Hiring process summary and tips

Don't get overwhelmed.  Think of each step as an individual goal. ​
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Step 1: Self assessment
  • Are you ready for a career that will challenge you mentally and physically? 
  • Is contributing to your community one of your priorities?
  • Are you prepared to work a variety of shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays?
  • Do you hold yourself to high ethical standards?

If you answered yes to all of the above, take a look at the minimum qualifications required for each position below:

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

To qualify as a Lateral, the candidate must meet one of the following criteria:
  1. Currently employed or formerly employed within the last three years as a law enforcement officer in a California law enforcement agency and possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate
  2. Currently employed or formerly employed within the last three years as a law enforcement officer in a law enforcement agency outside of California and passed the California P.O.S.T Basic Course Waiver examination
  3. Formerly employed as a law enforcement officer over three years ago in a California law enforcement agency and have completed the California P.O.S.T. Requalification process.
  • Any education equivalent to graduation from high school
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Not have any felony convictions
  • Be able to pass a comprehensive background
  • Possess a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment
  • Be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status and applied for citizenship

POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATE

  • Completion of a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy within past three (3) years of date of application
  • Any education equivalent to graduation from high school
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Not have any felony convictions
  • Be able to pass a comprehensive background
  • Possess a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment
  • Be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status and applied for citizenship

POLICE ACADEMY ATTENDEE

  • Current enrollment in a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy
  • Any education equivalent to graduation from high school​
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Not have any felony convictions
  • Be able to pass a comprehensive background
  • Possess a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment
  • Be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status and applied for citizenship

POLICE TRAINEE 

  • Work Sample Test Battery with a minimum qualifying score of 384, and a T-Score of 50 or higher on the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Assessment results are valid within one year from the date that the tests were administered (See step 2 below for more details).
  • Any education equivalent to graduation from high school
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Not have any felony convictions
  • Be able to pass a comprehensive background
  • Possess a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment
  • Be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status and applied for citizenship
Step 2: Pre-employment Testing (NOT REQUIRED FOR LATERAL, ACADEMY GRAD, ACADEMY ATTENDEE)
To apply as a Police Trainee MPD requires a score of 50 or higher on the written test (PELLET B) and 384 or higher on the physical test (WSTB).  The tests are administered throughout the state including locally at the  Monterey Peninsula college academy or Coyote Academy in San Jose.  Assessment testing is not required for lateral Police Officers, Academy Graduates, or Academy Attendees.

THE WRITTEN TEST (PELLET B)

The PELLET B is a written test that focuses on reading and writing.  A passing score for MPD is 50.  ​
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THE PHYSICAL TEST (WSTB)

The WSTB is the physical test required before applying to MPD.  You are required to submit proof of a score of at least 384.  The elements of the test are (scored separately):
  • 99 yard obstacle course
  • 32 foot body drag (165 lbs.)
  • 6 foot chain link fence climb
  • 6 foot solid wall climb
  • 500 yard sprint
  • 1.5 mile run 
The best way to prepare for the physical test is to practice.  By attending a practice event you will learn your strengths and weaknesses, get tips for preparation, and learn techniques for doing your best on events such as climbing the six foot wall. 
This video is not affiliated with MPD but provides some good tips.
step 3: apply online
The online application is the easiest step, but it is important to be accurate and avoid typos which are distracting from your qualifications.

The parts of the application are:
  • Contact information
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Certificates and licenses
  • References
  • Attachments  (For Police Trainee applicants you must attach your test results from the PELLET B and WSTB. Lateral Police Officer Applicants must attach their POST Basic Certificate)
  • Supplemental questions
Step 4: Panel interview
If you meet the minimum qualifications you will be invited to a panel interview with 2-3 police department employees.  They will score your answers to about twelve predetermined questions.  A minimum total score is required to pass the interview.  The panel will not ask any follow up questions so be sure to answer the questions as asked.  
  • It's strongly recommend you schedule a ride-along prior to your interview.
  • Be prepared to discuss how your background, experience, and education has prepared you for this job.
  • Be ready to talk about why you want to be a police officer and why you want to work for the city of Monterey.
  • For Police Recruit applicants the questions will not require you to have knowledge of police work.  The questions are designed to evaluate if you are likely to succeed as a Police Trainee.
  • Topics to think about include ethics, teamwork, cultural diversity, and communication skills.
  • Dress conservatively.
  • Be on time or early.
  • If you are interviewing online: Test your equipment beforehand.  Dress to impress.  Find a quiet place with good lighting and a solid internet connection.  Sit in a compact chair with good posture.    Position your camera so that it is pointed at your face straight on, not from below.  Do not use notes that you wouldn't use in-person.  Log in early. 
  • You will be required to bring a completed personal history statement to the interview.  See step 5 below.  
This video is not affiliated with MPD but provides some good tips.
This video is not affiliated with MPD but provides some good tips.
Step 5: Personal history statement
The personal history statement, or PHS, is a detailed list of your jobs, residences, family members, and references.  It also includes a questionnaire about any illegal acts you have committed.  This document will be the starting point for your background investigation.  It is critical that you do not leave anything out when completing the PHS and you are 100% honest.  Everyone has done something they are not proud of at some point in their life.  Write it down on the PHS!  If you are dishonest on the PHS it will be discovered in the background investigation and you will not be able to move forward in the hiring process.  Honesty is absolutely required to be a police officer.

This is the blank PHS form. You do not need to complete it until asked to.
step 6: Chief's interview
The panel asks everyone the same questions and does not ask follow up or clarifying questions.  The Chief may ask you questions about your specific experience or your thoughts on a range of topics he feels will help him understand if you will be successful in this job. 
step 7: Background investigation
After successfully completing the Chief's interview your personal history statement will be sent to a Background Investigator.  The first thing they will do is schedule an interview with you.  Everything you wrote on the PHS will be verbally confirmed and you will discuss your answers on the questionnaire.  Remember, honesty is critical for police officers.

The investigator will ask you to collect many documents such as school transcripts and proof of citizenship.  Be prompt and thorough in delivering these documents.  The investigator will begin calling references, past employers, and others. 

At a point in the process you will be required to submit to a polygraph test, commonly referred to as a lie-detector test.  If you have been honest and have not withheld any information,  it will not be a problem.  It can be nerve racking but try to relax.

Upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation, you will be given a conditional job offer.  The condition is that you successfully pass a psychological and physical screening by medical professionals.  
you are hired!
The hiring process is over and you will have an offer of employment in your hand.  If you are hired as a Police Recruit the department will enroll you in the next available Police Academy.  We use the MPC academy in Seaside and the Coyote Academy near the San Jose/ Morgan Hill border.  The department will pay your tuition and provide the gear and uniforms required for the academy.  Your job is to graduate then you will be sworn in as a Police Officer and start the field training program (FTO).  

If you are hired as a Lateral Officer or Academy Graduate you will be sworn in on your first day and immediately begin FTO.  Every employee begins an 18 month probationary period beginning the day they are sworn in.  FTO training is 21 weeks but can be longer or shorter depending on the individual.  Your performance will be closely monitored and you will be given a written evaluation nearly everyday.  When you are ready, you will be assigned to a patrol team and begin working as a solo Patrol Officer.  CONGRATULATIONS!
Monterey Police Department  351 Madison St., Monterey CA 93940  831.646.3830  www.montereypolice.org