Requirements

Somerville Auxiliary Police Department
Public Safety Building
220 Washington Street
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143

All candidates interested in joining the SAPD must meet the following guidelines:

-Candidates must be a United States Citizen

-Candidate must have a High School diploma or equivalent.

-Candidate must agree to undergo and submit the results of a physical examination and
be free of physical and mental defects which would interfere with law enforcement
activities.

-Candidate must be willing to submit to a criminal background check. This step is
required to be considered for employment. A background check includes criminal
history, personal and professional references and driving record.

-Candidate must have a valid drivers license, and maintain the valid status during their
time with the Department.

-First Responder certification is preferred, but not required.

-Candidate must have an excellent driving record.

-Candidate must be willing and able to fulfil all of the Departments training
requirements.

-Candidate must be able to respond to the police station within a reasonable amount of
time in case of an emergency call-out.

-Candidate must be able to take and follow orders from superiors. Discipline is a key part
of the SAPD.

-Candidate must be able and willing to work alone, and with little or no supervision.

-Candidate must be able to work in a stressful environment.

-Candidate must be aware of the commitments required by the department prior to
applying. These include being called out to emergencies during the holidays, which may
result in taking you away from family and friends.

-Candidate must have a reliable vehicle. Said vehicle must be properly registered,
inspected and insured at all times. Candidate must be aware that use of your personal
vehicle for certain details is required, and that the fuel used is not reimbursed by the
department or the city. The SPD, SAPD and the City of Somerville are not responsible for
damage to your vehicle while performing duties as an SAPD Officer.

-Candidates must be aware that the SAPD, SPD, and the City of Somerville do not provide
Health, injury, death or disability insurance to any Auxiliary Officers.

-Candidates must complete all pages of the application, and complete all stages of the
application process.

If you meet all of the requirements listed above, you first step in the application
process is to come down to the station any Tuesday night from 6:30 - 9:00pm and
pick up an application. Be sure to have your drivers license with you when you arrive.

The Hiring Process
Lt. Glen Biddiscombe

When you walk in, you will meet with a department recruiter. After introductions, you
will receive your application and complete a CORI form. A CORI form allows the
Somerville Aux. Police Department to conduct a complete criminal background check on
you. It will be at this time you will receive your first interview. The recruiter will explain
the duties of the department, and will inform you of the requirements every SAPD officer
must meet. This will also give you the chance to ask any questions you may have. I
always encourage every candidate to ask any and all questions you may have, regardless
of the nature.

With the first interview complete, and while your CORI is being processed, you will be
asked to take the application home and complete it. Completing it includes your letters of
reference, copies of your birth certificate, drivers license, along with any additional
certificates you may wish to add. The Application cannot be turned in to the station until
all paperwork is in order!

Please note that, until we receive the results of your criminal background check, the
hiring process cannot proceed past the first interview.

When your application is complete, you will return to the police station. The recruiter
will review your application and paperwork, as well as your CORI. If all of the above
paperwork meets the requirements of the department, you will be scheduled for 2
"observations". An observation is when you ride along with members of the SAPD during a
regular patrol night. This is done to orientate yourself with the duties and functions of
the SAPD. This also allows the sergeant (or other ranking SAPD member) to talk and get to
know you. When you report for an observation, you will be dressed in casual business
attire. You are NOT ALLOWED to carry any type of weapon; including firearms, pocket
knives and O.C. (mace). You will not be allowed to exit the vehicle during calls unless
directed to do so by the ranking officer.

Once you have completed 2 observation shifts, and have satisfied the recruiting staff, you
will be scheduled for your final interview. The final interview consists of meeting with 2
or 3 members of the recruiting staff, as well as the department administration. Once your
final interview is completed, you will be required to attend a department training /
orientation class. You are required to complete and pass the entrance exam at the
conclusion of the class. Once you have passed the exam, and the recruiting and
administrative staff of the SAPD have voted to hire you, you will be contacted by your
recruiter and scheduled to come in and be uniformed, and to receive you shield. Please
note that you must pass the entrance exam in order to be offered a position.

The entire process can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. This time period varies
depending on one or more of the following:

-The schedules of the recruiting staff and the Department.
-The time it takes to receive the results of your CORI check.
-The time required to check references (Both employment and personal)
-Your schedule and availability to come in and complete this process.

Are you ready for the challenge?