The Austin Police Department is one step closer to filling two open detective positions left vacant when Brian Krueger and Dave McKichan were promoted to chief and captain, respectively.

Five patrolmen will be in the throes of day-long testing Thursday, vying for the two open detective positions. Testing includes submission of a resume packet, a written test, navigation of a hypothetical crime scene and the completion of an interview conducted by three Police Civil Service commissioners, an agent from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and a detective from the Albert Lea Police Department.

Krueger said he will know how each of the five scored on their tests as soon as Friday, at which point he will consult with the mayor and choose two men to recommend for the positions.

If all goes well, City Council could vote to approve the recommendations as soon as Dec. 20.

The new detectives would not transition into their promotional positions until the middle of January, when patrols-in-training Kris Stein and Rian Jones complete training and are able to patrol on their own.