Page 45 - September Issue

Detective’s Exam to be given in early 2016
Several years back, the Chicago Police Depart- ment FOP Lodge asked me to serve as its promo- tional exam expert. Mayor Richard Daley had set up a task force to improve the promotional exams, and having worked as a police officer, detective, sergeant and psychologist, the Lodge felt I could help contribute to the development of a better test. Several meetings were held with the City and the test developer, and I stressed to both the importance of making a job-related test. I believe the most recent tests have been a signifi- cant improvement from tests done years ago.
The last detective’s written qualifying test was a pass/fail examination. Only those applicants who received a passing score on the written qualifying test were eligible for consideration in the Merit Selection Process and were eligible to take the second part of the last Detective’s exam: The Investiga- tive Logic Test.
The last Detective’s exam had two parts to it. The first part was the written qualifying test, which the City described as follows:
This component will consist of test items based on knowledge required to perform BIS Detective assignments, including homi- cide/gang/sex crimes unit, robbery/burglary/theft crimes unit and special victims unit. Some items will require recall of infor- mation from memory. Other items will be based upon reference material that will be provided during the examination. Other items will require applying knowledge in job-related situations.
On prior investigative logic exams, candidates were asked to use information provided during the test to respond to various types of questions. Information previously provided included multiple reports and witness statements. The ILT simulates investigative activities encountered in detective assignments e.g. homicide/gang/sex crimes unit, robbery/burglary/theft crimes unit and special victims unit. The test exercises are usually set in the fictional 9th or 26th District of the Chicago Police Depart- ment. Based on information given to candidates which is pro- vided in reports, maps, calendars, forms and other investigative materials, questions are asked of each candidate.
The written qualifying test is your first opportunity during the process to demonstrate your capabilities; specifically, your knowledge of department directives and procedures, criminal law and other resources, as well as your ability to apply this information to job-related situations.
An applicant’s ILT score determined the applicant’s rank on the Detective’s list.
The “Recall and Reference” items consisted of questions regarding job-related information that candidates were expected to know to perform the Detective assignments. They were asked to answer multiple-choice questions based on their knowledge of information contained in the materials identified on the Recommended Reading List. Some of the test items included a section of the test entitled “Job Knowledge (Recall).” For those items, candidates had to recall from memory the infor- mation contained in the related references that was required to answer the questions. Other test items included a section of the test entitled “Job Knowledge (Reference).” For those items, can- didates were able to look up information provided in related ref- erence materials during the test to assist them in answering the questions.
In order to prepare CPD officers for the new 2016 Detective’s exam, BernsteinTestPrep will be offering a series of free and paid classes. The feedback from our students on our promotional exam review courses has been extremely positive. Picking the right class for the new 2016 test is an important decision. You want to go with a proven winner.
The “Application of Knowledge” items consisted of multiple- choice questions that presented situations similar to those that might be expected to occur during the course of a Detective’s work activities in any of the duty assignments. Candidates were asked to apply relevant knowledge of Department directives, legal requirements, policies, procedures and techniques in
Bernstein & Associates will be giving a series of free two-hour Detective test prep overview sessions for the 2016 Exam, which the City is targeting for the first or second quarter of the year. Check out the training schedule at Bernsteintestprep.com. The sessions will cover “How to best prepare for the CPD Detective’s Exam.” All serious candidates should attend. You can also check out a video at the Bernstein website which describes the Detec- tive’s selection process.
To submit questions, email Dr. Bernstein at drbernstein@bern- steintestprep.com, visit www.BernsteinTestPrep.com or call 800- 272-5353.
Remembering our Deceased Brother and Sisters
Warren M. Swegle, Age 91 Richard L. Neumann, Age 89 William M. Kroll, Age 82 James M. Bach, Age 71
James A. White, Age 86 Kirk H. Rush, Age 64
selecting the best response to resolve each situation.
DR. JEFF BERNSTEIN
With that said, let’s take a look at the last Detective’s exam.
TheInvestigativeLogicTest(ILT)componentoftheBISselec- tion process presents questions relating to investigations and other situations that are often encountered on the job in detec- tive assignments. The test exercises are designed to measure knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics that are required to perform the detective assignments, such as analyzing and problem solving, investigative interviewing, attention to detail, influencing others and so forth.
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