Selection Process

Honesty and integrity are vital components of the selection process. The information you provide, orally and in writing will be closely scrutinized. Dishonesty or non-disclosure can result in your permanent removal from our hiring process.

Once you have established that you have met the basic requirements and are ready to apply, please be ready to fully commit to the process by being ready to participate fully in all stages of the selection process.

1. Submit your cover letter and resume

2. Fitness Combine

Test will be completed at NPD. Alternatively a passed POPAT score dated within the past three months will be accepted.

3. ETHOS Test

The Ethos test will be conducted in Nelson at NPD. The Ethos Police Test assesses practical skill sets that police officers must use on a regular basis while performing their duties. The exam is divided into four modules, is three hours in length, and is marked out of 100. A score of 60% (60/100) is required to pass.

4. Ride Along with NPD

5. Employment Application and Vision Exam forms (to be completed within 7 days of the completed fitness combine)

6. Panel Interview

This interview will be conducted by several members of the Department and will focus on the applicant’s life experience, resilience, and the skillset to perform the duties of a police officer. The interview will follow this format:

S –     Situation/Task – give a brief background of the task they had to complete or the situation they were in

A -     Actions:  Explain the steps they took to make the situation better

R -     Results:  Highlight what happened thanks to their involvement.

7. Polygraph

The applicant will participate in an employment interview conducted with a certified polygraphist. The exam fee will be at the Department's expense; however, travel to the appointment will be at the applicant's expense. 

8. Background & References Check

A Recruiting Section member will conduct a thorough investigation into your background.

9. Psychological Examination

The applicant will undergo a psychological examination. The exam fee will be at the Department's expense; however, travel to the appointment will be at the applicant's expense.

10. Medical Examination

The applicant will undergo an extensive medical examination. The exam fee will be at the Department's expense; however, travel to the appointment will be at the applicant's expense. 

11. Police Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

The Police Officers Physical Abilities Testing (POPAT) is designed to simulate a critical incident where a police officer chases, controls and apprehends a suspect. The POPAT has many components, including obstacles, jumps, cones, an agility bar, an eighty-pound push-pull exercise, and a one-hundred-pound bag carry. The POPAT must be completed in less than four (4) minutes and 15 seconds (4:15). The exam fee and travel to the appointment will be at the applicant's expense. 

12. Administration Interview

Final interview with members of the Nelson Police Department’s Senior Management team.