Finally, an Interview !

[Lawson]

Well as some of you may know I have been constantly going out for my PD's Police Community Service Officer position. [For those of you who are not aware what our CSOs are, they hold a partial police commission which lets them respond to accidents, transport prisoners, handle public service details, etc... They also patrol the lake we have out here in which they are granted a full police commission] I have applied to the position probably about 5 times know, but have FINALLY been accepted to the interview process. So, hooray for me!

What I am asking for, is any good tips for an interview, aside from the traditional "be honest" , "tell them everything" , "Dress nice" etc... something that may give me an edge over the next guy. Thanks!

[MORA Ranger]

You've already got the edge over the next guy, they know you! Good luck.

[Hoya]

Make sure you don't come across overzealous and talk to much about police work. In reality, explorers go through similar training but never encounter the scenarios police officers do. In my agency, some of our explorers/CSO's are looked upon as cop groupies. I've taken a few on a ride-along and all they did was talk my freakin ears off, asking me how many shootings I've been in, how many car chases, kept calling me by my first name, etc...This is all because they think police work only entails in pusuits, beat downs, shootings, etc... BI's will pick that up right away and may feel that you may not be mature enought and may be too gung ho. Just remain professional and only speak about your personal life experience and the road you have taken to prepare yourself for this profession.

Sounds like you won't have any problems and you already have proven yourself to your agency. Go through the motions and make us all proud.

Good luck!!!

[corporal716]

Have a closing statement and thank the board for their time. Shake their hands when you come in and when you leave. If you find it hard to look them in the eyes look at their chins, they want know the difference. Take your time answering their questions.

Good Luck

[Lawson]

Thank you for your tips, my interview is on Tuesday Oct 19 at 0920. So keep 'em pouring in :D but I will defenately keep those in mind.

[tami]

Brian,

Let me know how you do, I see your in the NW as I. I'm in Portland Oregon going through the Gresham PD process. Good Luck!

[Lawson]

Will do! Good luck to you too!

[Steve921161]

Make sure you don't come across overzealous and talk to much about police work. In reality, explorers go through similar training but never encounter the scenarios police officers do. In my agency, some of our explorers/CSO's are looked upon as cop groupies. I've taken a few on a ride-along and all they did was talk my freakin ears off, asking me how many shootings I've been in, how many car chases, kept calling me by my first name, etc...This is all because they think police work only entails in pusuits, beat downs, shootings, etc... BI's will pick that up right away and may feel that you may not be mature enought and may be too gung ho.

If law enforcement entailed nothing more than action, I'd choose a different profession to go into. The work is dangerous enough when it's 99% boredom and 1% action. I don't view fights, shootings, and chases as some kind of a game.

[Mike Romeo]

Good luck Lacey!

[mcsap]

Assume nothing , answer each question fully making eye contact with all of the board members. Don't overplay your Police Explorer position. IMHO, it isn't even worth bringing up as it translates into little actual police experience. After having seen all of the posts here for a while, you will do fine.

[Johninaustin]

One question I have seen asked at every board I have ever been on. (both sides of the table)

"Tell us about yourself." (It does not matter if you've known these guys forever. It's HOW you answer that's important.)

Have a REHEARSED response. Don't wander, don't make little jokes, don't stammer, don't repeat or back up. Keep it concise and factual. Be sure to mention current projects, goals, (esp education), social or church activities that show leadership and responsibility.

[Metallic4]

Just out of curiousity, if you are acting as a fully commisioned LEO on the water, do you carry a gun?

[Lawson]

Just out of curiousity, if you are acting as a fully commisioned LEO on the water, do you carry a gun?

I asked about that actually not to long ago. Its weird, you have a full commission, but they dont want you carrying a gun at all. Im not sure why. From what I hear, You can still write tickets [IE speeding, Reckless Boating, etc with other Water violations] and even make arrests [Felony water violations, Boating while Under the Influence, and any other waterborne crime ] but for some reason they dont want you carrying a firearm.

[Lawson]

Okay, I just got done with my interview. Basically, I got up, spent about an hour and a half fixing my interview clothes, getting cleaned up, etc... I got all my stuff together and headed over to the City Hall [PD and city hall are connected ] I stopped in the PD about 30 minutes before I was to be interviewed and I talked to my explorer advisor [ a LT. ] and he gave me some pre-interview tips. From there I went over to city hall and took my exam. I didnt do as well as I hoped, but I feel I did alright. From there I went over to the lobby and waited for my interview, I got called in, I shook hands, sat down, and began, they began asking questions and for the most part I feel I tackled them pretty well, there were a few I stumbled on a little bit, but for the most part I came back and was able to thouroughly answer them. The only really awkward moment was when they asked if I had any questions, I said " When will you next contact me? " And the lady from personnell [the interviewers were 1 LT, 1 Detective and 1 lady from Personell ] stared at me like "What are you talking about? " Then I said "When will we be getting contacted for the next steps" and she kinda came back with an answer making me look like I was acting overzealous as if I "KNEW" I was going to make the list for Poly / Psychs.

But all in all, I feel I did pretty well.

[michiganstud]

Don't sweat the test. I'm sure you did fine. People always second guess themselves.

That's not that terrible of an interview question. It could be looked at as excitement for the position and confidence.

And just think about what the actual LEO interview will be like. You think you were sweating now.............


GOOD LUCK