NCJ Number
81441
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1982) Pages: 2-9
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The recruiting, hiring, training and use of summertime police in Cape May County, N.J., a county with a large increase in summer resort populations, are described.
Abstract
Seasonal officers can be used to perform tasks that will allow regular officers to be free to handle more serious matters. Further, they can relieve regular officers of foot patrol and routine traffic responsibilities. They can also assist in routine 'booking' procedures, thereby allowing full-time officers to remain on patrol. Seasonal officers are recruited from highly motivated criminal justice students seeking internships or work experience. They already possess a basic understanding of the criminal justice system. Early in March, letters are sent to previous seasonal officers to determine who is going to return to duty. Applications for unfilled positions are reviewed by the chief of police and executive officers to determine those best qualified for employment. Candidates receive letters informing them of the times and dates set for the various phases of the selection process (physical testing and interviewing, psychological evaluation, firearms training and qualification, and classroom instruction). Physical testing includes a timed 1-mile run and repetition of various exercises. Psychological testing measures only emotional stability, which is related to reaction to stress. The 5-day classroom training covers topics deemed relevant to the type of work the seasonal officer will be performing. Written and oral tests end each training day. Successful candidates are sworn in. Three footnotes are listed.