About Wichita Police Department Test

With over 900 employed personnel, Wichita Police Department (WPD) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state of Kansas. The department is also officially accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The department has carried out law enforcement with a special focus on equity and respect. Here, we discuss more on the agency, how you can pass the Wichita police department test, and progress onto the academy for further training.

Mission Statement: “Working in partnership with our community to deliver exceptional police services with professionalism and fairness”

Motto: “Honesty, Integrity, Fortitude”

History: Wichita Police Department was officially founded in 1871, just one year after the incorporation of the city – making it the oldest police department in the state Since its founding 22 officers have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Size: Wichita Police department covers an area of just under 140 square miles, in which a population of nearly 390,000 people reside. The city is divided into 4 patrol zones and is further subdivided into 39 beats for efficient patrolling.

Headquarters: 455 N Main St, Wichita, KS 67202, United States

Divisions: The department is divided into 3 main divisions: field services division – which is responsible for patrolling the 39 beats in the city. Around 480 officers make up this unit and are designated for patrolling, answering calls for service, traffic patrolling and to carry out school reserve duty; police investigations division – which carries out criminal investigations, special investigations, forensic testing, and property crime investigations; support services division – which is responsible for maintaining criminal records, payrolls carrying out administrative functions, training and recruiting officers. Each of the divisions is headed by a Deputy Chief of Police, who is in turn accountable to the Chief of Police of the department.

How to become a deputy: Presently, candidates are expected to take the WPD test which is composed of an aptitude test, a Police applicant physical fitness test, a first contact interview, and an oral interview. The aptitude test, as the name suggests, assesses candidates’ aptitude for the job by evaluating cognitive capabilities, problem-solving skills, and behavioral and attitudinal components. The applicant’s physical fitness test evaluates core strength, stamina, and physical endurance – through a 4-stage test. Candidates who successfully pass the aptitude and physical test are called for a personal interview, followed by a panel interview, a polygraph examination, and a medical and psychological examination.

Average salary: $50,635-$54,217 annually, rising with experience and responsibility.

Police academy: Candidates who successfully pass the Wichita police department test are enlisted into the Citizen Police Academy of Wichita for a training program. The training lasts for a duration of 13 weeks. The program equips officers with core competencies and skills like training to carry out patrol operations, principles and methodology of Investigations, handling community affairs, community policing, and best practices. Officers also receive practical training with regard to firearm operation training, defense tactics, and operation of patrol vehicles.

Registration: Further information on the Wichita police exam can be found on their website. The department seeks to select only the best applicants and therefore competition remains high.