Criteria For Becoming a Law Enforcement Officer

2022 – 2023 Sworn Candidate Selection Criteria

 

The following is a guideline that is not intended to be an exhaustive list and each candidate’s background investigation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The DPS Director, or designee(s), may at their discretion override any of the Selection Criteria set forth below.

Automatic Rejection

  1. Conviction of a felony in the state of Nevada, or any offense in another state which would be a felony if committed in this state.
  2. Conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude. Crimes involving moral turpitude are a category of felonies and misdemeanors that courts consider to be especially depraved and malicious. Examples include, but are not limited to, kidnapping, rape, prostitution, burglary, and lewdness with a minor under 14.
  3. Maintains an ongoing relationship with individuals who have been convicted of felony crimes and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current felonious activity, excluding uncontrollable circumstances.
  4. Any violation of the public trust, i.e. accepting a bribe or disseminating confidential information, while previously employed in law enforcement or other public services. Whatever trust the public places in its officials must be respected.
  5. A recent or current affiliation with and/or support of any organization or group which advocates the violent overthrow of the State of Nevada or the United States Government, or whose professed goals are contrary to the interest of public safety and welfare.
  6. Any illegal use of a controlled substance within the listed time limits preceding the date of the application:
    1. Marijuana – Up to the date of application.
    2. All others, including hallucinogens or experimental drugs, and steroid use – 3 years. This is to include prescribed medication not prescribed to the candidate, schedule I, and II.
  7. Evidence that the candidate has willfully provided false or misleading information during the application process, in their written application or Personal History Statement, or has cheated during any testing in the application process.
    1. Intentional falsification, deception, or omission of information during the application and background investigation process.
  8. Conviction of any non-juvenile offense involving the sale, manufacture, production, or possession of a controlled substance or prescription drug.
  9. Conviction of one DUI within the previous 5 years OR two within the previous 7 years.
  10. Documented history of non-juvenile physical violence or has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence. 

*Non-juvenile refers to any person of or over 18 years old

Possible Rejection

  1. Disqualification from any other law enforcement agencies in the previous 3 years, or disqualification from Nevada State Police in the previous 18 months.
  2. The discovery of an undisclosed crime that would adversely affect the candidate’s work performance.
  3. Conviction of a gross misdemeanor in the State of Nevada or any offense in another state which would be a gross misdemeanor if committed in this state.
  4. Conviction of an offense resulting in incarceration totaling more than 6 months.
  5. Conviction of a DUI more than 5 years preceding the date of application.
  6. A conclusion by a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist which questions suitability to perform the duties of a peace officer.
  7. A history of illegal use of prescription drugs not prescribed to the candidate within the past 5 years.
  8. Has had a driver’s license suspended, revoked, or canceled within the last 3 years, or has had 2 or more suspensions, cancellations, or revocations.
  9. 3 or more hazardous moving traffic violations during the 3 years preceding the application date.
  10. Has a criminal proceeding pending or is under investigation for a crime.
  11. Honorably separated from the Armed Forces for the reason of unsuitability or misconduct or dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
  12. A demonstrated lack of financial responsibility which may include, but not be limited to, intentional failure to meet financial obligations during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of application.
  13. A history of termination from employment “for cause” and/or unfavorable consideration for employment under questionable circumstances during the 10 years immediately preceding the date of application.
  14. A history of sporadic or inconsistent non-juvenile employment or a history of documented fraudulent use of unemployment or sick leave benefits in the previous 3 years.
  15. Deceptive results of a polygraph examination or voice stress analysis; regardless of the candidate’s background.
  16. Maintaining an ongoing lifestyle or involvement at any time in an activity or activities which could potentially cause the candidate to violate the public trust.
  17. Unfavorable recommendations on the part of references, past or present employers, creditors, or landlords.
  18. Any other factor or combination of factors which can be objectively articulated, and which bear a rational relationship to the significant or substantial duties and responsibilities normally and customarily assigned to the job classification being recruited for and which limits or prohibits the candidate from functioning successfully as a member of this Department, or which would make the candidate a detriment to the Department if hired.

*Non-juvenile refers to any person of or over 18 years old