Become a Norwich Police Officer

Steps to Becoming a Norwich Police Officer

Potential Candidates must: Be 21 years or older, a citizen of the United States; and have a valid Operators license. No Felony, “A” or “B” misdemeanor convictions, no Evading Responsibility or Operating under the Influence convictions, Perjury or False statement.

Written Test

The written examination is the first step in the process. The Law Enforcement Council of Southeastern Connecticut administers a written examination for the City of Norwich Police Department as well as 21 other police departments in Connecticut through Police App. Both websites contain detailed information regarding the process for registering for a written exam. Candidates must score 70% or above.

Physical Agility Assessment

Candidates passing the written examination may participate in the physical agility assessment. It consists of four events called the Cooper test designed to assess the physical fitness/capability of candidates. All candidates will be required to have a Medical Approval Form signed by their physician to be admitted to the agility test.

• Push-ups - measures upper body strength/endurance
• Sit-ups - measure of the muscular endurance of the central core region
• 300 Meter Sprint
• 1.5 mile run - measure of aerobic power

Each event has specific performance requirements based on the age and sex of the candidate required for acceptance into the Police Academy. Candidates must successfully complete all four events to progress to the next step.

A valid CHIP (Complete Health and Injury Prevention) card may be substituted for the agility assessment.

Oral Interview

The Oral Interview panel comprises three police officers. It allows us to learn a little about the candidate’s background, evaluate a candidates ability to communicate effectively as well as the candidate’s ability to make decisions based on scenarios presented to them.

The panelists’ scores are tabulated into an average score. The minimum score required to pass the Oral Interview is 70%.

Merit System Rules of the City of Norwich are utilized to calculate scores and determine eligibility / certified lists. The Human Resource Department averages the score of the written test and oral board then adds points for Norwich residency (5 points), veterans (5 points), and disabled veteran (10 points). Candidates are then placed on an eligibility list based on their numerical score.

When the Police Department seeks to fill a position, the Chief of Police requests a list of names from the Human Resource Department and, based on the number of positions available, a list of 5-10 candidates are “certified” and delivered to the Selections Unit. The list is delivered in alphabetical order. The Selections Unit does not see candidates’ scores. Race, ethnicity, and sex are not listed.

Background Investigation

Candidates from the certified list begin the background investigation phase. “Conditional Offers of Employment” are issued and an “Authorization for Information” release is signed by each candidate, allowing background investigators access to obtain records such as: