All applicants must complete a City of Glendale Employment Application. The City of Glendale does not accept resumes in place of applications, however they may be attached to a completed application.

Currently, the City of Glendale does not have an on-line application system, however you can download our form, and then mail it or submit it in person. The city does not accept applications by e-mail or fax. Completed applications should be submitted to the City of Glendale Human Resources Department, 613 East Broadway, Room 100, Glendale, CA 91206-4392.

When completing your application be sure that you fill in the Position box with the exact name of the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for the position of Police Officer Recruit Bilingual – Armenian/English, you must enter the entire title and not just Police Officer.

Where To Apply and How To Get There

Human Resources Department

613 East Broadway, Room 100
Glendale, California 91206-4392
Phone - 818.548.2110
Job Information Hotline - 818.548.2127

MAP

From the Ventura (134) Freeway

Exit at Glendale Avenue, go south to Broadway

From the Golden State (5) Freeway

Exit at Colorado, go east to Glendale Avenue, turn left, two blocks to Broadway

From the Glendale (2) Freeway

From Glendale (2) Freeway take the Ventura(134) Freeway West, exit at Glendale Avenue, turn right, go south to Broadway

Visitor parking is available in the parking structure behind City Hall. Entrance is on Wilson Avenue.

A basic written examination will be administered to applicants who are interested in becoming a Reserve Police Officer. This examination will measure an applicant’s ability to read, write and communicate.

The City of Glendale uses the P.O.S.T. physical ability test format that is administered by staff at Rio Hondo College.

Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.)

The P.A.T. is usually given on a designated weekend and administered by the Rio Hondo Police Academy Staff under the direction of the City of Glendale Human Resources Division. All applicants must be successful in each phase of the P.A.T. to continue with the selection and hiring process.

Each event is timed separately and is scored on a point system. You will receive a score based on the successful completion of all of the events and the amount of time that it takes to complete each obstacle. To successfully pass the P.A.T., you will need to earn a minimum score of 384 points = 70% to continue on to the oral examination.

1. 99 YARD OBSTACLE COURSE (maximum score = 248)

Run a 99 yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34 inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.

2. BODY DRAG (maximum score = 248)

Lift and drag a 165 pound lifelike dummy 32 feet.

3. CHAIN LINK FENCE (maximum score = 248)

Run 5 yards to a 6 foot chain link fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards.

4. SOLID FENCE CLIMB (maximum score = 248)

Run 5 yards to a 6 foot solid fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards.

5. 500 YARD RUN (maximum score = 248)

Run 500 yards (equivalent to 1 lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track).

Every job classification at the Glendale Police Department requires an oral interview. Generally, this is the most important part of the testing process as it will determine your ranking on the eligibility list.

Tips for preparing for the Oral Interview Test

• PREPARE! Be sure to know about the position. What kinds of challenges are involved? What skills or qualities are required to do the job?
• Some interview questions may require you to give examples that demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Think of examples of current or prior work experiences that best demonstrate these skills. Know your own strengths, and the areas where you need to develop or improve.
• Look at the Glendale Police and City of Glendale websites.
• Prepare an effective closing statement that highlights your abilities as they relate to the position you are interviewing for.
• Practice interviewing with another person. (Video yourself if possible.)
• Wear appropriate attire. Dress for success!
• Be on time.

During the Oral Test

• The panel will ask every candidate the same set of questions. They may ask follow-up questions based on your responses and/or your application.
• Interviews are typically 15 to 20 minutes. You will need to be concise with your responses. Your answers should generally take no more than 1 – 2 minutes per question.
• Don’t get distracted by panel members taking notes while you are talking. The panel will use these notes when evaluating you.
• Be friendly and enthusiastic during the interview.
• Listen carefully and allow the panel to complete the question before answering. If you are in doubt, ask for clarification.
• Don’t rely solely on your application. No matter how well qualified you may appear to be on your application you will need to sell yourself in the interview.
• Be honest at all times.
• At the end of the interview summarize your background and experience or share important information about your skills that you think were not discussed during the interview.

All finalists for any position in the Glendale Police Department will be subjected to a comprehensive background investigation that includes, but is not limited to: financial stability, driving record, criminal record, drug usage and general character. A polygraph examination will be required. You will also be asked to complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) similar to the one used by California P.O.S.T.. A sample can be found here. Do not complete this online sample form for your background. A PHS specific to the Glendale Police Department will be provided to you.

The most important thing to remember during the background process is to BE HONEST. Many applicants are disqualified for failing to disclose or being dishonest about things that would not have been disqualifying if they had been honest about them at the start.

Finalists who successfully complete the background investigation will be invited to an interview with the Chief of Police. Our Chief takes pride in every employee at the Glendale Police Department and he personally meets each one before hire. The Chief will review your background information and complete an interview with you about the position you have applied for.

Candidates that are successful at this interview will receive a conditional offer of employment and proceed to their medical and/or psychological exam.

Candidates considered for appointment must pass a pre-placement medical examination, which includes a drug screening test. The pre-placement medical examination, which is based on the occupational health standards of the position, is to determine whether the eligible candidate is physically and/or psychologically capable of performing the essential functions and duties of the position before being appointed to that position.

Our medical examinations are generally completed by City of Glendale Employee Health Services personnel while our psychological exams are conducted by a contracted psychologist.

Additional Information on Medical and Psychological exams from P.O.S.T.:

Medical Screening

California Government Code 1031(f) requires all California peace officers to be free from any “physical condition which might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers.” Commission Procedure C-2 (doc) implements the medical screening requirements established in Government Code 1031. As described in Commission Procedure C-2, the physical evaluation must be conducted by a licensed physician and surgeon. To assist physicians in their examinations of peace officer applicants, POST has developed a Medical Screening Manual which includes recommended examination and evaluation protocols for the individualized assessment of each candidate, and provides detailed information on commonly detected medical conditions. This manual also provides recommendations for screening hearing (PDF) and vision (PDF).

Psychological Screening

California Government Code 1031(f) requires all California peace officers to be free from any “emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.” Commission Procedure C-2 (doc) implements the psychological screening requirements established in Government Code 1031. As described in Commission Procedure C-2, the psychological screening must be conducted by a qualified, licensed, and experienced psychologist or psychiatrist. A minimum of two written assessments must be used; one test must be targeted to identifying patterns of abnormal behavior, the other must be an assessment of normal behavior. A clinical interview with the applicant must follow.

POST is in the process of revising the Psychological Screening Manual; the new manual is expected to be released in 2008. Currently available are the POST Psychological Screening Dimensions (PDF), which will be incorporated into the revised manual.