POLICE OFFICER EMPLOYMENT
Spartanburg is known for its beauty, quality of life and friendly people. The Spartanburg Public Safety Department is committed to providing high quality police services in partnership with the community through dedicated efforts and innovative programs. The Public Safety Department’s jurisdiction encompasses approximately 20 square miles. Law enforcement serves a residential population of more than 39,000, which swell to a daytime population of 125,000. Spartanburg Public Safety is one of the most progressive and technologically advanced law enforcement agencies in the region. We are constantly seeking opportunities to partner with neighborhood and business leaders as well as other law enforcement agencies. We are a service driven organization that values positive partnerships and innovative thinking.
We have 130 sworn officers and we accept applications year round. We schedule Civil Service Exams periodically according to openings.
Hiring Requirements
♦ Be at least 21 years of age
♦ Must successfully complete an Agility Test
♦ Pass a background investigation, polygraph and psychological exam
♦ Must possess a valid driver’s license and have ability to obtain a SCDL
♦ Any applicant who is presently employed by a law enforcement agency, correctional facility or fire department must have completed two (2) years service with current employer before his/her application will be considered.
♦ Successful applicants will be subject to a medical examination and drug screen
♦ No Misdemeanor Conviction including Violence or Moral Turpitude
♦ No Felony Convictions
♦ Military discharge status must be honorable, if applicable.
♦ High School Diploma required, college degree preferred
♦ Computer literacy desired
Applications can be obtained from the Spartanburg City Human Resources Office Monday—Friday between the hours of 8:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m or you can download the application packet.
The completed application packet along with legible copies of all required forms may be dropped off or mailed in to the City of Spartanburg’s Human Resources Department.
Drop-Off Monday through Friday (8am - 5pm)
City of Spartanburg
HR Department
145 West Broad Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
|
Mail-In
City of Spartanburg
HR Department
P. O. Box 1749
Spartanburg, SC 29304 |
The City of Spartanburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Starting Salary
$14.75 per hr ($30,503 based on 2068 scheduled work hours per year)
♦ Public Safety Officer—entry level (new hire)
♦ Public Safety Officer 1—designation upon completion of introductory period w/2% pay increase
♦ Public Safety Officer II—designation upon completion of 2nd service anniversary w/3%pay increase
♦ Senior Patrol Officer—designation upon 5th service anniversary w/5% pay increase
♦ Master Patrol Officer—designation upon 10th anniversary w/5% pay increase
1. Civil Service Exam—(Nelson Denny Reading Test—vocabulary & reading comprehension)
♦ The applicants are given 50 minutes to complete both sections (reading comprehension and vocabulary).
♦ The applicant is required to score a 109 or above in order to proceed to the Physical Abilities Test.
2. South Carolina Department of Public Safety [SCDPS—CJAP] Criminal Justice Academy Physical Abilities Test (PAT) Course Description
♦ The course measures a total of 870 feet (290 yards/265.2 meters).
♦ A time limit of two minutes six seconds (2:06).
♦ The course consists of a series of nine interspersed individual tasks, arranged in a continuous format that my be viewed as being essential (physical) job tasks for law enforcement training:
 (1) Running
(2) Jumping (low hurdle)
(3) Climbing stairs
(4) Low crawling
(5) Jumping (broad-type)
(6) Climbing a fence (chain-link/four feet)
(7) Climbing through a window
(8) Moving/dragging a weight (150 lbs.)
(9) Changing direction on the run
View a video of a candidate running through the Physical Abilities Test.
♦ The trainee starts the course at a point, indicated on the course map.
♦ The candidate runs one and ¾ laps around the perimeter of the course and enters the interior of the course at the point indicated on the course map.
♦ The first obstacle encountered consists of two low hurdles, one and a half feet high and four feet long, place 13 feet apart.
♦ After clearing the hurdles, stairs (five steps up to a 32-inch wide landing, 45 inches above the floor, and five steps down) must be negotiated twice (note that each step has a 7/5 inch rise and tread that is 11 inches wide)
♦ Once the star event is completed another low hurdle must be cleared; the trainee must then successfully negotiate a low crawl under an obstacle set at two feet above the floor.
♦ Make a turn and clear a ditch simulation that is six feet in width.
♦ After another turn, a chain link fence (four feet in height) must be success fully entered.
♦ Two additional turns made, and a four feet high window must be successfully entered.
♦ The candidate must then drag a 150-pound dead weight a distance of 20 feet.
♦ After the weight drag, the candidate exits the course, completes the final lap around the perimeter and finishes at the point indicated on the course map.
* Currently we utilize a reduced-scale version of the Criminal Justice Academy’s course due to space limitations.
3. Oral Interview
The Oral Interview will be before a three-person panel. The applicant must obtain a passing score of 60 or above in order to be placed on the eligibility list for hire.
4. Polygraph Examination
An applicant will be given a polygraph examination in order to determine that there is nothing in their past, which would make them unqualified to serve as a Police Officer. A history data booklet will be given for the applicant to complete to its entirety prior to the examination. The applicant will return the booklet for review and this booklet will be used during the scheduled examination. Please note that polygraph examinations conducted by this agency conform to the policy and procedures of this department, and the standards of practice of the American Polygraph Association. The following topics are subject to examination. Substance abuse issues, past illegal activity, previous employment, and all information submitted in your Personal History Data Booklet. Pending results from the examination, an applicant will either be notified of the next testing phase or sent a disqualification letter.
5. Psychological Examination
An applicant will be given a psychological examination (This examination may last three (3) to (4) hours) in order to determine whether an applicant is suitable or unsuitable for a police officer’s position. Based on the results, an applicant will either be notified of the next testing phase or sent a disqualification letter.
6. Background Investigation
This segment can be the most time consuming as it requires making contact with your family members, references, verifying previous employment as well as verifying all provided information. Upon completion of this phase, a summary of your background investigation along with all supporting documents is forwarded to the Director for review.
7. Public Safety Director’s Interview
The Director of Public Safety executes a final review of an applicant’s entire application file. Once an applicant has successfully completed all phases of the hiring process, the Director of Public Safety will conduct an interview with the applicant and approve or deny them for hire.
8. Medical Examination & Drug Test
The medical examination is given to determine if an applicant is free of medical disabilities that would prevent him from performing law enforcement duties. The drug test is given to test for illegal drug use. Based on the results, an applicant will either remain approved for hire or denied. |
