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Screening & Hiring Process
About the Recruit Investigation Unit
Investigators assigned to the Recruit Investigation Unit are responsible for conducting background investigations of all candidates during the pre- employment screening phase of the hiring process. A background investigation is conducted to determine if a candidate is suitable to become a Boston Police officer. Along with the background investigation, the candidate's pre- employment screening will involve being processed by the Human Resources Division and the Occupational Health Division. During all phases of the candidate's pre-employment screening, punctuality is essential. All candidates are expected to arrive on time and it is suggested that the candidate arrive one half hour before the designated time. There are several phases of the background investigation. During each phase it is mandatory that the candidate arrive dressed in business attire.
Orientation Session
The orientation session is held to familiarize candidates with the application process. Application packets are handed to each candidate and then the candidate is instructed on how to fill out each page of the application. The candidate is also instructed how to obtain the required documents necessary to aid investigators with the candidate's background investigation. The application is lengthy and there are many documents that the candidate must obtain; therefore during the orientation session questions regarding the process are encouraged. Candidates are then given a deadline for completion of the task along with a date for an interview.
Interview Session
The next phase of the background investigation is the Interview Session. Each candidate should arrive with a completed application packet. During the interview an investigator will be assigned to conduct the candidate's background investigation. It is important to remember the contact information of the investigator. From this point in the process any questions regarding the background investigation should be directed to this investigator. The investigator will then conduct an interview of the candidate, which will involve reviewing each item in the candidate's application packet. The candidate should be prepared to answer questions and to verify the validity of the information the candidate submitted in the application packet. At the end of the interview, the candidate will be asked by the investigator to declare that the responses given and information provided by the candidate are true and that the candidate has not intentionally omitted or withheld information.
Investigation
Subsequent to the interview session, the investigation of a candidate's background commences. The investigation includes but is not limited to a query for the existence of a criminal history, driver's history, police reports and military records if applicable. Neighbors, life partners, employers and personal references are contacted and interviewed. A visit of the candidate's home is conducted to verify residency and to evaluate living conditions.
About the Occupational Health Services Unit
The Boston Police Department's Human Resources Division, Occupational Health Services Unit (OHSU) is responsible for the medical/physical abilities and psychological component of the screening process. The medical and psychological screening process may be performed simultaneously - depending on the time allotted for the hiring process. The Boston Police Department expects full compliance from all applicants being processed. This screening process has been approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division.
Hair Sample Drug Testing & Steroid Testing
OHSU is responsible for collecting hair samples from applicants for the purpose of drug testing. Applicants are required to provide a sample of 'head' hair for a valid drug test. If a 'head' hair sample is unavailable at the time of the initial test collection, OHSU will collect from an alternate hair site, however, applicants will be required to provide a 'head' hair sample at a later date during the screening process. The drug detection window for Hair Sample Drug Testing is 90 days. The Boston Police Department will recommend by-pass for all drug failures.
Testing for use of illegal steroids is also conducted on all applicants via urinalysis. The Boston Police Department will recommend by-pass for all steroid failures.
Psychological Screening
The written component/testing of the psychological screening process lasts approximately 4 hours and takes place at Boston Police Headquarters. An oral interview conducted by a Department Psychiatrist, in accordance with the HRD approved psychological screening plan, will be scheduled and held at Boston Police Headquarters. If it is deemed that the applicant requires a second opinion oral interview, the applicant shall meet with a separate psychiatrist, in accordance with the HRD approved psychological screening plan, and the interview will take place off-site.
Medical Screening
Applicants are required to spend approximately 3 hours at a hospital lab to be determined by the OHSU to undergo medical testing that will include, but not be limited to blood work, pulmonary functions, EKG, etc.
Applicants are also required to undergo a full medical evaluation that includes a review of the applicant's medical history along with an examination of any and all previous pertinent medical records. Applicants are advised to review the Initial Hire Medical Standards available on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division website at www.mass.gov/hrd/. If an applicant has or had any illness/injury that is cited in the State's guidelines, he/she will be required to obtain all medical records pertaining to that condition and submit such documentation at the time of his/her physical examination. Physical examinations take place at Boston Police Headquarters and require two separate visits - the physical examination takes approximately up to 2 hours and the second follow-up visit typically takes a few minutes. However, depending on the applicant's medical status, he/she may be required to obtain additional records and/or specialist evaluations at his/her own expense.
Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
If it is determined that an applicant meets the current medical guidelines, he/she must participate in and successfully pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) that is administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division. All applicants meeting the current medical guidelines are required to participate in a PAT Preview, which provides an opportunity to partake in a practice test of the PAT. There is no fee for the PAT Preview. The PAT is scheduled within days of the PAT Preview and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division requires applicants to pay a $150.00 fee to participate in the PAT. Applicants who do not pass the PAT typically have one additional attempt at a PAT Make-Up. This Make-Up is scheduled within days of the PAT and requires the applicant to pay an additional fee of $150.00. For information pertaining to the PAT, please reference the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division website at www.mass.gov/hrd. A preparation guide is available on-line.
New Hire Orientation
Shortly after the successful completion of the PAT, the Boston Police Department holds an orientation to tender final offers of employment to applicants and complete new hire paperwork. Departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures are disseminated during the orientation. Police Academy staff also participate and provide pertinent information on expectations for Academy training. Typically, the start date for the recruit class is approximately 2-3 weeks from the date of the orientation.
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©2008 The City of Boston