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Selection Criteria

Job Title: Phoenix Police Department Bomb Squad Detective

Technicians must complete the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Devices School in order to be certified by the FBI as a bomb technician. Bomb squad detectives also attend the 200 hour HAZMAT Technician course. Technicians are responsible for case management of bomb-related offenses. Technicians are also responsible for render-safe procedures on suspected devices, investigating post-blast crime scenes, instruction of in service and recruit training on bomb threat procedures and Weapons of Mass Destruction and various public speaking engagements. Technicians are subject to call-out 24/7 and must be able to respond to call-outs within an hour of notification.

Job Title: Phoenix Police Department Bomb Squad Sergeant

The Bomb Squad supervisor must complete the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Devices School in order to be certified by the FBI as a bomb technician. Responsibilities include operational supervision of detectives with case management responsibilities on weapon-related crimes and bomb-related offenses. Duties include evaluation and purchase of equipment, working with federal grants, public presentations and instructing at the Academy. The supervisor is subject to call-out 24/7 and must be able to respond to call-outs within an hour of notification.

Testing Process

The Bomb Squad will conduct a selection process when openings occur on the Unit. Interested officers must be detective eligible, must have a minimum overall rating of performance meets overall performance expectations and comply with the requirements of this position as outlined in Operations Order 3.2, Addendum F.6 (page 22). Applicants must be willing to make a five-year commitment to the Unit and meet all performance criteria to maintain technical certification through the FBI.

The last testing process for the Bomb Squad occurred in December 2004. Applicants were scored on the basis of 100 points as outlined in Operations Order 3.2, Addendum C. The criteria for selection was as follows; seniority: 10%, resume: 25%, physical agility test (pass/fail) and oral interview: 65%. The applicant’s most recent rating (PMG) is also reviewed.