Ontario Police Department Recruitment Process Becoming a Police Officer for the City of Ontario, California The following information describes in detail the selection process for becoming a police officer in Ontario.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Minimum Requirements:

To apply for the entry-level position of Police Recruit in Ontario, you must meet certain minimum requirements at time of application.

Age:

Minimum of 20.5 years at time of Application.

Citizenship:

You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to filing an application.

Driver’s License:

Applicants must present a valid California class C (class 3) driver’s license.

Education:

You must have completed the 12^th grade or recognized equivalent. Recognized equivalency will consist of a high school diploma or proof of successful performance in a GED test, showing scores received.

Vision:

Applicants must have uncorrected vision of at least 20/80 in each eye, corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses; and normal color vision.

Desirable Qualifications:

Some college level course work in criminal justice or a related field; some knowledge of modern police practices and methods; some knowledge of current laws and ordinances, particularly those of arrest, search and seizure; some knowledge of the city geography.

Examination and Selection Process:

To qualify for the position of Police Recruit, you must meet the aforementioned minimum requirements and successfully complete all the phases of the selection process.

1. Walk-in Examination

a. Written Examination

b. Physical Agility Test

2. Submit Application

3. Oral Interview

4. Background investigation

5. Medical and psychological examination

After all criteria have been met, applicants are placed on an eligibility list. It is from this list that the Police Chief or his designee selects new officers for the Department.

Step One: Walk-in Examination

A. Written Examination
The written test is designed for an entry-level peace officer position, requiring no prior law enforcement experience. This test is designed to meet California P.O.S.T. requirements and measures reading and writing skills. To Take a sample test go to http://www.post.ca.gov

The report writing section of the written examination consists of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and writing skills, while the remaining test sections relate to reading comprehension, reasoning ability and observation and memory.

Applicants must score at least 70% on the report writing and reading comprehension sections of the test, and their overall cumulative score must be at least 70%. If you do not pass the written test, you may apply and be re-tested during the following month should a continuous recruitment be in progress.

B. Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.)

This test, which is scored on a pass/fail basis, evaluates candidates on various physical maneuvers. You should be in good physical condition to attempt the physical agility test. It is recommended that you begin a physical training program in order to prepare for the P.A.T. and the demands of police work; however, it is a good idea to check with your physician before starting such a program. The following events comprise the test:

You should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and athletic shoes for this test. Candidates who pass the P.A.T. are eligible to continue the selection process.

Step Two: Submit Application

Applications are available from the City of Ontario Personnel Department in City Hall, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or on the Human Resources website.  To find out when the recruitment process has been activated, contact the Ontario Police Department at a TOLL FREE JOBLINE 1(866) OPD-JOB1. or 1(866) 673-5621

City application packages may either be submitted in person or by mail to City Personnel prior to any established deadline.

Step Three: Oral Interview

This interview is conducted by a panel from the Police Department, which evaluates your experience and training, problem solving ability, inter-personal skills, communication skills, and interest in the position. Additionally, your employment, educational, criminal and driving history will be evaluated.

Applicants must score at least 70 out of 100 points to pass this examination and be placed on an eligibility list.

Step Four: Background Investigation

You begin the background investigation by completing the Personal History Questionnaire. On this form, you must provide the Department with a detailed summary of your educational, employment, financial, legal, and related histories. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the investigation:

IMPORTANT! The background investigation is very thorough and time-consuming for both the applicant and the Department. If you have any concerns or questions about events in your past, the Ontario Police Department suggests that you consult with a Department background investigator at (909) 395-2001.

The information provided in your Personal History Questionnaire is verified in a polygraph (lie detector) test. Your fingerprints are also taken by the Department at this time.

Step Five: Medical Evaluation and Psychological Examination

Prior to your actual appointment with the Department, you must pass a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation.

The medical exam verifies that you do not have conditions that would physically prevent you from performing all your duties as an officer or that would be susceptible to the stress of the job. Such problems may be a cardiac problem or any ailment that restricts your physical movement.

Because police work requires mental stability and strong moral character, you must pass a series of written psychological tests and an interview before you can be hired. A psychological exam is conducted by a City-contracted psychologist and involves series of tests, which profiles your personality type and evaluates your suitability for a career in law enforcement.