This unit is responsible for human resources, training, and the Police Academy. The Professional Development Unit is tasked with the hiring and training of new police officers as well as in-service training of existing officers. The department is required to provide 16 hours of training per year to every officer, but the average amount of training given is about forty hours. Every applicant for a position as an officer must pass a written examination and a physical fitness test in order to be placed on a rolling eligibility list for one year. If selected, the process continues with a polygraph examination and an extensive background investigation, leading to an appointment to the academy.