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Rolling Meadows commissioners seek vendor demos after comparing NTN and PST for police hiring
Summary
Police staff presented two candidate-testing platforms—NTN ($750/year, $65 fee to candidates) and PST ($5,000/year)—and recommended reinstating the POWER card requirement. Commissioners asked for formal demos from both vendors and will hold a special meeting after Zoom presentations are scheduled.
The City of Rolling Meadows Board of Fire & Police Commissioners on Jan. 12 heard a staff presentation comparing two candidate-testing vendors for police hires and asked for formal demonstrations before selecting one.
Police Sergeant Mike Katsenios told commissioners that NTN costs $750 per year (with a 30% discount available for upfront payment) and that NTN charges candidates $65 and provides a one-way recorded interview; he said 83 Illinois police departments currently use NTN. By contrast, PST costs $5,000 per year and facilitates written and physical tests and candidate statements but does not include a recorded interview. Sgt. Katsenios and Police Chief Tony Peluso recommended reinstating the department's POWER card requirement prior to hire. Deputy Fire Chief Scott Mohr noted PST's broader service set and said some fire departments may shift to PST because of its partnership with IO Solutions.
Commissioners requested formal presentations from both NTN and PST before deciding. Chairman Tom Callard asked that staff offer multiple evening dates to maximize attendance; Commissioner Mary Sheahen suggested piloting NTN for Fire, while Commissioner Dave Walter asked for a full, end-to-end presentation of the hiring process from both vendors. Sergeant Katsenios offered to coordinate Zoom meetings; a special meeting will be posted once presentations are confirmed. Commander Sam Mollenhauer also updated the board that the entry-level police eligibility list expires in May and that several candidates have left the list after being hired by other departments.
The discussion focused on comparative costs, the candidate experience (recorded interview vs. no interview), administrative burden, and alignment with the department's existing in-person interviews, which the Commission would continue to conduct after any pre-recorded interview stage. The board did not take a formal vendor-selection vote on Jan. 12 and asked staff to return with vendor presentations and additional neighbor-community practice information.
