massachusetts Human Resources Division (HRD)

DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION
POLICE SERGEANT, SELECT DEPARTMENTS*
*For complete listing of participating Departments, see page 5 of this announcement.
 
Examination Date:  October 15, 2011

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for this examination you must (1) be an employee in the Police Department for which the examination is given with permanent civil service status in the specified eligible title(s) on the date of the examination; and (2) have served in the force at least one year since your name was first certified in the eligible title(s), regardless of whether that certification resulted in your appointment to the eligible title(s).  Time spent pursuant to a temporary appointment in the title of Police Sergeant will not interrupt the service period in your permanent position. Police Officers filing for this examination must have twelve months of permanent experience after completion of their Police Academy course.  Service as a Student Officer before successful completion of an approved academy does not count towards meeting the eligibility requirement. Eligible Title(s): Police Officer.

NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31 § 59, if less than four applications are received from eligible applicants, as defined above, this examination will be postponed.

SALARY:  Questions regarding salary should be directed to the Appointing Authority. 

DUTIES:  Under supervision, to perform the duties of a Police Sergeant in conformance with the rules and regulations of the Police Department; to perform all duties assigned by the Chief of Police in every phase of police work; and to perform related work as required.

EXAMINATION SUBJECTS:  The written examination will be designed to test, where practicable, the following knowledge, abilities and skills that have been established as qualifications for the position:  Knowledge of the U.S. and Massachusetts Constitutional law, the Massachusetts General Laws, Federal, State and Local Rules and Regulations, local ordinances and bylaws and important court decisions that pertain to the operation of a police department and govern police work; knowledge of appropriate police goals, objectives, methods, procedures, and techniques pertaining to major municipal police functions (e.g., traffic control, criminal investigation, hostage situations, juvenile investigation, etc.); knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of community policing (e.g., patrol, community relations, neighborhood and community policing, etc.); knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of police supervision (e.g., planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, training, performance evaluation, communication, job stress, psychological aspects, motivation, etc.); ability to choose actions appropriate to the situation; ability to confront problems, take charge, and assume responsibility; ability to demonstrate administrative judgment; ability to coordinate the efforts of others in accomplishing assigned objectives.

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:  Applicants must get a passing mark on each of the weighted components in order to receive an overall (general average) examination score. See weighted components listed on page 5 of this announcement.

CREDIT FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31, § 22, individuals may be granted credit for education and experience in the eligible title(s) identified in this announcement. At the examination, a red and white scannable Rating Sheet will be distributed.  You will be asked to complete this Rating Sheet to claim education and experience credit and to provide full documentation supporting your claims.  This Rating Sheet must be submitted by applicants at the examination site. Any subsequent adjustments to claims must be made in writing and, along with supporting documentation, must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of the written examination.  Information on how to complete the Rating Sheet is posted approximately two weeks prior to the examination at www.mass.gov/hrd/examforms. For this examination, HRD will grant education and experience points only for whole and conferred degrees from recognized (accredited) higher institutions, and not for individual semester hours or degree credits. If you have multiple conferred degrees and have applied the same course credits from one degree to another, HRD will grant you full education and experience points for one degree, but will prorate the points for your additional degrees(s) to account for any course overlap.  Once you receive your examination mark, you will have seventeen calendar days from the mailing of your mark to appeal in writing your Education and Experience score. 

Examination Forms for this examination will be available after September 26, 2011. You must download a copy of the education and experience rating worksheet, the instructions for preparing the worksheet, and a copy of the employment verification form for the examination from the website, available by clicking on the Exam Forms link. If you cannot download or print these documents, please contact the Civil Service Unit via the contact information listed on page 3.

APPLICATION: All applications must be received by midnight September 12, 2011, and accompanied by an examination-processing fee of $250. You may apply online for this examination, using a Visa or Mastercard, at https://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/. A confirmation number for each successful transaction will be issued. You may also obtain a paper application form, and file it along with the examination-processing fee (or fee waiver form) in person at or by mail to HRD (see address and business hours on page 3). If you mail your application, send all correspondence by certified mail with "return receipt requested," if possible. 

FEE WAIVER:  The examination fee may be waived for candidates receiving certain state or federal public assistance, unemployment insurance, or workers' compensation. Fee waiver forms are available from and must be filed at the address on page 3, and may also be downloaded from the Applicant Forms section of our website (www.mass.gov/civilservice).  Waiver forms must be accompanied by proof of eligibility, for the subject time period, in the form of signed and dated receipts, check stubs and/or other documentation from the agency providing assistance. You must file a paper application form, and fill in item #16 on the application.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:  If you need special testing accommodations due to a documented impairment such as a hearing, learning, physical, mental or visual disability, fill in item #15 on the paper application form, or click the corresponding circle in the online application. You must also submit a letter of support from a qualified professional detailing what type of accommodation you require at the exam site. Without such a letter, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to grant your accommodation. This information is requested only to provide reasonable accommodation for exams, and will not be used for any other purposes. 

CURRENT MILITARY PERSONNEL:  ALL military personnel who, in connection with current service, have military orders that indicate their unavailability due to military service on October 15, 2011, should contact HRD to request a make-up examination. To request a make-up, file an application and processing fee and request such accommodation in writing, with a copy of your military orders attached. Please include in your request your e-mail address, daytime base phone number and/or name and phone number of a friend or family member with whom you have regular contact and entrust with your personal communication.

NO MAKE-UP EXAMINATION:  With the exception of current military personnel as described above, no candidate has a right to a make-up examination due to personal or professional conflicts on the testing date. Candidates are advised to consider this BEFORE applying for the examination. If you file an exam application by the application deadline, but are unable to appear for the exam on October 15, 2011, due to an emergency or unanticipated hardship, you may request a make-up examination by filing a written request with verifiable documentation to HRD no later than 7 calendar days from the original written examination date.  HRD reserves the right to approve or deny your request.  HRD may require an additional examination-processing fee upon approval of your request.

NOTICE TO APPEAR: Notices to Appear to the assigned examination site will be mailed to candidates for this examination after October 3, 2011. For instructions on how to obtain a duplicate Notice to Appear, please visit our website at www.mass.gov/civilservice. 

PRIVATE SCHOOL OR SERVICE:  HRD does not recommend or endorse any private school, service, or publisher offering preparation and/or publications for examinations and is not responsible for their advertising claims.

IDENTIFICATION AT THE EXAMINATION SITE: At the examination site, applicants must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID).

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:  Candidates are responsible for notifying HRD in writing of any change of address after applying for the examination. Candidates may submit changes of address by sending a written request, including former address, new address, effective date of new address, and social security number to HRD at the address below. Candidates may also visit our website for instructions on how to change their address online, at www.mass.gov/civilservice. Failure to keep your records up-to-date may jeopardize opportunities for employment.

VETERANS: DEFINITION OF A MASSACHUSETTS VETERAN M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43 as amended by the Acts of 2004 Effective August 30, 2004:  To be a “veteran” under Massachusetts law, a person is required to have either 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions OR 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day of which is during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. A chart defining “wartime” service is available online at www.mass.gov/civilservice or www.mass.gov/veterans . Qualifying service must have been in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States. Please note that active duty exclusively for training in the National Guard or Reserves does NOT qualify you for veterans' preference. National Guard Members or Reservists must have been activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41 and then must meet the minimum service requirements listed above. The Members’ last discharge or release must be under honorable conditions.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE:  If you are claiming veterans' preference and if your eligibility for veterans’ preference has not been previously approved by HRD, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 Member-4 Form (Release From Active Duty-Long Form) in order to receive proper credit. Although you may supply this proof at any time during the life of the eligible list, it is recommended that you submit it at the time of the examination or immediately upon qualification.
As of July 1, 1998, those who otherwise qualify for veterans' preference, but are still in military service may claim such credit by supplying proof, on official letterhead with appropriate signature, of their military service to date, including the dates of active duty, current assignment, and estimated time of separation. The individual must provide official documentation of honorable discharge at the time of appointment. See MGL Ch. 31, §3, Clause (f).
DISABLED VETERAN STATUS:  Claims for status as a disabled veteran require written confirmation from the US Veterans Administration of a continuing service-incurred disability rated not less than 10% based on wartime service (MGL. Chapter 31, Section 1).

During the HRD review process or during the life of the applicable eligible list(s), applicants must make original supporting documentation available should the issue of authenticity arise with the submitted copies. 

STATUTORY PREFERENCE POINTS: Upon submission of written proof, two points will be added to the passing score of qualified veterans or individuals who have 25 years of service as a member of a regular police or fire force and have passed an examination for promotional appointment in such force. If you are qualified for both the Veteran’s Preference and the Promotional Preference for 25 years of service, please be advised that two points are the maximum allowable number of points to be added to your passing, overall (general average) examination score. To claim the Promotional Preference for 25 years of service, applicants must claim this preference at the examination site and verify eligibility on the Employment Verification Form submitted for this examination.  Please see “VETERANS’ PREFERENCE” section above for submission requirements to claim the Veterans’ Preference.  

For more information about this and other civil service examinations, see www.mass.gov/civilservice or email the Civil Service Unit at CivilService@hrd.state.ma.us. HRD’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except holidays.  

Correspondence may be sent to:
Human Resources Division
1 Ashburton Place, Room 301
Boston, MA 02108
ATTN: Test Administration
                                                                         
                                                                               -OR-
                                                        
                                                        FAX Number:  (617) 727-0399

Boston area:  (617) 878-9895 Within Massachusetts: 1-800-392-6178  TTY Number:  (617) 878-9762

READING LIST FOR DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS TO POLICE SERGEANT,
LIEUTENANT AND CAPTAIN

Examinations for this series are scheduled for October 15, 2011. All applicants are responsible for reading all the texts and other materials listed below and on all pages of this announcement. Please note carefully which edition and/or date of publication is listed for each item. All chapters, appendices, glossaries, etc., are included unless otherwise noted. All examination questions will be based on these materials.

Community Policing: A Contemporary Perspective (5th ed., 2009). Kappeler, V. E., and Gaines, L. K.; Elsevier/Anderson Publishing; ISBN-13: 9781593455118. 
 
Criminal Investigation (10th ed., 2009). Swanson, C. R., Chamelin, N. C., Territo, L., and Taylor, R.W.; McGraw-Hill, Inc.; ISBN-10: 0073401536; ISBN-13: 9780073401539.  All chapters except Chapter 17. 

Police Administration (7th ed., 2008). Swanson, C. R., Territo, L., and Taylor, R. W.; Prentice-Hall, Inc.; ISBN-10: 0131589334; ISBN-13: 9780131589339. Note: The publisher has advised that a new edition of this textbook is due to be released in September, 2011. Candidates are encouraged to obtain this textbook prior to the issuance of the 2011 edition.

Supervision of Police Personnel (7th ed., 2009). Iannone, N. F., Iannone, M. P., and Bernstein, J.; Prentice-Hall, Inc.; ISBN-10: 0131131613; ISBN-13: 9780131131613. 

Massachusetts General Laws, as amended through April 15, 2011.

Additional Sources to Help Explain Massachusetts General Law and Constitutional Law
The primary source of examination questions measuring knowledge of law and court decisions governing police work in Massachusetts is the Massachusetts General Laws (amended as of April 15, 2011). The four resources that follow are secondary sources of information about law and court decisions. In the event of a direct conflict between the information contained in these resources and that contained in the General Laws, the General Laws will be the definitive source. 

Motor Vehicle Police Manual 2011 (2011). Scheft, J. S.; Law Enforcement Dimensions; ISBN-10: 1932348549. 

Juvenile Law Police Manual 2011 (2011). Scheft, J. S.; Law Enforcement Dimensions; ISBN-10: 1932348565.  

Massachusetts Criminal Law Textbook for 2011 (2011), Rogers, P. M.; Commonwealth Police Service, Inc. 

Massachusetts Criminal Procedure Textbook for 2011 (2011), Rogers, P. M.; Commonwealth Police Service, Inc. 

Publishers of Reading List Texts

Elsevier/Anderson Publishing, 3251 Riverport Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043; 800.545.2522; http://www.elsevierdirect.com

McGraw-Hill, Inc., P.O. Box 182604, Columbus, OH 43272; 800.262.4729; http://www.mhprofessional.com

Commonwealth Police Service, Inc., 5 Jethol Drive, Assonet, MA 02702; (508.644.2116); http://www.commonwealthpolice.net 

Law Enforcement Dimensions, 846 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476; 781.646.4377; http://www.ledimensions.com 

Prentice Hall, Inc., a division of Pearson Education, 200 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ 07675; 800.947.7700; http://www.mypearsonstore.com OR www.policetrainingstore.com

Please note that the Human Resources Division does not recommend specific bookstores for the purchase of reading list texts. For local vendors, contact the publishers at the telephone number or web site listed, or check with the Chief of your department or local union representative for assistance. Many local bookstores will be able to special-order any text not carried in stock.
DEPARTMENT	WEIGHTED COMPONENTS	ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER	
Abington	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1061	
Acton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3492	
Acushnet	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1067	
Agawam	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1050	
Amesbury	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3170	
Arlington	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1072	
Attleboro	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3383	
Auburn	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1083	
Bedford	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1085	
Belmont	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1095	
Beverly	40% written examination; 40% Assessment Center;            20% Education & Experience	1100	
Bourne	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1107	
Burlington	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1151	
Canton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1175	
Charlton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1181	
Chelmsford	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1233	
Chelsea	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1248	
Dartmouth	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2489	
Dedham	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1330	
Easton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1336	
Everett	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3512	
Fairhaven	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1359	
Falmouth	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3454	
Fitchburg	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1391	
Franklin	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1413	
Grafton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1440	
Greenfield	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2924	
Hanover	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1456	
Hingham	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3075	
Holden	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2505	
Holliston (A NON-CIVIL SERVICE DEPARTMENT)	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3377	
Hudson	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1477	
Hull	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3213	
Kingston	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2960	
Leominster	40% written examination; 50% Assessment Center;            10% Education & Experience	3154	
Manchester	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2551	
Mansfield	60% written examination; 30% Assessment Center;           10% Education & Experience	1525	
Marblehead	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1527	
Marshfield	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1540	
Medway	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1635	
Melrose	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3146	
Methuen	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1607	
Milford	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1657	
Milton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1632	
Natick	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1662	
Newburyport	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1726	
North Adams	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1738	
North Andover	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1741	
Norton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2995	
Orange	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2583	
Pembroke	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3087	
CONTINUED

DEPARTMENT	WEIGHTED COMPONENTS	ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER	
Pittsfield	60% written examination; 30% Assessment Center;           10% Education & Experience	1786	
Raynham	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1907	
Reading	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1918	
Rockland	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1922	
Salem	40% written examination; 40% Assessment Center;            20% Education & Experience	1938	
Salisbury	40% written examination; 40% Assessment Center;            20% Education & Experience	2462	
Sandwich	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1953	
Saugus	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3549	
South Hadley	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2007	
Southbridge	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	1992	
Stoneham	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2604	
Stoughton	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2021	
Sudbury	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2064	
Uxbridge	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2111	
Ware 	35% written examination; 55% Oral Panel;              10% Education & Experience	2918	
Wareham	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2120	
Watertown	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3059	
Wayland	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2171	
West Bridgewater	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2180	
West Springfield	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3444	
Westford	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2240	
Westwood	40% written examination; 40% Assessment Center;           20% Education & Experience	2259	
Whitman	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2273	
Wilmington	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2328	
Winthrop	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	2452	
Woburn	80% written examination; 20% Education & Experience	3192	

As of 9/1/11. Listing subject to change prior to Last Filing Date. See www.mass.gov/hrd/examschedule for most up-to-date listing.