experienced psychologists to screen potential
police officer candidates. Because of the power and authority a
police officer possess it is imperative that a candidate does not suffer
from mental or emotional disorders that could effect the performance of a
police officer during his/her duties. The Psychological Screening
normally consists of a battery of psychological exams, basic reading
comprehension, personality screening, and an interview with a
psychologist.
Medical
Screening
The
Medical Screening phase is similar to a routine medical physical at a
doctor's office. The applicant will meet with a Medical Doctor of
the City of Macomb's choosing. The applicant will have a brief
interview with the doctor regarding medical history, family medical
history, and alcohol/drug use. A medical exam will then be conducted
which will include testing of the applicant's blood, urine, vision,
hearing, reflexes, and muscular and skeletal systems. The scope and
length of the examination will depend on the doctor.