Recruiting
Police Officer Hiring Process
What does it take to get hired?
The process for hiring all police officer applicants is essentially the same. The seven steps illustrated below are designed to identify those individuals best qualified for a career in law enforcement:
STEP 1: The first step in the process is applying. Applications are accepted online. Applications are screened for minimum qualifications.
STEP 2: A written examination is provided on a regular basis. Applications and supplemental questionnaires of applicants passing the exam will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will beselected to continue to the next phase. (Click here for written test prep sheet) On the day of the written test, a physical agility test will be given to all applicants to determine their physical capabilities related to a career in law enforcement. (Click here for details on the physical agility test)
STEP 3: An oral interview by an interview board is the next step in the process. The board members ask job-related questions designed to assess the applicant's knowledge and skills. Oral interviews are typically scheduled every month after written examinations.
STEP 4: The next step in the process is the polygraph and the background investigation. A polygraph is used to confirm information on a pre-polygraph questionnaire, the application form, present and past use of narcotics or drugs, and any previous job-related problems. The background investigator will contact employers, references, family members and neighbors to assess the applicant's character. The background investigation normally takes between 4-8 weeks to complete.
STEP 5: The most qualified applicants are invited back for a second interview. This interview is with our two Captains and Chief of Police. Applicants may schedule a police ride-along prior to the second interview to learn more about Indio’s policing philosophy. The ride-alongs are scheduled for all applicants after successfully passing the first oral interview for police officer. Lateral officer candidates are also encouraged to participate on a ride-along.
STEP 6: Police officer applicants who successfully complete the first five steps may receive a job offer contingent upon the applicant passing the medical and psychological exams.
STEP 7: The final step in the process is complete medical and psychological exams. These exams are conducted by the department to determine the applicant's fitness for duty.
After completion of these steps,the successful applicant can then begin his or her career in law enforcement. Recruits are scheduled for a 22- week academy at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Academy, or the San Bernardino County Sheriff'sAcademy. Academy graduates and laterals officers from other police agencies are assigned directly to Field Training Officers for their assignments in Patrol.
