Selection Process (Updated 12/19/2022)

SELECTION PROCESS

It is the policy of the Balch Springs Police Department to employ the best police officers possible. To ensure that this is accomplished the department shall practice a fair and equal selection process to everyone regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.

The department’s selection process includes the successful passing of a written Civil Service Police Entrance Exam, given by the Civil Service Director of Balch Springs and a Physical Fitness Test. Official rankings are achieved from the written exam. Veteran points are added to the written test score after successfully passing the test.

PROCESSING

-Oral Review Board

-Completing extensive personal history information packet

-Background investigation

-Credit check

-Driving record evaluation

-Criminal history check

-Interview with Chief of Police

-Polygraph examination

-Psychological evaluation

-Physical/medical examination

-Second Interview with Chief of Police

If an applicant fails to successfully complete any portion of the selection process, he or she will be immediately removed from consideration.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICERS

An applicant for police officer shall meet the following criteria in order to be considered for an entry-level position:

(a) Achieve a minimum passing score of seventy (70) percent on the written examination;

(b) Pass a physical agility test;

(c) Pass oral interviews;

(d) Pass a background investigation;

(e) Successfully complete a post-job offer psychological examination and medical examination that includes passing a visual acuity test, and physician certification that the applicant is not dependent on and does not use illegal drugs;

(f) A person who is 45 years of age or older may not be certified for a beginning position in the police department;

(g) Possess a high school diploma; if you do not have a high school diploma, you must have a GED along with 12 hours of college credit from an accredited university with a minimum of 2.00 grade point average, or you must have 2 years of full-time military experience. No college credit hours are required if you possess a high school diploma;

(h) Have a valid Texas driver's license at the date of hire;

(i) Be a citizen of the United States by birth or naturalization;

(j) Be able to read, write, and speak the English language;

(k) Be of good moral character;

(l) Shall not be prohibited from carrying a firearm or possessing ammunition

CAUSE FOR REJECTION FOR POLICE OFFICERS

The City may reject an applicant for one or more of the following reasons listed below. Time calculations for an action that constitutes rejection for a specified period of time shall be calculated from the date the application for employment is submitted by an applicant.

(a) Applicant fails to pass any part of the entrance examinations;

(b) Applicant fails to make application in the manner prescribed in the notice of examination, and/or fails to file the application with the Director within the time limits prescribed in the notice of examination;

(c) Applicant fails to meet Minimum Standards for Initial Licensure as set forth by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for peace officer candidates.

(d) Applicant is not a citizen of the United States of America by birth or naturalization. The applicant shall be considered disqualified until citizenship is obtained in compliance with federal laws.

(e) Applicant fails to demonstrate his/her ability to read, write, and fluently speak the English language. The applicant shall be disqualified until the deficiency is corrected.

(f) Applicant is unable to perform the essential functions of the position to which he/she seeks appointment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

(g) Applicant has been convicted of or admitted to conduct that constitutes a Class A or Class B Misdemeanor under the Penal Code or equivalent under federal law, to include the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), within the past ten (10) years. Conviction of or admission to conduct that constitutes a Class A or Class B Misdemeanor shall result in a temporary rejection. Crimes involving moral turpitude may result in permanent disqualification and shall be considered on a case-by-case basis with appropriate consideration of circumstances and recency.

(h) Applicant has been convicted of or admitted to conduct which constitutes a felony under state or federal law, to include the UCMJ. Conviction of or admission to conduct that constitutes a felony shall result in permanent disqualification.

An applicant shall not be considered for employment while charges are pending for any criminal offense or while he/she is currently on probation for any offense.

(i) Applicant has made any false statement in any material fact; withheld information, practiced or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in his/her application, examination or appointment. Depending on the variables involved, rejection may be either permanent or temporary.

(j) Applicant fails to complete or satisfactorily meet the employment process requirement of the respective Department, including missed appointments, failure to return necessary paperwork,

i) Failure to notify Department of changes in address or telephone numbers, failure to properly complete any or all application materials, or who otherwise fails to complete application process.

(k) Applicant fails to satisfactorily complete the oral interview process for police officer applicants. An applicant shall be disqualified for failure to verbally communicate effectively and appropriately; failure to demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a police officer; failure to present the maturity expected of a police officer; or failure to accurately and precisely respond to the questions of the interviewers.

(l) Applicant has used illicit substances as indicated by the following guidelines:

An applicant may be temporarily or permanently disqualified if it has been determined by the City that, or he/she has admitted to, conduct which constitutes excessive and/or recent use of illicit substance(s) or excessive use of intoxicants. Conduct involving excessive and/or recent use of illicit substance or excessive use of intoxicants shall be considered on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to circumstances and recency.

An applicant may be temporarily or permanently disqualified if it has been determined by the City that/or he/she has admitted to, conduct which constitutes abuse of legally obtained prescription medication(s), or illegal use of the prescription medication(s) of another person. Conduct involving the abuse and/or misuse of prescription medication(s) shall be considered on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to circumstances and recency.

An applicant shall be permanently disqualified if it has been determined by the City that, or he/she has admitted to, conduct which constitutes illegal use of felony grade substances as defined in the Texas Penal Code.

(l) Applicant has a conviction of DWI/BWI/FWI/DUI within the past five (5) years or violations exceeding four (4) events (moving violations or preventable accidents) within the past three (3) years. An applicant shall be temporarily disqualified until he/she can meet the above standards.

Lesser, but more severe, violations which tend to indicate driving habits that are not compatible with the operation of emergency vehicles and present potential liabilities to the City shall be temporary disqualifications. Reapplication shall be permitted when the applicant can meet the above standards.

(m) Applicant has been dismissed or resigned in lieu of dismissal from any employment for inefficiency, delinquency, or misconduct. Said dismissal or termination shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Rejection under this provision shall be considered permanent.

(n) Applicant has demonstrated a failure to pay just debts. Due to the variables involved, each situation shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors which shall be considered include, but are not limited to: type and number of debts, reasons for the bad credit, extenuating circumstances, and the potential for the credit-related problems impacting the applicant's judgment and integrity. Resolution of bad credit may result in re-qualification

(o) Applicant has exercised poor judgment skills within the past five (5) years. The applicant has demonstrated either immaturity or poor judgment in the applicant’s decision-making process.

(p) Applicant has a history of unstable work, i.e., including short terms of employment over his/her employment history; a history of employment in an illegal occupation. Rejection under this provision shall be temporary in nature and an applicant shall be eligible for reapplication after a five (5) year period. Due to the variables involved, each situation shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Rejection for employment in an illegal occupation shall be permanent in nature.

(q) Applicant has failed to meet all legal requirements necessary for future licensing and certification as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Rejection for this cause shall be temporary until applicant can meet those standards.

(r) Applicant has been discharged from any military service under less than honorable conditions, including specifically:

i. Under other than honorable conditions;

ii. Bad conduct;

iii. Dishonorable; or

iv. Any other characterization of service indicating bad character.

(s) Applicant fails to return a completed Personal History Statement at a time designated by the Department Head.