HIRING PROCESS
The selection process for the position of Police officer includes the following:
- Physical Ability Test
- Written Exam
- Oral Board
- Background Investigation
- Chiefs Interview
Physical Ability Test:
Applicants are evaluated on the following:
- 300 Meter Run
- Sit-ups
- Push Ups
- 1.5 Mile Run
Applicants are encouraged to practice the physical ability test prior to the testing date. Applicants can download the Physical Test Log and minimum standards here: DOVER POLICE FITNESS TEST STANDARDS AND PRACTICE LOG
Written Examination:
- Observation and Memory.
- Ability to learn police material
- Situational Judgment and Problem Solving
- Verbal and Reading Comprehension
Applicants can order study guides and practice tests here:
Order Stanard and Associates Study Guides
Oral Board:
The police board will examine the applicant for the following criteria:
- Personal appearance
- Ability to express him/herself in a clear and articulate
- Manner
- Ability to organize higher thoughts
- Poise
- Bearing
- Alertness
Background Investigation:
The investigation will cover your education, residential history, employment, driving record, credit standing, and any encounters with the police you may have had. The investigator will contact your family, neighbors, current and previous dating partners.
Chiefs Interview:
Each qualified applicant will appear before the Chief of Police who will interview the applicant(s) to rank the applicant under the following criteria:
- Personal appearance
- Ability to express him/herself in a clear and articulate manner
- Ability to organize higher thoughts
- Poise
- Bearing
- Alertness
Physical Ability Tests and Requirement:
300 Meter Run: All applicants must complete the 300 meter run in no more than 71 seconds.
Sit-Ups: Male applicants must complete a minimum of 33 sit-ups and female applicants must complete a minimum of 24 sit-ups within ONE
minute. Sit-ups will be completed with hands interlaced behind the neck, knees bent, and a spotter holding the applicant’s feet. Each repetition
must begin with the shoulder blades touching the ground, and is completed when the torso is perpendicular to the ground.
Push-Ups: Each applicant will complete the maximum number of push-ups that he/she is capable of completing. The minimum number for a successful completion of this portion of the test is 22 for males and 17 for females. In order to be counted as a completed push-up, each repetition will begin with the applicant in the front leaning rest position (prone position with arms extended, elbows locked, hands on ground, legs
resting on toes). The applicant will proceed to lower his/her upper torso until the chest touches a spotting object (styrofoam cup or similar object) placed on the ground below the chest. The applicant will then raise his/her body back to the front leaning rest position to complete the repetition. Resting is only permitted in the up position. Female applicants will be allowed to perform modified pushups. In order to be counted as a completed modified pushup, each repetition will begin in the front leaning rest position (prone position with arms extended, elbows locked, hands on ground, knees resting on the ground). The applicant will proceed to lower her upper torso until the chest touches a spotting object (Styrofoam cup or similar object) placed on the ground below the chest. The applicant will then raise her body back to the front leaning rest position to
complete the repetition. Resting is only permitted in the up position.
1.5 Mile Run: The applicant will complete a 1.5 mile run in no more than 16:28 (Sixteen minutes and twenty eight seconds).
The above tests will be conducted in the order listed.
Test requirements and procedures for successful completion shall apply to all applicants, regardless of age or gender.
Applicants are encouraged to practice the physical ability test prior to the testing date. Applicants can download the Physical Test Log and minimum standards here: