Hiring Process
The application process is sequential, this means that an applicant must pass each phase in order in order to continue in the process. Applicants can expect this process to take anywhere from 2-4 months from start to finish on average. However, given the power and responsibilities bestowed onto our officers, we here at the JCPD pride ourselves in hiring the best applicants possible. This application process is to ensure that those we employ and become officers are of the utmost moral character and impeccable levels of integrity.
1. Application
Those interested in a career with the Junction City Police Department are encouraged to complete an application HERE. Before applying, please see the lists of qualifications HERE. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be contacted and invited to the next available testing dates and move forward in the process.
2. Initial Testing
Initial testing consists of the Department’s physical agility course and written examination. Applicants must pass the agility course to take the written examination. Study guides for the written exam are available at the Department upon request.
3. Pre-board Interview
This interview is one on one with a member of the Department to review the applicant’s qualifications and application. The questionnaires that are asked during this interview are provided before the interview.
4. Oral Board Interview
The Oral Board consists of a panel of five Department members who evaluate the applicant on their oral communication, decision-making, demeanor, and judgment under pressure. This interview typically lasts an hour but can go longer depending on follow-up questions from members of the board.
5. Background Investigation
If an individual scores high enough on the Oral Board Interview then a background investigation is initiated by a member of the department. The Background Investigation is extensive and begins with checking an applicant’s criminal history as well as their driving record. Following this, the officer will check with previous employers, confirm the information provided about your residential address and confirm any educational certificates/credentials an applicant may have. Lastly, the officer will look into an applicant’s financial history, social media accounts, and contact the references provided on an individual’s application.
6. Polygraph Examination
A certified Department polygraph Examiner conducts a polygraph examination with the applicant. The polygraph tests for the following physiological changes while the examiner asks the applicant questions. Prior to an applicant taking the Polygraph Examination, they will have completed a written questionnaire that contains all of the questions that will be asked during the test.
7. Command Staff Review
The completed background investigation file is sent to the Captain of Investigations, the Captain of Operations, and the Chief of Police for their review. The two Captains and the Chief will review an applicant’s file and vote on moving the applicant forward or not, an applicant must get a majority vote to move forward. Also, during this review process, the Division Captains and Chief of Police can make notations for their use in determining the placement of the applicants on the employment list.
8. Conditional Offer of Employment, Psychological and Medical Testing
Applicants selected from the Command Staff review will be given a conditional offer of employment. Once an applicant accepts the offer they will be required to have a psychological and medical evaluation.
9. Chiefs Interview and Final Offer
Applicants who successfully complete the psychological and medical evaluation will have a final interview with the Chief of Police. After this interview, with the Chief’s approval, a final offer of employment with a start date will be given, and if the applicant accepts, they will officially be hired.
The application process for our dispatchers is just as extensive as the application process for our officers. Our dispatchers are held to the highest standard as they are responsible for the safety and well-being of not only citizens who call 911 but all emergency personnel that they dispatch across the county.
1. Application
Those interested in a career with the Junction City Police Department are encouraged to complete an application HERE. Before applying, please see the list of qualifications HERE. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be contacted and invited to the next available testing dates and move forward in the process.
2. Typing Test
Applicants must complete a typing test at the Junction City WorkForce Center. Applicants are responsible for reaching out and scheduling an appointment to take this assessment. Applicants must reach a typing proficiency of 35 words per minute or higher accounting for typing accuracy to proceed. The test used is a NET speed test and overall proficiency accounts for both words per minute and typing accuracy.
3. Written Dispatch Test
This exam is broken into 5 parts and takes 2 hours on average to complete. Applicants must score a minimum of 70% or higher to proceed. Applicants are encouraged to research online material that will be tested but no direct study guides are available. Applicants are tested on the following core skills, listening comprehension, call-taking abilities, and multi-tasking skills.
4. Pre-Board Interview
The applicant will be given 2 different questionnaires with a total of 126 questions to complete and then will sit down with one or more members of the department for their pre-bard interview. These questionnaires ask questions about an applicant’s general background information, military service if applicable, criminal record, personal habits, honesty, and work history. The interviewers will review the applicant’s packet and application in further detail and ask questions as needed. Following any follow-up questions, the interviewers will explain the expectations of a dispatcher including what a typical workday looks like, workload, responsibilities, and more. At the conclusion of the Pre-Board Interview, the applicant may ask any questions they deem relevant before proceeding.
5. Records Check
Applicants who pass the pre-board interview will then be subject to a comprehensive records check. This includes both a local and federal background check into the applicant’s criminal history. Additionally, the applicants driving record will be checked as well.
6. Oral Board Interview
Applicants will interview in front of a 5-person panel consisting of both sworn and non-sworn personnel from the department. The panel will ask the applicant a variety of questions and score each answer the applicant gives. The scores from all the board members are averaged to give the applicant a final score. This score is taken into consideration when deciding who will or will not move on in the application process. Applicants can expect this interview to take about 1 hour on average and must meet 70% or higher from the panel in order to move forward in the hiring process.
7. Background Investigation
If an individual scores high enough on the Oral Board Interview then a background investigation is initiated by a member of the department. The Background Investigation is extensive and begins with checking an applicant’s criminal history as well as their driving record. Following this, the officer will check with previous employers, confirm the information provided about your residential address and confirm any educational certificates/credentials an applicant may have. Lastly, the officer will look into an applicant’s financial history, social media accounts, and contact the references provided on an individual’s application.
8. Polygraph Examination
A certified Department polygraph Examiner conducts a polygraph examination with the applicant. The polygraph tests for the following physiological changes while the examiner asks the applicant questions. Prior to an applicant taking the Polygraph Examination, they will have completed a written questionnaire that contains all of the questions that will be asked during the test. The department’s command staff will then review the results of the polygraph.
9. Conditional Offer and Drug and Hearing Tests
Applicants are extended a conditional offer of employment after passing the polygraph examination. Applicants will be required to take a drug screen and a hearing test. Information about the date, time, and location of these tests will be provided alongside the conditional offer.
10. Chiefs Welcome
Upon successfully completing the entire application process individuals will be hired as a dispatcher for the JCPD. The Chief of Police formally welcomes all new hires and takes time to answer any questions. Following this applicants will begin their training with one of the department’s senior dispatchers.