Steps in Application & Hiring Process

Application: The first step in the process is to fill out an application. When the hiring process is open (can be verified at the City of Sidney - Careers page), the applications can be found at the City Hall pods (201 W. Poplar). City Hall is across the street from the Health Department and Fire Department. Parking is on the street. The preferred means of application can be found online.  Entry-level officer candidates must meet the following:

• Candidates must be 21 years old but not older than 35.
• Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license.
• Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the United States. 
• Bonus points added for military service. 

Candidates must attach copies of paperwork that proves the above requirements:

• Copy of High School diploma or GED (and college / higher education diploma if applicable).
• Copy of DD-214 for Veterans credit (if applicable).
• Copy of your Peace Officer Certification for the State of Ohio (if applicable).
• Copy of Birth Certificate or U.S. Citizenship. 

Complete and turn in this application before the deadline. If choosing to mail the completed application, candidates can send the completed application to: The City of Sidney, Attention Deb Morrison, 201 W. Poplar Street, Sidney OH 45365. They can also be emailed to dmorrison@sidneyoh.com. They can be faxed to 937-498-8160.

Written Test: The written test may be completed before the application. The Sidney Police Department utilizes the National Testing Network. Candidates may use test scores gained at this test for multiple departments. Candidates are responsible for scheduling their own test and making sure their scores are sent to the City of Sidney. You may find registration for this test at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. This may involve: 

• Completion of the NTN application process.
• Completion of the personal history questionnaire.
• Opportunity to take online practice tests.
• Scheduling your own convenient test time (applicant is responsible for exam fee).
• Upon completion of the NTN examination, electing to have scores sent to the City of Sidney.

You must score a 60% or better on all test portions to be considered. The better the score on this test the higher the candidates rank in our initial process. This test is not like some written police exams. It mainly consists of video scenarios and candidates must pick the best response to the videos. 

Physical Fitness Test: This step eliminates many applicants. The current test involves our on-site LEPAT physical agility course. Police officer candidates must pass this test. Failure to pass the test will disqualify the candidates. Once an application has been submitted/accepted, candidates can schedule a practice examination.

The physical fitness test is often the first interaction members of our department have with candidates. Your attitude, attire, and how well you do are noted and discussed by our department members. First impressions are very important and your first impression will not be in the interview - it will be here. 

Background: This consists of an extensive questionnaire about the candidate’s background. Questions involve alcohol consumption, drug consumption, any crimes the candidate has committed, and many more things. If responses on this background investigation, the application, the polygraph, and the interview do not coincide, a candidate will be eliminated from the process. A candidate’s qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using a totality-of-the-circumstances framework.  

Polygraph: This step involves the city scheduling a polygraph examination for the candidate. Candidates are tested by an outside company.  The examiner will relate important information gleaned during the polygraph to the police department (for hiring purposes only) and will also report whether the candidate showed signs of deception. Showing deception or admitting to items not listed in the background process is grounds for termination from the process.

Interview: This is an extremely important part of the hiring process. Police interviews are not the same as most other job interviews. Ours is a panel interview consisting of the Chief of Police, the deputy chief of police, a current patrol officer, the head of H.R., and the Records office supervisor. Candidates will do well to research police interviews and prepare ahead of time. Police interviews are formal and candidates would be wise to dress professionally. 

Civil Service Commission Review: If you make it to the top 25% or top 10 candidates, you will be considered for employment. The chief of police makes a recommendation to the civil service commission on candidates for hire. 

Conditional Offer of Employment: Conditional offers will be made to those that the department and the City Manager think will be the best fit for our department. This offer is contingent upon successfully completing the next steps. 

Psychological Assessment: Candidates will be sent to an outside agency to complete a psychological assessment. This is meant to indicate behavioral and personality traits that are not suited for the law enforcement profession, touching on racism, an exaggerated sense of self, anger problems, and more. It is very important that candidates not show deception on this test. It is designed to detect deception and if deception is indicated, the candidate will not proceed on in the process. 

Medical Examination / Drug Screen: The candidate will be sent to our city doctor for an examination that looks for major health reasons that would render the candidate unable to perform the job. These things include insufficient eyesight, insufficient hearing, major heart problems, and more. A drug screen will also be conducted. 

FBI/BCI Background Check: This check runs the candidate through Ohio and the FBI database to ensure that they are not nor have they been in any criminal trouble that they otherwise failed to disclose. 

Hiring: Once all these steps are completed successfully, the candidate will be sworn in with our department. If the candidate is certified through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy then they will begin field training. If they are not, they will be sent to get their certification at a police academy. Typically candidates are sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol academy (OSP Academy). This is a rigorous, paramilitary training academy. Candidates live in the academy Monday through Friday and return home on the weekends. If this academy is not available, then candidates will be sent to whatever academy is available to the city. Candidates will be paid to attend the academy. 

If there are any questions throughout the process, candidates can contact the Chief of Police.