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Selection Process
Selection
Candidate selections will be based on:
- Qualified candidates with a bachelor's degree (required); and
- Out-of-state lateral entry candidates who can meet Colorado POST certification; and
- Colorado POST-certified officers.
The selection process will include the steps listed in the following. All candidates will be notified following completion of each phase of the process whether or not they have been selected to continue in the process. The candidates will receive an email from Human Resources. You will be contacted as soon as information is available.
Application
Applications will be screened prior to the test dates. An official copy of the candidate's collegiate transcript will be requested during the final stages of the hiring process.
Out-of-state lateral candidates must qualify for POST certification under Colorado regulations.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications will be notified by email. Candidates who are eligible to participate in further testing will be advised how to proceed by email. The instructions and attached documents will explain the next steps required to participate in testing. All documents submitted with an application become the property of the City of Arvada and will not be returned.
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
Applicants should be advised that any misrepresentation, falsification, omission, or deception regarding information contained on the PHQ will be grounds for disqualification from the testing process. All information provided will be confirmed and investigated during the polygraph interview and background investigation.
Prior to testing participating candidates will be emailed a Personal History Questionnaire to be completed prior to the start of testing. The PHQ will cover information to include, but not limited to:
- Criminal and driving history
- Drug and alcohol use
- Personal references, residential history
- Education and training credentials
- Undetected criminal activity
- Personal pages on the internet
- Employment history
- Financial history
- Military service
Testing process
The first step of our testing process is the written test battery, which consists of two written tests. Due to COVID protocol and restrictions, these tests will be administered virtually, and include:
- A comprehensive personality profile
- An aptitude test
Applicants who pass the initial written testing will be invited to schedule themselves for the next step in the testing process, which is the written exercise. This will also be administered online, via Zoom.
Oral Board Interview
Candidates who successfully pass the written testing will be invited to an oral board interview. Oral boards are scheduled for the week of January 25th. The oral board interview is conducted in front of a panel of sworn personnel from within the police department. The interview covers various issues police officers encounter during the course of performing the job, and is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
Polygraph
All candidates for employment with the Arvada Police Department are required to submit to a pre-employment polygraph. The following is a list of areas that will be explored during the polygraph.
- Complete disclosure of all information pertinent to employment with the Arvada Police Department. This includes application, credentials, employment history, and references.
- Information pertinent to past employment, including dates, positions held, reasons for separation, and misconduct while employed.
- Military service record.
- Driving history.
- Criminal activity, including illegal drug use within the last 5 years.
- Financial difficulties, including excessive debts, bad checks, foreclosures, garnishments.
- Perjury or fraud, including falsifying company records, falsifying police reports or other governmental records, accepting bribes or gratuities.
- Any misconduct as a police officer, including criminal activity, damage to property, abuse of authority, excessive force.
- Any activity that would compromise the Police Department or allow you to be blackmailed.
- Any other information pertinent to your employment with the Arvada Police Department.
Psychological Evaluation
The psychological evaluation will be performed by a certified psychiatrist or psychologist selected by the Arvada Police Department. This evaluation is at the expense of the Arvada Police Department.
Background Investigation
Including, but not limited to, contact with former employers, associates, neighbors, and other pertinent sources. Investigators will research the applicant's military history, school records, police records, driving record, and personal history responses.
Medical Evaluation
Must be able to pass a medical evaluation (at the department's expense) prior to employment. This is not a physical fitness/agility test, although the academy does have a rigorous fitness program.
Academy Training
Candidates who are offered employment and are not certified as a Peace Officer in the State of Colorado will attend a police academy at the expense of the department as a Police Recruit. Recruits who fail any component of the academy training or the Colorado P.O.S.T. Board Certification Examinations will be dismissed from employment. Police Recruits receive a salary and are eligible for city benefits while at the academy. The academy runs 22 weeks and recruits are not required to live there during the academy program.
Field Training Program
Certified candidates and graduating Police Recruits will then participate in the department's Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. The program includes daily evaluation of the new officer's performance