Oakmont has narrowed its search to five candidates for one available full-time police officer position.
The position was originally advertised by the borough in early August with applications due in-person by mid-August.
Chairman of the borough’s Civil Service Commision, Les Leasure, presented council members with an update Sept. 18.
Five candidates have officially passed the physical agility test, a task that commonly includes officers completing sit-ups, a 300-meter run and a 1.5-mile run. Next in the application process is a written exam.
Leasure said that after candidate scores were evaluated, those with passing scores would participate in an oral exam given by three retired police chiefs from different departments. The final two steps of the process include a polygraph test and a full background check.
“Some departments don’t like doing (a polygraph test), but I do,” Leasure said. “It’s served us well in the past and to me it’s a good method to keep in the process.”
Leasure also announced that he intends to retire after more than 30 years of service in the community. He plans to stay in his position and assist with the hiring process until it’s complete.
He also said that he would be open to training his replacement when the time comes.
