Application Packet Page: 1

Application Packet Page: 1

Instructions:

This application packet, all 35 pages, must be printed and then filled out. Please read ALL of the instructions and fill the packet out COMPLETELY.Be sure that all supporting documents are included with this packet at the time that it is submitted. Certain documents require notarization prior to turning the packet in. Be sure that this is completed as non-notarized packets will not be considered.

This packet may not be submitted electronically. It must be post marked or dropped off at the Hamilton Police Department, along with the supporting documents, by August 17, 2018. Late submissions will NOT be accepted or considered.

Hamilton Police Department

223 South 2nd Street

Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: 406-363-2100

July 24, 2018

Thank you for your interest in the Hamilton Police Department. At the present time, we are beginning our applicant screening process.

The Hamilton Police Department wishes to employ only those individuals who have high integrity and the necessary skills to serve our community as a sworn Police Officer. Because of our high standards, we will be conducting a thorough applicant screening process to include written and physical testing, oral interviews, background checks, etc.

Enclosed in this application packet is a description of our entire screening process. Please take some time and read this information. I hope you will find it useful as you complete your packet.

For those individuals who are P.O.S.T. certified in Montana or another state, you must include a copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate with your completed application packet.

If you have any questions about our screening process please contact Lieutenant Steve Snavely or Sergeant Bob Liercke at (406) 363-2100.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Hamilton Police Department.

Sincerely,

RyanL.Oster

Chief of Police

TENTATIVE PROJECTED TIMELINE

This is not a definitive timeline; it is a general timeline that we hope to accomplish each phase of our screening process. The applicant will be notified of dates and times for each phase of screening.

Accepting application packets……………July 24, 2018 to August 17, 2018

Written and physical testing……………To Be Determined

Candidate interviews……………Following testing

Background investigation……………Following candidate interviews

If you have any questions throughout the screening process please contact Lieutenant Steve Snavely or Sergeant Bob Liercke at the Hamilton Police Department (406) 363-2100.

IMPORTANT

PLEASE READ

All information provided herein, is accurate at this time. Information is subject to change at any time.

IMPORTANT – the following items must be included in application packet:

Applications that do not include all documents required will be considered incomplete and will be ineligible for consideration.

Photocopy of applicant’s birth certificate;

Photocopy of applicant’s high school transcripts and/or college transcripts if applicable;

Photocopy of applicants current driver’s license

Photocopy of DD 214 if a veteran;

Veteran’s preference form, if applicable

Completed personal history statement; (supplied with application packet)

All waivers and releases must be Notarized.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Eighteen (18) years of age at time of appointment;
2. Posses a high school diploma or equivalent;
3. Ability to perform the various requirements demanded by the nature of police work;
4. Be a citizen of the United States of America;
5. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation;
6. Posses a valid driver’s license from their State of residency at time of application and have no restrictions or traffic infractions which would preclude obtaining a Montana driver’s license immediately upon appointment.

*************

Lateral transfers are not accepted. Those persons who are P.O.S.T. certified in another state should contact Montana P.O.S.T. to determine if that state’s certification will be recognized by Montana P.O.S.T.

Employment is not ensured as a result of successful completion of testing.

APPLICANT SCREENING PROCESS

1. FORMAL APPLICATION

The completed application and all required documents must be postmarked no later thanAugust 17, 2018. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

All forms must be signed and notarized.

2. APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SCREENING

All applications are reviewed to ensure that the minimum qualifications are met and that the submitted application packet is complete. Successful applicants will proceed to the next step in the screening process.

3. WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES TESTING

Candidates will be notified of the time and place where the Police Officer selection test and physical strength and ability tests will be conducted. A brief description of the physical abilities testing is enclosed in the application packet.

4. CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

Successful candidates will be notified of the time and location of their oral interviews. HamiltonCity administration personnel and Hamilton Police Department personnel will conduct this interview.

5. BACKGROUND INTERVIEW

After completing the candidate interviews, the candidate will meet with a background investigator who will conduct a background interview with the candidate. The background investigator will be a member of the Hamilton Police Department. The information received during the background interview will be used to conduct a thorough background investigation into the candidate’s personal and work history, past criminal history, past educational history, credit history, moral character, etc. As part of the background interview, the candidate will be fingerprinted.

6. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The background investigator will conduct a thorough background investigation as previously explained. Results of the background investigation can be cause for removal of an applicant from the eligibility pool.

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Upon being offered a position with the Hamilton Police Department (contingent on successful results of #1- #6 above) the applicant will be requested to submit to a psychological evaluation, at the expense of the Hamilton Police Department. The results of the psychological evaluation can result in the applicant’s removal from the eligibility pool. Any applicant who refuses to submit to a psychological evaluation will be removed from the eligibility pool on the Chief’s orders.

8. MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Upon being offered a position with the Hamilton Police Department (contingent on successful results of #6 and #7 above) the applicant will undergo a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician at the departments’ expense. The results of the medical examination can result in the applicant’s removal from the eligibility pool. Any applicant who refuses to submit to the medical examination will be removed from the eligibility pool on the Chief’s orders. The medical examination will include screening for illicit drug usage.

9. PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT

Prior to appointment the applicant must meet with and be certified by the Hamilton Police Commission for employment as a Sworn Police Officer and their appointment must be confirmed by the City Council.

10. APPOINTMENT

Upon appointment with the Hamilton Police Department, the officer will be required to take the oath of office. Officers who are not P.O.S.T. certified will be required to attend the MontanaLawEnforcementAcademy within one year of appointment.

All patrol officers of the Hamilton Police Department are represented by the Hamilton Police Association.

11. PROBATIONARY PERIOD

All officers will be required to complete one (1) year of probationary employment with the Hamilton Police Department. Officers will undergo field training for a portion of this probationary year.

BENEFITS

1. Hourly wage during the required one (1) year probationary period is $20.77 per hour. An anticipated cost of living adjustment effective 07/01/2018.
2. Officers receive 1% pay increase per year as longevity pay. An additional 3% pay increase after completion of 4 years of service. An additional 2% pay increase after completion of 8 years of service.
3. Uniforms, duty gear, firearm and personal body armor are issued by the Department.
4. Officers receive $1,000 uniform allowance per year thereafter.
5. Officers earn eight (8) hours of sick leave per month, with no accumulation limit.
6. Officers are paid for overtime work at the rate of time and one-half.
7. Officers work four – ten-hour workdays and are paid every two weeks.
8. Officers work various shift assignments with rotating shifts and variable days off. Officers receive additional .46 cents an hour for night shifts worked.
9. Officers receive ten paid holidays per year.
10. Insurance premium paid for each employee.
11. Reimbursement for gym membership up to $40.00/month.

VACATION:

Earn 10 hours per month until completing 10Th year of service

Earn 12 hours per month until completing 15TH year of service

Earn 14 hours per month until completing 20TH year of service

Earn 16 hours per month after completion of 20TH year of service

May not accumulate more than twice the annual vacation earned as of the last day of any calendar year.

Prior service with any MontanaCity, County or State agency can be qualified for vacation accrual credit.

RETIREMENT:

Municipal Peace Officers Retirement System (20 year retirement)

City contribution to an annuity program



PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT

Please read completely the Opening Statement, Instructions

And Confidentiality and Certification provision before

Proceeding to answer any questions.

OPENING STATEMENT:

The information you provide in this Personal History Statement will be used to assist the Hamilton Police Department in determining your suitability for employment as a Police Officer. A background investigation is conducted into the personal history of all applicants.

Please keep in mind the following:

1. The completion of this Personal History Statement is mandatory according to Hamilton Police Department policy.

1. All statements made herein are subject to verification.

1. Deliberate inaccuracies, or incomplete statements, will remove you from any further consideration for employment.

1. All time periods in your background, unless otherwise specified, must be accounted for.

5.It is to your advantage to respond openly. Any negative factor in your background will be evaluated in terms of the circumstances surrounding it, and consideration will be given to the degree of relevance it has to employment with a law enforcement agency. If you withhold or deliberately distort any information provided by you during the background investigation, discovery of that fact will disqualify you from further consideration. If the discovery is made after the Hamilton Police Department has hired you, it is grounds for immediate termination.

6.Applicants who proceed to the secondary phase of the background will be interviewed by an investigator and given an opportunity to discuss any inconsistencies or adverse information apparent at that point in the investigation.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Please print your responses to this questionnaire in ink. DO NOT TYPE on this form.

1. Please complete the responses yourself. DO NOT have another person fill in the blanks for you.

1. IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL SPACE TO ANSWER A QUESTION, SUCH AS TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS, PAST EMPLOYERS, OR PAST RESIDENCES, USE A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER. DO NOT LEAVE OUT INFORMATION SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE ISN’T ADEQUATE ROOM ON THE FORM. ALSO, MAKE SURE THAT ANY QUESTIONS ON ADDITIONAL SHEETS ARE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED AS TO QUESTION NUMBER.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

The contents of this Personal History Statement are considered Confidential and will be used by the Hamilton Police Department for the purpose of evaluating your suitability for employment as a Police Officer. However, if it is discovered that you are currently involved in criminal activity, or have committed an undiscovered felony, the contents of this Personal History Statement, as well as any other information from the background investigation, will be shared with the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies.

When completed, this Statement, along with all other supporting documents, should be returned to the Hamilton Police Department. If you have questions regarding this or any other aspect of the application process contact, Lieutenant Steve Snavely or Sergeant Bob Liercke (406) 363-2100.

CERTIFICATION:

I certify that I have read the opening statement and instructions for the Hamilton Police Department Personal History Statement and I accept the conditions of completeness, accuracy and confidentiality.

Signature of ApplicantDate

PERSONAL INFORMATION

The following information is required from you for verification and contact purposes:

1.Your name (please print in ink).

LastFirstMiddle

List other names you have used or been known by. Include maiden names, married or adopted names, or nicknames. ______

______

2.Your current physical address:

NumberStreetCityStateZip

Your mailing address (if different from your physical address):

______

PO Box, or NumberStreetCityStateZip

3.Phone numbers at which you can be reached:

Home ______Work ______

Page/Cell ______Message ______

1. Date of Birth:

______

5.Place of Birth (city and state, or country): ______

You must be a U.S. citizen for this position. You must provide a certified copy of your birth certificate or copies of your naturalization papers.

6.Social Security Number: ______

In accordance with the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, disclosure is voluntary. This information will be used for identification purposes and to ensure that proper records are obtained.

RELATIVES, REFERENCES, ACQUAINTANCES.

During the course of the background investigation, persons who know you will be asked to comment upon your suitability for the position for which you have applied. Inquiries will be confined to job-relevant matters.

7.Please supply the appropriate information in the spaces below. If a category is not applicable, write in “N/A”. IN BLOCKS MARKED “OTHER”, LIST FORMER SPOUSES, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, STEPPARENTS.

Father______Current Address

Home Phone ______

Work Phone

Mother______Current Address

Home Phone ______

Work Phone

Spouse______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone______

Father-in-law______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone

Mother-in-law______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone______

Ex-Spouse______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone

Other______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone______

Other______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone______

Other______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone______

Other______Current Address

Home Phone______

Work Phone______

8.List as personal or professional references 3 to 5 individuals who have knowledge of you and your qualifications.

Name______Relationship______

AddressPhone

Name______Relationship______

AddressPhone

Name______Relationship______

AddressPhone

Name______Relationship______

AddressPhone

Name______Relationship______

AddressPhone

9.List individuals with whom you have resided within the past ten (10) years. List no information prior to your 15th birthday. Exclude family members. Use an additional sheet if necessary.

NameAddressPhone______

______

RESIDENTIAL HISTORY.

10.Please list all your residences during the last ten (10) years. Begin with your most current residence and proceed backward. If a residence was rented, give the landlord’s name, address and telephone number. List no information prior to your 15th birthday. Use an additional sheet if necessary.

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information______

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information______

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information ______

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information ______

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information ______

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information ______

AddressFromTo

Reason for leavingLandlord information ______

EDUCATION

11.Montana law requires peace officers to possess a high school diploma or it’s equivalent. Please indicate your current status in this regard by checking the appropriate space(s).

______Possess a high school diploma.

______Passed the G.E.D. (General Education Development) test.

______Have the following higher education degree(s):

______

______

______

12.List all the schools you have attended, beginning with high school. During the background investigation persons who have known you in a learning environment may be contacted. A review of your school records may be made in conjunction with those contacts. Use an additional sheet if necessary.

SchoolCity & State

______

FromToHighest GradeTeacher or Reference

SchoolCity & State

______

FromToHighest GradeTeacher or Reference

SchoolCity & State

______

FromToHighest GradeTeacher or Reference

SchoolCity & State

______

FromToHighest GradeTeacher or Reference

SchoolCity & State

______

FromToHighest GradeTeacher or Reference

SchoolCity & State

______

FromToHighest GradeTeacher or Reference

13.Have you ever been suspended or expelled from any high school or post-secondary school? (Post-secondary schools include colleges and universities, graduate schools, business and vocational schools, …any formal education beyond the high school level.)

YES ______NO ______

If “Yes”, please explain, including date, school and circumstances:

______

______

______

______

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT.

1. Beginning with your most current employment, list all jobs you have held in the past ten (10) years. For purposes of the Personal History Statement, part-time, temporary and voluntary work should be included. Please list all periods of unemployment in chronological sequences in the spaces provided for you between employment listings.

Should you need to list additional experience/employment information, please use an additional sheet of paper, and continue in the exact same format as below:

Name and Address of Employer:______

______

______

______

Telephone ______

Dates of Employment:From ______, To ______

Full Time ______; Part-Time ______; Volunteer ______; Military Service ______.

Title or duties: ______

Name you were known by: ______

Name of Supervisor: ______

Names of Co-Workers: (1) ______

(2) ______

(3) ______

Reason for Leaving: ______

Unemployed / FROM / TO

Name and Address of Employer:______

______

______

______

Telephone ______

Dates of Employment:From ______, To ______

Full Time ______; Part-Time ______; Volunteer ______; Military Service ______.

Title or duties: ______

Name you were known by: ______

Name of Supervisor: ______

Names of Co-Workers: (1) ______

(2) ______

(3) ______

Reason for Leaving: ______

Unemployed FROM______TO______

Name and Address of Employer:______

______

______

______

Telephone ______

Dates of Employment:From ______, To ______

Full Time ______; Part-Time ______; Volunteer ______; Military Service ______.

Title or duties: ______

Name you were known by: ______

Name of Supervisor: ______

Names of Co-Workers: (1) ______

(2) ______

(3) ______

Reason for Leaving: ______

Unemployed FROM______TO______

Name and Address of Employer:______

______

______

______

Telephone ______

Dates of Employment:From ______, To ______

Full Time ______; Part-Time ______; Volunteer ______; Military Service ______.

Title or duties: ______

Name you were known by: ______

Name of Supervisor: ______

Names of Co-Workers: (1) ______

(2) ______

(3) ______

Reason for Leaving: ______

Unemployed FROM______TO______

Name and Address of Employer:______

______

______

______

Telephone______

Dates of Employment:From ______, To ______

Full Time ______; Part-Time ______; Volunteer ______; Military Service ______.

Title or duties: ______

Name you were known by: ______

Name of Supervisor: ______

Names of Co-Workers: (1) ______

(2) ______

(3) ______

Reason for Leaving: ______

Unemployed FROM______TO______

Name and Address of Employer:______

______

______

______

Telephone ______

Dates of Employment:From ______, To ______

Full Time ______; Part-Time ______; Volunteer ______; Military Service ______.

Title or duties: ______

Name you were known by: ______

Name of Supervisor: ______

Names of Co-Workers: (1) ______