Selection Process

This statement helps determine that an applicant meets minimum character traits in truthfulness (honesty, integrity, promise keeping, loyalty), responsibility (accountability, excellence, self restraint), caring, citizenship, respect for others, and fairness.  Additionally, employment, credit, criminal and residence history are just a few topics covered in your background investigation.  An interview will be conducted and based on the information provided by the applicant in the PHS, a determination will be made if candidate is eligible to continue in the selection process.

Candidates will proceed through a standardized set of physical ability tests.  Physical abilities components will consist of the number of sit-ups an applicant can do in one minute (minimum is 27), the number of non-modified pushups an applicant can do in one minute (minimum is 15), a 300 meter sprint (at/under 71 secs), and a mile and a half run (at/under 15:14).  Applicants will be advised to perform at their optimum level as fitness scores are used in the selection process.

You are required to bring certain documents, including but not limited to official transcripts, a credit report, a photograph of yourself, copies of your driver’s license and social security card, etc. Your background file will not be worked until all documentation is present. ​

Candidates are administered a battery of written psychological tests as determined by the City of Albuquerque Behavioral Sciences Division.

All information gathered and submitted from the applicant will be verified.  A thorough and complete investigation will be completed.  The investigation is comprised of, but not limited to, criminal history, arrest history, employment history, military history, driving history, educational history, credit references, social history, and reference checks.

The polygraph is used to verify information provided by the candidate in all papers, documents and statements submitted as part of the selection process, and to verify any statements made during interviews and the background investigation.

The psychological interview consists of the scoring and interpretation of the written psychological test and an interview with a psychologist.  The New Mexico Department of Public Safety requires that candidates pass the psychological test by a licensed psychologist prior to certification.

This is an oral interview lead by the Executive Command Staff.

This is a review of all exam results and background check results by the Chief of Staff and Chief of Police.

This will be completed after the applicant successfully concludes the selection process.

Candidates will be sent to the City Health Center for a series of examinations comprised of, but not necessarily limited to vision, hearing, medical/physical and a drug test.