Un-certified testing process:

- Once your application has been processed, and a test date has been confirmed, you will come to the Ruidoso Police Department for a series of pre-hire tests. Each test must be passed in order to continue with the process. Here are the tests in the order they will be taken.

1. Physical Fitness Test (to see what you must accomplish, use the DPS link)
2. Written Test (You must score a minimum of 80%)
3. Oral Board Interview

- If all three tests are passed successfully, you will be given a background packet to complete and return. A thorough background check will be conducted, which includes a Voice Stress Analysis test (similar to a polygraph), and the results are given to the Chief of Police. The Chief will then conduct a personal interview with you and decide whether or not to approve you for hire. If approved, all documentation will be given to Village Hall and they will contact you for a drug screen. Once the drug screen results have returned, you will be given a start date. After this you must also complete a psychological test.

Once hired, you will begin work by observing and participating in Dispatch for 2 weeks. After this, you will begin the Field Training Program until such time you attend the 6 month Police Academy.

In state certified (lateral) testing process:

- Once your application has been processed, and a test date has been confirmed, you will come to the Ruidoso Police Department for an Oral Board Interview. The Board will review your application and ask you a series of questions. If the Board approves, you will continue on to the background process.

- You will be given a background packet to complete and return. A thorough background check will be conducted, which includes a Voice Stress Analysis test (similar to a polygraph), and the results are given to the Chief of Police. The Chief will then conduct a personal interview with you and decide whether or not to approve you for hire. If approved, all documentation will be given to Village Hall and they will contact you for a drug screen. Once the drug screen results have returned, you will be given a start date. 

Once hired, you will begin work by observing and participating in Dispatch for 2 weeks. After this, you will begin the Field Training Program. The length of the FTO program will be determined by the FTO Supervisor, based upon progress and experience. It is a minimum of 30 days for a lateral.

Out of state certified (lateral) testing process:

- Once your application has been processed, and a test date has been confirmed, you will come to the Ruidoso Police Department for a series of pre-hire tests. Each test must be passed in order to continue with the process. Here are the tests in the order they will be taken.

1. Physical Fitness Test (to see what you must accomplish, use the DPS link)
2. Oral Board Interview

- The Board will review your application and ask you a series of questions. If the Board approves, you will continue on to the background process. You will be given a background packet to complete and return. A thorough background check will be conducted, which includes a Voice Stress Analysis test (similar to a polygraph), and the results are given to the Chief of Police. The Chief will then conduct a personal interview with you and decide whether or not to approve you for hire. If approved, all documentation will be given to Village Hall and they will contact you for a drug screen. Once the drug screen results have returned, you will be given a start date. After this you must also complete a psychological test.

Once hired, you will begin work by observing and participating in Dispatch for 2 weeks. After this, you will begin the Field Training Program until such time you attend the 3 week NM Cert by Waiver Academy.

For questions regarding the above information, or for general questions, please contact one of the recruiters below.

Dale Harrison - Sergeant   #624             
daleharrison@ruidoso-nm.gov

Ruidoso Police Department
1085 Mechem Dr.
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575)258-7365
(575)258-1145 fax

Larry Smith - Corporal   #625          
larrysmith@ruidoso-nm.gov

Lawrence Chavez - Sergeant   #635          
lawrencechavez@ruidoso-nm.gov