Delaware police department streamlines hiring by removing polygraph from selection process

The Delaware Civil Service Commission convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss significant updates and proposals regarding the police department's hiring process. The meeting focused on streamlining recruitment efforts and addressing staffing challenges within the department.

The first major topic of discussion was the proposal to remove the polygraph test from the initial stages of the hiring process. The police department's leadership emphasized the need for efficiency, noting that candidates often reached the final stages of hiring only to be disqualified based on polygraph results. This change aims to expedite the recruitment process, allowing the department to process candidates monthly, a significant improvement from the previous biannual schedule. Over the past year and a half, the department successfully onboarded 55 sworn officers, nearing its authorized strength of 60.

The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining a steady hiring cadence to address potential attrition. The department anticipates that several officers will be eligible for retirement in the coming months, necessitating a continued focus on recruitment. The leadership expressed confidence in their ability to manage the hiring process flexibly, allowing them to pause applications when staffing levels are sufficient.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the integration of various testing procedures to streamline candidate evaluations. By combining tests and assessments, the department aims to enhance the efficiency of the hiring process while ensuring that candidates meet the necessary integrity standards.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the police department's commitment to refining its hiring practices to ensure a robust and capable workforce. The proposed changes are expected to facilitate a more efficient recruitment process, ultimately supporting the department's goal of maintaining adequate staffing levels in the face of potential retirements. The commission will continue to monitor these developments as the department implements the new strategies.