Considering a career in law enforcement... but worried your current schedule won't allow for the time it takes to train and apply? This spring, the South Bend Police Department is offering you another chance to jump-start your police career by attending our next Prospect Day.
The traditional hiring process can take months... but applicants who attend the Spring Prospect Day can complete a majority of the hiring process in just one day!
WHEN IS THE SPRING PROSPECT DAY?
Knowing that weekends are the most convenient time for testing, our next Prospect Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 20.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER?
No. Just complete and submit your police recruit or lateral application by the Monday before the Prospect Day (April 15). Once you submit it and our recruitment team reviews it, we will send you an email with instructions on how to attend the testing.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION (FOR THOSE NEW TO POLICING)
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE LATERAL APPLICATION (FOR CURRENT CERTIFIED OFFICERS)
WHERE WILL THE SPRING PROSPECT DAY BE HELD?
All testing will be held at the South Bend Police Department at 701 W. Sample Street.
WHICH PARTS OF THE HIRING PROCESS WILL BE COMPLETE ON PROSPECT DAY?
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Physical agility test
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Written test (if not a lateral applicant)
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Personal interview
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Oral board interview
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Meeting with background investigator
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Scheduling for medical/psychological tests
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO PROSPECT DAY?
Remember, you will need to complete and submit your application before the Monday prior to Prospect Day. In addition, you will need:
- Athletic clothes for the physical agility test. Be sure to dress for the weather as you will be running outside
- Business casual clothing for the interview portion
- Documents needed:
- Valid driver’s license
- Social security card
- High school/college diplomas
- DD214 (if applicable)
- High school/college transcripts
- Any other certifications we could put with your application packet
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL A STEP ON PROSPECT DAY?
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. A Training/Recruiting Officer will meet with you before you leave and let you know your available options.
HOW CAN I GET READY FOR TESTING?
A tutoring session for the written exam is available prior to the April 20 Prospect Day. You are invited to attend this session on the evening before the testing date, April 19, from 6pm - 9pm in the South Bend Police Department auditorium.
For the agility test... we created THIS VIDEO to help outline some tips on how to train and prepare.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON PROSPECT DAY?
If you attend Prospect Day, plan to be here the full day. Please be patient, as we are trying to condense a three-month hiring process into one day. Lunch will be provided.
Need a refresher on the police recruit qualifications and physical standards? Scroll down!
In the meantime, if you have any other questions about Spring Prospect Day or working at SBPD, please contact our Training and Recruitment Division at 574-235-9224.
SOUTH BEND POLICE RECRUIT QUALIFICATIONS
- United States Citizen
- Must be 21 years of age at time of application (and up to 40 years of age at the time of swearing, or 40.5 years of age at the time of swearing if retired military with 20 years of service and honorable discharge, in accordance with HB1359)
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must be able to pass a competitive written exam
- Have no felony criminal convictions
- Have no conviction of domestic violence or a domestic violence-related offense (either misdemeanor or felony)
- Must be of good moral character
- Must pass mandatory drug screening
- Have no previous use of hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, Mushrooms, Mescaline, Ecstasy, etc.)
- Possess a valid driver's license from current state of residence
- Military discharge (if applicable) cannot be characterized as "other than honorable", "bad conduct", or "dishonorable"
- Must be able to pass a physical agility assessment test
- Must submit to in-depth background investigation, polygraph, psychological testing, and medical examination
PHYSICAL STANDARDS
- Vertical Jump Test (Standard: 13.5 inches or greater)
- Timed Sit Up Test (24 in one minute or less)
- 300 Meter Run (Complete in 82 seconds or less)
- Push Up Test (Complete 21 pushups with no time limit)
- 1.5 Mile Run (Complete in 18:56 or less)
- Pistol Trigger Pull Test (Complete 6 pulls in 10 seconds or less)
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION (FOR THOSE NEW TO POLICING)
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE LATERAL APPLICATION (FOR CURRENT CERTIFIED OFFICERS)
