Application Process

Step 1.Submit an application

1. Review the minimum qualifications
   • Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications:
     • Must be a United States citizen.
     • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of interview, and no greater than 44 years of age at the time of interview.
     • Associate's degree or at least 60 semester hours of college credits from an accredited institution; or two years of certified law enforcement experience; or two years of military experience; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.
     • Has not unlawfully used any prescribed drug, controlled substance, or marijuana within one year before the time of application for certification.
     • Must have no convictions of any crime by any state or federal government punishable by imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary.
     • Must possess or be able to obtain prior to hire a valid driver's license.
     • Must have vision correctable to at least 20/40 in each eye. Must recognize and distinguish among the colors of traffic control signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
     • Must have hearing in which able to hear forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid, or does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid.
     • Applicant must pass all phases of the hiring process designated by the Rules of Civil Service Board.
2. Submit your application for the Police Officer position
   1. Include supporting documents such as resume, cover letter, transcripts, degree, certifications, or DD214.

Step 2.Phase 1 Testing

1. Application and oral interview.
2. 1-hour interview slot offered in-person or virtually; 2-3 times monthly.

Timeline approximately one to two months
Once you have applied, a candidacy decision will be made no later than 2-weeks from your application date. The hiring authority reviews and screens applicants multiple times a week, and the team prides itself on fast acting communication, updates, and processing. If selected for the interview phase, the SFPD Talent Acquisition Coordinator will extend a verbal phone call to confirm logistics, and will set up a date and time with you based on applicable availability.

Step 3.Conditional job offer

1. Candidates who receive a passing score on the interview will receive a conditional job offer. A final offer is dependent on passing all pre-employment screenings, and the number of actual open positions.

Step 4.Complete all documents for Phase 2 Testing

1. Background Authorization
2. Credit Authorization
3. Applicant Notice of Drug Testing
4. Consent to Pre-Employment Physical Examination and Release of Medical information
5. Personal History Statement - Police Officer
6. I9-Form and Driver’s License Verification Statement

If not for extenuating circumstances, candidates extended a conditional offer will be administered a 2-week timeline to complete background paperwork. All of which may be submitted electronically via hyperlinks that will be provided by the SFPD Talent Acquisition Coordinator.

Personal History Statement
The information you provide will be used in the background investigation to assist in determining your suitability for the position of a Sioux Falls Police Officer.

• Completing the form: It is your responsibility to complete this form and provide all required information. If you are filling out a printed copy, neatly print in blue or black ink. You must respond to all items and questions. If a question does not apply to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) in the space provided for your response. If you need more space for any response, use the last page of this form (page 27) and identify the additional information by the question number. Send the completed form to Human Resources.
• Disqualification: There are very few automatic bases for rejection. Even issues of prior misconduct, such as prior illegal drug use, driving under the influence, theft, or even arrest or conviction are usually not, in and of themselves, automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate misstatements or omissions can and often will result in your application being rejected, regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatements/omissions. In fact, the number one reason individuals "fail" background investigations is because they deliberately withhold or misrepresent job-relevant information from their prospective employer.
  • Section 1, Personal information: name, address, citizenship
  • Section 2, Relatives and References: include 6-8 people who know you well, such as close personal relationships, social and family friends, teachers, military colleagues, and/or coworkers. Do NOT include relatives, employers, housemates, or any individuals listed elsewhere.
  • Section 3, Education: Diplomas, certifications.
  • Section 4, Residence History: Residences during the last 10 years or since age 15 and roommate contact information.
  • Section 5, Experience and Employment: All jobs, volunteer positions, military assignments, period of unemployment greater than 30 days and complete information on other agencies where you have applied.
  • Section 6, Military Experience: Selective Service and details related to any military service.
  • Section 7, Financial: Monthly income and living expenses.
  • Section 8, Legal: any criminal history and use of illegal drugs.
  • Section 9, Motor Vehicle Information: Driver's license and insurance.
  • Section 10, Other topics: Information related to concealed weapons, gang or advocacy groups, domestic violence, anger and tattoos.

Step 5.Phase 2 Testing

Candidates may go through the following screenings: background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, medical examination. Candidates must pass each test to continue to the next screening. However, the background investigation will run concurrently to your appointments and will not finalize until after all testing has been successfully completed.

Timeline: approximately 1.5 to 2.5 months depending on multiple factors, including the number of open positions actually available. Candidates must pass each test to move to the next test. Failure to pass any screening will result in the withdrawal from the process and a one year wait time before reapplication.

• Psychological Examination:
  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Details: Complete multiple assessments, including the MMPI2 and an interview with the psychological examiner.
• Polygraph and Background Interview:
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Details: polygraph examination and interview with background investigator.
  • Information provided on your Personal History Statement will be addressed in your background investigation as well as in the polygraph examination. It is imperative that you are forthright in answering all questions and do not minimize any of your responses.Fingerprinting, I-9, and Equipment Fitting:
• Fingerprinting, I-9, and Equipment Fitting:
  • Upon arrival at the Law Enforcement Center, and before administration of your Polygraph Exam, the SFPD team will work with you to submit fingerprints as is a requirement for processing your candidacy with the State of South Dakota.
  • After completion of your Polygraph Exam, if you pass successfully, please proceed to Human Resources at City Hall to provide copies of your I-9 documentation.
  • Once you've provided I-9 documents, please proceed to the Public Safety Campus to work with the training division on securing your equipment/belt measurements. Please note, if you are taking an 8am Poly, we’ll ask you do both after your exam. If taking a 1pm Poly, we’ll ask you do both prior to your exam. (more details will be shared about these individual expectations, as part of your appointment confirmation messaging once you are to this point in the process).

• Medical Examination:
  • Duration: 4 hours. Includes testing at two different sites.
  • Details:
    • Job Function Test: based on physical demands of the job description as outlined in the job description
    • Physical exam and Health History: Respiratory Questionnaire, Audio and Vision test, Lab and blood tests, and Drug screen
    • EKG Stress test

Step 6.Hire Date

Hire Dates are established based on the needs of the department and available positions. Contact Human Resources at 605-367-8740 for more information about hire dates.