Lessons learned so far

[Kenpokev]

Not that my experiences are reflective of what others will encounter, but some of the things I've learned may help in the hiring process...

Focus: I think it is best to focus on a couple agencies that you have the greatest interest in and determine if you are a good candidate for them. Needless to say, if they aren't hiring you need to be aware of that. You should extensively research the agency. You can learn about upcoming retirements and dynamics within the agency prior to starting the hiring process. Ride alongs and any related volunteer activities certainly will help you in both research and hiring. I have noted a number of folks have gone into neighboring agencies after serving as reserves for a year or so. Needless to say, if you can cultivate friendships with senior staff, all the better. While it may be successful for some candidates, shotgun job hunting doesn't "sell" a prospective agency that you REALLY want to work for them. When you have determined what few agencies you want to go after, research as much as possible about the agency, community and local political environment. Most of this info is readily available, but it's amazing how few candidates get a good grasp of the agency before they begin the hiring process. Get informed!

Test Preparation: Assuming the common practice of doing written testing first, I found that spending the time with test preparation study guides is very helpful. I'm a college grad, though several years ago and taking the time to learn about the type of questions they ask helped me a great deal. I found the Cliff Publications Police Exam Preparation book by Jetmore was the best of the one's I bought. Also be sure to familiarize yourself with map reading, photo identification and memorizing suspect information.

Get In Shape: A no brainer here. Not just for the fitness tests, but when you are fit, your brain works better, you sleep better and look better! Other fringe benefits too. Our state requirements for the PT were pretty tame, but what I've read, many agencies have stringent standards, know what you are facing well in advance! There really is no excuse for the well-prepared candidate to fail a PT test.

Oral Boards: For goodness sakes practice! Enlist friends, family, your dog, whatever, but get used to talking about yourself, "selling" your qualities, articulating why you want to be an LEO, etc. Make sure you have a well-tailored suit, white shirt, conservative tie, polished black shoes, fresh haircut. Practice your smile, vocal delivery, handshake, introductions. Be committed to your positions without being obstinant. You aren't expected to know a great deal about law enforcement, but you sure are expected to have good common sense.

Backgrounds: Start now. Don't hide stuff, be honest. Cultivate your references, ask for letters of recommendation (even better if the references are known to the agency you are applying to...ex-felons wouldn't be a good choice, but former assistant DA's would!) Get your official transcripts, employment records, military records...everything. If at all possible, type your background packet (my BI told me that she only gets about 20% of them typed) add typed explainations of items that will generate questions. Be proactive in supplying information.

MMPI: Be honest, don't read too much into questions, don't dwell on extreme circumstances when imagining scenarios. If you are wacko, you are wacko and shouldn't be a cop :D Approach your interview much the same as your Oral Board, dress impecably, articulate clearly, moderate your replies.

Final Interview: Your final stage for the most part. By this time you should have researched the department so well that you know could deliver a good executive summary on the agency. Be pleasant, respectful, genuine and sell yourself as a positive reflection of the outstanding reputation of professionalism that the agency enjoys... Rehearse responses to commonly asked questions (exam prep books have loads of 'em) Be prepared to articulate what your long-term career path would be with the agency, yet mention flexibility to try a variety of specializations within the department, citing the specialties within the agency. Be prepared to discuss personal issues, like your family and their opinions of your entering LE. (this was the focus of my final interview dialog)

My circumstances were very different than most in this process, due to the nature of the agency, my experiences with them and former career. I'm due to punch the clock, starting in a couple weeks. As has been mentioned many times, the hardest part in many ways is simply maintaining your patience through the process.

Just one old phart's experience...

[danah]

this is a set of about 40 question i practiced before i went into the oral interview. kenpokev just made such an informative post i thought i would add to it to make this the go to thread for the hiring process q's. these questions i got are from other threads on RP, other internet sites, LE testing books, and my g/f mom is vice president in human resources so she helped me with some interview q's.

1. Why do you want to be a police officer?
Or
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career?

2. Why should you be hired over other similar applicants?
Or
Why should we hire you?

3. What are you strengths and weaknesses?

4. Do you have any regrets for anything in the past?

5. What, if anything, do you feel are major accomplishments or achievements in you life?

6. How do you feel you can help the community by working in the police department?

7. Why do you like to lift-weights? Play sports?

8. Do you do any extracurricular reading? Writing?

9. How do you feel about working irregular hours in the police department?

10. Do you respond to criticism in a positive way?

11. Have you ever displayed temper with co-workers at past jobs?

12. What do you think of drugs and alcohol in the workplace and at home?

13. Are you afraid of anything such as dying, heights, or public speaking?

14. How do you feel about using lethal force against another person when necessary?

15. Tell us about yourself.

16. What can you tell us about Laguna Beach? Laguna Beach Police Department?

17. If you were asked to choose a hero, who would it be and why?

18. What makes you the best candidate for this position?

19. What do you think you will dislike about this career?

20. What will you bring to this department?

21. What three words describe your personality and why?

22. How would you describe sexual harassment?

23. What do you think the mission statement should be for our department and why?

24. What have you done to prepare yourself for this position?

25. Why did you choose this department to apply to?

26. What qualities do you possess that would make you a good police officer?

27. What will be the most challenging aspect for you in becoming a police officer?

28. Do you understand the duties of a police officer?

29. What’s the toughest decision you have ever had to make in your life?

30. Describe a situation where you had to overcome diversity.

31. What are you goals for the next 5 years?

32. Being so young, how will your age affect your ability to do your job?

33. How does your education, training, and life experiences relate to the duties of a police officer?

34. Your graduation date for the police academy is in May. Why should the department wait until you graduate instead of hiring an officer that can start sooner?

35. How do you arrive at making difficult decisions?

36. How do you think you would cope when faced with casualties/fatalities?

37. Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation? What were your thoughts during the ordeal?

38. Have you ever experienced communicating with the general public?

39. Do you have any questions for us?

40. What does ___________ mean to you?
Or
What’s your definition of ___________?

-equal opportunity
-integrity
-teamwork
-community-oriented policing
-diversity
-affirmative action
-leadership
-self-discipline

[mcsap]

Wow , glad I didn't have to type all of that !

[danah]

i had it typed from when i was studying for the interview. just a couple of clicks and -KAZAAM! it appears

[metallicat]

Excellent post Kenpokev.

[danah]

Originally posted by DC Law



7. Why do you like to lift-weights? Play sports?
I go to the gun range and shoot at pictures of people who have wronged me.



14. How do you feel about using lethal force against another person when necessary?
See above...I look forward to doing it often!

the liftingweights question was tailored to me for when i was studying for my interview. in my application they asked for hobbies and stuff.

DC, you're not joking! i know thats how they hire in wash dc area.

[Kenpokev]

Quick update:
Regarding the MMPI, make sure you read the questions carefully, there are a number of double-negatives and it's also VERY easy to miss a question, then you REALLY screw up the results.

Doing the MMPI twice in one day is a tad irritating...don't ask me how I know this :rolleyes:

I got a positive recommendation and will get my start date next week.

Merry Christmas!

[Kenpokev]

Yahoo!

It's Christmas Eve and the Sheriff just called and gave me my start date...Jan 5th.

Ho ho ho said the old dog about to learn new tricks.

[mcsap]

Congrats !!!!

[Mike5166]

Kenpokev

- 1st : hello, nice to meet ya.

- 2nd: Congrats on getting hired (34 year old rookie here myself - second career)

- 3rd: great post, good advice


I'd like to quickly relay one part of my hiring process:

When I had my psych test I had to do the CPI and the MMPI. Doing one and then the other and trying to remember what I put on the first one *LOL* that sucked.

Then I had two shrinks (I think they used two for safety reasons) did and said everything they could to frustrate me and/or piss me off for about an hour and a half. Didn't let them get to me but I left there with one hell of a headache! They must have given a thumbs up because I got hired....




HEY Kenpokev - where are you going to work, we have two new deputies starting on Jan 5th here.... :-)

[Kenpokev]

Orientation begins on Monday the 5th as well. Up in the Tahoe area. Just started picking up uniforms and READING policies...and reading and reading...

Happy New Year!

[muskingumboy]

god im jealous.....

[Mike5166]

Ah yes....policy manuals...I got one thick manual for COUNTY, then another for SHERIFF'S OFFICE, then yet another for JAIL DIVISION. THEN a TRAINING "FTO" MANUAL....

good luck :-)

[Kenpokev]

GRINS:

They never tell you about all the exciting paperwork, studying and report writing in the cop shows, do they?

In for a penny, in for a pound...

Cheers,

KK

[Mike5166]

I guess hours of reading manuals and writing reports just wouldn't make for good ratings....Maybe if they showed that, competition to get hired wouldn't be so high :-)