Dear Prospective Police Candidate: Thank you for your interest in a career with the Goose Creek Police Department. Upon submission, your application will be reviewed and considered along with other applications for the number of vacancies we must fill. As an equal opportunity employer, it is the policy of the Goose Creek Police Department to only hire qualified candidates who are best suited for employment with our agency without regard to race, sex, religious affiliation, or any other unlawful discriminator(s). It is impossible to project the probability that you will or will not be considered for employment; however, the following steps occur in the employment process: * Preliminary review of application packet (First by Human Resources to determine minimum qualifications and then by the Goose Creek Police Department if forwarded to the department by Human Resources.) * Preliminary background investigation to include at a minimum: Review of background supplement for disqualifying disclosures (see Police Officer M inimum Requirements and Restrictions on Page 2) Driver s license, criminal history (NCIC), and credit check Verification of prior employment, education, and experience * Standardized general knowledge written test * Interview with Chief of Police and command staff * Conditional offer of employment (employment contingent upon satisfactory polygraph examination and physical and mental fitness tests) * Interview with background investigator (may occur more than once) * Polygraph examination * Contacts with references and neighbors * Thorough investigation of any adverse disclosures or discoveries * Mental fitness examination (Conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist to identify disqualifying mental illness and ensure psychological suitability and emotional stability) * Physical examination and drug test (Conducted by a licensed physician to ensure physical suitability to perform the essential functions of law enforcement work) * Start date for employment upon final review of application packet by the Chief of Police with having successfully completed all previous steps There are no guarantees that any steps beyond preliminary review of your application packet will occur. From application to employment through all of the steps above can take from one to six months depending largely on the department s status of hiring, the scheduling of testing, and the applicant s particular background. You will be contacted personally by a background investigator if you are considered beyond preliminary review of your application. Otherwise, you will be notified in writing by the City s Human Resource Director or the hiring officer of the Goose Creek Police Department if you are not considered or disqualified. Please feel free to call me with any questions that you may have regarding our current status in hiring, anticipated vacancies, or the status of your application. In accordance with City policy, your application will remain active for six months unless you are rejected or disqualified. After six months, you must reapply if you wish further consideration. Best Wishes, Lieutenant Thomas Hill Office of Professional Standards
Police Officer Minimum Requirements & Restrictions To be considered for employment as a police officer, ALL applicants: Must be a United States citizen by birth or naturalization Must be 21 years of age Must be a high school graduate (diploma or GED) Must have a driver's license issued in the United States and be able to obtain a South Carolina driver's license if hired Must be of good moral character as demonstrated by past and present behaviors Must not possess racist or sexist ideologies Must not have engaged in acts of domestic violence even if no arrest was made Must not have engaged in habitual or serious criminal behavior, even if no arrest was made Must not have intentionally accessed internet sites for the purpose of viewing child pornography Must not have intentionally violated copyright or royalty provisions by downloading material from the internet Must not have used the anonymity of the internet to harass third parties Must have no criminal convictions Convictions for minor misdemeanors may be considered based on age at time of offense, time passed since offense, demonstrated behavior since offense, and agency demands. Must have a driving record that demonstrates consistent compliance with traffic laws No conviction for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) within past 5 years No conviction for hit and run within past 5 years Driving under suspension (DUS) convictions are evaluated based on cause and timeframe No demonstrated pattern of willful disregard for traffic laws (gross violations or excessive accumulated violations) Must be free of illegal drug use and/or activity (no exceptions) Must not have bought, sold, transpo rted, manufactured, or ingested, heroin, LSD, nonprescribed, methamphetamine, or any other illegal substance within the past 10 years ( 5 years for cocaine and 2 years for marijuana and steroids) Must not have ingested controlled substances prescribed to another Must not have bought controlled substances prescribed for another for your own use or sold to another a controlled substances prescribed to you Must have demonstrated responsibility and integrity in personal financial affairs Must be current in financial obligations (consumer credit reports will be evaluated based on personal situations) Must not be in default on any student loan(s) Must be willing to fully disclose prior behaviors and submit to a polygraph examination conducted by a licensed examiner Must pass an entry level knowledge assessment test with a score of at least 80% Must be willing to submit to a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician if offered a position Must be willing to submit to a mental fitness examination conducted by a licensed psychologist if offered a position Must be willing to spend 12 weeks in Columbia, SC, at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) to obtain certification if offered a position (non-sc certified applicants only) Must be willing to work rotating shifts (days, evenings, and nights), holidays, weekends, and in inclement weather Must be available for emergency recall in the event of a disaster or declared emergency Must not have experienced sustained misconduct while employed with other law enforcement agencies to include but not limited to (reviewed case by case): Excessive use of force Unlawful arrest and/or detention Sexual harassment Falsifying reports, statements, etc. Excessive driving complaints or at-fault collisions Page 2 of 11
To be considered, a completed application packet MUST include the following: 1. City of Goose Creek Employment Application AND professional resume. 2. City of Goose Creek Police Department pages 4 through 1 1. (Pages 1, 2, & 3 should be removed and retained or discarded at your discretion.). Note: All waivers contained in this supplemental packet must be signed and notarized where applicable. 3. (OUT OF STATE APPLICANTS ONLY) A certified copy of your driving record(s) bearing the signature of the agency director or authorized representative for your home-state motor vehicle department (Driving records must cover all states where a license was held over the past 5 years). You are encouraged to include the following with your packet if applicable: 1. A copy of your college transcript(s), if you have attended or graduated from college. 2. Copies of a ny certificates earned for relevant qualifications (Firearms, baton, chemical agents, advanced law enforcement courses, CPR, first-aid, etc.) You must bring the following information with you if contacted for a background interview: 1. Original or certified copy of your High School Diploma or State GED Certificate. 2. A copy of your final DD214 (military discharge) if applicable. 3. Original or certified copy of your birth certificate (You must include a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization if you became a United States citizen through the naturalization process.). 4. Your driver s license and social security card. Please read the following instructions carefully: Fill out the supplement on a computer and print it or type or handwrite in black ink. It is imperative that you answer ALL questions on this supplement as thoroughly as possible. Use a blank 8 ½ x 11 sheet to continue any answers beyond the format of the form. Answers that don t apply should be marked N/A. You must also answer questions with ABSOLUTE honesty. Any falsified information will result in the rejection of your application. Any incomplete or omitted answers to questions will be a cause for rejection of your application. Your ability to complete this supplement as requested will be evaluated and used as a basis for determining your ability to follow directions, your attention to detail, and may weigh appropriately upon any employment considerations. This supplement, when completed, will be used by a background investigator as an investigative aid. The information will remain with your application and will be maintained in accordance to City policy. Page 3 of 11
1. LAST NAME FIRST MIDDLE MAIDEN 2. Social Security Number 3. List ALL other names you have used. Include circumstances and dates when used. 4. Date of Birth 5. Place of Birth (City/State) 6. Beginning with present address, list ALL previous places of residence since age 18 (Attach a separate page, if necessary). FROM MONTH/YEAR TO MONTH/YEAR ADDRESS CITY STATE 7. Have you ever been dismissed from school or been subject to any dis ciplinary action, such as scholastic probation during your academic career? If yes, please indicate circumstances of rules infraction and action taken by school or university. 8. Fill in below the names of three (3) personal references not listed on the City of Goose Creek Employment Application. A. Name Phone Home Address Business, Occupation, or Profession Years Known Name of Business Business Address Phone B. Name Phone Home Address Business, Occupation, or Profession Years Known Name of Business Business Address Phone C. Name Phone Home Address Business, Occupation, or Profession Years Known Name of Business Business Address Phone Page 4 of 11
9. List ALL jobs not listed on the City of Goose Creek employment application. Include all part-time and summer jobs. Employer Address Supervisor Position Held Dates From / To / / Salary Full Duties: Part Reason for Leaving: Employer Address Supervisor Position Held Dates From / To / / Salary Full Duties: Part Reason for Leaving: Employer Address Supervisor Position Held Dates From / To / / Salary Full Duties: Part Reason for Leaving: Employer Address Supervisor Position Held Dates From / To / / Salary Full Duties: Part Reason for Leaving: Employer Address Supervisor Position Held Dates From / To / / Salary Full Duties: Part Reason for Leaving: 10. Are you currently a certified law enforcement officer (police officer/deputy)? If yes, please list state(s) of certification: Page 5 of 11
11. Have you ever applied to any law enforcement agency in South Carolina or any other state? If yes, give the name of the agency(s) and dates of application: 12. Have you ever worked for any law enforcement agency in South Carolina or any other state? If yes, give the name of the agency(s) and dates of employment: 13. Have you ever received any specialized training in computer applications? If yes, please list type of application(s), specific training, and date received: 14. Have you ever served in a military organization of the United States? (If yes, attach a copy of DD-214 for each period of service and proceed to question 15a. If no, go to question 16.) 15a.Provide the following information regarding your military service: Branch of Service Service Number Dates of Service Type(s) of Discharge: Honorable General Dishonorable Under Honorable Conditions Under less than Honorable Conditions Other (Explain) 15b.Were you ever court martialed, tried on charges, or subject of a summary court, deck court, Captain's Mast, company punishment, ARTICLE 15 UCMJ, or any other disciplinary action while in the armed forces? If yes, explain: 16. Starting with your current license, list all states in which you possessed a driver's license in the past five (5) years: State License Number From Month/Yr. To Month/Yr. Present Page 6 of 11
17. List ALL arrests OR convictions which are not listed on the City of Goose Creek employment application: Charge Date Agency Final Disposition 18. Are you now or have you ever been a member of any foreign or domestic organization, association, movement, group, or combination of persons which is totalitarian, fascist, communist, or subversive, or shows a p olicy of advocating the commission of acts of force or violence to deny other persons their rights under the Constitution of the United States, or which seeks to alter the form of Government of the United States, by unconstitutional means? If yes, explain: 19. Are you a U. S. Citizen? (You must attach a legible copy of your birth certificate or naturalization certificate from the United States Government). 20. Have you ever used illegal drugs? If yes, use list below to indicate use of illegal drugs: TYPE OF DRUG DATE FIRST USED DATE LAST USED Marijuana Cocaine Hashish LSD Opium Heroin Speed Quaaludes Steroids PCP Other (specify) 21. Have you ever sold illegal drugs? If yes, were you ever convicted? If convicted, was the conviction a felony or misdemeanor? 22. Has your credit record ever been considered unsatisfactory due to collections, charge-offs with a balance, liens, involuntary repossession, failure to pay just debts, judgments or foreclosures? If yes, explain: Page 7 of 11
Read the following statement carefully and sign: I hereby swear or affirm that there are no willful misrepresentations or omissions on this document. I am aware that should an investigation disclose such willful misrepresentations, falsifications or omissions, my application will be rejected and I will be disqualified from re-applying for employment with the City of Goose Creek. If after my acceptance of employment, subsequent investigation should disclose omissions or falsifications, it will be just cause for immediate dismissal. Signature Date THE CITY OF GOOSE CREEK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Page 8 of 11
Notice of Obtaining Consumer Report Printed Name In connection with your application for employment and/or your continued employment, the City of Goo se Creek may obtain a consumer report (as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act) concerning you from a consumer reporting agency. This report will be used for employment purposes. I have read and understand the above disclosure and hereby authorize the City of Goose Creek to obtain a consumer report. Signature Date Social Security Number Date of Birth Address City/State Zip Code SWORN to before me this day of, A. D., 20 Notary Public (SEAL) My Commission Expires: Page 9 of 11
Polygraph Examination Acknowledgement and Consent Applicant's Name Date of Birth Social Security # I have been advised and I am fully aware that I will be requested to submit to a polygraph examination. The purpose of the examination is to assist in verifying all information furnished in this application and obtained during applicant investigation. I am fully aware that my refusal to submit to the polygraph exam will terminate further consideration for my employment. I understand that I will be asked questions during my polygraph examination related to the following areas: * Accuracy of information provided during the employment process. * Theft * Drug and/or alcohol addictions * Drug use/sale * Prior arrests/criminal activity * Behavior that may lead to blackmail I understand that any willful attempt to deceive the polygraph examiner will result in my immediate disqualification from the employment process. After careful review and consideration of the aforementioned information: I am willing to take the polygraph examination. I am not willing to take the polygraph examination. Applicant's Signature Date SWORN to before me this day of, A. D., 20 Notary Public (SEAL) My Commission Expires: Page 10 of 11
CONSENT TO RELEASE INFORMATION AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am an applicant for a position with the City of Goose Creek Police Department. The Department needs to thoroughly investigate my employment background and personal history to evaluate my qualifications to hold the position for which I have applied. I have authorized the Department to gather all available information regarding my employment background, personal history, and other information, which may be of a confidential or privileged nature. I, the undersigned, authorize you to furnish the Goose Creek Police Department any and all information that you have concerning me, including without limitation my work record, my background and reputation, my driving history, criminal history, including any arrest records and any information contained in any investigatory files, my military service records, my educational background and records, my financial status, and other such information and records as you may have in your possession relating to me. Information of a confidential or privileged nature may be included in the materials you provide to Goose Creek Police Department. I request your cooperation in supplying this information to the Goose Creek Police Department. I hereby agree to release you and those who furnish any of the above information, your company or organization, and the City of Goose Creek, its employees and the City of Goose Creek Police Department from any and all liability for any damage s of whatever kind to me, my family, heirs, or associates, which may result from furnishing the requested information. I understand my rights under Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a, the Privacy Act of 1974, with regard to disclosure of records, and I waive those rights with the understanding that information furnished will be used by the Goose Creek Police Department in conjunction with employment procedures. I will make no attempt to gain access to the information provided by you to the Goose Creek Police Department. Print Full Name Including Maiden Name Date of Birth Race Sex Signature of Full Name Drivers License Number Social Security Number Address City State Zip Code Home Phone Number Work Phone Number SWORN to before me this day of, A.D., 20 (SEAL) Notary Public My Commission Expires: Page 11 of 11