The Mother Ticket Question

[physicstech]

I hope it isn't against the rules to ask this but I keep hearing that there is a question sometimes asked during the hiring process about whether or not you would give your mother a ticket. Seeing as how I am a big believer in the cell phone laws (hands free/no texting) and I've told my mother constantly to not drive while on the phone, my answer would probably be "Yes, but only if it were a cell phone violation" What I am asking is if they would think I am lying because "no one writes their own mom a ticket, so he's just trying to make us think he'd be a super cop" That would be my true and honest answer. I'd hope I wouldn't get marked off, or not hired due to them thinking I'm lying. Thanks

PS: I truly would do that too as I've seen her lose focus when on the phone when I'm in the car with her.

[mobrien316]

I would give my mom a ticket if she invited me to the house for dinner and neglected to have any beer in the fridge.


Other than than, Mom gets a pass from me.

[physicstech]

Yes but on a hiring interview would my question seem "wrong" just because it's not lenient to my own mother?

[mobrien316]

Generally, you should come up with your own answer to oral board questions rather than polling current police officers as to how they would answer.

That's kind of the point of oral boards...

[physicstech]

Thank you. I am asking if my own honest answer (above) would be flagged as lying to say I'd follow procedure instead of being honest. I would not change my answer based on what responses I get here, as it would not be honest then. Thank you for your time though.

[Citicop]

My Mom has MS and has not had a valid license for more than 10 years.

I would write tickets and have the car towed if I ever saw her behind the wheel; it;s just basic public safety!

(If you're reading this, I love you, Mom...)

-Citicop.

[physicstech]

Thanks for the response. I'm guessing I have nothing to worry about should I be called for an interview, and asked this question.

[pac201]

Thanks for the response. I'm guessing I have nothing to worry about should I be called for an interview, and asked this question.

As has been stated just answer honestly; you might be surprised at how good those guys are at detecting bs when they conduct an interview...

[GoDirectly2Jail]

My mother doesn't drive anymore.


But if I walked up to her car and found out it was my Trooper brother-in-law driving, he'd get a ticket in a heartbeat.

Hope that helps.

[Gutwrench]

First I don't see anything wrong whatsoever in preparing for oral boards by asking questions like this. It shows initiative to learn how experienced people view the question differently. Then the candidate can form their own answer. Besides the agency conducting the oral board will decide what answer they are looking for. I know I did extensive preparation for oral boards as well as for the assessment center when promoting to a patrol supervisor position. I encourage candidates to prepare well for orals whether it's for an entry, lateral, or promotional level.

Secondly, knowing what I know now, I'd probably eliminate a department from my interest if someone on the board asked that question.

[DCF]

I would first answer; "I certainly hope that situation never presents itself". If I was pressed for an answer I"d say: "I'll be honest, no, I could not write my mother a ticket.

[physicstech]

I'm just curious why you would eliminate them from your interest? I would think that is a good question as it is a tough thing to answer honestly. I have no experience past a written exam so far though.

[Gutwrench]

I'm just curious why you would eliminate them from your interest? I would think that is a good question as it is a tough thing to answer honestly. I have no experience past a written exam so far though.

Physicstech, I'm a little over the top say I'd eliminate them but it would cross my mind. I don't see it as having much value in evaluating suitability. Having said that much of a well formed oral board is designed to reveal how a person thinks and articulates their answers.

Good luck, by the way.

[mcsap]

Maybe it isn't so much what your answer is but rather how you say it.

[kels]

Maybe it isn't so much what your answer is but rather how you say it.

This is the correct answer.
Answer it however your feel.

However, knowing someone who tagged his mom for 78/55,
I heard it was very chilly at Moms house for the fall holidays.
(and no it wasnt me)