Join the Burlington Police Department
This profession requires commitment and excellence in every way. We are seeking talented individuals who can thrive in a service-oriented career. In return, we give them the support, training and compensation needed to be successful.
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We encourage our officers to use their experience and good judgment to find creative solutions to the situations they encounter on the job daily.
We are a family-friendly organization which supports our officers’ needs at work and at home.
Now hiring for the
2025 academies
The
Hiring Process
1
LETTER OF INTENT, RESUME & CITY APPLICATION
Submission of a letter of intent, your resume and the City of Burlington Application (visit link below) is the first step in the hiring process.
2
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING DATE
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone upon receipt of the above listed documents. We will notify you and schedule you for a mutually agreeable testing date at the Vermont Police Academy or BPD.
3
TESTING
1) Physical Test
The physical fitness test consists of a timed 500 meter row sprint and a 1.5 mile run. To pass this portion, applicants must score at the 50th percentile or above. Applicants passing the physical fitness assessment will advance to the psychological exam.
Applicants failing any portion of the physical fitness assessment will be allowed two (2) re-tests to be conducted on a different day. Applicants re-testing will be required to complete all portions of the physical fitness assessment.
2) The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 3 (MMPI)
The MMPI is a Psychological examination that measures a person’s suitability for law enforcement employment. The MMPI consists of 335 true/false questions and will be assessed by the department's psychological expert. The physical fitness test and MMPI-3 are administered on the same day.
The PHQ is a comprehensive questionnaire, which outlines a candidates personal information, previous work experience, education and their financial background. This document will be provided to applicant after PT test is passed and the MMPI is completed. The PHQ must be returned to the department with all required supporting documentation. Detail is essential here. Omissions, no matter how small, could disqualify the applicant.
PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE (PHQ)
4
PANEL INTERVIEW
5
Each applicant advancing to the panel interview will be given 30 minutes to complete a written exemplar. After review, applicant will be interviewed and evaluated by three employees within the Department. Professional business attire is encouraged (i.e. business suit, tie and dress shoes).
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Conditional Offer of Employment: After careful review and consideration of applicant materials, test scores and panel interviews, selected applicants are given a “Conditional Offer of Employment”. These applicants are invited to continue in the selection process and complete the remaining test phases.
POLYGRAPH EXAM
6
During the polygraph evaluation, information gathered from all applicant materials and panel interview responses will be verified. Emphasis is placed on illegal drug use/abuse, detected and undetected criminal conduct, and misrepresentation of information given during the previous test phases.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
7
A careful review of the applicant’s materials, test results, panel interview, polygraph evaluation and psychological evaluation is conducted by a BPD investigator. During the Background Investigation, an applicant’s references, employers, schools, co-workers, and other sources are contacted and interviewed. Information obtained in the Background Investigation may be compared with information provided by the applicant. Any false or misleading information provided by the applicant may disqualify the applicant.
COMMAND REVIEW
8
After completing the Background Investigation, a file is created for the applicant that includes applicant's: letter of intent, resume, City of Burlington Application, Physical Fitness test results, MMPI results, completed PHQ, written sample, panel interview responses, polygraph results, and Background Investigation findings. This file is given to the Chief of Police and two Deputy Chiefs for feedback and review to make their final decision.
MEDICAL EXAM
9
Per the City of Burlington, all employees (sworn and civilian) are required to complete a Medical Examination at Champlain Medical Urgent Care. This is to ensure employees are able to perform their required job duties. This will be covered by the City of Burlington and at no charge to the employee.
You're Hired!
Upcoming Testing Dates
Contact Recruitment to Schedule a Test Date
