In Basket

In this exercise, candidates will have an in basket on their desk, typical of any manager.  It will contain several different items, memos, phone messages, follow-ups, etc., exactly as a real in basket would.  Candidates must go through the various items, sort them, deal with them, and ultimately dispose of each one.  They are judged on their efficiency, skill in prioritizing, and thoroughness of action.

Role Play

Here, candidates face an "employee", an actor, with some type of personnel problem.  It may be that this employee has been late for work lately, is suspected of a drinking problem, misconduct, etc.  They must deal with this employee, both compassionately and correctly, in order to elicit from them what is wrong and implement the Department's policy and procedure appropriate to the problem that is discovered.  Actors are tightly scripted and will only respond to questioning that is proper, on target, and not abusive or berating.  Candidates are judged on how well they carry out Department policy and also on their interpersonal management skills in dealing with this troubled employee.

Written Exercise

Candidates are given a written assignment, such as to prepare a memo for their subordinates.  It may be a solicitation for volunteers at the upcoming festival event, or introduction of a new procedure, etc.  Candidates are judged on their written communications skills and responsiveness to the directions they were given.

Oral Presentation

After a preparation period, candidates deliver an oral presentation to a specified audience.  It may be an anti-drug talk to a school class or a neighborhood watch briefing to a group of homeowners, etc.  Candidates are judged on the effectiveness of their presentation, the appropriateness of style given the intended audience, and their responsiveness to the instructions they were given.

Group Problem Solve

Here, candidates will form a "round table" discussion group, where everyone is equal, and work together to resolve some problem.  it is unstructured and candidates can participate as much or as little as they choose, and in whatever manner they like.  They are judged on how well they work with other people, and how well they execute the duties of a committee member both to fairly judge and comment on the ideas of others and to offer original ideas of their own.

Tactical Command Scenario

Candidates will find themselves in charge of a tactical situation requiring leadership and action.  The complexity and level of the incident will vary with rank being tested.  Overhead projection or other props may be used, as well as radios, to closely simulate the events in an actual command post, including incomplete and contradictory information, pressure, and limited personnel.  Candidates are judged on how well they stay focused on task, how efficiently and effectively they formulate and execute plans, and how closely they stay within Department guidelines.

Exercises for each assessment are selected and customized to meet the individual needs of each customer.

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Last modified: 12/03/03