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The City of Port Arthur will administer an Entry Level Service examination for the position of police officer at 9 a.m. March 28.

Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso said the department is looking for at least five qualified and dedicated officers to fill out the hardworking team.

“We’re looking for a humble citizen, someone who maintains a high level of integrity, is compassionate, hard working and cares about his or her community,” he said.

In order to be eligible to participate in the exam, all applicants must between the ages of 21-45 and return a completed application to the human resource office at city hall by 5 p.m. March 20. Study sessions will be offered March 14 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fifth floor of city hall.

Duriso said the study sessions were included in this year’s test to increase the passing rate.

“The exam that we give isn’t hard, but we’d like to increase the number of people that pass,” he said. “It’s beneficial because it gives them the format of what the test will look like, so more people will show up based on that and have an idea of what to expect.”

Duriso said he is looking for new, dedicated officers that represent qualities like that of Det. Mike Hebert.

“[Hebert’s] professionalism, the way he handles his citizens and the way he cares about others, is what makes a great officer,” he said. “That’s exactly the kind of people we need more of.”

The examination is the first part of the process.

Following a passing grade of the Entry Level Service test is a physical agility test, physiological test, polygraph and interview.

“Come prepared and ready to go,” Duriso said. “I don’t want somebody who is on the fence about this job. I want somebody who is already on this side to jump and protect the citizens of Port Arthur. We are looking for somebody who is motivated to do the job, that’s the most important thing — motivation.”

A driver’s license or form of photographic identification is required for testing.

The exam will take place at Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Drive, second floor. Participants are urged to arrive 30 minutes early.

For more information, visit portarthurtx.gov.