| Employment with Swanzey Police Department |
| This information is provided for general reference only and is not controlling in nature. The Town of Swanzey reserves the right to amend its personnel policies and practices without notice. |
POLICE OFFICER SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for entry-level police officers consists of two general phases. The first phase includes the Written Test, the Physical Agility Test, an Oral Board Interview and interview by the Chief of Police. The second phase consists of the Background Investigation, Medical, Psychological and Polygraph Examination. The Department makes all reasonable efforts to complete the process within 90 days of the initial test. However, during periods when we have no openings and are developing a waiting list only, we will only complete the first phase of the process.
The selection process includes the following major components:
The Police Officer Examination covers subject matter involving mathematics, reading comprehension, English and grammar skills, and problem solving exercises that test evaluative and analytic abilities.
A written test generally runs from one and one half to two and one half hours.
No prior training or experience in the position of police officer is assumed or required of applicants taking this test. The test is scored and results are available prior to the candidate being allowed to participate in the physical agility test.
All written tests utilized by the Swanzey Police Department have been professionally evaluated for content and adverse impact.
The physical agility test will only be administered to those who pass the written test. It consists of a battery of tests including tests of individual flexibility; sit ups, push-ups, a bench press and a one and one half mile run. Performance standards are established by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council and based on the Cooper Battery for physical fitness. The standards can be seen below.
The 1.5-mile run must be completed in the time established for your age and sex. All other tests have a "standard" and a "minimum" level of performance. Applicants should attempt to do as well as they can on each test and not limit themselves to the standard. To pass the physical agility test an applicant must complete each test by meeting or exceeding the standard score. An applicant may fall below the standard in any one test provided they meet or exceed the minimum score.
For example, a 28-year-old male who meets the standard in all tests except pushups must complete at least 29 pushups to remain a candidate.
Applicants should practice these tests before the test date. If you cannot perform at the levels required it is recommended that you not take the test, engage in a program of physical conditioning and apply for the next selection process.
Applicants should bring appropriate clothing and footwear in which to take the physical tests. The run takes place outside regardless of weather conditions.
Applicants who pass both the Written Test and the Physical Agility Test will be scheduled to appear for an oral board interview.
The oral board will normally be conducted by a panel comprised of Swanzey residents, bussiness owners, and police officers and will focus on evaluating areas such as the applicants (1) Communications Skill, (2) Human Relations/Interpersonal Skills, (3) Problem Solving/Judgment Skill, (4) Career Preparation, (5) General Suitability for Position.
The panel will recommend a list of candidates that will be forwarded to the Chief of Police for a final interview. The Chief will evaluate the candidates and recommend to the Board of Selectmen that a conditional offer of employment be granted.
Applicants who pass the written test, physical agility test and oral board will then undergo an extensive background investigation.
The extensive background investigation will include but not be limited to, (1) work history and experience, (2) educational experience, (3) personal references, (4) financial stability, (5) motor vehicle record, (6) criminal conduct and verification of credentials.
A condition of employment is the candidate undergo a comprehensive medical examination with the physician of his or her choice. It includes a complete physical examination with attention to those physical standards set by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council.
The purpose of the medical exam is to reveal any medical problems that may inhibit or prevent the applicant from performing the essential functions of the position of police officer.
Polygraph examinations are administered by certified, experienced polygraph operators with many years of law enforcement experience.
Questions will be drawn from the following areas; (1) the initial application and information developed by background investigation, (2) physical and mental health, (3) previous employment, (4) alcohol and drug use, (5) gambling, (6) military experience, (7) driving record, (8) sexual activity, (9) driving record, (10) credit rating and financial status and (11) criminal record.
Utilizing the findings of an in-depth clinical interview, the results of the MMPI-2 and such other instruments as may be deemed appropriate, a qualified psychologist shall assess the emotional and psychological suitability of the applicant.
Re-Evaluation Policy and Re-Test Policy
The Department reserves the right to make the decision as to who shall be appointed to any position.
An applicant may request that the Police Chief review the results of any component of the selection process in which the applicant feels he or she has erroneously received a failing score.
The applicant has the burden to articulate a reasonable basis to believe the score given was inaccurate.
Any applicant who fails to achieve a passing score on either the written test or the physical agility test is invited to re-apply and re-test the next time a test is offered.
Any applicant who failed a test due to cheating, dishonest responses to questions or untrue representations on applications shall not be allowed to re-test.
Any applicant who fails the medical examination may re-take the test only on showing that the deficiency discovered has been corrected.
Any applicant who is not qualified by virtue of having a felony conviction, or by not being a United States citizen, or by having a criminal conviction based on an act of domestic violence may not re-test until he or she shows evidence of citizenship, or in the case of a conviction, a reversal, pardon or annulment.
APPOINTMENT TO PROBATIONARY STATUS
Successful applicants will be appointed to the position of Police Officer on a probationary status for a period of one year from the date of appointment.
During that year the probationary officer will be expected to complete the New Hampshire Police Academy (12 weeks duration), the Swanzey Police Department Field Training Program (12 weeks duration) and perform the duties and responsibilities of the position at a satisfactory level.
Process for Certified Police Officers.
The Swanzey Police Department will consider applicants who are currently full-time certified police officers in the State of New Hampshire. Applicants who hold New Hampshire credentials may apply directly to the Swanzey Police Department. As need arises you will be contacted and an interview will be set. If, following the interview, it appears you fit the needs of the Department you will be scheduled to participate in a physical agility test. If you pass the test then you will continue in the steps of the process outlined above.
All the written test and all associated fees will be waived for New Hampshire full time certified officers. No other components will be waived.
Application Process for Others
A candidate must submit a completed application for employment form and a resume to the Swanzey Police Department. A copy of this application can be downloaded from this web-site.
The first step in the selection process for persons who are not currently New Hampshire certified police officers is the written test. It is not necessary or advantageous to complete an application to prior to the test.
The test covers subject matter involving mathematics, reading comprehension, English and grammar skills, and problem solving exercises that test evaluative and analytic abilities.
The written test is administered by members of the Swanzey Police Department and a non-refundable fee of $15.00 will be collected prior to the test. Payment of the test fee must be by check or money order, payable to the Town of Swanzey.
Immediately on being notified of the results of the written test, all candidates who passed will given the opportunity participate in a Physical Agility Test sponsored by the Swanzey Police Department. All those who pass the Physical Agility Test will be scheduled for an Oral Board Interview. Staffing needs of the Swanzey Police Department at that time will determine if other components will be offered or put on hold pending openings.
Swaney Police Department Basic Hiring Criteria
| Must be a United States Citizen |
Must be not less than 18 years of age at time of appointment. |
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| Must have graduated from High School or possess a GED. |
Must not have been dishonorably discharged from military service. |
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| Must not have used marijuana within one year of the application for hire. |
Must not use legal drugs or alcohol to excess. |
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| Must not have been discharged from the military service under other than honorable conditions, where the circumstances, in the opinion of a reasonable person, would cast doubt on the applicant's fitness to be a police officer. |
Must not have committed a misdemeanor, as an adult or juvenile, of which the offense or underlying circumstances are such that it would cause a reasonable person to doubt the applicants character, honesty or ability. |
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| Must not have committed any felony or serious crimes (regardless of weather or not you were caught or accused) as either a juvenile or an adult. |
Must never have illegally manufactured, transported for sale or sold a controlled substance. |
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| Must not suffer from a mental disorder defined in the DSM-III-R, as diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, for which the applicant has not undergone effective rehabilitation and which would effect their ability to perform law enforcement duties. |
Must not have been convicted in a military or civilian court of multiple misdemeanors or violations for which the applicant has not received a pardon, and which would indicate to a reasonable person a pattern of disregard for the law. |
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| Must not have been convicted in a military or civilian court in the ten years immediately preceding application for hire as a police officer of a misdemeanor, for which the applicant has not received a pardon and which resulted in serious bodily injury to another person. |
Must not have used a controlled substance, other than marijuana, within the three years preceding the application for hire; unless the applicant was under the age of 21 at the time of using the controlled substance, in which case two years shall apply. |
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| Must not have illegally used a controlled substance while employed in a law enforcement capacity. |
Must not have made or make a material false statement in the selection process. |
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| Must not have committed three or more illegal acts involving the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs of any kind within the past five years (this is not to include simple possession of alcoholic beverages, however does include driving under the influence violent behavior, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, etc. |
Must not have illegally possessed any alcoholic beverages or committed any illegal act involving the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages within the past year (this includes driving under the influence, public intoxication, furnishing to a minor, drunk and disorderly conduct, violent behavior, etc.). |
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| Must be willing to submit to a polygraph examination to verify that you meet the above criteria and that you have made no misrepresentations, falsifications, omissions, or concealment of material facts in the testing process. This includes participating in cheating or committing deceptive acts in the testing process. Also that information is given by you is true and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief. |
Must not have been discharged or allowed to resign in lieu of discharge for reasons of moral character or moral turpitude, as defined by the Administrative Rules of NH PS&TC, from employment as a police or corrections officer for acts or omissions of conduct which would cause a reasonable person to have doubts about the individuals honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others and the laws of the State and Nation. |
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| Must not have a history of illegal drug use that, in the opinion of a reasonable person, would cast doubt on the applicant's fitness to be a police officer. |
Must be free from the conviction of any crime of which an element of domestic violence was a part. |
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| Must not be the defendant in any currently active restraining order related to domestic violence unless it is being contested. |
Must not have more than two motor vehicle violations within past year or more than four violations within the past six years. |
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| Must not have been convicted of DWI, Reckless Operation or Operating After Suspension within the seven years preceding application. |
Must not have had your motor vehicle operator's license suspended, revoked, or cancelled within the prior three years. |
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| Must be free from more than two motor vehicle accidents within the past six years in which you were found at fault for the accident. |
Must not have any unpaid summonses (including parking violations) against you unless they are currently being contested. |
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| Must not have a general character or reputation in the community that would cause a reasonable person to doubt that the applicant would conduct themselves with honesty and integrity and uphold the rule of law. |
Must have a good credit history. |
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| You must believe you are psychologically able to lawfully take a human life if it became necessary in the course of your police duties. |
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license. |
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| Must not have by word of mouth or in writing advocated or advised or taught the doctrine that the government of the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof should be overthrown by force, violence or any unlawful means. |
Must be willing to sign a prorated two-year contract agreeing to reimburse the town of Swanzey for the cost of Recruit Training and Field Training if you voluntarily leave employment in less than two years. |
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| Must not belong or ever have been affiliated with any subversive organizations. |
Must obtain a New Hampshire Police Officer Certification from the NH Police Standards and Training Council within one year of appointment. |
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| Must be willing to sign an authority for release of information allowing members of the Swanzey Police Department to have access to your complete background history. |
Must pass written, physical and oral examinations in the selection process. |
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| Must be willing to submit to drug screening. |
Due to the inherent nature of police work and the necessity to have officers respond to certain emergency situations while off-duty or on-call, the Town of Swanzey will establish a "residency requirement" that will help ensure officers are able to respond in a timely manner.
The Town of Swanzey has an Emergency Operations Plan that represents a concerted effort on the part of the town or government to provide a mechanism for effectively responding to and recovering from the impact of a natural or human-caused disaster or emergency. The Swanzey Police Department members are a critical part of that plan. The Town of Swanzey also falls within the Emergency Planning Zone surrounding the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Vernon, Vermont.
It is therefore that a "residency requirement" is being established for sworn members of the Town of Swanzey Police Department. The requirement is "reasonable" for emergency workers. The requirement will be that a sworn officer with the Swanzey Police Department will have to reside with a 25 mile radius from the location of the Swanzey Police Department headquarters.
This requirement will effect new hires and existing officers who are considering moving from their existing residence. New hires will be required to establish residency within the 25 mile radius by the time their one-year probationary period has expired.
The Town of Swanzey is an Equal Opportunity
Employer.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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