Police Recruit

POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

2026 PAY

• $63,939 for recruits (before and during academy)
• $70,952 for Patrolman Second Class (after swear-in)
• $80,240 for Patrolman First Class (second year)

DESCRIPTION: The City of South Bend accepts applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit on a rolling basis.

We are looking for the best and brightest recruits to become a member of the fourth largest police department in the state. Please take a few moments to learn more about the rewards and benefits of becoming a South Bend Police Officer. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Training Division for additional information, at (574) 235-9224.

It is the goal of the South Bend Police Department to recruit the most qualified persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability, to serve the residents of South Bend as police officers. Hiring requirements are based on job-related criteria, taking into consideration the knowledge, personal attributes, skills, and training required to perform the job tasks, so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• United States Citizen
• Must be 21 years of age at time of application (and up to 40 years of age at the time of swearing, or 40.5 years of age at the time of swearing if retired military with 20 years of service and honorable discharge, in accordance with HB1359)
• Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Must be able to pass a competitive written exam
• Have no felony criminal convictions
• Have no conviction of domestic violence or a domestic violence-related offense (either misdemeanor or felony)
• Must be willing, if appointed, to reside within St. Joseph County or adjoining county in Indiana (or State of Michigan)
• Must be of good moral character
• Must pass mandatory drug screening
• Have no previous use of hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, Mushrooms, Mescaline, Ecstasy, etc.)
• Possess a valid driver's license from current state of residence
• Military discharge (if applicable) cannot be characterized as "other than honorable", "bad conduct", or "dishonorable"
• Must be able to pass a physical agility assessment test
• Must submit to in-depth background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analysis Exam, psychological testing, and medical examination

SELECTION PROCESS

The South Bend Police Department's Applicant Process may consist of, but is not limited to, the following evaluations. These may take up to six months to complete, in the following order:

1. Written Exam

Created by a professional consulting firm using job-related criteria

Four sections:

• Learn and apply knowledge
• Observe and accurately describe events
• Remember identifying information
• Navigate directions and spatial ability
• Complete written forms
• Communicate in writing - Grammar
• Communicate in writing - Spelling
• Must score 80% or higher to continue on to interview phase

Applicants will have the opportunity to attend voluntary study sessions that are offered. At these study sessions, a practice test will be given, scored, and information on oral interview preparation will be discussed.

2. Personal Interview

This is a one-on-one interview with a member of the Training Division

• Responses in this interview may be used for the examination, and this interview will help you to prepare for the CVSA Exam, applicants should continue in the process on the basis of this interview.

3. Structured Oral Interview

• This is a structured interview in front of a board of sworn officers. Each applicant is asked the same questions and responses are graded

4. Background Investigation

• In depth investigation of the applicant's background

5. CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analysis Exam)

6. Physical Fitness Assessment Test

Physical fitness standards are based on the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and the standards are the same for males and females. The ILEA Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.) will be the new fitness test standard for all of Law Enforcement in the State of Indiana starting August 1, 2026. This test reflects the job task analysis of what a police officer will do as part of their everyday work. As authorized by the Law Enforcement Training Board, the entrance standard time will be 4:08, and the exit standard time will be 3:58. Below you will find a video of the test in its entirety, a diagram of the course, an equipment list of all the training materials that will be used at the academies for testing, a scoresheet for the test, as well as testing protocols.

• Testing Protocols - https://www.in.gov/ilea/physical-fitness-standards/
• Obstacle Course Demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj_IztmHIUo

7. Psychological examination and interview with clinical psychologist

8. Pension Board Interview

• This is a structured interview with the South Bend Pension Board. This is the final step in the hiring process

Applicant scores will be totaled to establish an eligibility list in descending order from highest to lowest passing scores. Applicants will be notified of their final ranking on the eligibility list.

Upon an estimated projection of future vacancies, the department will extend the assessed number of "conditional" job offers to persons on the eligibility list in rank order. At that time, the following evaluations will be completed:

Complete medical examination including vision, hearing, and mandatory drug screen.

If all evaluations are successfully completed, the applicant will be sworn in as probationary police officer, provided the department has available vacancies.

The eligibility list will be valid for one year from the date of certification. Each year, applicant screening and testing processes for the department are conducted and a new eligibility list is established. Applicants are encouraged to reapply and repeat the testing if they wish to improve their scores and ranking. The Department's hiring needs, and therefore the amount of the eligibility list resulting in hires, changes from year to year based on a number of variables.

For more information about the department or the selection process, contact the Training Division at (574) 235-9224 or ecramer@southbendin.gov

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service.

These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.