Important Information for Applicants
Below is a list of factors that may, in some cases, result in disqualification from the selection process. While this is not an exhaustive list, it highlights the most common reasons applicants may not move forward.
As an applicant for the position of Police Officer with the Penn Hills Police Department, it is important to understand that we are looking for individuals who meet high standards due to the nature of the job. Being a police officer places you in a position of public trust, and we need to be confident that you demonstrate integrity, honesty, and respect for the law—qualities that are essential for enforcing the law and representing our department with pride.
We encourage you to carefully review the factors below to assess whether your background aligns with our standards. Keep in mind, meeting the minimum qualifications required for a police officer in Pennsylvania does not automatically guarantee eligibility with the Penn Hills Police Department. Our hiring standards are higher than the basic requirements.
Disqualifying Factors for the Selection Process
The following factors may result in automatic disqualification from the selection process, and in some cases, may also disqualify you if you re-apply in the future. Please review this list carefully to understand the expectations and standards for candidates applying to the Penn Hills Police Department:
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Falsification or Misrepresentation: Any falsification, misrepresentation, or omission of material facts on your application for employment, polygraph pre-screening packet, or any other documents related to the hiring process is an automatic disqualifier. This includes withholding or altering any information to make yourself appear more qualified. Failure to be truthful during the hiring process demonstrates a lack of integrity, which is not acceptable for this position.
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Polygraph Examination Deception: Any detected deception during the polygraph examination or the use of “countermeasures” to defeat the polygraph test will result in disqualification.
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Failure in the Selection Process: Failing any part of the selection process—including the written examination, oral examination, or physical agility test—will result in disqualification.
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Felony Convictions and Certain Misdemeanors: A felony conviction, or certain graded misdemeanors (whether civilian or military) in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, or any conviction that disqualifies you from receiving or maintaining Act 120 certification through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) will result in disqualification.
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Criminal Arrests: Arrests that would not disqualify you from receiving Act 120 certification will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification.
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Pending Criminal Charges or Active Probation/Parole: Current criminal charges with a pending disposition or being on active probation or parole is an automatic disqualifier.
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Admission to Undetected or Uncharged Crimes: Admitting to a serious crime that you were never charged with or that went undetected (such as homicide, rape, kidnapping, etc.) is an automatic disqualifier. Additionally, such admissions may result in an investigation by law enforcement and potential criminal prosecution. We will ask all applicants about any undetected criminal activity in the polygraph pre-screening packet.
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Dishonorable Military Discharge: A dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces is an automatic disqualifier.
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Illegal Drug Use: Current or past illegal drug use, including marijuana, while employed in any law enforcement capacity is an automatic disqualifier. Past illegal drug use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification.
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Suspended Driver’s License: Having a driver’s license that is currently suspended (in Pennsylvania or elsewhere) at the time of application is an automatic disqualifier.
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Poor Driving History: Accumulation of demerit points, prior driver’s license suspensions, or convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), or other violations indicating poor driving habits or disregard for traffic laws, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification.
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Credit and Debt History: A poor credit history, issues with debt management, or bankruptcy will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification.
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Behavior that Discredits the Department: Any past actions or history that could discredit the Penn Hills Police Department (including inappropriate posts on social media) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification.
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Poor Employment History: A poor work history, including but not limited to termination, resignation in lieu of termination, excessive absenteeism, poor performance reviews, or disciplinary issues, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification.
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Visible Tattoos: The Penn Hills Police Department permits visible tattoos; however, we reserve the right to evaluate visible tattoos for any content that may be deemed offensive, racist, or otherwise inappropriate. Tattoos that violate our standards may result in disqualification.
