A Letter of Encouragement
We all share the goal of achieving a diverse workforce within the Williamsport Police Department that is representative of our entire community. To that end, we are asking for your assistance in recruiting qualified members thus far under-represented within the Department to take the civil service entrance examinations for police officers. The next exam will be scheduled for June 20, 2008. Now is the time to begin preparing for that test since obtaining a higher score above other candidates is an essential part of the selection process.
Below is information that explains the selection process. Please review this information as it contains a brief description of the police department, a description of the selection process, and a list of the qualification requirements. If you are aware of individuals that are interested in becoming a police officer and taking the examination, please print or pass this information onto them. I would be happy to contact them personally to provide additional information regarding the police department.
Sincerely,
Chief of Police
Gregory Foresman
Police Department Overview
The mission of the Williamsport Police Department is to maintain peace and order through the provision of police services that are of the highest quality and responsive to the needs of the community.
The Department contributes to the safety and security of the community by apprehending those who commit criminal acts, by developing partnerships to prevent, reduce, or eliminate neighborhood problems, and by providing police services that are fair, unbiased, and respectful of the dignity of all individuals.
The Department consists of 53 sworn officers and is commanded by the Chief of Police and two Captains. Qualified individuals within the Department have the opportunity to specialize in several different career paths, including:
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Patrol Division |
Investigation Division |
SRT |
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Narcotics Investigation SOG |
Mounted Unit |
K9 |
The Williamsport Police Department offers a competitive salary, an attractive benefit package, and challenging promotional and assignment opportunities.
- Competitive salary package
- 20-year retirement plan, collection at age 50
- Health insurance plan covering prescription drugs and major medical
- Overtime compensation
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid vacation based on time in service
After five years of service, police officers can begin taking promotion exams based on eligibility.
The Selection Process
The Williamsport Police Department utilizes a two-step process for selecting individuals to be hired as Police Officers. The Williamsport Police Department tested in September 2006. The next selection process for applicants will begin in May 2008.
- Complete and return the application
- A Physical Fitness Test
- Candidates who successfully pass the physical fitness test will be required to take a written examination.
- Candidates will be scheduled for an oral interview. The candidates will be given the time of their oral interview upon completion of the written exam.
- A list is prepared with those candidates who have successfully completed the Physically Agility Test, ranking the candidates in the order they scored on the Civil Service Entrance Exam.
Once positions open within the Department the second step of the selection process begins:
- Background Investigation is conducted
- Polygraph Examination is conducted
- Physical Examination
- Psychological Examination
- Appointment- Applicants successfully completing all pre-employment requirements will be notified of an appointment date and, will be sworn in as Police Officers of the Williamsport Police Department.
Newly hired Police Officers must successfully complete ACT 120 certification at a training academy recognized by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) and a twelve (12) month probationary period. The Department also requires successful completion of the Field Training Officer program.
Applicant Qualifications
The City of Williamsport is seeking candidates to take the Police Officer's Civil Service Examination. The application process will begin in May 2008 with Civil Service Entrance Exam to be scheduled June 20, 2008. Interested applicants must:
- have a high school diploma or GED
- be 21 years of age at the date of the exam and no older than 37 years of age on the date of the certification for the civil service list, which will be June 30, 2008
- be a U.S. Citizen
- establish and maintain residency within 20 miles of City Hall
- be a licensed driver with good driving record
- be in good physical condition
- have no Midemeanor-2 or higher convictions
- have an associate degree or 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution of higher education, or
- 2 years as a full time police officer as certified by the Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission
- 4 years of active military duty with an honorable discharge
- 30 semester credit hours and 2 years of law enforcement experience that encompasses powers of arrest under state or federal law
- 30 semester credit hours and 2 years of active military duty with an honorable discharge
- 45 semester credit hours and have completed act 120 training as certified by the Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission
- If you have additional questions about the process, contact Donna Bower at (570) 327-7540
Click on the Link below to download an application.
Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
(The City of Williamsport is an Equal Opportunity Employer)
