Town of Normal 20 19 Police Officer Recruiting Information

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



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



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



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.

http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/normalil



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.



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.



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.



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.

http://www.normal.org/



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.



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.

http://www.normal.org/



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



APPENDIX C: Heartland Campus Map



APPENDIX D: Uptown Normal Map

Documents

Town of Normal 20 19 Police Officer Recruiting Information