The Written Examination
The Written Examination is the first step in becoming a police officer in the Rochester Police Department (RPD) and involves applying written information and rules, memorizing factual information, and reading, understanding and interpreting written information. Preparation for the written examination is important to your success in the selection process. A Police Officer Study Guide is available for your review.
The Physical Agility Test
The physical agility test is usually held shortly after receiving the written examination results and consists of push-ups, sit-ups and a 1.5 mile run. All applicants must participate and be successful in the physical agility test to continue in the recruitment process. The RPD offers preparatory courses for the agility test.
*Note: There are only a few weeks from the time you receive your physical agility test date to the actual test and it is imperative that you train well in advance. A good rule of thumb is to be at or above the physical agility standards soon after the date of the written examination. About 50% of applicants do not meet the standards at the physical agility test and as a result, cannot continue in the process. The RPD does not offer “do-overs, mulligans or re-tests.” A Rochester Police Department Physical Agility Test Video is available for your viewing.
Psychological Evaluation
This portion of the process consists of a written examination and one-on-one evaluation with a licensed psychologist.
Medical Examination
The RPD follows guidelines set forth by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). For more information or specific standards, follow the link under section 6000.7 (Required Medical Standards).
www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ops/docs/registry/policeapptsmed.pdf
Background Investigation
As part of the application process, you will be required to submit to a full background investigation to determine your overall suitability. The background investigation consists of a variety of different checks which includes criminal, driving, educational, financial and residence histories, illegal drug use or involvement and military experience. You will be required to submit to a polygraph examination to determine the validity of answers provided during various aspects of the background process.
Final Interview
A final interview may be required at the discretion of the Chief of Police with successful recruit candidates to affirm their selection.
Process Tips
Preparation is the key to the written examination and physical agility tests. A final processing tip is to be honest throughout the background process. Dishonesty in any portion of the hiring process may be grounds for immediate disqualification. The RPD Background Unit understands that “no one is perfect,” but a high level of integrity in the selection process is expected. Disclosing all requested information is a testament to the candidate's integrity, which is thoroughly examined during the hiring process.