APPLY: The PROCESS

The process is as follows:

1. It is very important to make certain the entire application is filled out accurately and completely. This form will represent you during the entire selection process. Put N/A where something does not apply to you.
2. Following a review of your application, you will be invited to take a written exam and a physical agility assessment. The written exam measures reading comprehension and vocabulary skills, similar to those you have probably taken in school. TWO ESSAYS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN AT THE WRITTEN EXAM AND THESE TOPICS SHOULD BE REVIEWED PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. These tests are not intended to assess your knowledge of specific skill sets or procedures unique to policing. The protocols for the physical agility assessment are outlined below.
   
3. Upon successful completion of the written and physical assessments the results will be evaluated in conjunction with the preliminary application. The review will be conducted by an internal panel using criteria approved by the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners (PFC). This panel will select a group of applicants to continue to the oral board component of the hiring process.
   
4. Remaining applicants will appear for an oral interview with a panel approved by the PFC. Only the highest scorers will be advanced.
5. An investigation into the background of remaining candidates will be completed by the Madison Police Department. Applicants are advised to be very accurate when completing the application form. Any falsification or misrepresentation may be cause for rejection. An eligibility list will be established by the PFC at the completion of the background process.
   
6. The remaining candidates will have a personal interview with the Chief of Police, a ride-along with a Field Training Officer, and a personality assessment. This stage can be accomplished in one trip/visit to Madison.
   
7. A conditional job offer will be made to those selected. Upon acceptance, a comprehensive medical examination will be done at City expense. Once a candidate has been medically cleared, the candidate will be provided a “final” job offer and letter wherein the candidate agrees to accept the job and pledges to withdraw from any other hiring process.
   
8. The Chief will recommend a panel of applicants to the PFC for approval as probationary officers.

For those applicants who live a considerable distance (more than a five hour drive) from Madison, we have made arrangements to consolidate certain components of the process. It is our hope that this will defray at least some of your time and expenses. Consolidated testing will take place twice per process.