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HIRING PROCESS
There are a number of steps which must be completed prior to receiving a conditional job offer with the Meridian Police Department. For lateral applicants, the order of steps may be rearranged slightly - regardless, all steps of the hiring process must be successfully completed in order for applicants to be certified as a Peace Officer by Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will be disqualified from the hiring process.
Please note: Out of town applicants will be required to travel to Meridian at least two times throughout the hiring process.
STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION
All Police Officer applicants must complete the online application. Please visit the Meridian City Jobs page to view current openings and to submit your application.
All submitted applications will be reviewed and considered. Once it is determined the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the applied position, the applicant will receive an invitation to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
The City of Meridian is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for position without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status. Applicants may request accommodation by calling 208-898-5503.
Veterans' Preference: The City of Meridian will give a preference in the hiring process to qualified veterans for non-key employees in accordance with Idaho Code Title 65, Chapter 5. In some cases, a qualified veteran may file a late application.
For additional information, please contact Human Resources at 208-898-5503.
STEP 2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
(ENTRY LEVEL APPLICANTS ONLY)
All entry-level Police Officer applicants must successfully pass a written examination and physical readiness test prior to moving onto the next step. To help expedite this step in the hiring process, written examinations and the physical readiness test are administered on the same day.
The written examination is conducted through the Meridian Police Department and is free to all applicants. The National Crime Justice Officer Selection Inventory Exam measures both comprehensive cognitive ability and integrity.
If you are interested in written examination prep materials, please visit the Industrial/Organizational Solutions website.
STEP 3: ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS
The Oral Board Interview provides applicants the opportunity to meet with a panel of Meridian Police Department staff. During the oral board interview, the applicant will be asked questions and will be evaluated on his/her integrity, problem solving and critical thinking skills, communication, and basic knowledge of the City and the Police Department.
Applicants should expect the interview to last approximately 45-minutes, and should come dressed to impress (formal business attire).
Following the oral board interview, applicants will meet with a background investigator for a pre-investigative interview.
STEP 4: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION & PHYSICAL READINESS TEST
The Meridian Police Department places a strong emphasis on conducting a thorough and complete background investigation for each and every applicant. After successfully completing steps 1-3, applicants will receive an invitation to complete an electronic Personal History Statement (PHS), as well as list of required documents that must be submitted with the PHS. It is important for applicants to ensure the PHS is submitted with complete and accurate information.
Once the applicant has submitted the required information and documentation, a background investigator will conduct the investigation. Applicants are expected to communicate with their assigned background investigator in a timely manner. Failure to respond with the required information or failure to communicate in a timely manner may result in an applicant being disqualified from the hiring process.
The background investigation will include, but is not limited to:
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Personal and Professional References
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Chronological Residential History
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Employment History
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Criminal History
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Driving History
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Credit History
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Home Visit
The POST Physical Readiness Test (PRT) is designed to evaluate an applicant's capability to perform the functions that are critical to both personal and public safety. As a Police Officer candidate, your physical readiness is important to ensure you can react appropriately to the physical demands of the job.
The PRT is comprised of 5 events:
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Vertical Jump: Applicants must demonstrate they can jump a minimum of 14 inches.
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1-Minute Timed Sit-Up Test: Applicants must complete a minimum of 15 repetitions.
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Push-Up Test (No Time Limit): Applicants must complete a minimum of 21 repetitions.
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300-Meter Run: Applicants must complete the 300-meter run within 77-seconds.
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1.5 Mile Run/Walk: Applicants must complete the 1.5 mile run/walk within 17-minutes, 17-seconds.
The Meridian Police Department believes in the importance of physical readiness, and requires all Police Officers to annually participate and pass the PRT.
For more information on the PRT, please review POST's Physical Readiness Test information packet.
STEP 5: CHIEF'S INTERVIEW
Upon completion of the background investigation, the Chief of Police will review all gathered information for an applicant. Applicants who successfully meet all of the Meridian Police Department standards, will be scheduled for an interview with the Chief of Police. During this interview, applicants may receive a conditional job offer. This offer is conditional upon the successful completion of the remaining steps of the hiring process.
STEP 6: POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
A polygraph examination is used to evaluate the validity of the information the applicant provided during the background investigation. Prior to the examination, applicants will complete a pre-polygraph questionnaire. The polygraph examiner will then develop the examination based on the information provided in the pre-polygraph questionnaire and a report provided by the applicant's background investigator.
Applicant's should be dressed in business formal attire, and should expect the polygraph examination to last approximately 2 hours.
STEP 7: PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The psychological evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist and consists of a one-on-one interview with the applicant, along with a series of psychological examinations. The purpose of the psychological evaluation is to evaluate the mental and emotional fitness of the applicant, and to determine if the applicant is well suited for a career in law enforcement from a psychological standpoint.
Applicants should be dressed in business formal attire, and should expect the psychological evaluation to last approximately 2-3 hours.
STEP 8: MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TEST
The final step in the hiring process is a medical examination and drug test. Idaho POST requires each applicant to participate in a medical examination prior to certifying him/her as a peace officer. Medical examinations are required to ensure the non-existence of pre-existing medical conditions that would preclude an applicant from performing the essential functions required on the job.
The City of Meridian is a drug-free workplace, and all applicants must pass a drug test as a condition of employment.
CONTACT
US
(208) 888-6678
PDRECRUITING@MERIDIANCITY.ORG
VISIT
US
1401 EAST WATERTOWER STREET
MERIDIAN, IDAHO 83642
MONDAY-FRIDAY: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM