Human Resources FAQs
How long does the hiring process take?
The average length of time to process a successful
applicant is three to five months with our target time at three
months.
How old do I have to be to take the
written exam?
Applicants must be 21 years of age. You can begin testing at 20 years of
age.
Is there a maximum age limit?
No.
We have applicants retire from one career and then come test and
get hired with our department.
What is on the
written exam?
The written test is a 100 question, multiple-choice,
timed exam. Questions are related to common sense, reading
comprehension, sentence structure and observational skills.
What score do I need to pass the written exam?
To pass the written exam one must receive a score of
70% or better.
The physical agility test doesn't seem
too difficult. Do I need to be in shape to pass?
Many applicants have a misconception that the physical
agility test 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 test successfully. Approximately
30% of applicants fail the physical agility test during thir
first attempt.
Do out-of-state
officers have to go through the Academy again?
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.
I only want to be a Detective. Do I have to be a
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.
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.
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 exam and the physical fitness
test.
If an applicant is successful, they are invited to the selection
interview. 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.
When does the Academy start?
We have Academy classes that start throughout the year depending
on the needs of the department.
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. 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.
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.
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.
If I am active military
duty, 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.
For questions regarding the Hiring or Testing process, e-mail
police.jobs@mesaaz.gov.