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Becoming a Police Officer: A Guide to Successful Entry-Level Testing

NCJ Number
184292
Author(s)
Larry R. Frerkes
Date Published
1998
Length
143 pages
Annotation
This book guides police applicants in preparing for entry-level testing and the police profession itself.
Abstract
The first chapter explains the nature of the police officer's job, including career preparation, assignments, geographical considerations (cost of testing and climate), the nature of shift work, and occupational stress. The second chapter explains salary and benefits. Chapter Three begins a series of chapters that describe entry-level testing, as it focuses on the application process. Topics in this chapter encompass the completion of the application, the closing date, enclosures and attachments, education requirements, incentive pay, residency, veterans or disabled veteran's credit points, equal employment opportunities, and disability. Medical and physical qualifications are explained in Chapter Four, followed by a chapter on pre-employment drug screening, past drug use, and the background investigation. The written examination is discussed in Chapter Six, with attention to basic test-taking rules and types of test components. Other chapters discuss physical fitness/agility testing, oral board interview, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, psychological testing, polygraph examination, background investigation, and how the choice is made. Appended suggestions for where and how to find job openings