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Phase 2: Background Investigation and Polygraph Exam

Candidates who pass the initial testing phases move to the Background Investigation and Polygraph Exam phase. The Police Department conducts thorough background checks, including criminal and driving history records, educational and employment history, and personal interviews with various references. Candidates not eliminated during this investigatory process proceed to the polygraph exam, which evaluates truthfulness regarding provided information and involvement in illegal activities. The polygraph exam serves as an investigative tool and is conducted before the conclusion of the background investigation.

Frequently asked Questions

The CBPD serves and protects the community of Council Bluffs, which comprises over 62,000 residents and businesses. It operates within the greater Omaha metro area, enforcing city, state, and federal traffic and criminal laws.
Yes, candidates must live within 60 miles (according to Google Maps) of the police department located at 1 Ezra Jackson Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

Yes, officers have the opportunity to join the Fraternal Order of Police Union, specifically FOP Lodge 1

  • This phase includes a thorough background investigation covering criminal history, driving records, employment history, interviews with various individuals, and a polygraph exam to assess truthfulness.
  • Under investigation or indictment for a felony offense
  • Commission or admission of felony, aggravated misdemeanor, or crime involving moral turpitude
  • Conviction for a crime of domestic violence
  • Certain juvenile criminal behavior
  • Specific traffic violations
  • Failure to obtain a valid driver’s license upon appointment
  • Providing false information during the selection process
  • Involvement in the sale, manufacture, or transportation for sale of any scheduled drug or narcotic
  • Recent use or ingestion of scheduled drugs, narcotics, or steroids
  • Dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Any offer of employment requires the candidate to sign an agreement for reimbursement of training expenses and cost of specialized personal equipment. This agreement stipulates that if a Police Officer voluntarily terminates employment within the first five years, they must reimburse the City on a pro-rata basis for certain costs as described in City policy 211:1, Termination of Employment.
  • Juvenile criminal behavior may be considered for disqualification, particularly if the offense involved serious injury to another, sexual assault, use of a deadly weapon, or if the applicant was tried and convicted as an adult for a felony committed as a juvenile.
  • The Physical Agility Examination is the first phase of testing, developed and mandated by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. All candidates, except currently certified peace officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, are required to take this exam. The exam assesses candidates’ physical fitness, and only those who pass are eligible to proceed further in the testing process. The test consists of mile and half run, maximum pushups in a minute, and maximum sit-ups in a minute. Iowa Law Enforcement Academy used the Copper standards to evaluate the scores.
  • The Written Examination is the second phase of testing and is required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Candidates are given a recommended amount of time to complete the exam, typically about 2 hours. All applicants must begin testing at the same time, and late arrivals are ineligible to participate. Candidates who score 70% or above on each section of the exam are eligible to proceed in the testing process.
  • Yes, candidates who are currently certified peace officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy are not required to attend either the Physical Agility Examination or the Written Examination. Additionally, successful Stanard & Associates POST scores may be used in lieu of retesting for the Written Examination.
  • Traffic violations are generally excluded from disqualification, with specific exceptions such as DUI offenses within three years from the date of application and certain serious traffic violations within 24 months prior to the application.
  • Yes, bilingual officers receive an additional $25.00 per paycheck as compensation for their language skills.

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