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Do you have what it takes?

Want to be a Covington Police officer? The deadline for applying to take the first exam is July 26.

 

Covington Police exam to be held this summer 

COVINGTON, Ky. - Are you looking for a rewarding career where you get to solve problems and help people every day?
 
Do you want to be an ambassador for your community?
 
Then consider this your call to action.
 
This summer, Covington Police are looking for qualified individuals who want to protect and serve their community with honor and professionalism. Applications are open until July 26 for the written exam to be held Aug. 17.
 
“Being a police officer is a fun, exciting career where you can see results through helping your fellow citizens,” said Covington Police Chief Rob Nader.
 
The requirements:
Because of the demanding nature of police work, applicants go through rigorous physical and mental tests, and there are several requirements to apply. For example, you must:
  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Have completed at least 30 credit hours at an accredited college or university with a “C” average, and/or have a minimum of two years of continuous active duty in the military with an honorable discharge, and/or have been a full-time police officer for at least two continuous years.
  • Have a driver’s license.
  • And not have any prior felony convictions or prohibitions to carry a firearm. 
For all the minimum requirements, see HERE.
 
The process:
  • If you meet the requirements, you first must apply for the police entrance exam at the above link.
  • Upon passing the entrance exam, candidates undergo more tests, including a physical and agility test, psychological screening, polygraph test, oral interview, background examination, and medical and drug testing.
  • Those who pass the above tests will enter an eligibility pool for up to two years. When there’s an opening, the department and City Commission choose an officer from that pool.
  • If selected, you are made a conditional officer and sworn in before advancing to the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Basic Police Academy, a 20-week program where you’ll learn the law and how to enforce it.
  • Then, you’ll begin the Field Officers Training program, a 20- to 22-week program where you’ll receive on-the-job training with veteran officers and rotate through different shifts. From there, you’ll be assigned a shift on an “as needed” basis until shifts are decided each October based on seniority and need. 
Openings:
The Covington Police force currently has 114 uniformed officer positions, with 111 of those filled. As more officers are becoming eligible for retirement, Nader estimates the department may have six to 10 additional openings over the next two years.
 
“There is always opportunity for the best candidates,” the chief said. “If you value justice, integrity, and compassion, we encourage you to join our team.”
 
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