Probationary Police Officer Candidates are hired based on the Civil Service Rules. Those wishing to be considered for hire must participate in the civil service test that is conducted by the City of Idaho Falls once a year (generally held in June). Upon completion of the test, the top 30 candidates who score at least 70 on the test will be selected to undergo the physical agility test and initial panel interviews. Candidates are then scored from 1 to 30.

When a position opens within patrol, the police administration will interview 3 candidates from the list for everyone 1 position. Candidates being considered for an officer position must pass a background check, a polygraph test, a psychological test, and pre-employment physical.

Anyone seeking to be employed as professional staff must complete the City of Idaho Falls application requirements. All applications are submitted to Human Resources where they are pre-screened for qualifications. The qualified candidates are then sent and reviewed by the department to determine who will be interviewed.

Candidates must pass a background check, polygraph test and any pre-employment physical required for the position.