Police Officer Hiring Process

• 21 years of age or older
• No felony convictions
• Valid driver’s license
• High School diploma/GED
• Applicants do not need to be POST certified to apply, however will need to be POST certified on the date of hire

Effective May 1st, 2026: All police officer applicants will be required to pass a report writing and physical fitness test consisting of:

Report Writing Examination

Applicants will complete a report writing examination designed to assess their ability to observe, recall, and document information in a clear and professional police report format. Applicants will be required to watch a total of three (3) short video scenarios and write a police report for each scenario. At the start of each video, a 30-minute time limit will begin for viewing the scenario and completing the corresponding report. When the 30 minutes expires, the next scenario will immediately begin. After completion of the second scenario, applicants will be provided a 15-minute break. Upon completion of the break, the third scenario will begin, and the 30-minute time limit will start.

Applicants may leave the testing room for restroom use; however, all testing materials must remain in the classroom. No discussion of the scenarios or reports is permitted at any time.

Applicants will be evaluated on

• Ability to recall and document relevant facts
• Organization and clarity of information
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Overall report writing ability and professionalism

This examination is intended to measure each applicant’s written communication skills and readiness to complete police reports consistent with departmental standards.

Cape Girardeau Police Department Physical Fitness Exam

This exam is not designed to automatically disqualify a candidate from continuing in the hiring process. The results of these events will be considered as part of the overall evaluation of each applicant.

Prior to taking the CGPD Physical Fitness Exam, applicants will be required to review the testing safety brief that will be administered by the training coordinator or their designee.

*Applicants will have a minimum of a ten-minute rest period between events     

Event 1: 100 Yard Sprint

Applicants are required to sprint/run100 yards on a fairly flat route designated by testing staff. Candidates must begin from a standing start. Running or sprinting is permitted; walking or jogging is strongly discouraged. Applicants must remain on the marked course at all times. Timing begins on the command “Go” and stops when the candidate’s torso crosses the finish line.

Event 2: Obstacle Course

Applicants are required to complete a four-obstacle course covering approximately 140 feet. This event is designed to assess agility, coordination, upper and lower body strength, and the ability to maneuver through barriers commonly encountered in law enforcement duties.

The obstacles must be completed in the following order:

• Low Crawl – Applicants will crawl under a designated barrier, maintaining contact with the ground and clearing the obstacle completely before advancing.

• Wall Climb – Applicants will scale and clear the wall obstacle, ensuring their entire body passes over and both feet touch the ground on the opposite side before proceeding.

• High Crawl – Applicants will crawl under a designated barrier, maintaining contact with the ground and clearing the obstacle completely before advancing.

• Chain Link Fence Climb (Approx. 6 Feet) – Applicants will climb and clear the fence, demonstrating control and safety while descending. Applicants cannot use the side railing for assistance.

Timing begins on the command “Go” and will stop once the applicant completes the final obstacle and both feet touch the ground on the landing side of the fence.

Applicants must complete each obstacle as designed and follow all safety instructions provided by testing staff.

Event 3: Endurance Circuit

Applicants are required to complete a continuous, multi-stage physical event designed to assess cardiovascular endurance, grip strength, core stability, and total-body functional strength. The course consists of sequential tasks performed over 25-meter lanes.

• Shuttle Run – Applicants will sprint 25 meters down and 25 meters back along the designated lane.

• Ballistic Shield Carry – Applicants will pick-up a Police Ballistic Shield and carry it 25 meters down and 25 meters back, maintaining control of the shield throughout the movement.

• Weighted Sled Push – Applicants will push a sled loaded with 135 pounds a distance of 25 meters, keeping continuous forward movement until the sled crosses the line.

• Rescue Dummy Drag – Applicants will drag a 160-pound weighted dummy 25 meters to the finish line.

Timing begins on the command “Go” and stops when the applicant and the weighted dummy cross the finish line. Applicants must complete each task as designed and instructed by the testing administrator.

Upon successful completion of the physical test, applicants will be invited for an interview. The chosen applicant will be required to undergo an extensive background investigation, drug screen, physical and psychological evaluations.

To request more information please email Lt. Brian Vassalli at bvassalli@CityofCapeGirardeau.org.