What should I expect from the local PD consortium exam?

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:54:21 -0500

I am taking the consortium exam for the local PD here in the next few months -- I know this is based more so civilian side as I am a Veteran (2011-2019) but any tips or knowledge would be appreciated!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2024 10:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:06:58 -0500

It's going to be (or probably) one written and one physical exam. When I took those tests some years ago, the written tests consisted of basic local laws that most laymen (outside of the police force) should know, a section on stolen vehicle stats (had to remember what models were most stolen, etc,), and even a section where you had to read a description of "suspects" and then answer questions based on those descriptions.

The physical exam was an obstacle course, in a sense. Reaction time to full gas to braking. Then, running a course that included climbing a high wall, over a low wall, body dragging, slalom cones, etc.

But, IOT to get to the physical portion, we had to pass the written portion first. Good luck.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2024 12:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:55:51 -0500

Most departments have a written test first and for those who pass continue to the agility test. Generally those who pass both test are then placed on a list in order of combined scores.

The written test can contain questions on how your observation skills are. This can be by giving you a certain amount of time to study mug shots with information and also a crime screen. There can also be questions on laws, civil codes, situational, first aid, how well you deal with peers and how well you know the city or county etc.

The agility test is composed of upper and lower body strength, dexterity, speed of movement, aerobic capacity, and endurance. Some departments go further and add breathing capability and body fat measurements. Some departments create their own agility test instead of a standard test. So it could be more of an obstacle course but it will measure the same core requirements.

Depending on how many openings there are in the department and how you place on the list determines if you get called to continue with selection. There are oral boards, psychological exam and polygraph before you’re even sent to the Academy.

Some state academies also require the agility test again at the start and completion of the academy.

I have taken a few with state, county and city departments and was hired in a rural County as a deputy. But in the end I chose it wasn’t the best choice for our family.

Best of luck on your endeavors.

Response by SPC Charles Lipsett made Jan 20 at 2024 7:32 PM

SPC Charles Lipsett — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 19:32:31 -0500

If it’s a large enough agency you can look up the hiring process. Most departments list the testing process.

When I did it in the 90’s the process was a written test, PT test, medical, psych and polygraph test. The last 3 will be pretty standard. The first two vary from agency to agency When I applauded for the job 30 years ago the written was looking for spelling, grammar, basic math and reading comprehension.