LATERAL-ENTRY SELECTION PROCESS
METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICER

TRIP 1

Applicants who qualify for lateral-entry will be notified by HPD via email to self-schedule for Trip 1. Trip 1 will require a 1 day stay in Honolulu and will include a Written Exam and Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
​Applicants are responsible for all travel and lodging.

WRITTEN EXAM
Applicants will take a timed, 115 question, multiple-choice exam which includes the following sections:
  • Observation and Memory
  • Written Communication
  • Reading/Understanding
  • Reasoning/Analytical Ability
Applicants must score a 70 or greater to pass. Applicants will receive their score via email at the conclusion of the exam. Applicants who do not score at least a 70 may re-apply and retake the entrance exam after six (6) months.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (PAT)
Applicants who pass the written exam must report to the PAT the next morning. All events must be passed in order to continue in the selection process. For a detailed overview of the PAT requirements and protocol, click here.
  • Agility Run - 18 seconds 
  • 300-Meter Run - 69 seconds
  • Push Ups - 30
  • Sit Ups - 30 in 1 minute
  • 1.5-Mile Run - 17 minutes 31 seconds
Should an applicant not successfully pass every event, they will be required to attend the very next PAT session and re-test only the events which they did not pass. If an applicant attempts the re-test and fails, or does not take advantage of the re-test opportunity, they will no longer be considered for the position and will need to submit a new application and restart the application process after six (6) months has passed from the written exam date.
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RETURN HOME

The steps within this section are all done online and do not require applicants physically be present in Honolulu.

PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS)
On the next business day following the PAT, applicants who pass will be given access to their online PHS. Applicants will have seven (7) days to submit an accurate and complete PHS. We highly recommend compiling the following information prior to making Trip 1:
  • Name, phone number, email address and/or physical address for:
    • ​All immediate family members (including ex-spouses and domestic partners)
    • 10-12 personal references (no previous supervisors or active HPD personnel)
    • All previous supervisors
    • All previous landlords
  • Employment information since first job
    • Business name, accurate dates of employment, position last held and duties.
  • Residential history since age 15
    • Complete addresses with accurate dates of residency.​

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Applicants who successfully submit their PHS will be assigned to one of our background investigators. The background investigator will contact applicants within two (2) months to conduct a phone interview and coordinate submission of required documents.

ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW
Applicants who clear the initial background investigation will be scheduled an online panel interview with the Human Resources Division's Selection Committee. 

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
Applicants who pass the complete background investigation and panel interview will be given a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE). A recruiter will coordinate Trip 2 dates at this time.

TRIP 2

Trip 2 will require you to be in Honolulu for 3 business days (Monday-Thursday/Friday) to complete all remaining steps of the selection process. ​Applicants are responsible for all travel and lodging.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM
Applicants will be scheduled to take a psychological exam which will last approximately 3-7 hours.

PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVIEW
Applicants will be scheduled for an interview with a licensed police psychologist to discuss the results of the psychological exam, previous mental health treatment, diagnosis and any other areas of concern.

POLYGRAPH EXAM
Applicants will take a polygraph exam to verify the accuracy of all information provided at previous steps of the selection process.  Applicants should expect the exam to last approximately 2-4 hours and should refrain from wearing a tie or long sleeve shirts.

MEDICAL EXAM
Applicants will take a medical exam conducted by the City's Health Services Department. ​

FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

After HPD receives notification that an applicant has cleared all Trip 2 steps, a recruitment officer will call the applicant to extend a final offer of employment for the next available accelerated lateral academy. ​Applicants are responsible for all relocation expenses.