All individuals interested in becoming an Overland Park police officer must meet specific minimum eligibility requirements. Eligible candidates:

• Are United States citizens,
• Are at least 20 years of age at time of application, and 21 years of age by date of hire,
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or evidence of equivalent achievement,
• Are able to respond from their residence to the Police Department within 90 minutes,
• Take and pass a physical agility test, a written examination, and an oral board interview,
• Successfully pass a Police Department-administered polygraph exam,
• Complete an in-depth background investigation,
• Complete and pass a physical and psychological examination from a licensed physician or practitioner after a conditional offer of employment,
• Complete and pass a drug screen,
• Achieve and demonstrate technological proficiency in the areas directly connected to daily assignments, and
• Achieve and maintain a level of physical fitness that allows officers to safely and competently perform the essential functions of the job.

Physical Agility Test

Applicants will complete a physical agility test which is currently in use at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. This course was designed and validated by Stanard and Associates, and must be completed in 93 seconds or less.

The test course is approximately 200 yards in length and consists of the following items:

• Exit a patrol car and run on a paved surface that transitions to loose gravel and grass.
• Run down and back up a ditch.
• Go under a low-lying obstacle.
• Jump over a small bush.
• Climb over a fence.
• Run up and down stairs.
• Drop to his/her stomach.
• Stand back up.
• Move a 150-pound dummy a set distance.

Candidates may not have any immediate family members employed by the city in part-time or full-time capacities.

Overland Park does not have a city or state residency requirement. Officers must able to respond from their residence to the Police Department within 90 minutes.

Tattoos

Sworn and civilian members of the Overland Park Police Department are not permitted to have any tattoos visible while working in an official capacity, as well as when working off-duty in a Police Department uniform.

Exceptions to this prohibition are: Tasteful cosmetic tattoos such as eyeliner; tattoos which symbolize marriage; and medically necessitated tattoos may be permissible. Other exceptions may exist based upon assignment. All exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the Chief of Police.

Unless otherwise approved by the Chief of Police, any visible tattoo must be covered by: clothing; or items such as a bandage; “sleeve”; or “concealer” cream or make-up, while on-duty or in uniform.

Members, sworn or civilian, are prohibited from obtaining any tattoo, any place on their body, which is offensive, immoral, or presents an unprofessional appearance, as deemed by this or any department, City policy, or the Chief of Police. Tattoos meeting this criteria include those which depict: racial or gender discrimination; any nudity; violence; criminal act; sex act; sex organ; profanity; subversive group; or gang symbol.

Past Criminal Activity

Eligible candidates must not must not:

• Have been convicted, or have had a conviction expunged, diverted, or deferred for any state or federal felony crime or misdemeanor domestic violence crime convictions,
• Have used any illegal drugs, with the exception of marijuana or synthetic marijuana, within the last five years,
• Have used marijuana or synthetic marijuana in the last two years,
• Have an established pattern of prescription medication abuse,
• Have had revoked or curtailed the right to legally own or use a firearm under federal, state, or local law.
• Currently be charged with or under indictment for any criminal activity other than minor traffic violations,
• Currently be on criminal probation.
• The following activities may not automatically disqualify an applicant for employment, but will be closely scrutinized on a case by case basis:
  • Sales, distribution, manufacturing or transporting of any illegal drug.
  • Unlawful use of medication not prescribed to the applicant within three years before the application for employment.
  • Commission of any other potential felonious acts not listed above, detected or undetected.

Driving Record

Eligible candidates:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record prior to beginning employment with the city.
• May not have been convicted of, plead guilty or no contest to, or been diverted on four or more moving traffic violations within the past three years.
• May not have been convicted of, plead guilty or no contest to, or been diverted on a serious traffic violation, including DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, vehicular homicide, transporting an open container of alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage, eluding a police officer, and negligent homicide, within the past three years.
• Applications received from individuals who do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements will not be given further consideration and will receive notification that they do not meet the standards.