MANCHESTER, NH – Have you ever at all times needed to be a police officer however believed that joint you smoked in school or that “Mother” tattoo in your arm precluded you from becoming a member of Manchester’s best? Assume once more.
Youthful experimentation doesn’t essentially imply you’ll be able to by no means be a police officer.
Then again, Police Chief Allen Aldenberg stated in case you say you smoked marijuana 3 times greater than a 12 months in the past and, in taking a polygraph, you admit to smoking pot 300 instances – as was the case with one applicant – then you aren’t going to get a job supply.
There are some automatic disqualifications to being employed as a police officer by town of Manchester. As an illustration, drug sellers (in addition to producers and transporters) needn’t apply.
The subject of marijuana use and being a police officer got here up Wednesday throughout a gathering of the Manchester Police Fee at police headquarters on Valley Avenue.
Police commissioner Charlie Sherman questioned why it could be OK for somebody who frequents bars to change into a police officer however somebody who smokes a joint sometimes is disqualified, particularly when many states are loosening legal guidelines surrounding marijuana.
“I do know it appears it, however I don’t smoke marijuana,” stated Sherman, evoking laughter from these attending the session.
The quick reply, based on Assistant Chief Steve Mangone, is that one is authorized and the opposite isn’t.
In Manchester somebody is routinely disqualified from being employed as a police officer if she or he illegally used marijuana inside 12 months of the police examination.
“There aren’t any saints strolling these halls,” stated Capt. Peter Marr.
Aldenberg stated when somebody says his lifelong dream is to be a police officer and 6 months earlier than he takes the examination he smokes marijuana then it’s a query of the person’s “judgment.”
He stated candidates are additionally questioned about their alcohol use.
“Acceptable” tattoos are allowed, as a type of self-expression though they can’t be on the face, neck, or fingers. The police chief has the ultimate say on whether or not the pores and skin artwork is OK.
The division is presently seeking to fill 17 vacancies. Its full complement is 257.
Prior to now, Aldenberg stated there can be 250 to 300 candidates. The final time the entry-level examination was held, 50 folks took it. About 10 of these didn’t move the written examination.
If an applicant passes the written examination, then it’s on to the bodily agility take a look at which incorporates push-ups, sit-ups and operating 1/12 miles inside a specified period of time based mostly on age.
Aldenberg stated after the bodily examination, one other 30 folks have been dropped.
By the point the remaining candidates underwent background checks, a polygraph and medical examination, solely 5 of the unique 50 have been employed.
“We aren’t altering our requirements to fill the vacancies,” the chief stated. “If we get one, we get one.
Candidates additionally must be 21 years of age, be a U.S. citizen, have a sound driver’s license and pay a $25 non-refundable utility payment.
The entry-level police exam is taking place on March 27, 2021, at 9 a.m. at Manchester West Excessive Faculty, 9 Notre Dame Ave. Beginning pay for entry-level officers is $54,475.
