Cape police put to test to fill vacant positions

For the next couple of weeks, nearly 30 Cape Girardeau police department officers will be awaiting promotion testing results to see if they have been chosen to advance in rank.

A lieutenant, sergeant and corporal position were open at the Cape Girardeau Police Department and all last week 27 officers underwent testing, according to assistant chief Randy Roddy.

This marks the first time in about five years the department has undergone a promotional process such as this.

Of those applying were 15 patrolmen, seven corporals and five sergeants. To apply for the rank of sergeant or corporal, an employee must be a patrolman for at least four years. For lieutenant, an officer must have had two years as a sergeant.

Last week, candidates participated in a written test, a problem-solving test and interviewed for the open positions. Candidates for the lieutenant position also gave an oral presentation.

The positions were made available when Capt. Carl Kinnison was promoted to chief of police last October, Roddy said. Lt. Roger Fields was then promoted to the open captain position, leaving a lieutenant post vacant.

The Missouri Police Chief Association will review the two tests the candidates took and return results in about two weeks. An assessment board composed of three people chosen by the association will score the interviews and oral presentations.

That material, plus the service record of the Cape Girardeau officer, will then be handed to Kinnison to make the final recommendations, according to Roddy.

The reason there has been such a delay in promotions since the October appointments was due to the department working with the association for the first time.

Prior to last weeks testing, the department had gone through a private firm. But as the association began getting involved with testing for department promotions, Kinnison decided to use them, according to Roddy.

In total, there are four lieutenant positions, seven sergeant positions and 12 corporal positions in the police department, Roddy said.

By promoting within the department, three officers are ensured a higher position, he said.

"You want to have opportunities so good, quality people will stay," Roddy said.

The Missouri Police Chief Association will review the two tests the candidates took and return results in about two weeks. An assessment board composed of three people chosen by the association will score the interviews and oral presentations.

That material, plus the service record of the Cape Girardeau officer, will then be handed to Kinnison to make the final recommendations, according to Roddy.

The police department was also accepted applications through today for two open patrolman positions, Roddy said.

For questions about applying, contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127