The Lincoln City Council on Tuesday agreed to enter into a consortium that administers a screening test for all its police officer candidates.

Council member Bob Johnston, who holds the law enforcement portfolio for the city, said the test would be administered by Job Service North Dakota. The $25 fee to take the test would be paid for by applicants.

"I haven't been happy with our procedure in hiring," Johnston said. "I thought there was a better process."

The new policy also coincides with the resignation of Lincoln's police chief of eight years, Tiffany Harr.

Harr resigned about two weeks ago to pursue other opportunities.

Johnston said an interview board will be set up to screen candidates for her replacement, but the new test will be required in hiring all future police officers. "We'll be putting ads out," he said.

Lincoln has long run on a two-member police force, but because its population has risen to more than 2,500 a third position was recently added.

Johnston said joining the consortium will not cost the city of Lincoln. He said other members are Minot, Bismarck, Burleigh County, Morton County and Mandan.

- LeAnn Eckroth