The process for hiring all police officer applicants is essentially the same. The seven steps illustrated below are designed to identify those individuals best qualified for a career in law enforcement:

STEP 1: The first step in the process is applying. Applications are accepted online. Applications are screened for minimum qualifications.

STEP 2: A written examination is provided on a regular basis. Applications and supplemental questionnaires of applicants passing the exam will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue to the next phase.

STEP 3: An oral interview by an interview board is the next step in the process. The board members ask job-related questions designed to assess the applicant's knowledge and skills. Oral interviews are typically scheduled every month after written examinations.

STEP 4: The next step in the process is the polygraph and the background investigation. A polygraph is used to confirm information on a pre-polygraph questionnaire, the application form, present and past use of narcotics or drugs, and any previous job-related problems. The background investigator will contact employers, references, family members and neighbors to assess the applicant's character. The background investigation normally takes between 4-8 weeks to complete.

STEP 5: The most qualified applicants are invited back for a second interview. This interview is with the Chief of Police. Applicants may schedule a police ride-along prior to the second interview to learn more about Irvine's policing philosophy. The ride-along can only be scheduled after successfully passing the first oral interview for police recruits. Lateral officer candidates may ride-along at any time before or during the hiring process.

STEP 6: Police officer applicants who successfully complete the first five steps may receive a job offer contingent upon the applicant passing the medical and psychological exams.

STEP 7: The final step in the process is complete medical and psychological exams. These exams are conducted by the department to determine the applicant's fitness for duty. In addition, a physical agility test is provided to determine the applicant's ability to perform job-related tasks. The physical agility test may be scheduled at any point after the polygraph, depending on available dates.

After completion of these steps, the successful applicant can then begin his or her career in law enforcement. Recruits are scheduled for a 22- week academy at Rio Hondo or Golden West, or the Orange County Sheriff's Academy.  Academy graduates and laterals officers from other police agencies are assigned directly to Field Training Officers for their assignments in Patrol.

In past years the Irvine Police Department has enjoyed great success in recruiting highly qualified candidates for sworn positions within the department. This is due, in part, to the professional reputation that the department has earned over the past 30 years and to the continued support of City management and the Irvine City Council who have identified public safety as the number one priority in the City's strategic business plan.
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