EMERGENCY: 911
Non-emergency: 859-887-5447
Business Office: 859-885-9467, M-F 8 AM to 5 PM
HIRING PROCESS
A step-by-step look at the application, testing, evaluation, training, and hiring process for joining the Nicholasville Police Department
APPLICATION & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
APPLICATION
A completed employment application must be submitted during an open hiring period. Applications are available online or in person at NPD, 717 N. Main Street.
CERTIFIED KENTUCKY OFFICERS
Certified Kentucky police officers should contact the Nicholasville Police Department to learn more about the modified hiring process available to certified officers.
TESTING & EVALUATION
BASIC SKILLS & READING EXAM
Applicants complete a basic skills and reading examination covering math, grammar, and reading. Applicants are allowed one attempt to pass the examination. Those who do not pass must reapply during a future hiring period.
PHYSICAL FITNESS & AGILITY TEST
Applicants must successfully complete all five events to pass the entry-level physical fitness testing requirements.
ONE REPETITION MAXIMUM (RM) BENCH PRESS
At least 64% of the candidate's body weight, one repetition.
SIT-UP TEST
At least 18 sit-ups.
PUSH-UP TEST
At least 20 push-ups.
300-METER RUN
65 seconds or less.
1.5 MILE RUN
17:12 minutes or less.
Candidates must pass all five events in order to successfully pass the entry-level physical fitness testing requirements and be eligible to continue in the recruitment process.
SCREENING & EVALUATION
PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE & SUITABILITY SCREENER
Applicants complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) and suitability screening as part of the hiring process.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
A background investigation and investigator interview are conducted as part of the hiring process.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Complete a polygraph examination as part of the hiring process.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW
Applicants participate in an interview with the Chief of Police and a panel of command officers and city officials.
MEDICAL EVALUATION & DRUG SCREEN
Applicants must successfully complete a medical evaluation and drug screening before continuing in the hiring process.
ACADEMY & FIELD TRAINING
20 WEEK POLICE ACADEMY
New officer recruits complete the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) academy before beginning field training.
16 WEEK FIELD TRAINING
Following academy graduation, officer recruits complete NPD's Field Training program to develop skills and experience needed to work independently.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Successful completion of field training is followed by continued evaluation during the officer's probationary period.
WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM RECRUIT TO SOLO OFFICER
After completing the police academy, probationary officers return to NPD for 16 weeks of Field Training with a certified Field Training Officer. During this time, new officers receive additional training and daily assessments as they develop the skills and experience needed to work independently.
ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Successful completion of Field Training is followed by continued evaluation during the officer's one year probationary period. At the conclusion of field training, probationary officers are released as solo officers to serve the City of Nicholasville.