Employment Application

Your process will begin by turning in a complete and signed employment application. If your application is incomplete or is not signed, it will not be accepted and you will not be invited to test for the position.

Written Examination

The written examination is a multiple-choice, general knowledge test that will evaluate the skills necessary to become a Whittier police officer. Prior knowledge of law enforcement is not required to pass the examination. Please allow up to three hours to complete the examination (one-half hour of instruction, two and one-half hours of examination). The examination will evaluate basic spelling, judgment, interpersonal skills, vocabulary, comparison, analogy, and report writing.

Physical Agility Test

The physical agility test consists of five pass/fail events and a 1.5 mile run, all of which must be successfully completed in the allotted time to pass the physical agility test.

Oral Board Interview

You will be asked questions by a panel of Whittier Police Department personnel to assess your communication, reasoning, and decision-making skills.

Selected candidates who successfully pass the written, physical agility, and oral interview will be scheduled for the following procedures. Advancement in the hiring process is contingent on passing each step.

Pre-Background Interview/Assessment

During this interview, important background documentation will be collected and your fingerprints will be taken. A preliminary assessment of your background suitability will also be conducted.

Background Investigation

You will attend an interview with a background investigator, who will then conduct a thorough investigation of your background. The background investigator will contact people who know you, such as previous employers, relatives, and references, in an effort to verify relevant information about you. Your credit status, driving record, and criminal history will also be explored. All information you provide will be maintained with the strictest confidentiality. The Whittier Police Department utilizes the POST Personal History Statement Form.

Polygraph Examination

You will attend an appointment with a polygraph examiner, during which you will be connected to a polygraph (lie detector). The examiner will determine the truthfulness of your responses to questions involving your application information, personal associates, previous employment, substance use, economic status, driving record, gambling habits, and criminal behavior. Before your test, the procedure will be completely explained and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Every effort will be made to ensure you are comfortable and ready to proceed with the examination.

Psychological Evaluation

The psychological evaluation will be given to candidates who have been offered employment, with their employment contingent on passing the evaluation. You will meet with a psychologist chosen by the City of Whittier, who will assess your psychological suitability for police work. The procedure will be thoroughly explained before the evaluation.

Medical Examination

The medical examination will be given to candidates who have been offered employment, with their employment contingent on passing the examination. You will be examined by a physician chosen by the City of Whittier, who will determine if you meet the medical requirements to become a Whittier police officer.

Appointment

Final determination of appointment is made by the Chief of Police, upon satisfactory completion of all the above procedures.

After your appointment, you will be sponsored to attend a POST approved police academy in the Los Angeles or Orange County area.

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