If not disqualified by reason of any required prior examination and evaluation, the applicant shall be subject to a suitability screener and polygraph examination conducted by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; and a comprehensive personal background investigation which shall be conducted by the Chief of Police or his appointed agent.
(A) Suitability screener.
(1) If not disqualified by reason of any required prior examination and evaluation, the applicant shall submit to suitability screening consistent with the Peace Officer Professional Standards and Certification Act. This screening measures a broad spectrum of abilities, personal characteristics, and related constructs such as integrity, conscientiousness, and vocational preference, which are relevant to job related duties. Overall, the test is designed to provide additional screening information to agency executives about an applicant's suitability or unsuitability to become a Kentucky peace officer.
(2) Applicant will be provided with web address and a password and shall completely fill out the on-line Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Upon completing the PHQ, the applicant will print one copy for his/her file, one copy for the KLEC, and one copy for the Ashland Police Department. The applicant shall hand-carry the copy for the KLEC and the copy for the Ashland Police Department to the test site on the day of the suitability screening test. Information provided on this form should be current, not exceeding 60 days from the date of the applicant's signature. The applicant shall also submit a legitimate form of photo I.D. when reporting for the suitability screener.
(3) There is no time limit for completing the suitability screener. Usually the test takes anywhere from two and one half to five hours to complete. So as not to feel rushed, the applicant is instructed not to schedule other activities on the day of the testing that would interfere with time required to complete the suitability screener.
(4) Each applicant's completed suitability screening test is mailed to Law Enforcement Services, Incorporated (LESI) for review and analysis. The suitability report addresses findings in three performance rating areas: intellectual ability; vocational preference and background; and, personality and psychological adjustment. At the end of the report is a final statement indicating the suitability or unsuitability of the applicant to become a Kentucky peace officer. If applicant is considered unsuitable, he/she will no longer be considered for the position.
(B) Psychological evaluation. Appointment to police trainee or probationary police officer for a certified officer is made contingent upon the candidate successfully passing the suitability screener administered by the KLEC. This testing uses procedures that are valid, constructive, and nondiscriminatory. Candidates will also be screened by a qualified professional psychologist or psychiatrist who will provide a report to the Chief of Police on the candidate's fitness for duty.
(C) Personal background investigation.
(1) The Chief of Police or his appointed agent shall contact references indicated on the application and on the PHQ and personal evaluations of the applicant shall be noted by the Chief of Police or his appointed agent.
(2) Further investigation shall be made relating to the applicant's:
(a) Educational background;
(b) Past employment history;
(c) Personal background as such relates to the position applied for;
(d) Credit standing;
(e) Criminal records; and
(f) Any other relative information discovered during the course of investigation or which might relate to the applicant’s qualification for the position applied for.
(3) Such investigation shall be continued until all elements of the personal background investigation have been verified or disproved. The Chief of Police or his appointed agent shall prepare a written record of all findings which shall be reviewed and evaluated. The Chief of Police shall make a recommendation to the City Manager as to the applicant's fitness for the position applied for.
(D) Polygraph. Consistent with the implementation of the Peace Officer Professional Standards and Certification Act, each applicant shall be required to complete a polygraph examination which shall be conducted by a polygraph examiner provided by the KLEC. The polygraph examiner will prepare a report to the Chief of Police.
(Ord. 174, 2022, passed 11-17-22; Am. Ord. 86, 2023, passed 6-23-23)