Page Two
Lateral Entry Hiring Process (Continued)
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Background Questionnaire and Investigation:
After successful completion of the physical assessment, applicants will complete a background questionnaire. Once the questionnaire has been returned to the police academy, a background investigation will be initiated.
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Controlled Substance Screening: Applicants will be required to submit to controlled substance screening in the form of urinalysis at some point during the selection.
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Oral Board: A series of questions will be asked to determine skill levels in verbal communication, problem solving and overall demeanor.
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Polygraph: A series of questions will be asked covering: Personal Background, Professional Background and Drug Usage.
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MMPI - Psychological Evaluation: A series of questions will be asked to determine the mental stability of applicants.
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Medical Examination: Applicants will undergo a complete medical examination given by a licensed physician.
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Firearms Qualifications:
Applicants will fire their duty weapon in the NMDPS prescribed firearms qualification courses-Day/Night. Passing score of 80% required.
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Hiring Process:
The expected duration of the hiring process is affected by a number of factors. Completing the entire process could take a few weeks to several months. Each phase of the above testing procedures must be successfully passed in order to move on to the next phase of testing.
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Explanation of Benefits
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| Wage: Salary ranges between $41,510.26 - $47,620.78 |
Vacation:
0-1 Years of Service - 40 Hours per Year
2-3 Years of Service - 80 Hours per Year
4-10 Years of Service - 120 Hours per Year
11+ Years of Service - 160 Hours per Year |
Stand By/On-Call Pay:
Compensation paid to the employee in addition to the hourly base rate to individuals required to standby.
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Tuition Reimbursement Program:
The City of Las Cruces encourages its employees to attend school if they believe it will help their careers. Employees pursuing a college level education which is directly job related, may on a first-come, first-serve basis, be reimbursed for all or a portion of tuition fees.
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Retirement Plan:
The City of Las Cruces is a member of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) of New Mexico.
Police officers contribute 16.30% of their salary to PERA,
the City of Las Cruces contributes 18.5% to PERA.
Police officers are eligible to retire:
At 20 years at 70% of their highest 3 consecutive years base rate.
At 22 years, 11 months at 80% of their highest 3 consecutive years base rate. |
Overtime Pay:
Officers working more than 40 hours per week are eligible to receive 1.5 times the base pay rate.
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Uniform/Equipment Issue:
Las Cruces Police Department provides uniforms, equipment and firearm. |
New Mexico State University is located in Las Cruces. More than 20,000 students are enrolled which adds to the population of the city. A fine Criminal Justice degree program is available to those who wish to enhance their careers as law enforcement officers.
Once the lateral entry officer has successfully completed the probationary year, the officer may be eligible to pursue a career opportunity in a specialized area such as:
Gang Task Force
Criminal Investigations
K-9 Handler
Narcotics Enforcement
Traffic/DWI Enforcement
Hostage Negotiations Team
S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics)
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