 |
| Superintendant Chitwood addressing the audience, Councilman Nate Goodson |
Superintendent Michael Chitwood led a power point presentation to explain what is needed to become a part of the department. Mayor Thomas Micozzie and Public Safety Chair, 7th District Councilman Nathaniel Goodson, were among those present as approximately 152 people filled the auditorium of Drexel Hill Middle School to learn the criteria for becoming part of the police force.
One goal the department has is to recruit more minorities to address the changing population of Upper Darby.
Captain David Madonna explained the benefits of being an officer. The base pay starts at $54,617. Those officers who need to attend the police academy would receive an hourly rate of $22.58 until they successfully completed the training program.
Captain Anthony Paparo explained the various areas a person could use as a career path with the department. This includes SWAT, K9, Investigations, and Motorcycle Patrol among others.
Superintendant Chitwood explained the process to become one of Upper Darby's finest. The way it works is that you must past each section before moving on to the next step of the application process.
- Physical Agility Test
- Written Exam
- Oral Interview
- Polygraph Exam (which he stressed that no one should try to cheat this exam)
- Medical Exam
- Extensive Background check (meaning every nook and crany of your life will be investigated)
- Successful completion of the Police Academy if needed
However, it was stressed that applicants take all parts of the process seriously. The first part is a physical agility test that will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 9AM. The location is the main campus of Delaware County Community College. There is a rain date of Saturday, March 3, 2012 same time and location. The only thing that would force a rain date would be a weather anomaly like two feet of snow or a monsoon.
Officer Amanda Klingensmith offered words of encouragement, again stressing the importance of taking the test seriously. She spoke of the opportunities that she has gained by being a part of the force. She expressed that she never felt any rejection, discrimination, or alienation as a woman on the force.
 |
| Hald and Rex |
Officer Tom Hald brought his K9 partner Rex, and explained a bit about the K9 program. Once again, the opportunities for growth in the department were expressed along with the close knit relationship he has with his canine partner as well as his two legged colleagues.
A representative from McCann Testing explained that there are tools available to assist with studying for the test. Of course, your local library may have some resources, but McCann actually has practice exams and also study aids.
Interested parties can see Richard Nolan in room 107 at the Township Municipal Building located at 100 Garrett Road, for an application. Applications are due NOON on February 17, 2012 along with a $65.00 fee.
The written exam will be held on Saturday March 10th at 9AM. It was suggested that those taking the test plan to arrive at least an HOUR early so that they can go through the screening process and take a moment to compose themselves before the test.
For additional information, you can visit www.udpd.org or Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission Web Site.
Good luck and best wishes to those who decide that they are ready to protect and serve the residents of Upper Darby Township.
