NOTICE THE CIVIL SERVICE TEST FOR THE POSITION OF LINN COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF WILL BE HELD AT 8:00 A.M. SATURDAY, October 21, 2017 At Coe College-Clark Racquet Center 400 College Drive NE Cedar Rapids, IA. 52042 PLEASE NOTE: All applicants MUST have their valid driver s license AND social security card with them at the time of testing. Failure to bring both of these documents may result in you not being allowed to take the written and physical agility test, and you will have to drop out of the selection process. The physical agility tests will be given prior to the written exam. Be sure to wear loose fitting clothing appropriate for strenuous exercise (i.e. gym clothes, running shoes, etc.)
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LINN COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF BENEFITS PACKAGE (Fiscal Year 17/18) $53,685 yearly starting wage (not including jail premium pay). Two weeks paid vacation after one year of service. Paid sick leave (twelve (12) days per year). Eleven (11) holidays and two (2) personal days per year. Medical/Hospitalization Insurance. Dental Insurance. $20,000 Life Insurance with an option to purchase more. Retirement savings through Social Security and the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS). Disability Insurance. Uniform, Leather, Equipment, and Uniform Cleaning Allowance. Deputies of the Linn County Sheriff s Office are under the protection of the Linn County Civil Service Commission, a public board of three appointed members. They establish rules (available through the Sheriff s Office or the Commission itself) and review employment procedures. Deputy Sheriffs are represented in collective bargaining by Local 2003, I.U.P.A.T.
LINN COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION Classification Summary: The Deputy Sheriff performs work involving general duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of County laws and other pertinent local, State and Federal laws; may be assigned to any of the divisions of the Department; and performs work under general supervision, which involves an element of personal danger. Job Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks: Each of the following job duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Sheriff are performed on an on-going regular basis unless otherwise noted. The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to: Enforcing the laws of the County and all other pertinent local, State, and Federal Laws; Patrolling an assigned area checking doors and windows and examining premises of unoccupied buildings or residences in order to detect any suspicious conditions in a motorized police vehicle; Investigating suspicious conditions and complaints and making arrests of persons who violate the law; Making traffic arrests and giving violation tickets to those who break traffic laws; aiding motorists; investigating traffic accidents; Assisting in cases of fires, accidents, rescues, hazardous materials, and disorders in assigned area as directed. Restoring order, regulating traffic and preparing necessary reports; Conducting investigations of serious crimes and accidental deaths. Preserving the scene of the crime, interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects. Following-up leads and presenting cases to County Attorney s Office; Serving warrants, subpoenas, and legal papers. Handling and supervising evictions, performing repossessions, and placing liens as necessary. Performing the duties of a jailer, including booking and processing prisoners, fingerprinting and photographing prisoners, and screening visitors; Overseeing the care and custody of prisoners and mental health patients, escorting prisoners from the jail to the courthouse or other institutions; Appearing in court as the arresting officer; Assisting on medical calls with CPR and first aid; Maintaining records and preparing reports; and Performing all other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills The knowledge, abilities, and skills required of Deputy Sheriffs include: knowledge of the Iowa Criminal Code and Rules of Civil Procedures, and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations, the ability to communicate effectively with the general public; the ability to handle stressful situations; and the ability to operate various equipment such as the intoxilyzer, fingerprint and photo equipment, and a computer. Minimum Training and Experience The minimum training and experience required for the position of Deputy Sheriff include: a high school diploma or equivalent, an associate s degree in a related field is preferred; no experience is required; and must pass the Civil Service Exam and complete the training program at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy during the probation period. Necessary Special Requirements The necessary special requirements for Deputy Sheriff include: a valid State of Iowa driver s license; the ability to obtain and maintain certification in the following areas: CPR, first aid, weapons qualification, Intoxilyzer operation, radar unit operation, jail procedures, and medication dispensing.
EMPLOYMENT PACKET CHECKLIST **IMPORTANT** PLEASE REVIEW THIS CHECKLIST TO ENSURE THAT ALL FORMS AND DOCUMENTS ARE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY AND INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION Linn County Employment Application Voluntary Applicant Characteristic Survey (Optional) Civil Service Commission Employment Application Linn County Civil Service Commission s Minimum Standards for Iowa Law Enforcement Officers Form Linn County Sheriff s Office Certification Form Linn County Sheriff s Office Authorization to Release of Information INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: Current Photograph (Non-driver s license photo) Transcripts from High School and all Post High School Education Institutions Military Release (if applicable) Copy of Birth Certificate ALL FORMS AND DOCUMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE LINN COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT: Linn County Human Resources Department 935 2 nd St. SW Cedar Rapids, IA. 52404-2100 ALL documents must be returned by WEDNESDAY, October 4, 2017 BY 5:00 P.M. NO documentation will be accepted on the day of testing
Name: (Last) (First) (Middle) Date: LINN COUNTY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION LINN COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 935 2 nd St. S.W., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-2100 (319) 892-5120 PLEASE USE INK OR TYPE Name (Last, First, Middle) BE SURE TO SIGN THIS APPLICATION ON BACK Social Security Number Number and Street PERSONAL City, State, Zip Code Phone number during the day Home Phone Are you 18 years old or older? Yes No Have you been convicted of a felony in the last five years?... Yes No Do you object to inquiry of your present or past employers for work reference?... Yes No If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, please explain: (A Yes answer does not bar you from consideration for employment with Linn County.) Position(s) you are applying for: 1. Are you interested in: Full Time Yes No WORK SOUGHT 2. 3 4. Please indicate how you found out about this opening: County Employee DES Work Force Center Posting on bulletin board Part Time... Yes No Temporary Yes No On what date would you be available for work? Newspaper, Private employment agency, Or other source: (Indicate below) Contacted County on own Institution (Name, City, State) Course or Major Highest Grade Completed Certificate or Degree High School: (or indicate if you G.E.D.) TRAINING College Business, Trade, Apprentice, Correspondence, Military, other: If applicable: Driver s License Commercial Driver s License CDL Endorsements LINN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F
List all employment for past ten years beginning with most recent. Employer Address/Phone Salary From (mo/yr) To (mo/yr) $ per Job Title Supervisor s Name Reasons for Leaving Describe Major Job Duties: Employer Address/Phone Salary From (mo/yr) To (mo/yr) $ per Job Title Supervisor s Name Reasons for Leaving EMPLOYMENT Describe Major Job Duties: Employer Address/Phone Salary From (mo/yr) $ per Job Title Supervisor s Name Reasons for Leaving Describe Major Job Duties: To (mo/yr) Employer Address/Phone Salary From (mo/yr) To (mo/yr) $ per Job Title Supervisor s Name Reasons for Leaving Describe Major Job Duties: U.S. Military Service Branch Rank Dates Specialty (Training Received) From To List any other information, skills, special training, or experience that would apply to the performance of the position for which you are applying. The facts set forth above in my application for employment are true and complete. I authorize my former employers and educational institutions to give any information they may have regarding me, unless otherwise specified. I also hereby release them and their organizations from all liability for any damage whatsoever for issuing this information. I understand that if employed, false statements or omissions of information requested on this application shall be considered sufficient cause for dismissal. Signature FOR OFFICE AND/OR INTERVIEWER USE ONLY: 1. Interview, no offer 5. No interview, no longer available/interested 2. Interview, offer, hired 6. No interview, does not meet minimum qualifications 3. Interview, offer, offer rejected 7. Other 4. No interview, unable to contact
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION THE LINN COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER All questions must be answered in full. Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing this form but may be attached if desired. PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT USING INK. FALSE STATEMENTS ON THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE CONSIDERED SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR LACK OF FURTHER CONSIDERATION OR DISMISSAL. Name (Last) (First) (Middle) (Suffix) Social Security Number Street Address Place of Birth (City, County, State) City State Zip Code Home Phone E-Mail Address Cell Phone Work Phone Code of Iowa, Chapter 80B, IAW, FlSA and ADEA require that you be 18 or over to apply for this position. Are you 18 or over? Yes No It is also necessary to have your birth date to conduct required NCIC and other background checks with law enforcement agencies. Birth date: Month Day Year Title of position you are applying for: Regular Deputy (only) Reserve Deputy (only) Both Minimum standards for law enforcement officers set by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy [ 550 1.1(80B)] state that no person shall be selected or appointed as a law enforcement officer unless such person is a United States Citizen and a resident of Iowa or intends to become a resident upon being employed. Are you a citizen of the United States? Yes No Are you a resident of the State of Iowa? Yes No If the answer to either of the questions is no, would you be willing and able to become a citizen or a resident of the State of Iowa upon offer of employment? Yes No Explain: THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED COMPLETELY! Responses are subject to investigation. 1. In the last 10 years have you ever been discharged or suspended from any employment for disciplinary reasons or have you been asked to resign? If so, please explain. Yes No 2. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please complete the following: Date of Conviction Crime Convicted For Yes No City & State Where it Occurred 3. Have you ever been convicted of a lesser crime? Please include misdemeanors AND traffic violations. (A conviction does not automatically mean you cannot be appointed. What you were convicted of, and how long ago are important) Yes No Date of Conviction Crime Convicted For Disposition City & State Where It Occurred
EMPLOYMENT REC0RD Start with your present or last job and work back to high school jobs. Include paid or unpaid, full or part-time, military, summer jobs, periods of unemployment, etc. (Please put additional employment on separate sheet.) NOTE: We may contact any previous supervisors to verify your descriptions of past duties and dates of employment. If you are currently employed, may we check with your present supervisor? Yes NO Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number A Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities B Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities C Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities D Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities E Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities
EMPLOYMENT RECORD (Continued) F Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities G Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities H Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities I Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities J Name of present/last employer Supervisor s name, title and phone number Address of present/last employer Type of Business Starting Date Ending Date Your job title Reason for leaving or wanting to leave Hours per week Starting Salary Ending Salary Description of duties and responsibilities Use separate sheet for additional places of employment.
To properly evaluate your application, we need information concerning your education, skills and trades you have learned in addition to your work record. Please answer all questions as fully as possible. We may contact schools or institutes you attended to verify the information you provide. EDUCATION Are you a high school graduate or have an equivalent GED? If NO, what was the last grade you attended? Yes No If YES, complete the following: Name of Last High School Attended Location City & State Credits Completed Diploma or Certificate Last Year Attended Other training/education you received. Please estimate the number of hours of training you received. Location Credits Certificate City & State Completed or Degree Name of Colleges Or Universities When Attended Additional Technical or Military Training Location City & State Credits Completed Certificate or Degree BACKGROUND CHECK To assist in the collection of background information necessary for the selection process, please complete the following: 1. Give your full legal name (First, Middle, Last). 2. Are there any other names you are known as (please include maiden name, previous married names, or names prior to a legal name change)? Please state when and under what circumstances. 3. Are you a veteran of United States Military Service? Yes No Date of Enlistment: Type of Discharge: If so, what branch of Service? Date of Discharge: If less than honorable, please explain.
4. Please list all addresses where you have resided in the past ten years. (Please put additional addresses on separate sheet) Street Address City State County Date: From To 5. List the names and relationship of any relatives working for Linn County. 6. When requesting information vital to the background check, the requesting law enforcement agency is often times required to Provide the individual s sex. Please indicate you sex for this reason. Male Female 7. Do you possess a valid driver s license? Yes No If so, the State in which it was issued. Date it was issued. 8. Your name and driver s license number EXACTLY as it appears on your license Name: DL#: 9. If you do not currently hold an Iowa driver s license, do you know of any reason why you wouldn t be eligible for one? Yes No Explain: 10. Have you ever been involved in a traffic accident? Yes No Has your license ever been suspended or revoked? Yes No If yes to either questions, explain: (Date, location, disposition, etc.): 11. If you feel there is additional information about yourself regarding your skills, experience, accomplishments, etc., that would aid us in evaluating your application, please use the space below to more fully describe your qualifications
List special interests, honors, and achievements during the past five (5) years: PERSONAL REFERENCES: Name: Occupation Years Known Address Telephone Home Work Home Work Home Work Home Work Home Work
LINN COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS 01. Is a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the State of Iowa or intends to become a resident upon being employed. 02. Has reached his or her eighteenth (18 th ) birthday at the time of appointment. 03. Has a current and valid driver s license issued by the State of Iowa. 04. Is able to read and write the English language. 05. Is not addicted to drugs or alcohol. 06 Is of good moral character as determined by a background investigation including a fingerprint search conducted of local, state, and national fingerprint files; and has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. Definitions of moral turpitude can be found in Iowa Administrative Code, Rule 501-2.1(5). 07. Is a high school graduate with a diploma, or possesses an equivalency certificate which meets the minimum score required by the State of Iowa as determined by the State Department of Public Information. 08. Has uncorrected vision of not less (worse) than 20-100 in each eye, corrected to 20-20; and has normal color vision as determined by an examining physician. 09. Has normal hearing in each ear as determined by an examining physician. 10. Meets the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer. 11. Is not by reason of conscience or belief be opposed to the use of force, when appropriate or necessary to fulfill duties. I hereby certify that; to the best of my knowledge, I fulfill the Minimum Standards for Law Enforcement Officer. Signature of Applicant Date In addition to the foregoing, all applicants must satisfactorily complete a standard written test, a physical fitness test, and an oral interview administered and conducted by the Linn County Civil Service Commission.
AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE I hereby certify that the answers and information given on this form and accompanying documents are true and correct. I agree to submit to a pre-placement post-offer physical examination before hiring and/or anytime after hiring, if required, at County expense. I hereby acknowledge the Linn County Sheriff s Office is notifying me of intent to conduct drug or alcohol testing in connection with my employment or workers compensation benefits. I consent to the Linn County Sheriff s Office retaining whatever outside investigators, credit reporters, doctors, pathologists, investigators, labs, etc., to conduct this testing and/or investigation. I hereby authorize all corporations, employers, former employers, credit agencies, educations institutions, law enforcement agencies, city, state, county and federal courts and agencies, military services and any other persons to release all information they may have about me, including criminal and driving records. I release any and all of the above-mentioned parties from any liability that may arise from such an investigation. By my signature below, I authorize the Linn County Sheriff s Office to obtain a Consumer Credit Report and/or a background report on me. This authorization is valid for purposes of verifying information given pursuant to employment or any other lawful purpose covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. (FCRA) It is understood that any information obtained may be used by the Linn County Sheriff s Office and the Linn County Civil Service Commission in determining any fitness for employment by the Linn County Sheriff s Office. By signing this application, I indicate my awareness that false statements or failures to disclose certain information may disqualify me for employment, or, if employed, may result in dismissal. I understand that a polygraph test shall be required of all deputy candidates. This authorization is valid in original or copy form. Applicant s Name Date of Birth Current Street Address City, State, Zip Code / / Drivers License # State (NOTE: This form must be witnessed in the presence of a Notary Public) Date: Notary Signature: Notary Position: Signature of Applicant (Legal Name) DO NOT PRINT Notary Public Imprint Seal Here Other Names You Have Been Known As
LINN COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE #: DATE OF BIRTH: CELL PHONE # : TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I hereby authorize any representative of the Linn County Sheriff s Office bearing this release to obtain any information in your files pertaining to my employment records and I hereby direct you to release such information upon request of the bearer. I do hereby authorize a review of and full disclosure of all records, or any part thereof, concerning myself, by and to any duty authorized agent of the Linn County Sheriff s Office, whether said records are of public, private, or confidential nature. The intent of this authorization is to give my consent for full and complete disclosure. I reiterate and emphasize that the intent of this authorization is to provide full and free access to the background and history of my personal life, for the specific purpose of pursuing a background investigation that may provide pertinent data for the Linn County Sheriff s Office. It is my specific intent to provide access to personnel information, however personal or confidential it may appear to be. I consent to your release of any and all public and private information that you may have concerning me, my work record, my background and reputation, my military service records, educational records, my financial status, my criminal history records, including any arrest records, any information contained in investigative files, efficiency ratings, complaints or grievances filed by or against me, the records or recollections of attorneys at law, or other counsel, whether representing me or another person in any case, either criminal or civil, in which I presently have, or have had an interest, attendance records, polygraph examinations, Minnesota Multi-Personality Inventory (MMPI), and any internal affairs investigations and discipline, including any files which are deemed to be confidential, and/or sealed. I hereby release you, your organization, and all others from liability or damages that may result from furnishing the information requested, including any liability or damage pursuant to any state or federal laws. I hereby release you, as the custodian of such records of (print your name here) including its officers, employees, or related personnel, both individually and collectively, from any and all liability for damages of whatever kind, which may at any time result to me, my heirs, family, or associates because of compliance with this authorization and request to release information, or any attempt to comply with it. I direct you to release such information upon request of the duly accredited representative of the Linn County Sheriff s Office regardless of any agreement I may have made with you previously to the contrary. The law enforcement organization requesting the information pursuant to this release will discontinue processing my application if you refuse to disclose the information requested. For and in consideration of the Linn County Sheriff's Office acceptance and processing of my application for employment, I agree to hold the Linn County Sheriff's Office, its agents and employees harmless from any and all claims and liability associated with my application for employment or in any way connected with the decision whether or not to employ me with the Linn County Sheriff s Office. I understand that should information of a serious criminal nature surface as a result of this investigation, such information may be turned over to the proper authorities. I understand my rights under Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a, the Privacy Act of 1974, with regard to access and disclosure of records, and I waive those rights with the understanding that information furnished will be used by the Linn County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with employment procedures. A photocopy or FAX copy of this release form will be valid as an original thereof, even though the said photocopy or FAX copy does not contain an original writing of my signature. Should there be any questions as to the validity of this release, you may contact me at the address listed on this form. I agree to pay any and all charges or fees concerning this request and can be billed for such charges at the address listed on this form. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the person to whom this request is presented and his agents and employees, from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including reasonable attorney s fees, arising out of or by reason of complying with this request. Signature Date This waiver is valid for a period of two years from the date of my signature.
LINN COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION DEPUTY SHERIFF S SCHEDULE OF EXAMINATIONS 1. PHYSICAL AGILITY (FITNESS) TESTS These tests consist of four (4) individual sections consisting of the sit and reach test, the one minute sit-up test, the one minute push-up test, and 1.5 mile run test. You must pass all four sections of the physical agility (fitness) tests in order to continue in the selection process. Your results will be given to you immediately and you will be advised if you are to continue to the next phase of the testing process. 2. WRITTEN EXAMINATION If you have passed the physical agility (fitness) tests, you will be allowed to take the written examination. This test is given following and on the same day as the physical agility (fitness) tests. The four (4) part written examination consists of seventy-five (75) questions, which test mathematical, reading comprehension, grammar and report writing skills, and will take no more than one hour and twenty-three minutes to complete. 3. ORAL INTERVIEW WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION If you have passed the written examinations and the physical agility (fitness) tests, you will be contacted by the Civil Service Commission to schedule an oral interview. 4. COMPLETION OF LONG FORM APPLICATION After your Civil Service Commission interview, you will be given a long form application to be completed and returned to the Civil Service Commission. Please note the return date that the long form application must be returned by. 5. CERTIFICATION OF CIVIL SERVICE LIST The Civil Service Commission will give the Sheriff a certified list of ten applicants. 6. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Background investigations will be conducted on the individuals on the certified list. 7. INTERVIEW WITH SHERIFF S COMMAND STAFF You will be contacted by the Sheriff s Office to schedule an oral interview before the Sheriff s Office Command Staff. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE SELECTION PROCESS UP TO THIS POINT MAY TAKE FROM 3 TO 4 MONTHS
8. CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT As a job vacancy occurs, the Sheriff will offer the position to a person on the certified list on the condition that the applicant pass a physical test (including an eye exam, physical fitness exam and skeletal x-rays), a polygraph examination, a drug screening test and a psychological examination. 9. REAPPLICATION, RETESTING AND RE-EVALUATION Candidates not appointed to probationary status (employment) will be allowed to reapply, retest and be reevaluated provided they meet the general requirements of the Code of Iowa and the County. Those candidates not appointed to probationary status will need to re-submit another formal application in order to receive information for the next testing period. Candidates will not be excluded from further consideration since no selection component is perfectly reliable; the candidate may have acquired new knowledge, skills and abilities; adverse impact can be reduced through testing; and the threat of lawsuits or appeal can be minimized through retesting. However, a candidate may be excluded from further consideration if the candidate fails to meet the minimum requirements for a deputy sheriff as set forth in the Code of Iowa, including the minimum standards of fitness for law enforcement officers as established by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and as set forth in the Iowa Administrative Code. 10. POLYGRAPH QUESTION WILL COVER THESE AREAS Information which is used in the administering of the polygraph test will be taken from the documents the applicant fills out during the selection process. The questions will be drawn from but not limited to the following areas: Educational experience Employment experience Personal health Credit and debt history Drug and alcohol use or abuse Criminal history or activity Driver s license and traffic offense information Certain type of sexual activity
3. 1 MINUTE PUSH UP TEST This test requires pushing one s own weight off the floor. This measures the amount of force the upper body can generate and is an important area of performing police tasks requiring upper body strength. The score is calculated by the number of pushups performed in one minute. The body is supported by the hands and feet touching the ground, with legs straight and off the ground. The chest must come down and touch a fist placed under the individual s chest, then the arms must go to full extension to complete a push up. 4. 1.5 MILE RUN This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system s capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area of performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds. How does one prepare for the test? 1. Preparing for the sit and reach test. Performing sitting types of stretching exercises daily will increase this area. There are two recommended exercises. Sit and reach. Do 5 repetitions of the exercise. Sit on the ground with legs straight. Slowly extend forward at the waist and extend the fingertips toward the toes (keeping legs straight). Hold for 10 seconds. Towel stretch. Sit on the ground with legs straight. Wrap a towel around the feet holding each end with each hand. Lean forward and pull gently on the towel extending the torso toward the toes. STATE OF IOWA Facts about Iowa Law Enforcement Physical Standards for Pre-employment Testing What are the standards? The actual performance requirement for each test is based upon norms from a national population sample. The applicant must pass every test. The required performance to pass each test is based upon sex and age (decade). The absolute performance is different for the eight categories; the relative level of effort is identical for each age and sex group. All recruits are required to meet the same percentile rank in terms of their respective age/sex group. The performance requirement is that level of physical performance that approximates the 40th percentile for each age and sex group. Test MALES AGE Sit & Reach 1 minute sit up 1 minute push up 1.5 mile run 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 16.5 15.5 14.3 13.3 12.5 38 35 29 24 19 29 24 18 13 10 12:51 13:36 14:29 15:26 16:43 Test FEMALES 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ AGE Sit & 19.3 18.3 17.3 16.8 15.5 Reach 1 minute 32 25 20 14 6 sit up 1 minute 15 11 9 *12 *5 push up 1.5 mile run 15:26 15:57 16:58 17:54 18:44 *Females in excess of 49 years of age may do pushups on their knees. Normative data for these age groups have not been established. 2. Preparing for the sit up test. The progressive routine is to do as many bent leg sit ups (hands must remain on or about the head) as possible in 1 minute. At least 3 times a week do 3 sets (3 groups of the number of repetitions one did in 1 minute.) 3. Preparing for the push up test. If one has access to weights, determine the maximum weight one can bench press one time. Take 60% of that poundage. This will be the training weight. One should be able to do 8-10 repetitions of that weight. Do 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions adding 2.5 pounds every week. If one does not have weight equipment, then the push up exercise can be utilized. Determine how many pushups one can do in one minute. At least 3 times a week do 3 sets of the amount one can do in one minute. 4. Preparing for the 1.5 mile run. Following is a graduated schedule that would enable one to perform a maximum effort for the 1.5 mile run. If one can advance the schedule on a weekly basis, then proceed to the next level. If one can do the distance in less time, then that should be encouraged. Week Activity Distance Time in Frequency Min. 1 Walk 1 mile 20-17 5/week 2 Walk 1.5 mile 29-25 5/week 3 Walk 2 miles 35-32 5/week 4 Walk 2 miles 30-28 5/week 5 Walk/Jog 2 miles 27 5/week 6 Walk/Jog 2 miles 26 5/week 7 Walk/Jog 2 miles 25 5/week 8 Walk/Jog 2 miles 24 4/week 9 Jog 2 miles 24 4/week 10 Jog 2 miles 22 4/week 11 Jog 2 miles 21 4/week 12 Jog 2 miles 20 4/week April, 2014/Shelley Judy Bradshaw, Director Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Camp Dodge P.O. Box 130 Johnston, Iowa 50131-0130 Phone: (515) 725-9600 Fax: (515) 725-9636 www.ileatraining.org
PREFACE The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council, in recognizing the importance of physical fitness status for job performance, established this physical test regimen as a pre-employment standard effective February 15, 1993. No person can be selected or appointed as a law enforcement officer without first successfully passing all of the elements of this test. (See 501 IAC 2.1, adopted pursuant to Section 80B.11(5), Code of Iowa.) Upon entry into the Academy every candidate will be given the same test as an assessment for training purposes and to ensure that each recruit can undergo the physical demands of the Academy without undue risk of injury, and with a level of fatigue tolerance to meet all Academy requirements. If at the time of entrance into the Academy an officer does not meet minimum standards, he or she will not be admitted. This pamphlet will provide information on the rationale, purpose, testing procedures, standards of performance and fitness activities to prepare for the fitness testing. It is intended to answer the basic questions pertaining to all aspects of the fitness testing process. Provisions as to push ups for females were modified in February, 1996, and are as set forth in this brochure, effective for persons hired on or after July 1, 1996. Any questions you may have about these standards should be directed to the Academy at 515-242-5357 or at the address shown on the cover. What is physical fitness? Physical fitness is a status pertaining to the individual officer having the physiological readiness to perform maximum physical effort when required. Physical fitness consists of three areas: Aerobic capacity of cardiovascular endurance pertaining to the heart and vascular system s capacity to transport oxygen. It is also a key area of heart disease in that low aerobic capacity is a risk factor. Strength pertains to the ability of muscles to generate force. Upper body strength and abdominal strength are important areas in that low strength levels have a bearing on upper torso and lower back disorders. Why is fitness important as a job related element for law enforcement officers? It has been well documented that law enforcement personnel (as an occupational class) have serious health risk problems in terms of cardiovascular disease, lower back disorders and obesity. Law enforcement agencies have the responsibility of minimizing known risk. Physical fitness is a health domain which can minimize the known health risk for law enforcement officers. Physical fitness has been demonstrated to be a bonafide occupational qualification (BFOQ). Job analysis that account for physical fitness have demonstrated that the fitness areas are underlying factors determining the physiological readiness to perform a variety of critical physical tasks. These three fitness areas have also been shown to be predictive of job performance ratings, sick time and a number of commendations of police officers. Data also shows that fitness level is predictive of trainability and academy performance. Physical fitness can be an important area of minimizing liability. The unfit officer is less able to respond fully to strenuous physical activity. Consequently, the risk of not performing physical duties is increased. How will physical fitness be measured? The Physical Fitness Test Battery consists of four basic tests. Each test is a scientifically valid test. The tests will be given in sequence with a rest period between each test. 1. SIT AND REACH TEST This is a measure of the flexibility of the lower back and upper leg area. It is an important area of performing police tasks involving range of motion and is important in minimizing lower back problems. The test involves stretching out to touch the toes or beyond with extended arms from a sitting position. The score is in inches reached on a yard stick fastened to an apparatus with 15 inches being at the toes and the one inch mark closest to the body. Knees must be locked and the hands together as the person stretches down the measuring apparatus. 2. 1 MINUTE SIT UP TEST This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area of performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is in number of bent leg sit ups performed in 1 minute. Hands must remain on or about the head, in the up position, elbows should touch the knees or upper portion of the thigh, in the down position, the back must come down so that shoulder blades touch the floor. Legs may be held for assistance. Flexibility pertains to the range of motion of the joints and muscles. Lack of lower back flexibility is a major risk area of lower back disorders.