town of normal 20 19 police officer recruiting information
TRANSCRIPT
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Recruiting Information
Information for Normal Police Officer applicants
Visit us on the web: www.npd.org
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
Table of Contents
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ........................................................................................................... 2
Welcome! ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
MISSION: .................................................................................................................................................... 3
CORE VALUES: ........................................................................................................................................ 3
PHASE ONE................................................................................................................................................ 4
WRITTEN EXAMINATION ................................................................................................................ 4
FITNESS EXAMINATION ................................................................................................................... 4
PERSONALITY TRAIT SCREEN (PTS) ............................................................................................ 5
PHASE TWO* ............................................................................................................................................ 5
BACKGROUND SCREENINGS .......................................................................................................... 5
PANEL INTERVIEWS .......................................................................................................................... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES: .............................................................................. 6
RELEASE OF LIABILITY NOTICE: ................................................................................................. 7
DUTIES OF A NORMAL POLICE OFFICER:.................................................................................. 7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .................................................................................................... 8
APPENDIX A: Written Exam Summary ............................................................................................... 10
APPENDIX B: POWER Test Exam Summary ...................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX C: Heartland Campus Map ................................................................................................ 12
APPENDIX D: Uptown Normal Map ..................................................................................................... 13
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Dear Applicant:
As you begin the process to become a Police Officer for the Town of Normal, I would like to share
some insight that will benefit you in this pursuit. At the Normal Police Department, we consider
our employees to be our most valuable resource. Officers have daily interaction with citizens and
visitors and represent not only the Normal Police Department but the Town of Normal as a whole.
They are responsible for executing the Department mission and adhering to our core values. I
encourage you to review the Department’s mission and core values which define the principles
that guide our conduct on and off duty.
Public service is a cornerstone of the police profession and in order to be a successful police officer,
individuals must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. We have extremely
high expectations of our employees and the services they provide to the community. We are
committed to hiring the most talented individuals who represent all segments of the local
community. After selection, we invest a great deal of time into the candidate’s training and
professional development in order to provide the best opportunity to be successful in this
challenging profession.
Only a small percentage of those who begin the selection process will succeed in becoming a
Normal Police Officer. Those who achieve this will be joining a nationally accredited organization,
with a proven record of success.
If you are seeking a career where you positively impact a community, develop a strong sense of
pride, build lifelong friendships and work with a team of professionals that will enhance your own
professional development, the Normal Police Department is the organization for you. On behalf
of the Town of Normal, I want to thank you for your interest in becoming a Normal Police Officer
and I wish you the best as you pursue your career opportunities.
Sincerely,
Rick Bleichner Rick Bleichner
Chief of Police
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in the Normal Police Department! This packet contains information
on the testing process and requirements to become an officer with the Town of Normal.
The Normal Police Department is nationally accredited through the Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The accreditation process ensures the
Department meets nationally accepted standards for best practices in law enforcement.
MISSION: The Normal Police Department provides exceptional service by embracing innovation and
progressive techniques that make the Town of Normal a safe place to live, work and visit. We
build positive relationships through collaboration and we honor our profession by being
accountable for our personal and professional conduct.
CORE VALUES: The following are the principles that guide our work:
SERVICE – Customer service is our highest priority. We provide excellent police services in a
caring and professional manner.
INNOVATION – We are committed to the development of new ideas. We improve our
professional law enforcement services through the use of technology and progressive crime
fighting techniques.
COLLABORATION – We work closely with the community to build positive relationships
through open communication, commitment and action. All members of the organization work as
a team to enrich our Department, increase our effectiveness and improve the services we provide.
HONOR – We conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers,
superiors and subordinates. We are honest, truthful and respectful in our dealings with each
other, and with those we serve.
THE TOWN OF NORMAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
A VALID PICTURE IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN EVERY
STEP OF THE SELECTION PROCESS. FAILURE TO PRESENT A VALID PICTURE
ID AT EACH PHASE OF THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY LEAD TO
ELIMINATION FROM THE PROCESS.
PHASE ONE
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Upon submitting your online application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/normalil, you will
be sent a link to sign up for a written test time. You must make a test selection. The written
examination will occur at Normal City Hall, Uptown Station, 4th floor, Room 411, 11 Uptown
Circle, Normal, Illinois. Please note these additional location details: Uptown Station has a large
clock tower and houses Amtrak on the first floor with City Hall offices on floors 2-4. Parking is
available in the attached parking deck along Beaufort Street. You may access the elevators and
stairs from the parking deck to access the fourth floor of Uptown Station. (See attached map)
Candidates must receive a score of 70 or better to pass the written exam and progress to the next
steps of the selection process. The estimated exam completion time is three hours. Failure to
attend the scheduled written exam may result in elimination from the process.
The written exam will be scored immediately upon concluding the test. Applicants must wait for
their exam to be scored and receive their results from the test proctor.
Applicants receiving a passing score will proceed to the fitness component of the process. Upon
receiving a passing score, the test proctor will immediately notify you of the time of your fitness
exam on Saturday, October 5, 2019.
Additional information regarding the written exam is attached.
FITNESS EXAMINATION
The Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (or POWER) Test is required for entering any of
the Illinois certified police academies. The Town will be holding this fitness test on Saturday,
October 5, 2019 at Heartland Community College in the Fitness Center (see attached map),
1500 West Raab Road, Normal.
The POWER test is scored as Pass or Fail. Exam components occur both inside and outside
regardless of weather conditions. Appropriate athletic shoes and clothing are recommended.
Applicants possessing a POWER Test certification card from Triton Junior College, Joliet Junior
College or Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA), dated April 1, 2019
or more recent, can present this card with their application in lieu of taking the fitness exam.
A description of the POWER test is attached.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
PERSONALITY TRAIT SCREEN (PTS)
Those passing the POWER test must participate in the Personality Trait Screen (PTS) on either
October 9 or 10, 2019 at the Normal Police Department. Candidates will be assigned a screening
date following successful completion of the POWER test. This screening is administered and
evaluated by an independent examiner. The estimated completion time is three to six hours. The
exam will occur in the Police Training Room at the Normal Police Department. Parking is
available in the parking lot adjacent to the City Hall Annex. Check in time begins at 8:30 a.m.
The door closes at 9:00 a.m. Failure to attend the PTS will result in elimination from the
selection process.
PHASE TWO*
BACKGROUND SCREENINGS
Candidates with the top 25-30 scores will be the first group of candidates invited to continue to
the next phase of the selection process which will include the following screening tools:
Polygraph exam
Criminal check
Driver’s License Verification
Polygraph exam – This exam will be scheduled by the Town. Failure to attend will result in
elimination from the selection process. Areas of polygraph inquiry may include honesty of
statements on the employment application, drug use, criminal activity, employment or legal
problems, and/or other relevant areas. Criminal history, references, driver’s license history and
related are also investigated. The estimated testing period is approximately one hour.
PANEL INTERVIEWS
A formal panel interview will be held at the Normal Police Department. Interviews will be
scheduled by the Town’s Human Resources Department. Failure to attend as scheduled may
result in elimination from the selection process. The estimated time required for the formal
interview is approximately one hour.
*Phase Two of the selection process is rated as pass/fail. Candidates may be removed from the
selection process during this phase.
Please Note: Candidates that are not immediately selected to proceed to Phase Two of the
selection process will remain eligible for future employment consideration based on employment
needs of the Normal Police Department.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES:
CONDITIONAL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT:
An applicant who successfully completes the selection process is placed in the Town’s hiring
pool. Should a conditional offer of employment be extended, there are several additional steps
that must be taken prior to commencing employment, including successfully completing a
comprehensive background check, a comprehensive medical exam, and a psychological exam. A
Normal Police Department Detective will conduct the background check, which will involve
personal interviews and completing additional research on an applicant as needed.
The Human Resources Department will coordinate a pre-employment medical exam and
psychological exam. Candidates must successfully pass each of these exams as determined by
the Town’s independent expert and be determined to be fit for duty. Among other medical
evaluations, the medical exam includes the ISHIHARA test to determine the existence and extent
of color deficiency, an essential element for completion of police duties. Failure to pass the
ISHIHARA test may lead to a revocation of the conditional employment offer. Failure to pass
any other aspect of the pre-employment examination may also lead to revocation of the
conditional employment offer.
ILLEGAL DRUGS:
It is important to note the qualifications and requirements for fitness for probationary police
officers with the Town of Normal. Because the position of police officer requires a great deal of
public trust and carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, some general guidelines have
been established to assist staff in evaluating candidates. These guidelines are not meant to be
definitive or all-inclusive because each case and set of circumstances must be viewed
independently. We believe that some conduct demonstrates a lack of understanding of the
position and commitment to public service with the Town of Normal, such as:
• Unlawful manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance or cannabis for profit
• Illegal use of cannabis in the past 3 years
• Illegal use of a controlled substance within the past 5 years
• Any illegal use of drugs after submitting an application with any law enforcement
agency within the past 5 years
PERSONAL GROOMING:
The Normal Police Department has a personal grooming policy that restricts tattoos, body art and
piercings, except for standard ear piercings, that are visible while in a Department uniform.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
RELEASE OF LIABILITY NOTICE:
For your opportunity to participate in, and be considered for, employment during the selection
process for Police Officer with the Town of Normal and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of sufficiency of which you hereby acknowledge by your participation
in the physical examination, applicants hereby release and discharge the Town of Normal,
Illinois, a Municipal Corporation, and their officers, servants, agents, and employees, of and
from any and all injuries, losses and damages to person or property caused by or which may at
any time arise as a result of certain physical agility examination conducted by the Town of
Normal, Illinois. The intent hereof being to completely, absolutely and finally release said Town
and their officers, servants, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability arising
wholly or in part from the examination aforesaid.
DUTIES OF A NORMAL POLICE OFFICER:
Police Officer duties include, but are not limited to, serving the community in a professional and
fair manner, enforcing criminal and traffic laws and ordinances, apprehension of suspects,
communication with a diverse group of citizens and visitors, and attempting to resolve conflicts.
This position requires, but is not limited to, excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, reasoning,
problem solving and observational skills, formal classroom and field training, maturity, working
in culturally diverse settings with diverse populations, performing under pressure and public
scrutiny, and involvement with physical altercations where appropriate use of force will be
necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: The duration of the selection process is approximately four months from start
to finish. This includes the initial employment application deadline to the posting of the final
eligibility pool. Applicants not appointed to probationary status may re-apply for employment
during any subsequent testing cycle.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the minimum requirements for police recruits?
Applicants must be at least 21 years old. You must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident
alien with an application for U.S. citizenship, have a valid driver’s license, and you must possess
at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
Does Normal Police Department have a maximum age limit?
No, there is no maximum age limit for a Police Officer with the Normal Police Department.
Are there any height or weight requirements?
There are no height or weight requirements. Every applicant who is processed will be required to
pass a rigorous physical agility test, the POWER Test.
Where do I obtain an application?
You can apply through the Town of Normal, www.normal.org, website under the Current
Openings page and follow the links for the position of Police Officer. Applications must be
submitted online.
Is there a residency requirement to be employed as a police officer with Normal Police
Department?
Yes, employees shall reside within the corporate limits of the Town of Normal, the City of
Bloomington, the County of McLean, or within a twenty (20) mile radius of the intersection of
Main Street and College Avenue. Employees have one year from the date of employment to
comply with this requirement.
Does Normal Police Department have a policy regarding tattoos?
Yes, the Normal Police Department has a personal grooming policy that restricts tattoos, body art
and piercings, except for standard ear piercings, that are visible while in a Department uniform.
Officers who have tattoos would be required to cover their tattoos while on duty to comply with
the policy.
When and where do I take the written test? How often is the written test given?
After you submit an application, an email will be generated within one business day for you to
sign up for a written exam. The testing sessions are limited to 10 candidates at a time. The
written exam will be conducted in Room 411, located on the 4th floor of Uptown Station, 11
Uptown Circle. Parking is available in the attached parking deck.
What types of questions are on the written test?
The 120-question multiple-choice written test covers reading and writing skills at a high school
level. Other sections include decision making, reading comprehension and checking ability.
How long does the recruitment process take?
The process can take approximately four months. There are no alternatives to expedite this
process.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
Will the hiring process be shorter for applicants with previous law enforcement or military
experience?
Generally no. Previous experience may help an applicant be more competitive in the process, but
it will not shorten the process.
How often does Town of Normal Police Department conduct recruitment?
Police Officer recruitment generally occurs once per year. Interested applicants are encouraged
to complete a police interest form, located on the Town of Normal website. Completing this form
will ensure that you get an email when our application process is open.
How many times will I have to travel to the Bloomington-Normal area during the process?
You will be required to visit the Bloomington-Normal area approximately five times. Those
times will be for the written test, the physical agility test, personality trait screening, polygraph,
and an interview.
If I am already employed as a Police Officer in another community, am I required to
attend academy?
It will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need prior law enforcement training?
No, we will equip you with the skills and training that you will need upon graduating from the
academy.
Will I need to purchase my own equipment?
The Town will pay for uniforms, however, if selected, you must purchase your own service
weapon. You will need to test with this weapon while in academy. Contact police department for
a listing of acceptable service weapons.
If I have a background investigation done with another agency, or have a top-secret
clearance in the military, will NPD still do a background check?
Yes. NPD will conduct their own thorough background investigation on every applicant who is
in the appropriate step of the process. All applicants are encouraged to give a complete, accurate
and truthful history.
I am in the military. How can I start the process of applying to become an NPD police
officer if I have not yet received my DD-214?
You can still begin the process. However, the DD-214 must be provided to HR before you can
be hired.
Does NPD honor Military Service Commitments?
Yes. When you are scheduled for military training, you will be requested to present a copy of
your orders to your commanding officer. Please keep in mind that any commitment that you
must fulfill during your time in the academy would cause you to be placed with a different
academy class other than the one you started with upon your return from service.
Other Questions?
If you have questions not covered in this booklet, you are encouraged to call the Human
Resources department at 309-454-9518 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
APPENDIX A: Written Exam Summary
Town of Normal Police Department
Exam Information
After completing an application at www.normal.org, the next step in the recruitment process is to
register for a date and time to take the written exam, an online assessment consisting of 120 questions.
Candidate must register for an exam before 5:00 pm on September 17, 2019.
All exams will be completed on the 4th floor of Uptown Station in Room 411, located at 11 Uptown
Circle, Normal, IL 61761.
The test will measure candidate's abilities in the following areas:
Mathematical Reasoning - to include: basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Writing Ability - to include: correct wording, grammar, spelling, punctuation as well as ease of
understanding.
Situational Judgment/Human Relations - to include: ability to work under stressful conditions, integrity,
ethics, decision-making, self-control, the ability to maintain confidentiality, interpersonal skills, teamwork,
ability to follow rules, demonstrating respect for others.
Reasoning/Analyzing - to include: sequential ordering and logical thinking.
Reading Comprehension - to include: a Reading Comprehension Study Manual that candidates are
required to study for one to two weeks in order to answer the 20 items in the test.
On the day of the test, you should park in the parking deck that is attached to Uptown Station. We will
validate your parking after your completion of the test. You will be required to show a photo ID card to
verify your identity. Candidates who fail to bring a photo ID will not be allowed to take the exam.
Plan to arrive around fifteen minutes prior to your exam time. Doors will close promptly at the scheduled
test time, and no late entrants will be admitted. Please allow yourself around three hours to complete this
test. All personal items will be collected before the test begins; pencils and paper will be provided and
collected when you finish the exam. The exam will be proctored.
If you have any questions regarding the process, or if you encounter any difficulty submitting an
application or registering for a test session, please feel free to contact Town of Normal Human Resources
at (309) 454-9518.
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
APPENDIX B: POWER Test Exam Summary
POWER Test Exam Summary
CANDIDATES MUST PROVIDE: o Sport or athletic shoeso Appropriate athletic attire for completing the POWER fitness test
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The test will be administered regardless of weather conditions. The POWER test will be administered at Heartland Community College with portions of the test being conducted both inside and outside of the building. The weather conditions may vary. Postponing or rescheduling the test will be considered only in extreme weather conditions and at the complete discretion of the Town of Normal.
POWER Test Information
Staff will be required to check candidate’s age and weight for documenting on the individual candidate’s score sheet. The candidate is then directed to report to the fitness facility with their score sheet. At each component of the POWER test, Town staff will score the test and notify candidates of their score. Scoring is either Pass or Fail.
PROCESS With groups of six candidates at a time, NPD staff will direct a group to start the process. The six candidates will begin the POWER test as follows:
2 candidates Bench Press 2 candidates Sit Ups 2 candidates Sit and Reach
Candidates must successfully complete all three stations based on the POWER Test score sheet which is age/weight defined. Candidates that fail any portion of the three stations will be excused. Candidates successfully completing the stations will be directed outside to begin the running portion of the test. A 1.5-mile route will be designated. The run will commence at/near Millennium Drive/Fitness Center to the Constitution Trail, around the Corn Crib, back to Constitution Trail and back to the starting point.
Upon successful completion of the run as determined by the POWER Test, candidates will be directed to return on chosen day for the Personality Trait Screening.
The actual performance requirement for each test is based upon norms for a national population sample.
Applicants must pass every component of the test in order to proceed in the selection process.
The required performance to pass each test is based upon sex and age (decade). While the absolute performance is different for the eight categories, the relative level of effort is identical for each age and sex group. All candidates are required to meet the same percentile rank in terms of their respective age/sex group. The performance requirement is the level of physical performance that approximates the 40th percentile for each age and sex group.
Male Female
Age Group 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59
Sit and Reach 16.0 15.0 13.8 12.8 18.8 17.8 16.8 16.3
1 Min. Sit Ups 37 34 28 23 31 24 19 13
Max. Bench Press Ratio. See chart
.98 .87 .79 .70 .58 .52 .49 .43
1.5 Mile Run 13.46 14.31 15.24 16.21 16.21 16.52 17.53 18.44
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
APPENDIX C: Heartland Campus Map
Town of Normal 2019 Police Officer Selection Process
Town of Normal Human Resources Department 309.454.9518
APPENDIX D: Uptown Normal Map