Application process

Application process In order to be appointed as a Police Officer with the Omaha Police Department, a candidate must successfully pass the different steps in the examination process.

Written Examination

All eligible candidates will be given a paper and pencil test designed to measure the candidate's ability to successfully fulfill the duties of a Police Officer. Candidates scoring below the minimum pass/fail point will NOT be eligible to continue with the selection process for the position of Police Officer. The written test score will be factored into the final score.

Depending on the number of vacancies, candidates may be invited to participate in the following procedures:

Physical Agility Examination

The nature of Police work calls for strenuous physical activity. This test measures physical strength, endurance and agility, is graded on a pass/fail basis and will not be factored into the final score.

Video-Based Human Relations and Judgment Test

This video is designed to measure the specific skills required of a Police Officer such as dependability, situational reasoning, initiative and interpersonal skills.

The test is very straightforward. You will watch a video segment and then choose the best course of action in a multiple-choice format. This test is presented on video and the items play without stopping. You will have 10 seconds to answer each question.

Writing Skills Test

Candidates will be required to complete a writing skills test which is designed to measure a candidate's skill in spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure and content. This test will be graded and factored into the final score.

Final Score/Ranking

Upon successful completion of the written examination, the physical agility, the video-based human relations and judgment test, and the writing skill tests, candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on this eligibility list will be based on a combined statistical weighting of the above-mentioned scores.

Background Investigation

An in-depth background investigation will be completed on each candidate who progresses to the final phase of the selection process. Each candidate will be required to complete a detailed background questionnaire. Falsifying information or deliberate omissions may cause the candidate to be disqualified.

This investigation will include gathering information on financial, military, educational, employment, traffic, and criminal histories. Listed below are some of the items which may disqualify a candidate. This list may be used to determine the suitability of a personal background.

Please note that this list is provided for the purpose of example and is not all-inclusive.

Felony convictions: Candidates with a felony conviction will be automatically disqualified (as outlined in Nebraska State Statute 81-1410).
Criminal and traffic records: Will be checked. This includes items such as driving while under the influence (DUI) or driving during suspension of license.
Poor employment history: i.e., fired from several jobs, excessive absences/tardiness, and long-term unemployment. Unexplained gaps in employment record. History of unexplained accidents.
Lack of high school diploma or G.E.D.
History of drug and/or alcohol abuse:
A punitive discharge from the military.
A conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence: As mandated by the federal government, individuals who have been convicted of any crime of domestic violence are automatically disqualified.