Police Officer Hiring Process

Rehoboth Beach's police officer selection process includes:

• submission of an RBPD application packet
• written examination
• physical fitness test
• oral board interview 
• background investigation
• computer voice stress analyzer interview
• chief's interview

Physical Fitness Test

300-Meter Run:  All applicants must complete a 300-meter run in accordance to the following minimum standards:

Sit-ups: All applicants must complete the minimum required repetitions within ONE minute. Sit-ups will be completed with hands interlaced behind the neck, knees bent, and a spotter holding the applicant's feet. Each repetition must begin with the shoulder blades touching the ground and is completed when the torso is perpendicular to the ground.  

Push-ups: Each applicant must complete the minimum required repetitions within ONE minute. In order to be counted as a completed push-up, each repetition will begin with the applicant in the front leaning rest position (prone position with arms extended, elbows locked, hands on ground, legs resting on toes). The applicant will proceed to lower his/her upper torso until the chest touches a spotting object (Styrofoam cup or similar object) placed on the ground below the chest. The applicant will then raise his/her body back to the front leaning rest position to complete the repetition. Resting is permitted only in the up position. Female applicants are permitted to perform modified pushups. In order to be counted as a completed modified pushup, each repetition will begin in the front leaning rest position (prone position with arms extended, elbows locked, hands on ground, knees resting on the ground). The applicant will proceed to lower her upper torso until the chest touches a spotting object (Styrofoam cup or similar object) placed on the ground. The applicant will then raise her body back to the front leaning rest position to complete the repetition. Resting is permitted only in the up position.

1.5-Mile Run:  The applicant will complete a 1.5-mile run in accordance to the following minimum standards:

Written Examination

Applicants are required to pass a written examination regarding job-related knowledge, including, but not limited to:

• observation and memory
• ability to learn police material
• situational judgement and problem solving
• verbal and reading comprehension

Oral Board Interview

The oral board interview panel consists of three or more certified police officers. Applicants are asked to present themselves in a professional manner while answering various job-related questions. The panel of interviewers will judge each applicant based on:

• appearance
• communication skills
• employment experience
• bearing
• motivation
• Responsibility and level of maturity
• sincerity of purpose
• suitability for the position 

Background Investigation

Upon successful completion of the steps above, applicants are assigned a background investigator. The assigned investigator conducts a thorough background investigation examining the applicant's qualifications. The investigator will contact the applicant's family, neighbors, references, past employers as well as current and previous dating partners. The background investigation will examine the applicant's:

• education
• residential history
• dating partners
• employment history
• driving record
• credit standing
• criminal history
• drug usage
• participation in any illegal activity
• any encounters an applicant may have had with the police

The background investigation requires the applicant to participate in a computer voice stress analyzer interview during which an examiner will verify the truthfulness of information provided by the applicant throughout the process.  

Chief's Interview

Qualified applicants who successfully complete the hiring process will appear before the chief of police for an interview in which the Chief will have the opportunity to meet and question each applicant prior to making hiring selections.  

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