Mesa Police Department Human Resources Section
Frequently Asked
Questions
- How long does the hiring process take?
- How old do I have to be to take the written exam?
- Is there a maximum age limit?
- What is on the written test?
- What score do I need to pass the written exam?
- The physical agility doesn't seem too difficult. Do I
need to be in shape to pass?
- Do out-of-state officers have to go through the academy
again?
- I only want to be a detective. Do I have to be patrol
officer first?
- Is the police academy a "live in" academy? Do I need to
pay for it?
- How does the process work for out-of-state applicants?
- When does the academy start?
- I meet all but one of the listed minimum requirements.
Does the Mesa Police Department allow any latitude to the
requirements?
- What shifts do patrol officers work?
- Is specialty pay or shift differential pay given?
- If I am active duty military, how soon can I apply for
the position of police officer recruit?
How long does the hiring process take?
The average length of time to process a successful applicant is
3 to 5 months, with our target time at 3 months. [top]
How old do I have to be to take the written exam?
Applicants must be 21 years of age at the time of police academy
graduation, but you can begin testing at 20 years of age. [top]
Is there a maximum age limit?
No. We have applicants retire from one career and then come test
and get hired with our department. [top]
What is on the written test?
The written test is a 169 question multiple-choice timed exam.
Questions are related to common sense, reading comprehension,
sentence structure and observational skills. [top]
What score do I need to pass the written exam?
To pass the written exam one must receive a score of 70% or
better. [top]
The physical agility doesn't seem too difficult. Do I need to
be in shape to pass?
Many applicants have a misconception that the physical agility
exam is easy. Applicants need to realize that the police
academy expectations are much higher. If you are not in good
shape, you will not have the stamina or strength to complete the
physical agility exam successfully. NOTE: Approximately 30%
of applicants fail the physical agility exam during their first
attempt. [top]
Do out-of-state officers have to go through the academy
again?
The Mesa Police Department is now accepting out-of-state lateral
transfers. If qualified, applicants do not have to attend our
academy. Minimum requirements are at least two years of
full-time experience as a peace officer in another state during
the past four years, with at least one year spent in patrol, not
including training or administrative assignments, and no more
than a two year break between employment as a peace officer, and
submitting the application to personnel. There is no age limit
to qualify for the lateral police officer position. [top]
I only want to be a detective. Do I have to be patrol officer
first?
All officers initially enter patrol, including detectives.
Officers who wish to transfer to any of our specialty
assignments must be a patrol officer for a minimum of three
years, but there are some exceptions to this rule, including
SWAT. [top]
Is the police academy a "live in" academy? Do I need to pay
for it?
No. Recruits attend the academy Monday through Friday and the
hours are usually during the day with some exceptions for night
field problems, night shooting and driving. While recruits
attend the academy, they are a paid employee and are accruing
benefits. [top]
How does the process work for out-of-state applicants?
In the packet of information which the application is included
in, we recommend that out-of-state applicants plan to stay four
to five days for the testing process. The first steps in the
process are the written test and the selection interview. If an
applicant is successful, they are invited to the physical
fitness test. if
they are successful, they are scheduled for a background
interview and possibly a polygraph exam. They are given the
first appointment times to try and accommodate their travel
plans. Usually, we can get all our out-of-state applicants
through this portion of the process. If all those steps are
completed, the applicant would only need to travel back for a
conditional job offer and their psychological and medical exams. [top]
When does the academy start?
We have academy classes that start throughout the year depending
on the needs of the department. [top]
I meet all but one of the listed minimum requirements. Does
the Mesa Police Department allow any latitude to the
requirements?
No. All applicants must meet the minimum standards without
compromise. The minimum standards listed are just the minimum
standards. In order to insure the integrity, credibility, and
professionalism of the men and women of the Mesa Police
Department, the standards and selection process for Police
Officer are very high. [top]
What shifts do patrol officers work?
Officers work four 10-hour shifts per week. Patrol assignments
are done through a shift bid, which is based on seniority.
Selected shifts are for one full year. [top]
Is specialty pay or shift differential pay given?
Specialty Pay - Field Training Officers receive 5% pay increase.
Shift differential pay is allotted for officers who work other
than daytime shifts. Certified Spanish speakers earn more money.
We also offer a Spanish Rover Program to certified Spanish
speakers with a 5% pay increase. [top]
If I am active duty military, how soon can I apply for the
position of police officer recruit?
Apply six months before your discharge date, if possible. This will
give us enough time to complete your packet and schedule you for
our next academy class. [top]
For questions regarding the hiring or testing process,
contact
police.jobs@cityofmesa.org
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