The first step in the hiring process is the written examination administered by the Human Resources Department of the City of Las Cruces. Applicants must successfully pass this examination to qualify for the police recruit eligibility list. Test scores are provided after the examination. Upon successful completion of the written examination, applicants are invited to demonstrate their physical condition during the physical assessment test usually administered the next day.

Applicants are given a comprehensive Personal History Questionaire to complete which will be used for the background investigation. The following testing procedures must then be successfully completed:

• Background Investigation
• Oral Review Board
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Examination & Interview
• Complete Medical Examination
• Drug Screen

Once hired, police recruits attend the Las Cruces Police Academy, a State accredited Law Enforcement Officer Basic Training Academy. Recruits attend the police academy 10 hours per day, four days per week with Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays off. With an emphasis on physical conditioning, the recruit also receives instruction in a variety of law enforcement topics.

Upon graduation from the police academy, the new officer is assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) as part of the Field Training & Evaluation Program, a 14 week phase of on-the-job training. During this phase, the new officer is instructed and closely supervised by various FTO's. The new officer is on probationary status for one year from the date of graduation from the police academy.