How to Become a Police Officer in Wyoming

• Casper, Wyoming
• Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Gillette, Wyoming
• Laramie, Wyoming
• Rock Springs, Wyoming

Becoming a Police Officer in Casper, Wyoming

The Casper Police Department has close to 100 officers committed to professionalism, justice, and making the community safe for the approximately 60,000 citizens of Casper, Wyoming.

If you are interested in finding out how to become part of this organization as a Casper police officer, review the two-phased hiring process.

1. Casper Police Recruit Employment Requirements
2. Submit Application
3. WLE Physical Fitness Test and Practice Test
4. Written Test
5. Screening Interview and Background Investigation
6. Conditional Offer of Employment

Step 1. Casper Police Recruit Employment Requirements

• At least 21 years old
• High school graduate or have a G.E.D. certificate
• Valid Wyoming driver’s license
• U.S. citizen
• Have no prior felony convictions, ever had a restraining order for stalking or harassment or conviction for domestic abuse
• Ability to pass necessary qualifications to own a firearm

Step 2. Submit Application

All active job listings are listed on the City of Casper website at www.casperwy.gov. When the Casper Police Department is accepting applications, submit your application online through the City of Casper’s website. Information about testing dates and times will be posted under Police Recruiting and you should attend the next sessions. (Note that you will not receive confirmation regarding your application, but should still go to the test sites.)

For any questions, please contact the Casper Police Department at (307) 235-8472 or the Human Resources Department at 307-235-8344.

Step 3. WLE Physical Fitness Test and Practice Test

Candidates will be notified of the site and date of the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy Physical Fitness Test. You must present your driver’s license at the testing site.  You will be timed and the test will consist of performing sit ups and push-ups for one minute and running a mile and a half. Applicants must attain a passing score in the 40^th percentile. Individual entry level physical fitness requirements according to sex and age can be viewed here. A video of the test is available at: www.wleacademy.com.

It is advised that you dress appropriately for the test and keep in mind that Casper is at 5100 feet above sea level. It is strongly suggested that candidates practice taking the physical fitness test ahead of time at the department’s pre-assessment event, which is sometimes held several weeks before the fitness test itself.

Step 4. Written Test

If a candidate successfully passes the physical fitness test, they should be prepared to take the written test of the Wyoming Peace Officers and Standards (P.O.S.T.) the same day (sometimes an hour after taking the fitness exam). The test is of reading comprehension, grammar, problem solving, writing and math. Bring to the test:

• Driver’s license
• $35 fee for taking the written test (cash only)
• If an applicant has served in the military, they should bring a copy of their DD Form 214 or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

Step 5. Screening Interview and Background Investigation

Typically, this part of the hiring process is scheduled the day after for candidates who have successfully passed the physical agility and written tests. Priority is given to those applicants who are from out of town. A passing score is 75 percent or higher and those who pass will be given paperwork to begin their background investigation.

Step 6. Conditional Offer of Employment

Candidates who have made it this far will have a personal interview with the Chief of Police. The next step is taking a polygraph, and undergoing a medical examination, including a blood and drug screening, vision and audiology testing and x-rays, as well as a psychological assessment.

Those who have successfully passed all testing with the highest scores will be placed on an eligibility list and contacted as openings occur.

Becoming a Police Officer in Cheyenne, Wyoming

More than 100 law enforcement officers who proudly represent the Cheyenne Police Department serve the City of Cheyenne. Becoming one of Cheyenne’s police officers may take up to a year, from the initial application and testing to academy training. The hiring process itself can take anywhere from eight to 10 weeks.

Those who would like to see first-hand what law enforcement entails are encouraged to go on a ride-along with an officer. Although this is not a requirement, it’s a good way to see what the job involves.

If this sounds like the profession for you, follow these ten steps to become an officer in the Cheyenne Police Department.

1. Are you qualified?
2. Police Officer Application Packet
3. Take the written examination
4. Participate in an oral interview
5. Undergo a test of your physical ability
6. Background check
7. Interview with Chief of Police
8. Polygraph test
9. Psychological and medical examination
10. Attend Wyoming Police Academy

Step 1. Are you qualified?

• Be a U.S. citizen
• 21 years of age at time of hire
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• No felony or domestic violence convictions
• Become a resident of Laramie County

Step 2. Police Officer Application Packet

An application for employment with the City of Cheyenne and a Police Department Application Packet must be downloaded and filled out completely. You must submit your application, along with a copy of your birth certificate, your resume, a copy of your high school diploma and college transcript.

If you previously served in the military, you should include a copy of your DD214 as well. Before you can take the written examination, your application packet must be received at:

City of Cheyenne
Human Resources Division at
2101 O’Neil Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001,
For questions phone (307) 637-6340

Step 3. Take the written examination

When your application is on file with the Human Resources department, you may schedule an appointment to take the written examination by calling Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) at (307) 777-7181.  There will be a time limit for completing four multiple-choice examinations that include reading, writing, grammar and spelling and math skills.  You must present a valid Photo ID at the test site and be prepared to pay a $35 fee in cash.

Step 4. Undergo a test of your physical ability

The same day that you take your written examination, you may also have your physical fitness assessed. Please bring water and suitable clothing. It is important to keep in mind that Cheyenne, at 6,100 feet above sea level, can be a strenuous environment for a fitness test. It is important to prepare yourself, since many applicants do not pass on their first try. It’s a good idea to refer to your Police Officer Application packet for the Cooper’s physical fitness standards.

Step 5. Participate in an oral interview

Candidates will be interviewed at the Cheyenne Police Headquarters. One of the questions to expect is why you want to be a police officer.

Step 6. Background check

At this point in the hiring process, an intensive investigation into a candidate’s background will be undertaken. It is important to be completely honest in filling out your application.

Step 7. Interview with Chief of Police

The Chief of Police will interview promising candidates to determine if they meet the standards and requirements of the Cheyenne Police Department.

Step 8. Polygraph test

Candidates will next take a polygraph test.

Step 9. Psychological and medical examination

A physician will conduct a medical examination and a psychologist or psychiatrist will evaluate candidates as well. A drug screening will be taken at some point.

Step 10. Attend Wyoming Police Academy

Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility registry. (Please refer to the Preference Points information in the Application Packet). The best candidates will receive an offer of employment and be sent to a P.O.S.T.-certified Academy for law enforcement training.

Becoming a Police Officer in Gillette, Wyoming

The duties of a police officer in Gillette, Wyoming may range from patrolling the city to proactively deter criminal activities to responding to calls for assistance or conducting investigations. Here are the steps to employment, including the basic requirements to testing to the offer of employment.

1. Gillette Police Officer Qualifications
2. Application and Personal History Statement
3. Law Enforcement Testing
4. Employment

Step 1. Gillette Police Officer Qualifications

• High school graduate or have a G.E.D. certificate
• 21 years of age or older
• Physical conditioning necessary to perform law enforcement duties
• Vision correctable to 20/20 and normal hearing
• Ability to use of weapons
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Valid Wyoming driver’s license
• United States citizen
• No visible tattoos when dressed in uniform or normal business clothing

Step 2. Application and Personal History Statement

Complete a City of Gillette application and Personal History Statement, also available on the website at www.ci.gillette.wy.us/employ. Please note that the personal history statement must be completed in your own handwriting. Your personal history statement must include a one-page statement on why you would like to join the Gillette Police Department, including why you believe you qualify.

Submit your application to the City of Gillette Human Resources Department, 201 E 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82717.

Step 3. Law Enforcement Testing

After the closing date for applications, candidates selected to be interviewed and tested will be contacted with details. Those not deemed qualified will be notified by mail.

At testing, candidates must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate, copy of driver’s license, social security card, high school diploma and college transcripts, and copies of military records and DD214 and evaluations.

Testing will cover:

• Physical fitness for law enforcement duties (cardiovascular endurance, set-ups and push-ups within a timed interval). For example, a police officer must be physically capable of lifting or dragging something that weighs up to 200 pounds.
• Oral board interview
• Polygraph
• Drug screen
• Medical and psychological examinations

Step 4. Employment

New police recruits are considered probationary for one (1) year. During that period, you are required to complete a sixteen-week field training program and typically attend the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy training. Additionally, within one (1) year of employment, they must become certified by the State of Wyoming Police Officer Standards and Training (POST).

After the probationary period, your law enforcement career path may include detective, school resource or community service officer, or supervisory/management positions such as Corporal, Sergeant, or Lieutenant.

Becoming a Police Officer in Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie is a mid-size college town in southeastern Wyoming with law enforcement protection services provided by the Laramie Police Department. The Laramie Police Department provides services related to crime prevention and education, as well as patrol and special response services.  The LPD prides itself on its state-of-the-art approach to police work and is proud of its reputation.

This guide gives those who are interested in learning how to become a police officer in Laramie helpful information in a step-by-step guide that describes the hiring process in six steps:

1. Qualifications Required of a LPD Officer
2. Download, Complete and Submit the Police Officer Hiring Packet
3. Schedule P.O.S.T. Examination
4. Physical Assessment
5. Interview, Background Check, and Medical Exams
6. Laramie Police Officer Recruit

Step 1. Qualifications Required of a LPD Officer

All prospective candidates should be at least 21 years old, have earned at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate, and have a valid Wyoming driver’s license. A candidate should have no prior felony convictions, including domestic violence.

Step 2. Download, Complete and Submit the Police Officer Hiring Packet

If you’re interested in applying for the Laramie Police Officer Recruit eligibility list, visit the Employment section of the City of Laramie website and download and complete the following:

• City of Laramie Employment application
• Supplemental application for Police Department Positions
• Laramie Police Department Hiring Packet

Applications cannot be emailed but must be submitted by mail or in person, along with all supporting information, to the City of Laramie HR Office on Ivinson Street in Laramie.

Step 3. Schedule P.O.S.T. Examination

The next step is to contact the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (P.O.S.T.) organization and make an appointment to take the P.O.S.T. general knowledge examination, which will cover reading comprehension, communication and general mathematics. The phone number at P.O.S.T. is (307) 777-7718. The fee to take the exam will be $35, payable in cash (no credit cards or checks accepted). Your results will be valid for 12 months.

Step 4. Physical Assessment

Your level of physical fitness will be assessed to determine if you are capable of handling the duties of a police officer. Your fitness levels of cardiovascular endurance, strength, and range of motion, as well as body weight in proportion to height will be evaluated.

Here is specific information on the required physical fitness standards:

• Male Standards by Age (pdf)
• Female Standards by Age (pdf)

Step 5. Interview, Background Check and Medical Exams

Those applicants whose scores are acceptable will be contacted by someone from the Laramie Police Department to schedule a personal interview. Those considered potential candidates will undergo a thorough investigation into their background (which includes driving records), as well as pre-employment medical and psychological evaluations.

Step 6. Laramie Police Officer Recruit

Successful candidates are placed on the Laramie Police Officer Recruit eligibility list. New police recruits will undergo approximately eight months of training, including academy and field training.

Becoming a Police Officer in Rock Springs, Wyoming

The Rock Springs Police Department enforces the laws and ordinances of the City of Rock Springs and the State of Wyoming, as well as Federal laws.

For those interested in becoming a police officer in Rock Springs, the Police Civil Service Commission handles the process by maintaining a roster of eligible candidates. The following guide provides an overview of the steps necessary to secure jobs with the Rock Springs Police Department.

1. Meet Minimum Eligibility requirements
2. Fill Out and Submit Application Packet
3. Pass the Written P.O.S.T. test
4. Pass Physical Fitness Performance Test
5. Oral Board Interview
6. Polygraph and Background Investigation
7. New Hires

Step 1. Meet Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• At least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Good physical condition and of good moral stature
• U.S. citizen (OK if you are a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship)
• Valid driver’s license from Wyoming
• No felony convictions or convictions for domestic violence or sexual assault
• No “hard” drug use within 60 months of application (Schedule I or II controlled substance)
• No “soft” drug use, such as marijuana, within 36 months of application

Step 2. Fill Out and Submit Application Packet

An application packet for Rock Springs police officer can be downloaded or found on the employment section of the City of Rock Springs website or at the Rock Springs City Hall located at 212 D Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901. This packet contains an application, along with a Personal History Statement form that you must complete by writing in black ink or by typing.  The date applications are due will be posted online. Along with the application forms, submit copies of your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, diplomas, marriages/divorces verifications, and for those who have served in the military, the DD214 form.

Note: Candidates who successfully pass the screening process must have original copies college and university transcripts sent by the school itself to the Rock Springs Department.

Step 3. Pass the Written P.O.S.T. Test

Typically held in the morning, the written POST test is a pass/fail test that covers  things like vocabulary, reading comprehension, reasoning, report writing  and math ability.

Step 4. Pass Physical Fitness Performance Test

Applicants that pass the written test in the morning will be eligible to take the physical fitness test in the afternoon, the same day. This test is also on a pass or fail basis. Athletic clothing is recommended since candidates will be performing sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5 mile run within a specified period of time. Those that pass will receive the time and place to report for the next step in the hiring process, which is the oral board interview.

Step 5. Oral Board Interview

Typically held the next day at City Hall, candidates will be asked questions about their application and Personal History Statement, including why they want to become a law enforcement officer. Those that pass will advance in the hiring process.

Step 6. Polygraph and Background Investigation

Assuming you pass the interview, you’ll then submit to a polygraph exam.

The background investigation will be thorough, and persons you know may be asked questions such as if you are suitable to become a law enforcement officer.

For more information about testing contact (307) 352-1500.

Step 7. New Hires

Those candidates who have passed all steps in the hiring process will be placed on an eligibility list. The Rock Springs Chief of Police will interview and select new police recruits as openings occur.

New recruits will attend training at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy located in Douglas, Wyoming. After successfully passing the training, they will next undergo a 14-week Field Training Program in Rock Springs.

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