Police Chief Thomas Gordon’s retirement has shaken up the Warren Police Department, elevating Lt. Pete Achilli to the top cop status and opening up a hole in the lower ranks. In order to fill those places, hiring processes have been put in place – though entry level cops and the chief’s position require different hiring protocols.

According to Town Manager Richard Paduch, there is no stipulation in the town charter which dictates the process to hire a police chief. Traditionally, all police chiefs have been hired from within the department. Weeks before Chief Achilli’s promotion was announced, the town manager said he would interview candidates and receive recommendations from former Chief Thomas Gordon. Chief Achilli said he was interviewed by Mr. Paduch but did not have to take a test.

“There’s no document of application. I was interviewed by the town manager,” said Chief Achilli.

He did not know how many other applicants there were and said the department was very tight-lipped about who was applying for the job. However, it is common knowledge that with Chief Gordon’s retirement, there is a vacancy in the department and a new patrol officer will be hired due to the minimum staffing requirement.

“There was a trickle down effect … He retired and it opened up a position,” said Chief Achilli.

Making the cut

According to Lt. Joseph Loiselle, there is a written and psychological test given to each incoming officer. There is also a lengthy psychological assessment administered by the University of Rhode Island to make sure an officer has the personality requirements for the job.

“It’s not something we determine. You’re asked all different types of questions,” said Lt. Loiselle.

But one of the most rigorous examinations is the physical fitness test every officer must pass to be able to wear a badge. Lt. Loiselle is certified by the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy to administer the psychical fitness test. According to him, the test’s standards vary depending on the applicant’s age. A male in his 20s is required to run 300 meters under 56 seconds and 1.5 miles in under 11 minutes and 58 seconds.

“Their age would determine the time,” said Lt. Loiselle.

There is also a swimming test, a self defense test, and a firearms training class. But the psychical standards are different for male and female officers. A male 20 to 29-years old is required to bench press 99 percent of their weight while a female the same age is required to bench press 59 percent.

But there education requirements are the same across the board for both male and female. According to Lt. Loiselle, the Warren Police Department requires officers to have an associate’s degree, two years of higher education, or two years of military experience.

As for the staffing changes, Lt. Loiselle said the department was in good spirits and pleased to “shake things up a bit.” And while Chief Gordon was a qualified chief, the he said it’s nice for officers to assume new roles.

“It’s a positive thing when there’s change, when someone has been in place quite a while and there’s opportunity for movement.”