JUMP-START YOUR POLICE CAREER
COMPLETE A MAJORITY OF OUR TESTING PROCESS IN JUST ONE DAY!
Our Next Prospect Day is scheduled for August 23. Are you ready?
In 2022, the South Bend Police Department transformed our hiring process with the applicant in mind. Instead of creating unnecessary gaps in our test schedules, we figured out a way to streamline the process and hold the majority of our preliminary exams all in one day and in one place. We call it Prospect Days.
The day will look like this:
- Registration/check-in
- Physical agility test (click here for tips)
- Written exam
- Oral board interview
- Personal interview
- Schedule next steps
“It’s a long, strenuous day… but it’s so worth it” – SBPD Applicant
Prospect Day FAQs
Q: When is the next Prospect Day?
A: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Q: Do I need to register?
A: No. Simply complete your police recruit or lateral application by the Monday before Prospect Day (August 18). Once you submit it and our recruitment team reviews it, we will send you an email containing instructions on how to attend the testing.
Q: Where will Prospect Day be held?
A: All testing will be held at the South Bend Police Department, located at 701 W. Sample Street.
Q: Which part of the hiring process will be complete on Prospect Day?
A: We aim to give applicants the opportunity to complete a majority of the initial testing process, including:
- Physical agility test
- Written test (if not a lateral applicant)
- Personal interview
- Oral board interview
- Meet with background investigator
- Schedule medical/psychological tests
Q: What should I bring to Prospect Day?
A: Remember, you need to complete and submit your application the Monday prior to Prospect Day. In addition, you will need to bring:
- Athletic clothes for physical agility test. Dress for the weather… the run is outside.
- Business casual clothing for the interview portion
- Valid driver’s license
- Social security card
- High school/college diplomas
- DD214 (if applicable)
- High school/college transcripts
- Any other certifications we could include in your application packet
Q: What happens if I fail a step on Prospect Day?
A: If you fail any part of the process, you will be unable to continue with the remainder of the testing for that day. However, you may be eligible to retest at the next available testing date.
Q: What can I expect on Prospect Day?
A: Plan to be here for the full day. Please be patient, as we are condensing a three-month hiring process into one day. Lunch will be provided.
Q: How can I prepare for the physical and written tests?
A: For the physical test… be sure to review this video. For the written test, a tutoring session will be held the night before testing. Look for an email from our Training and Recruitment Division after submitting your application. It will contain all the details about the tutoring session and anything else we may have missed in this FAQ!