Job dimensions represent the major and critical areas of performance in entry-level law enforcement. The job dimensions listed below are all essential-parts of the job of a police officer. During the selection process each candidate should be evaluated on his/her ability to demonstrate these skills and abilities..

Communication Skills
The candidate has the ability to express himself/herself clearly in writing and speaking. He/she has good reading comprehension skills and is able to write a report that accurately describes what has occurred. He/she should also possess the ability to speak clearly and to make himself/herself understood.

Problem-Solving Ability
The candidate knows how to size up a situation, identify the problem, and make a logical decision. He/she knows when to act and what kind of action is appropriate. The candidate uses good judgment in making decisions and has the ability to see the similarities and differences between the many situations he/she may confront on a daily basis.

Learning Ability
The candidate has the ability to learn, comprehend and retain that material which is required of a law enforcement officer (e.g. laws and procedures). He/she should also be capable of appropriately applying that knowledge to different situations.

Judgment Under Pressure
The candidate has the ability to make effective, logical, common sense decisions when dealing with pressure situations. He/she has the capability of making sound decisions on the spot and using good judgment when dealing with a potentially explosive circumstances.

Observational Skills
The candidate has good observational skills as well as a memory for details. He/she is mentally alert to signals that may indicate something is wrong. The candidate is inquisitive as well as suspicious and is able to sense when things are not satisfactory.

Interest in People
The candidate exhibits a public service orientation. He/she has a sincere desire to understand people so as to work with them better. The candidate also displays fairness in dealing with the public regardless of ethnic race, economic level, age, gender, etc.

Willingness to Confront People
The candidate has the ability to be assertive in a potentially explosive situation. He/she is willing to confront a problem and not back away. The candidate exhibits the willingness to stop people who are behaving in a suspicious manner and to challenge them displaying the courage to confront a potentially dangerous situation.

Interpersonal Sensitivity
The candidate has the ability to resolve problems in a way that shows sensitivity for the feelings of people. He/she shows empathy in working with people and does not enforce the law blindly. The candidate is also effective in dealing with people without arousing antagonism and understands the motives of people and how they will react.

Desire For Self-improvement
The candidate has the ability and desire to go out and seek the knowledge that is needed to be a competent law enforcement officer. He/she cares about his/her competence as an officer by taking full responsibility for learning the job and demonstrating a willingness to put in the time needed to stay proficient. The candidate should also have a high degree of interest and self-drive in wanting to improve his/her law enforcement skills and knowledge.

Appearance
The candidate exhibits the proper professional bearing as determined by neatness, physical appearance, overall grooming, and personal care. He/she also takes personal and professional pride in his/her image and appearance.

Dependability
The candidate has the habit of submitting reports on time, not malingering on calls and is able to stay motivated. He/she is dependable, follows through and takes the extra effort required to be accurate in all details of his/her assignment. The candidate also displays a willingness to turn in the hours needed to complete a job.

Physical Ability
The candidate shows the endurance and physical ability required to do the job. He/she is able to measure up to the physical demands of police work having good physical coordination, stamina and agility.

Integrity
The candidate has the ability to resist the temptations of bribes, gratuities, payoffs, etc. He/she refuses to tolerate unethical or illegal conduct on the part of other law enforcement personnel. The candidate shows a strong moral character, honestly and integrity in dealing with the public.

Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Ability to possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license. Ability to control a motor vehicle at high speeds. Ability to operate motor vehicles in all types of weather conditions.

Credibility as a Witness in Court of Law
The candidate has the ability to give testimony in a court of law without being subject to impeachment due to his/her character for honesty or veracity due to prior behavior including criminal history.