Hiring Process

• The job application is posted on Government Jobs (www.governmentjobs.com). Our application is typically posted for approximately eight weeks at a time. Depending upon the needs of the department, the application may be posted multiple times a year.
• In order to fill out the application and become an eligible candidate you must meet the minimum requirements which are established by the City of Fullerton and the State of California Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).
  • Minimum Requirements:
    1. Age 21 and older
    2. Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. from a certified school. You must also have the ability to enroll in an approved officer training academy. While college credits are not a requirement, The City of Fullerton does offer a pay increase if the candidate has a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college.
    3. Must possess a valid Class C Driver License at the time the applicant is hired and throughout the applicant’s time of employment.
    4. Must be a U.S. Citizen or a resident alien who has applied for citizenship at the time the application is filled out.
    5. Must be able to pass a Police Department pre-employment screening process which includes but is not limited to:
       • Criminal History: No felony convictions. Any misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
       • Financial stability: No bankruptcy filings or judgements within the previous four years. No more than one personal bankruptcy filing. No charge-offs or tax liens within the previous two years. Late payments and civil judgements made be grounds for disqualification. All financial issues will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
       • Drug Use: Recent drug use may disqualify candidates. Drug use includes all illegal drugs, illegal use of controlled substances, and the abuse of Marijuana.
       • It should be noted The Fullerton Police Department conducts a thorough background investigation on those applicants that are eligible for the position. During the background investigation officers observe the above pre-employment screening issues at pieces to a puzzle. Instead of focusing primarily on certain pieces, Fullerton focuses on the whole puzzle or the bigger picture. Every background issue will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may not be grounds for disqualification if the entire puzzle fits together.
    6. Physical Requirements:
       • Be able to carry, push, or pull 50 pounds.
       • Sprint for long distances and run for long distances
       • Be able to get over a 6 foot wall
       • Perform multiple push-ups, squat-thrusts, sit-ups, and mountain climbers in a row.
       • 20/100 vision in each eye and correctable to 20/20 with no color impairment.

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The Fullerton Police Department accepts two written tests:

1. The P.O.S.T PELLET B Test
   • T-scores of 46 or higher on a P.O.S.T PELLET B test are accepted.
   • Fullerton does not offer the PELLET B test, however if the test is taken at another department/facility and the score of the test is a 46 or higher, we will accept it.
   • If a candidate will be using a PELLET B T-Score, the candidate is encouraged to attach their score to the application. Make sure the attached PELLET B score includes the agency’s letterhead.
   • If the candidate’s PELLET B test was taken over a year ago, the T-score will not be accepted.
2. National Testing Network
   • Fullerton PD also accepts the National Testing Network (NTN).
   • To schedule a test, candidates are told to go online and visit the NTN website, www.nationaltestingnetwork.com . When on the website, applicants will select Fullerton PD as a desired location for their scores to be sent. The applicants may also select to send their scores to other agencies.
   • There are multiple testing centers in southern, middle, and northern California. The test can also be taken in other states.
   • Once the test is completed your score will be submitted to the City of Fullerton Human Resources department.
   • The Human Resources department will notify applicants if they have passed or failed the written portion of the hiring process.

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1. The Physical Abilities Test is typically scheduled approximately 1 month after the application period has been closed. 
2. We recommend all applicants prepare for the physical ability test by running long distance, doing multiple push-ups daily, practice getting over a 6 foot wall, and sprinting. 
3. The Physical Ability test is based off of the P.O.S.T basic Academy testing. 
4. The Physical Ability Test is proctored by Fullerton PD officers and based on points. Doing the minimum on each test will not give you enough points overall to pass. 
5. The Physical Ability test includes:
   1. Max Push-Ups in two minutes
   2. 440 Yard Run
      • You must complete the 440 Yard Run in at least 2:22. Any time over 2:22 would count as an automatic fail. 
   3. Obstacle Course
      • The obstacle course includes:
        • A six foot wall
          • Applicant will be given two attempts to get over the six foot wall. If the applicant fails to get over the wall in two attempts then the applicant is disqualified.
        • A window
        • Over and Under bars
        • A balance beam
        • A sprint
      • The obstacle course must be completed in 1:10. Any time over 1:10 would count as an automatic fail. 
   4. Body Drag
      • The Body drag consists of a 165lb dummy. 
      • The dummy must be drug 35 feet in at least 31 seconds. Any time over 31 seconds would count as an automatic fail. 
   5. 1.5 Mile Run
      • The mile and a half run must be completed in at least 15:00 minutes. Any time over 15:00 minutes would count as an automatic fail.

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1. The Oral interviews are scheduled immediately after the applicant passes the Physical Ability Test. Oral interviews are typically set to take place the following week.
2. Out of state applicants and those applicants who cannot attend the oral interview will be given the opportunity to make arrangements and schedule a time that works best.
3. The oral interviews are conducted by Officers from Fullerton PD and scored during the interview.
4. The Oral interview scores will be sent to the HR department. Based on the scores the applicant will either have failed the oral interview or be placed on a Police Officer Trainee eligibility list. The list expires exactly one year after it has been created.
5. The applicant that most meets the expectations and requirements of the department will be contacted by the Fullerton PD Hiring Officer. The amount of applicants chosen from the eligibility list will be based on the needs of the department as well as the applicant’s qualifications.

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1. The applicants selected from the eligibility list will be contacted by the Hiring Officer.
2. The Hiring Officer will schedule an appointment with the applicant to go over the background process and how to fill out the P.O.S.T Personal History Statement (PHS)
3. Applicants will have one month to gather the necessary items required for the background process and to fill out the PHS.

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1. Once the Personal History Statement is completed, the applicant will turn it in along with the requested items, also known as the background packet.
2. Once everything is turned into the hiring officer, the applicant will receive information on how to schedule a polygraph exam.
3. If the applicant does not pass the polygraph exam, then applicant will be notified and disqualified.

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1. Once the applicant has passed the Polygraph exam, the background packet will be assigned to a background investigator.
2. The background investigation typically takes 2-3 months depending on the investigator and the applicant.
3. Once the background is complete the investigator will notify the hiring officer.
4. If the hiring officer determines the applicant is hirable and the background will not hinder the applicant’s ability to perform the duties of a Police Officer, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an office appointment.
5. If the applicant does not pass the background portion of the hiring process, the applicant will be notified and disqualified.

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1. The applicant is required to schedule a psychological evaluation and a medical exam in order to be hired as a Police Officer Trainee.
2. If both the psychological and the medical exams are passed, the applicant can be hired as a Police Officer Trainee.
3. Information on how to schedule both exams are given to the applicants that pass the background investigation and sign a conditional offer of employment.

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