Oral Board

[USMC_HMX1]

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum, so I want to share my experience with you. I recently applied for my city PD. I pass the written/PT tests and was invited to the oral board last Friday. After reading many posts in this forum, I thought that I was somewhat prepared for the board.
The very first thing that I noticed once I entered the room, was the U shaped table that accomodated the Chief, 2 Lt's, 2 Detectives and 1 FTO. There was one single chair, obviously in the middle for the candidate. This chair was altered, the backrest handles were removed, therefore I could only sit straight and not relaxed... It's funny, because the first thing they told me was to relax.... The oral board started with the basic questions such as my background, hobbies, personal life, why I want a LE career and so forth... I believe that I answered all very well. Then came the scenario questions, I was advise to answer the best of my ability and that they were very aware that I did not knew the law. Ok, here is were I froze........ I true did not know what to say in the scenario questions, I did not want to sound like super Cop nor a weak person...... There was a Detective that was somewhat helping me but he keep twisting the scenario over and over and that made me more nervous. I am not going to disclosed that scenario questions here, but for you LEO's, I think you know them well since you have already been through this before.
At the end they asked me to step out while they complied the scores and talked about my candidacy. After 5 minutes they asked back in. They first explained to me the scoring system they use to evaluate each candidate. Then they told me that I had scored 2 points shy of passing, but not to be discouraged because they wanted to see me again on their next hiring event. I must admit, I was nervous and I possibly did not answered the way they wanted me too, but I did the best I could.......

I am testing this month for two other local Pd's....... Any advice?

[viperphi]

Best advice is don't lock up. I'll be the first to admit that I think role playing is retarded. I never had any actual role playing in front of people to accomplish before getting hired. I just remember that crap from the academy. But really, what do you have to lose by playing the role or going with the scenario? You failed this one and guess what, you are still alive. They can't kill you. So don't psyche yourself out.

You just need to take a few seconds and think the question or problem over, and then just roll into something. Whether you are right or wrong, you need to be confident in whatever approach you take. If you stand there and freeze or look like you are second guessing yourself, you'll be 2 points shy again.

Also take into consideration that this is just one department's hiring method. Other department's aren't going to use the same format so you might not run into the same issues. Just adapt and overcome. It's not the end of the world.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

The scenarios are not about the answers, they are about the way the applicant responds.

They are looking for things such as: Were you articulate? Did you answer off the cuff, or were you thoughtful? Were you able to support your answer with reasoning? How quickly were you able to process the information given to you?

The method in which you answer will be the method in which you interact with citizens, or respond to the dispatchers, etc.

[pac201]

Today 01:31 PM
#1 USMC_HMX1
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Junior Member

this^^^ indicates that you are a marine, marines are taught life skills that never leave them. Adjust and adapt and you'll be fine.

[ChevySSP]

Bro I can tell you to just be yourself and act on instinct. Shoot from the hip, if you know what I mean.

Its ok if you don't know what your gonna do, and its ok if you don't know the law. All that matters is that you do something, even if its just something quick.

Something I've learned at the academy is that sometimes you don't know what is the best course, but that if you can formulate something and act on it quickly then more often then not you manage to come out on top.

On your next intervew, just be yourself, think quickly, and don't worry about being 100% correct or perfect.

[USMC_HMX1]

Everyone, thanks for your inputs, they are all noted. I am definately not discourage by the outcome of that oral board. On the contrary, I believe it made me a more competitive candidate because I have alreary been through one. Like I said, I am testing for two PD's this month, I know that I will have no issues in writen/PT tests. Thanks...

[Adrenolize]

Bro I can tell you to just be yourself and act on instinct. Shoot from the hip, if you know what I mean.

Its ok if you don't know what your gonna do, and its ok if you don't know the law. All that matters is that you do something, even if its just something quick.

Something I've learned at the academy is that sometimes you don't know what is the best course, but that if you can formulate something and act on it quickly then more often then not you manage to come out on top.

On your next intervew, just be yourself, think quickly, and don't worry about being 100% correct or perfect.

I believe they teach this because no matter how much you learn or know about law enforcement, something will always come out of left field and most of the time you can't slow it down to ask for guidance. That is why there is always more case law being made and new training to be had. I always hated the term 'routine traffic stop'. That is what makes law enforcement great IMO.

[greg72982]

I don't know about your state but here the oral is just the phase where politicians can legally get their buddies hired.