Selection Process for Civilian Employees

Application Submittal

Complete and submit a City of Tustin employment application.

Application Review

Your application will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for the position.

Written Examination

A California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) written examination will be required for qualifying candidates. This test is designed to measure skills associated with reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. Prior knowledge of law enforcement is not required to pass the examination. Please allow up to three hours to complete the examination. For testing preparation visit POST - Entry-Level Test Battery FAQs.

Oral Interview

Applicants who pass the written examination may be invited to participate in an oral interview. This interview will last approximately 30 minutes, and will be used to evaluate the applicant's communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.

Eligibility List

Applicants who are successful in the oral interview will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year. Applicants may be selected from the eligibility list and invited to participate in the background process.

Background Process

Civilians are entrusted with the responsibility of preserving public safety for residents and visitors of Tustin. Applicants will be asked to complete a pre-polygraph questionnaire, and an extensive background investigation packet, including a Personal History Statement form which can be accessed from POST - Background / Hiring Forms. The applicant will be fingerprinted, and, if it appears that the background standards have been met, the candidate will undergo an extensive background investigation.

Background Investigation

The community of Tustin has a right to expect, and demand honesty, integrity, dependability, and truthfulness from the men and women who are to serve as police employees. The background investigation will include:

  • Checks of employment
  • Educational
  • Financial
  • Military records
  • Police

Interviews

Investigators will interview

  • Co-workers
  • Employers
  • Family members
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • Supervisors
  • Those with whom the applicant lives currently or in the past

Duration

The background takes approximately two months to complete the investigation.

Polygraph Exam

As part of the background investigation, applicants will also participate in a polygraph examination (lie detector). The examiner will determine the truthfulness of the responses to questions involving:

  • Application information
  • Criminal behavior
  • Driving record
  • Economic status
  • Gambling habits
  • Personal associates
  • Previous employment
  • Substance use

Before the test, the procedure will be completely explained and the applicant will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Medical Examination

A physician hired by the city will perform a medical examination. The purpose of this examination is to make sure is capable of performing job standards.

Psychological Examination

Depending on the position, the applicant may complete a written psychological test which consists of a personality test and a life questionnaire. The results are evaluated by a psychologist hired by the City. The psychologist will interview each applicant and evaluate the written tests.