Selection Process

The City of Beatrice adheres to the Civil Service Act outlined in Neb.Rev.Stat. §19-1825 to 19-1848 as amended when selecting our full-time police officers.  The Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations for the City of Beatrice are available for review below.  The steps below walk applicants through the hiring process for an entry-level position.

Physical Assessment Testing

The Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC) requires all candidates to complete a Physical Assessment Test.  According to the NLETC, to successfully complete the NLETC Physical Assessment Test, you must score an overall average of 30% on all testing completed, which is based on gender and age norms. The student is NOT required to score 30% on EACH individual test so long as their entire average score on the fitness test is at least 30%. This test is scored based on age and gender, so the percentages will vary for each applicant based on those factors. Below is a table with the 30% standard only:

The Beatrice Police Department holds this same Physical Assessment Test with the same standards as part of the overall hiring process. Each applicant should come to the Physical Assessment Test dressed in appropriate workout-style clothing. The applicant will get a 15-minute window to stretch and warm up prior to testing. We will do the 1.5-mile run first and give each applicant the same amount of break prior to running the 300-meter run at the end. We want each applicant to strive to achieve the best possible score they can, so we have also included the 100% scoring table.

Written Exam

A standard entry-level civil service law enforcement test will be given to all applicants.  The tests are designed for an entry-level police officer requiring no prior law enforcement experience.

Oral Panel Interview

The top 10 applicants scoring on the written exam will be invited to participate in an oral interview.  The interview panel will consist of our 3 Civil Service Commission members.  The Chief of Police and Civil Service Secretary will also be present.  

Eligibility List

The Civil Service Commission will establish an eligibility list, showing the names of all successful applicants in the rank order of their general average score. This score can be a composite of the written examination score and any other physical fitness, manual skills, and/or oral interview.  This list will expire twelve (12) months from the date it was established, or upon exhaustion of all names on the list.

Certification

The Civil Service Commission will certify the top 3 highest applicants on the eligibility list.  The Police Department will then conduct background checks, conduct a series of interviews with Department personnel, and complete an interview with the Chief of Police.  The Chief of Police will then make his recommendation to the City Administrator, who makes the appointment.  The selected candidate will be given a conditional offer of employment, after which a series of medical tests, drug tests, psychological and polygraph tests will be administered.

Benefits of Being a Sworn Police Officer 

• Retirement Contribution
• Group Health Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Being Part of a Team
• Protecting and Serving the Citizens of Beatrice