POLICE OFFICER APPLICATION PROCESS
The following is an outline of the Police Officer hiring process. Each stage must be successfully completed before proceeding to the next step.
Preliminary Application
To be considered for employment with the Big Spring Police Department a candidate must complete the preliminary application. The application must contain truthful and complete responses. “NA” or “None” must be written in each blank that does not apply. The applications must be printed.
Written Examination
Applicants will be notified by mail or telephone if they are eligible to progress to the written examination. The written examination is designed to test the relative skills and capacity of each applicant. Applicants who pass the written examination will be required to complete the Physical Agility Test.
Personal History Questionnaire
Applicants who pass all of the above stages will be given a Personal History Questionnaire. This document must be completed, notarized and returned to the Human Resources Department within the time frame established by the department. Each applicant is also required to sign an Agreement Authorizing Release of Information.
Background Investigation
A thorough background investigation is conducted to establish evidence of good moral character, a well-adjusted personality and a pattern of conduct acceptable to the Big Spring Police Department.
Polygraph Examination
Polygraph examinations are performed on all candidates to ensure truthfulness.
Oral Interview
Applicants who successfully complete the physical agility test will be required to appear before a panel of department staff for interview. The interview will cover information learned about the applicant during the previous stages. The applicant will be asked questions designed to demonstrate certain knowledge, skills and abilities considered basic for effective performance as a police officer with the Big Spring Police Department.
Applicants who pass the above will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment and continue to the next stages.
Psychological Examination
Applicants who pass the oral interview will be scheduled for a psychological review. The review is designed to assess the candidate’s mental and emotional fitness to function successfully as a Big Spring Police Officer.
Medical/Physical Assessment
Upon successful completion of the drug screen (a negative result), a prospective employee will complete a Medical History and Mobility Evaluation form and will be examined by a designated physician. The physician will assess each candidate’s physical condition to ensure he/she can function safely as a Big Spring Police Officer. Prospective police officers that pass the medical assessment will receive final offers of employment depending on the number of open positions.
New Employee Orientation/Probationary Period
New employees must complete orientation on their first day of work. Police Officers must complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months. For non-certified Police Officers, this twelve (12) month period begins upon receipt of TCLEOSE certification.
Firearms
Applicants who successfully complete the applicant process will be required to pass a course established by department guidelines with a score of eighty percent (80%).
CERTIFICATION FOR NON-CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS
Individuals hired as a non-certified Police Officer will be required to complete the Police Academy and pass the TCLEOSE exam to obtain certification as a Peace Officer in the State of Texas. The Big Spring Police Department will enroll and pay for the employee to attend the Police Academy and pay the employee’s regular salary while attending the academy.
For and in consideration of the above, the employee must agree to repay the cost of Police Academy training immediately upon his or her voluntary termination of employment with the City of Big Spring Police Department if such termination occurs within two (2) calendar years from the date the employee was hired.
After receiving the required TCLEOSE certification, the officer will be required to complete sixteen weeks of Field Officer Training.
