DELMAR, DELAWARE - MARYLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT

Ivan E. Barkley Sr.

Chief of Police

State of Delaware Fax 410-896-3870 State of Maryland

P.O. Box 11 102 S. Penn. Ave

Delmar, DE 19940 Delmar, MD 21875

302-846-2320 410-896-3131

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with the Delmar Police Department. Attached you will find the qualifications for employment, employee benefits and the application package.

The applicant package includes a number of forms that you must complete and return with your application.These forms will become a permanent part of your testing folder and will be used as a tool by our investigators in conducting your background investigation. Please note that we require a copy of your birth certificate and high school diploma. These will not be returned to you. Make sure they are copies. In addition, we also require a certified copy of your driving record and a recent photograph.

Upon completing the attached forms, Please return them to the Delmar Police Department, Monday through Friday, from 8A.M. to 4P.M.

Sincerely,

Ivan E. Barkley Sr.; Chief

Delmar Police Department

1

Revised 10/05/2017

TESTING

There will be three phases of preliminary testing. Those phases are:

  1. Written Examination
  2. Physical Ability Test
  3. Oral Interview Board

In addition, there will be two phases of testing that will be conducted once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Those phases are:

  1. Physical Examination
  2. Psychological Evaluation

Written Examination:

The written examination used is the National Police Officer Selection (POST) test.

Physical Ability Test:

At this phase, the applicant must participate and complete several areas of fitness related to exercise. Physical fitness is a candidate’s body conditioning as measured by evaluation results, according to the persons sex and age. Such an evaluation may help identify qualified applicants and reduce the probability of work related disabilities.

The Written Exam and Physical Ability tests are worth 100 points each. The ten best applicants with the highest combined scores will continue in the selection process.

Oral Interview Board:

Applicants who successfully complete the written examination any physical ability test with the required scores will be invited to the oral interview board. The Board will consist of three members of the Delmar Police Department, of varying rank.

The Oral Board will be appraising such personal qualities as appearance, voice, ability to express himself/herself, ability to organize higher thoughts, poise, bearing and alertness.

The ten candidates brought before the Oral Board will be reduced to five candidates. The remaining five candidates will continue on to the Chief’s Interview. The Chief of Police will make the selections for offers of conditional employment from within this final group of candidates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Age:Each Police Officer applicant must have reached his/her 21st birthday prior to completion of the police academy and not yet reached his/her 38th birthday at the time of hire.

Education:All applicants must show proof of graduation from an accredited high school, or G.E.D., as approved/recognized by the Maryland or Delaware Department of Education.

Residency:All Delmar Police Officers are restricted to live within a thirty minute response time to the Delmar Police Department.

Physical Requirements: All applicants offered conditional employment must be able to pass a medical examination including a vision test. The medical examination will be conducted by a departmentally approved physician.

The weight of each police officer applicant must be in proportion to height and build, as determined by the departmentally approved physician. Each police officer applicant must be complete a physical fitness evaluation.

Additional Requirements:Each applicant must be a United States citizen.

Each police officer applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and must obtain a Maryland or Delaware driver’s license within thirty days of appointment. Each police officer applicant must have at least three (3) years of driving experience at the time of appointment.

Physical Examination:All applicants offered conditional employment must be able to pass a medical examination, based on medical standards as determined by the departmentally approved physician. The medical examination will include, but will not be limited to:

  1. Eyesight, as determined by the examining physician, natural or correctable to 20/20.
  2. General condition of sound physical health.

Psychological Evaluation:All applicants offered conditional employment must be able to pass a written psychological test which he/she must pass. Such testing will be classified and withheld from public inspection. This test identifies abnormal personality traits which indicate maladjustments or mental illness. The tests results are analyzed by the Delmar Police Department’s Psychologist. Based upon his/her analysis and written recommendations, an applicant may be rejected at this point.

PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST: The physical ability test (PAT) will consist of four parts:

  1. 1.5 mile run
  2. Sit-ups
  3. Push-ups
  4. Flex test

1.5 Mile Run

This test is an excellent indication of the condition of the heart and lungs as it measures one’s aerobic capacity or the ability of the heart and lungs to utilize oxygen.

This test is worth 25 points and the breakdown for scoring is as follows:

Age GroupFitness ScoreMalesFemales

20 to 2925under 11:29under 13:39

2011:30 to 12:0913:40 to 15:09

1512:10 to 13:2415:10 to 15:54

1013:25 to 14:2915:55 to 17:54

5over 14:30over 17:55

30 to 3925under 11:49 under 13:54

2011:50 to 12:5413:55 to 15:14

1512:55 to 13:4415:15 to 16:04

1013:45 to 14:4416:05 to 18:24

5over 14:45over 18:25

40 to 4925under 12:04under 15:09

2012:05 to 13:2415:10 to 16:04

1513:25 to 14:1416:05 to 17:54

1014:15 to 15:1917:55 to 19:29

5over 15:20over 19:30

50 to 5925under 12:54under 15:44

2012:55 to 14:0415:45 to 17:29

1514:05 to 15:0917:30 to 18:54

1015:10 to 16:0418:55 to 20:29

5over 16:05over 20:29

The test will be performed on a flat surface.

Sit-ups

This test measures muscular endurance in the abdominal muscle group, an area of great concern to the sedentary individual. Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscle(s) to contract repeatedly for a particular amount of time. Much evidence exists of the correlation between poor abdominal muscle development, excessive fat tissue and lower back problems. In this test, the applicant starts by lying on his/her back, fingers interlaced behind the head, knees bent, and the heels flat on the floor with a partner holding the feet secure. On the command “GO” the applicant performs as many correct sit-ups as possible in one minute.

This test is worth 25 points. The breakdown for scoring is as follows:

Age GroupFitness ScoreNumber of Sit-ups

20 to 2925over 52

2044 to 51

1535 to 43

1024 to 34

50 to 24

30 to 3925over 50

2042 to 49

1532 to 41

1021 to 31

50 to 20

40 to 4925over 47

2039 to 46

1528 to 38

1017 to 27

50 to 16

50 to 5925over 44

2036 to 43

1524 to 35

1013 to 23

50 to 12

Push-ups

This test also measures muscle endurance. A low level of muscle endurance indicates inefficiency in movement and a poor capacity to perform work. This test also measures mainly the muscles of both the chest and upper arm which are important in physical confrontations such as pushing, pulling, controlling, and handcuffing. The applicant starts from a front leaning/ rest position with only the toes and hands touching the floor. The applicant begins by lowering his/her body toward the floor so as to bring the shoulders even with or below the level of the elbow. He/she then pushes up so that the elbows “lock out” and immediately thereafter proceeds to repeat the exercise. The total number of correctly performed push-ups is recorded.

This test is worth 25 points. The breakdown for scoring is as follows:

Age GroupFitness ScoresMalesFemales

20 to 2925over 40over 25

2034 to 3920 to 24

1527 to 3314 to 19

1021 to 269 to 13

50 to 200 to 8

30 to 3925over 37over 23

2031 to 3618 to 22

1524 to 3012 to 17

1018 to 237 to 11

50 to 170 to 6

40 to 4925over 34over 18

2026 to 3314 to 17

1521 to 25 9 to 13

1015 to 20 5 to 8

50 to 14 0 to 5

50 to 5925over 30over 14

2024 to 2910 to 13

1517 to 23 6 to 9

1011 to 16 3 to 5

50 to 10over 2

Flexibility

Flexibility may be defined as the possible range of motion in a single joint or in a group of muscles or joints. There is no known test that measures the flexibility of all the joints, but the sit and reach test will measure the, all important, flexibility of the lower back and hip areas. Additionally, the elastic ability of the muscles located in the back of the legs and the trunk is measured. After removing his/her shoes, the applicant sits on the floor with the legs extended forward, knees locked, the backs of the legs touching the floor, and leans forward at the waist as far as possible.

This test is worth 25 points. The breakdown for scoring is as follows:

Males

Applicants flexible enough to extend their hands past their toes will receive 25 points.

Applicants able to touch their toes will receive 20 points

Applicants able to get within 1” of toes will receive 15 points

Applicants able to get within 2” of toes will receive 10 points

Applicants able to get within 3” of toes will receive 5 points

Any applicant not able to get within 3” of toes will receive 0 points

Females

Applicants flexible enough to extend their hands plus 1” past their toes will receive 25 points.

Applicants able to extend their hands past toes will receive 20 points

Applicants able to touch their toes will receive 15 points

Applicants able to get within 1” of toes will receive 10 points

Applicants able to get within 2” of toes will receive 5 points

Any applicant not able to get within 2” of toes will receive 0 points

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

All applicants must submit to a personal investigation to verify his/her good character.

The name and fingerprint classification of all candidates must be searched through the records of the Delmar Police Department, the Maryland State Police, the Delaware State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and in other cities, including appropriate agencies located in states in which the candidate may have resided or worked.

Background investigations using the personal history statement will verify candidates qualifying credentials in such areas as resident checks, employment, education, military experience, arrests, civil actions and gross negligence. On the application, the applicant is required to list three personal references, names of whom cannot be former employers or relatives.

Candidates determined to be not eligible for employment with the Delmar Police Department will be informed by the Chief of Police, in writing within thirty calendar days of such decision. Candidates will be informed of the basis for their disqualification (e.g., background investigations, test scores, medical examination, etc.)

A. Failure to meet the following state mandated requirements to become a police officer will also result in rejection:

  1. At least 21 years of age at time of appointment
  2. U.S. Citizen at time of appointment
  3. High School Diploma, or G.E.D. Certificate recognized by the Maryland or Delaware Board of Education
  4. Eligibility for or possession of a valid Maryland or Delaware Driver’s License prior to appointment with three years driving experience.
  5. Be of good moral character and reputation , as determined by a comprehensive background investigation which MUST, by law, include:
  6. Fingerprint search of local, state, and federal criminal record files.
  7. Check of military records (where applicable)
  8. Credit Agencies at places of residency over the past five (5) years
  9. School records
  10. Personal references
  11. Neighbors at places of residence over past ten (10) years
  12. Present and past employers and fellow employees

** Conviction for any state or federal crime MAY be grounds for rejection of applicant by the Maryland Police Training Commission or Delaware Council on Police Training.

B. Medical Examination. Those applicants offered Conditional employments who fail to pass the medical examination given by a licensed physician designated by the Delmar Police Department will be considered as rejected and will progress no further in the selection process. Reasons for rejection (failure to pass medical examination or meet minimum physical standards) shall include, but not be solely limited to the following:

  1. Eyesight, as determined by the Police Department of the Town of Delmar, natural/correctable to 20/20.
  2. Weight in proportion to applicant’s height as determined by the examining physician for the Town of Delmar.
  3. Recurring and limited physical injuries, conditions or illnesses which would prevent applicant from performing the essential functions of the position for which the applicant applied.

C. Physical Stature. An applicant offered conditional employment may be rejected if his/her physical stature is not within the acceptable range of height and weight. This requirement will be waived in the event that the applicant provides a medical opinion from a licensed physician that his/her participation in the physical fitness evaluation will not have any adverse impact on the health status of the applicant.

D. Background Investigation. The following may be cause for automatic rejection of applicant.

1. Military bad conduct or dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Military Service.

2. Documented evidence of three (3) or more instances of misconduct or disciplinary action in the military service (regardless of the type of discharges0.

3. Discharge from employment on two (2) or more occasions within the past five (5) years, or documented evidence of disciplinary action or discharge on three (3) or more occasions.

4. Conviction for any felony or serious crime

5. Conviction for a misdemeanor may be cause for rejection.

Delmar Police Department Drug Use Policy

The purpose of this policy is to avoid arbitrary discrimination against those applicants, who during their formative years, experimented with certain substances of abuse and also protect the interests of the department and the community. Considering that inclusive and sometimes conflicting research as to the residual effects of various substances, legal obligations and the department’s responsibilities, this policy will be a realistic approach to reducing the questions of risks associated with the employment of such individuals.

Identification of present use and/or addiction to any illicit drug (cocaine, PCP, marijuana, LSD, etc.) by any applicant will be grounds for permanent rejection. Should the use of a substance identified be supported by the proper medical documentation, the completed investigation will be forwarded to the department designated physician for evaluation and recommendation. The purpose of this evaluation shall be to ensure the substance, although properly obtained, is not subject to abuse and/or the individual is medically fit to fill the assigned position.

Evidence demonstrating repeated use of any drug or chemical substance, e.g. marijuana, alcohol, etc., with such frequency that it appears the individual has or had accepted the use and/or reliance upon the substance as part of a pattern or behavior, shall be reason for permanent rejection.

Any applicant found to be involved (at anytime) in the illegal sale, manufacture, or distribution of any controlled dangerous substance will be permanently rejected. Any improper use of any narcotic/drug by any applicant after application will be grounds for permanent rejection.

The following is a list of criteria formulating the Delmar Police Department Drug Use Policy:

1. Opiates

There will be no exceptions for any use of heroin or opium. Opiates in this form have no medicinal use, are typically related to a criminal atmosphere and are not usually a drug of first choice.

Other opiates, e.g. morphine, codeine, etc., having a medicinal value, may be considered in the context of their application. Where these drugs are abused, e.g. in experimentation situations, taken without proper authorization, illegally obtained, etc., the limits for experimentation are:

Opiates Continued

1. One time ingestion (lifetime) with no intravenous applications.

2. Three year period of abstinence prior to application.

3. Must submit to additional psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

Depressants –(barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, etc.)

Drugs of this class have a medical use and are readily available legally and illegally. Where these drugs are abused, the limits for experimentation are:

  1. One time ingestion (lifetime) with no intravenous applications.
  2. Three year period of abstinence prior to application.
  3. May submit to additional psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

Stimulants– (amphetamines, methamphetamines, etc.)

1. Two ingestions (lifetime) with no intravenous applications.

2. Three year period of abstinence prior to application.

3. May be required to submit to additional psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

Cocaine

Cocaine may be used medicinally as a local, topical anesthetic; however, the predominate use of cocaine is in abusive situations. Because of its rapid psychological addictive nature, experimentation limits are:

  1. One ingestion (lifetime) for powder cocaine with no intravenous applications.
  2. There will be NO exception for any use of crack cocaine.
  3. Three year period of abstinence prior to application.
  4. Must submit to additional psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

Hallucinogens

These drugs have no medical value. Because of the research concerning residual side effects from even small quantities of these drugs, no exemptions for experimentation are to be made for any use. Permanent rejection.

Inhalants- (solvents, glue, paint, aerosols, amyl nitrites)

Inhalants have no medicinal value. Documented medical information identifies significant medical complications associated with the use of small quantities of inhalants. The limits for experimentation are:

  1. two ingestions (lifetime)
  2. three year period of abstinence prior to application
  3. May be required to submit to additional psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

Cannabis-Marijuana, Hashish, any substance containing THC

Cannabis has no medicinal value. Prevailing attitudes, availability, and the lack of significant conclusive evidence supporting health or psychological evidence supporting health or psychological hazards contributes to the widespread use of this substance.

Research found that marijuana has been used by individuals as early as age eleven. Twenty percent of those reporting used for at least a month sometime in their life. The limits for experimentation are:

  1. No more than twenty (20) ingestions; or
  2. Five (5) times since becoming 21 years old.
  3. Three year period of abstinence prior to application.
  4. Shall be required to submit to psychiatric/psychological evaluation.

***Note: Ingestion is a single application, e.g., one marijuana cigarette, one dosage of pills, liquid, etc. Indications of cross experimentation, while meeting individual drug exemption criteria, will require, in all cases, participation in psychiatric/psychological evaluation. All periods of abstinence must be positively verified by polygraph/voice stress analysis examination. Results of psychiatric/psychological evaluation must support a negative propensity toward drug abuse and a lack of residual side effects associated with drug use. Cross experimentation indicating experimentation with more than two controlled dangerous substances will result in permanent rejection.

An applicant having been permanently rejected has no reapplication right.