Hiring Process

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

There are 7 steps to the application process:

STEP 1 - Online Application and Multiple Choice (MC) Test

All applicants must complete the Online Application first by clicking here: Online Application

Applicants successful in passing minimum qualifications will be invited, via email, to submit written examination scores through National Testing Network (NTN) for the Frontline National Law Enforcement Test. Please do not submit written examination scores prior to receiving an email invitation. Visit the NTN website HERE to view testing information and to take practice examinations.

Upon completion of the entry level exam, all applicant scores are forwarded to the City of Palm Springs Department of Human Resources. An applicant must receive a minimum score of 70% in each of the examination components in order to continue in the selection process.

WRITTEN TEST WAIVER:

Request a waiver on your application by responding to the applicable supplemental questions and submitting the applicable documentation if any of the following conditions apply to you:

Have passed the National Testing Network (NTN) for the Frontline National Law Enforcement test within one (1) year of date of application.
You were previously hired by the City of Palm Springs as a Police Officer (Recruit Level) within two (2) years of date of application.
Have taken the California P.O.S.T. Pellet-B exam within two (2) years of date of application and acquired T-scores of 46 in all areas (reading, writing, and overall).
Possess a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America).

The selected waiver documentation MUST be submitted with the application. Applications without waiver documentation will be deemed an "Incomplete Application". If your waiver request is approved, your application will bypass the written test selection process and be moved to the physical agility test selection process. You will be notified of the physical agility test date.

NOTE: If you submit waiver documentation and your waiver request is not approved you will be notified of your eligibility for the written test based on further review of your application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Applicants that pass the entry level exam may be invited to continue in the selection process for this position which may include one or more of the following: qualification review, physical agility exam, oral panel exam and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates

Candidates who feel that they qualify for a waiver can reach out to Personnel Unit Sergeant Cherie Miller at Cherie.Miller@palmspringsca.gov .

STEP 2 - The Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ)

In order to better prepare for the exam and the physical demands of the academy, you are required to attend the Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ). You must complete the PFQ at least once prior to appointment.

The PFQ consists of four events: 1) Timed chain-linked fence jump, 2) timed 6-foot wall jump, 3) timed dummy body drag, and 4) timed obstacle course, 5) timed distance run.

Your goal is to pass each PFQ event. You will have two attempts at the PFQ.

The Academy Training is intense and demanding, the first physical fitness test occurs during the first week of the Academy. It is critical that candidates don't wait until they are in the Academy to get into good physical shape. It is recommended to begin a physical conditioning program as soon as you apply.

STEP 3 - Personal History Statement (PHS)

Completion and submittal of a Personal History Statement (PHS) is the first step of the Background Investigation. The PHS requires compilation of extensive biographical information, fingerprinting, and an interview with a background investigator. The investigation will also include checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records, and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends.

STEP 4 - Polygraph Examination and Department Interview

The Polygraph Examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during the selection process.

The Department Interview will be conducted by a panel to assess your personal accomplishments, job motivation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, continuous learning orientation, and oral communication skills. Only those candidates who pass this part of the process will receive a Conditional Job Offer.

STEP 5 - Field Investigation

The Field Investigation includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. You will be evaluated on your past behavior and the extent to which your behavior demonstrates positive traits that support your candidacy for Police Officer. The Field Investigation provides you the time and opportunity to get in shape for the Academy.

STEP 6 - Medical Evaluation

The Medical Evaluation is thorough and it is essential that you be in excellent health with no conditions which would restrict your ability to safely perform the essential functions of the Police Officer job. Good physical condition is necessary, as training in the Academy is rigorous. Failure to be in excellent physical condition may delay or disrupt training and result in a dismissal from the Academy.

STEP 7 - Psychological Evaluation

The Psychological Evaluation consists of an oral interview and evaluation by a City psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Police Officer. The information evaluated includes the written psychological tests along with information obtained in the background investigation process.

For Additional Information, please contact Sergeant Cherie Miller in the Personnel Unit at 760-323-8106, or by email at cherie.miller@palmspringsca.gov.