Recruit Hiring Process

Entrance Examination

This four-part examination consists of reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, spelling/grammar and writing skills. A score of 78% or higher in each section must be achieved in order to pass the examination and proceed in the process. Recruits can purchase a study guide (PDF) at www.fpsi.com/product/npst-candidate-orientation-guide. Cost for the study guide is $15.

Physical Assessment

The Allen Police Department utilizes a 2,000-meter row for the physical agility test. The damper setting must be on 5. Your time is determined by your gender, age and weight. Based on this information, you must complete the 2,000 meters within the 50th percentile.

Go to the Concept 2 website to learn about Concept 2 rowing and view a video on proper rowing form. Use the following instructions to find your required time.

1. Concept 2 Rower - Information and Instructions (PDF)
2. Use the Time and Percentage Calculator on the bottom right tab
3. Enter your gender
4. Enter your weight
5. Select your age
6. Enter 50% in the target VO2 max percentage box and hit enter
7. Your target time is what you’ll need to meet to pass the test

Those passing both the written exam and physical agility test will then have a preliminary interview with a recruiter. This interview is conducted right after the physical agility test. The applicant will go over the paperwork they submitted during this interview.

Interview Board

After the background investigation is completed, the Investigators will forward this information to the Administrative Staff. The qualified applicants will then be notified of the interview date. The applicant will be interviewed in the areas of their general background, current and past employment, prior police experience, criminal history, traffic record and military service. The applicant is also given situational reasoning scenarios and evaluated on those responses. During this interview, the applicant is evaluated in the areas of professionalism, dependability, reaction to pressure and situational reasoning ability, along with interpersonal and oral communication.

Background Investigation

An extensive check of criminal, driving, employment records, education, and credit references will be conducted as well as verification of character references.

Polygraph Examination

The department’s polygraph examiner is licensed by the state and conducts the examinations within the state guidelines. The results of the examinations will be regularly reviewed to ensure that polygraph procedures are fair, impartial and, that all applicants are given adequate opportunity to resolve areas of deception through every reasonable means. The ultimate decision to employ remains with the Chief of Police.

Psychological Examination

The applicant is assessed for their psychological suitability for law enforcement work. The applicant is evaluated for hypersensitivity, impulsiveness and frustration tolerance, as well as attributes such as achievement, flexibility, sensitivity, maturity, intelligence, somatic concerns, mood, social adjustment, anxiety, emotional control, dominance, moral-ethical behavior, impression formation and attitudes. An applicant must receive a rating of 4.0 or above to pass the psychological examination.

Physical Examination and Drug Screen

A police officer is responsible for preservation of the public peace, the protection of life, liberty, and property, the prevention of crime, the arrest and prosecution of violators of State Law and City Ordinances. The work environment includes vehicle patrol and in some instances foot patrol. Therefore, applicants are evaluated for their ability to perform the specific job requirements, specifically: lifting, running, bending, and walking. Hearing and eyesight are also tested.

Once an applicant has successfully passed each of the previous phases, they will then be scheduled for an interview with the Chief of Police or his designee.