Police Officers – The Process
Once you’ve decided that you’d like to apply and you’re happy that you meet all the essential requirements, you should complete our application form. After you send your application, there are a number of steps to the recruitment process and it may take some time to complete, from two weeks to months. You may be required to undergo a polygraph test as part of this process. It’s also essential that we carry out thorough background checks, so you may need to be patient throughout the following process:
1. Entrance Examination
This exam is the next step after we’ve accepted your application. You can download an example of the entrance exam questions (PDF, 160kb).
2. Panel Interview
Following your exam you’ll attend a Panel Interview. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the qualities and qualifications, such as such as leadership, decisiveness, problem solving, stress management and integrity that will enable you to build a career as a Police Officer. To help in identifying your qualities, we use the ‘behavioural interviewing’ method, drawing on examples from your education, workplaces, social interaction, community interests and general life experience.
3. Medical Examination
In order to take part in Academy training and police duties, you’ll need to meet the required medical standards and will undertake an examination conducted by our Police Medical Officer.
4. Computer Testing
This test, carried out at the Academy, is to assess your computer competencies (Word.doc, 49kb). You can prepare with our Sample Text (Word.doc, 37kb) and compare your results with our Completed Test (Word.doc, 37kb). You can also download our Marking Guide (Word.doc, 57kb).
5. Physical and Agility Testing
There are two physical tests (PDF, 123kb) you need to pass, and some of them are quite demanding, so we advise that you start a gradual cardiovascular exercise program in preparation. On the day you'll need to bring your driving licence or other identification to the Academy.
5a. DNA Testing
On successful completion of the Academy testing phase of the selection process, a DNA sample will be obtained to assist with integrity checks.
6. Selection
This is the final stage of recruitment and involves careful review of your file by a Selection Board, who make the final decision regarding an offer of employment.