Recruitment FAQs

My name is Officer Gary Bowman and welcome to the Recruiting page. I hope you find this page to be helpful by answering some of your questions. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me at 317-571-2526 or email me at gbowman@carmel.in.gov

The Carmel Police Department is a great place to work. There are many opportunities to choose during your career as a Carmel Police Officer. Whether you want to be a D.A.R.E. Officer or a member of the SWAT team, there is something for every officer. We have some of the best benefits of any police department in the state and a community that is supportive of its police department.

Please “click” on any question below to find the answer you are looking for.

Thanks again for visiting our website and learning more about the Carmel Police Department.

1. How many times per year do you test?
2. How long does the testing process take?
3. How many times is an applicant required to travel to Carmel during the process?
4. How many officers do you hire every year?
5. Why is there a maximum age requirement of 35 years old?
6. What is the minimum age requirement under PERF?
7. Does Carmel Police Department have their own academy?
8. How long is the Field Training Program?
9. Is the Field Training Program shortened for Lateral Officers?
10. Are Lateral Officers compensated for their experience?
11. What are the shift hours for the patrol officers?
12. What are the residency requirements for Carmel Police Officers?
13. How long is the hiring list good for?
14. What specialty assignments are available?
15. When can an officer be eligible for a specialty assignment?
16. Do Carmel Police Officers have to purchase their own uniforms and equipment?
 

1.  How many times per year do you test?

    Depending on manpower needs we generally have a testing process once a year in May.

2.  How long does the testing process take?

     The testing process takes approximately 7 months to complete.

3.  How many times is an applicant required to travel to Carmel during the process?

     An applicant must travel at least 3 times to Carmel during the testing process.  If an applicant continues to the last step in the process, he/she would have to make 1 additional trip. ( written exam, oral interview, polygraph, physical/psych)

4.  How many officers do you hire every year?                                   

     The hiring of officers varies from year to year, depending on department budget and community needs.

5.  Why is there a maximum age requirement of 35 years old?

      The age requirements are governed by the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF).  The 1977 Police & Fire Fund has established these guidelines for any officer under this retirement system.  In short, you must be at least 21 years of age and you cannot have reached your 36^th birthday.

6.  What is the minimum age of retirement under PERF?

     The minimum age of retirement under PERF is 20 years of service (with PERF) and 52 years of age. Example 1:  If an officer is hired at 32 years old, he/she can retire at age 52 with full retirement benefits.  Example 2:  If an officer is hired at 21 years old, he/she can retire at 41 years old, but cannot collect retirement benefits until age 52.

7.  Does Carmel Police Department have their own academy?

     No…..Carmel Police Officers attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, Indiana for 14 weeks.

8.  How long is the Field Training Program?

    The Field Training Program is 14 weeks long. 

9.  Is the Field Training Program shortened for Lateral Officers?

    Lateral Officers go through the same training as non lateral officers.  Depending on the experience of the lateral officer and success in the program, he/she may be released to solo patrol at an earlier stage of the FTO program.

10.  Are Lateral Officers compensated for their experience?

      Yes. Lateral Officers are compensated for their experience up to 4 years.

11.  What are the shift hours for the patrol officers?

      The patrol officers work 12 hour shifts. Dayshift hours are from 5a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nightshift hours are 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.. They work 2 days on and 2 days off, and then every other Sunday. 

12.  What are the residency requirements for Carmel Police Officers?

      Carmel Police Officers must reside in Hamilton County or a surrounding county.

 Officers who reside in Hamilton County are given a take home car after successful completion of the FTO program.

13.  How long is the hiring list good for?

      The hiring list is good for 1 year and based on any open positions.  After expiration, those on the hiring list would have to re-apply.

14.  What specialty positions are available?

       SWAT team, D.A.R.E., Field Tech, Investigations, Accident Reconstructionist, Emergency Vehicle Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Motorcycle Unit, Hostage Negotiator, Defensive Tactics Instructor

15.  When can an officer be eligible for a specialty assignment?

       When a specialty assignment becomes available, an officer must have at least 2 years sworn service with a police department to be eligible.  

16.  Do Carmel Police Officers have to purchase their own uniforms and equipment?

      No….Uniforms and equipment are provided by the police department the first year.  After the first year officers are given $1,200 per year to maintain their uniforms.