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Newport News Police Department
year of experience in the application of their specialty area within the previous two years.
Attachment A lists approved specialty areas.
B. Application Process [34.1.5]
1. Application packages for MPO will be accepted as announced.
2. Candidates will submit application packages to their immediate supervisors, who will review
qualifications and provide a written recommendation with respect to selection.
3. Application packages must contain the following:
a. An application form for advancement to MPO (NNPD Form #239).
b. A copy of the candidate’s training record highlighting the 40 hours of leadership training.
c. A detailed explanation of work experience highlighting specialty areas, including the usage and
application of those specialties in the previous twelve (12) months. A letter of good standing from
the commander of a specialty assignment may also be required, as outlined in Attachment A.
d. Attendance at and completion of candidate orientation.
e. A combined passing score for the MPO written exam and assessment exercises based on specific
policies, procedures, City and State codes. The written exam and assessment exercises are scored
on a “pass/fail” basis.
1) The MPO exam.
2) Assessment exercises.
4. The candidate’s immediate supervisor will review the submitted package for completeness and
forward the original application package along with their written recommendation with respect to
this administrative selection to their precinct/division commander for review. The precinct/division
commander will then forward the application package to the Support Services Division captain, who
will prepare it for the candidate’s participation in the remainder of the process. [34.1.2]
5. Applications classified as “recommended” will be forwarded to the Chief of Police for consideration.
a. Candidates who are administratively selected will be notified in writing by the Chief of Police.
b. Candidates not selected will be notified in person by the appropriate division/precinct captain
and provided with career guidance to assist them in meeting standards for MPO administrative
selection.
c. Candidates who are not administratively selected may re-apply for an MPO position during the
next application period. [34.1.2(f)]
6. Administrative selection of candidates to MPO will be at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
7. An MPO’s selection date will be effective upon the candidate meeting all criteria and approval by the
Chief of Police.
C. Requirements for retention as an MPO
1. MPOs must maintain their specialty and utilize that specialty at least annually. A To/From letter of
good standing from the commander of a specialty assignment may also be required, as outlined in
Attachment A.
NOTE: If the MPO is unable to maintain their qualifying complex skill, the MPO must qualify in an
alternate skill area within 18 months of the annual December 15th compliance date.
2. MPOs must participate in 30 hours of community engagement outside of their normal duties (adopt-
a-school, softball/kickball/basketball games, etc.) annually within the City of Newport News, outside
of their regularly scheduled work hours. All community engagement activities must be pre-approved
by the officer’s supervisor, and MPOs must report these 30 hours as time worked on their timesheet.
Additionally, they must document the activities on the MPO Community Engagement Record (Form
#239b).
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