32A - Selection of Police Officers - 2019

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Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 4 Lexington Police Department Subject: Selection of Police Officers Policy Number: 32A Accreditation Standards: Reference: 16.3.9; 32.1.5; 32.1.6; 32.1.7; 32.2.7; 32.2.8; 32.2.10 Effective Date: 12/1/11  New  Revised Revision Dates: 1/24/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of MPI Policy 4.23“Recruitment and Selection” GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES The selection of police officers from a field of potential candidates is a very important task affecting not only the police department, but the community as well. Candidates should possess intelligence, have the ability to work independently, have strong interpersonal skills, and be motivated, but also should be able to respect the command structure and protocols. The selection of a police officer is not only a commitment for that officer to the Town of Lexington, but a commitment from the town to the police officer as well. It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department to conduct a selection process in full compliance with the law and the highest level of ethical standards. PROCEDURES A. Eligibility for Selection 1. To be eligible for the selection for employment as a full-time police officer, a candidate must be certified as such by the Massachusetts Human Resources Division (HRD) and placed on an eligibility list. a. Certified eligibility lists are established by HRD following statewide police entrance examinations and are valid for two years from the date the list is certified. b. These “lists” will be requested by the Lexington Police Department only when there is a need to fill vacant positions and or there is sufficient payroll to sustain such position(s).