Certified Police Officer | Suffolk Police Careers

Completion of Online Application

You will complete the initial application online. Click here to be taken to the application site.

Physical Ability Test

There are three events in the Physical Ability Test:

Obstacle Course

Sled Push

Dummy Drag

This video provides a visual of all three events in the Physical Ability Test.

Event Descriptions

Event One – Obstacle Course

Balance Beam
12 Small Hurdles, Unevenly Spaced
Clear a 3ft Wall
25 Stair Steps
50 Yard Sprint
Clear a 4ft Wall
Jump a 4ft Ditch
50 Yard Sprint
Clear a 5ft Wall
Go Through a Short Tunnel
Jump a 3ft Ditch
25 Stair Steps

You will have 2 minutes and 30 seconds to complete this event.

Event Two – Sled Push

You will place your hands on the “shoulders” of the sled and push it a total of 10 feet. You must keep your hands on the dummy. You cannot let go, or back up and “hit” the dummy.

You will have 20 seconds to complete this event.

Event Three – Dummy Drag

You will grab the 165-pound dummy by its underarms and/or belt/strap and drag it from its position across a designated line for a distance of 20 feet. You will need to make sure the entire dummy is across the marked line. If you stop before ensuring the dummy is across the line, you will be instructed to pick it back up and drag it across the line while time is still running.

You will have 17 seconds to complete this event.

Completion of Background Questionnaire

The Background form is a comprehensive questionnaire about your entire life. It is imperative that this form be filled out completely and accurately. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

One-on-One Background Review

You will meet with a background investigator who will review your completed background form during a one-on-one interview. This interview may take one to two hours.

Oral Board

You will meet with a panel of interviewers consisting of three Department personnel members.

Polygraph Test

You will complete a polygraph test to confirm the information you provided in your background form. This test is conducted by a qualified polygraph examiner.

Interview with the Chief of Police

You will have a one-on-one interview with the Chief of Police, or their designee.

Conditional Offer of Employment

After successfully completing the above requirements, you will be offered a Conditional Offer of Employment. After accepting the offer of employment, you will complete a Medical Examination and a Psychological Evaluation.

Medical Examination

You will undergo a comprehensive medical examination by a licensed physician at a predetermined medical facility.

Psychological Evaluation

You will have a psychological evaluation conducted and interpreted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

Hire Date Selection

Hire dates are the 7th and 22nd of each month, or next business day. You will be able to select your start date prior to the beginning of the Police Academy.