About Colorado Springs Police Department Test

Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is the third-largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state of Colorado – with over 700 full-time sworn officers and 290 civilian officers. The department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and is recognized by the municipal council as the official police department in Colorado Springs. Below, we explore more on the Colorado Springs police department test, the agency itself, as well as some details on how you can enlist in the police academy.

Mission Statement: “To promote the quality of life in Colorado Springs by providing police services with integrity and a spirit of excellence, in partnership with our community.”

History: Founded in 1872, Colorado Springs Police department is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the state. Law enforcement in the city was initially carried out by a patrol constable on foot. In 1878, due to an exponential growth in the population of the city, the post of constable was removed and replaced by a Marshal. In 1901, Colorado Springs became a first-class city, thus enabling the municipal council to firmly establish a formal Police Department. Since its founding, over 12 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Size: The Colorado Police department covers an area of just over 185 square miles, in which a population of just nearly 446,000 people resides. The city is divided into 4 geographic divisions for efficient law enforcement: Falcon division, Gold Hill division, Sand Creek division, Stetson Hills Division.

Headquarters: 705 S Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, United States.

Divisions: There are 4 main bureaus within the department: Operations support bureau – which is responsible for planning and research. It also takes disciplinary action on officers when necessary and ensures dutiful service; investigative and special operations bureau – which is responsible for criminal investigations and special investigations; patrol bureau – which carries out patrolling, answers calls for service, organizes crime prevention programs, and also carries out school resource duty.

How to become an officer: Candidates must take the CSPD test that is composed of a written test and an oral interview. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions that assess candidates’ comprehension skills, writing skills, mathematics, behavioral and attitudinal components. The test is for a duration of 3 hours and candidates must secure a minimum score of 70% to pass. Those who pass the test will then be called for an oral interview with a panel of CSPD officers, who will evaluate the candidate based on the responses they receive.

Average salary: $62,245-$68,604 annually, rising with position and experience.

Police academy: Candidates who successfully pass the Colorado Springs Police department test are invited to join the Colorado Springs Police Department Training Academy. The academy is both CALEA and POST-certified. However, it is not a public Academy. The Training program of the academy runs for 26 weeks.  On completing the training program, candidates must undertake the Colorado POST test to be sworn in.

Registration: More information on the Colorado Springs police exam can be found on their website. The department seeks to select candidates with high caliber and only the best candidates will be invited to join the academy.