Answer questions directly. If there are any omissions in your application that are brought to light, take responsibility. If they lean hard on you about mistakes you have made, don’t try to explain them away and don’t give them a canned answer that doesn’t explain the mistake like “I have changed a lot” or “I have become a better person.” Most agencies want to see accountability and transparency if they are somewhere you want to work.
If they ask about why they should hire you, don’t feed them a prepared “I have always wanted to make a difference” line. I sat on an initial interview board with a young guy who came from the Army and when I asked why he wanted to work in law enforcement he told me “My brother is a cop and I want to drive fast, arrest bad guys and help old ladies in distress. Of course the first one is only when its appropriate.” And the entire board appreciated his candidness, including the captains who reviewed the paperwork and interviewed him for round two.
Been in your shoes last year. Dress business (not business casual) like person already said be- way early, no perfume. And as corny as it sounds, be yourself
Kind of depends on what you prepared for. If you’re remotely prepared, you shouldn’t worry. I am in my 13th week in Philadelphia Police Academy and STILL shocked at how many recruits are clueless to the background process, AND clueless to what’s required of them in the academy. Currently Philadelphia is rolling new classes of 50 plus recruits every 6 weeks. It’s a 39 week academy. My class started January 20th. With 54 recruits. Our class has 42 now. 4 quit within the first 3 days. Others let go. And a few were rolled back into “newer” classes for failing to maintain academic standards or PT standards. (You get ONE “fail” then removed if you fail to maintain again)
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Answer questions directly. If there are any omissions in your application that are brought to light, take responsibility. If they lean hard on you about mistakes you have made, don’t try to explain them away and don’t give them a canned answer that doesn’t explain the mistake like “I have changed a lot” or “I have become a better person.” Most agencies want to see accountability and transparency if they are somewhere you want to work.
If they ask about why they should hire you, don’t feed them a prepared “I have always wanted to make a difference” line. I sat on an initial interview board with a young guy who came from the Army and when I asked why he wanted to work in law enforcement he told me “My brother is a cop and I want to drive fast, arrest bad guys and help old ladies in distress. Of course the first one is only when its appropriate.” And the entire board appreciated his candidness, including the captains who reviewed the paperwork and interviewed him for round two.
I’ve had interest in law enforcement before just never took it seriously.. wanting to get out of the restaurant industry been cooking for 10 years
What agency is this for? Congrats!
Use STAR method for any scenario questions
Go in and kiss the chief, marshal, or Sheriff or their substitute right on the mouth. That will DEFINITELY help
For the love of Jesus H, be on time….in fact be early. I cant tell you how many applicants are late these days
Been in your shoes last year. Dress business (not business casual) like person already said be- way early, no perfume. And as corny as it sounds, be yourself
Kind of depends on what you prepared for. If you’re remotely prepared, you shouldn’t worry. I am in my 13th week in Philadelphia Police Academy and STILL shocked at how many recruits are clueless to the background process, AND clueless to what’s required of them in the academy. Currently Philadelphia is rolling new classes of 50 plus recruits every 6 weeks. It’s a 39 week academy. My class started January 20th. With 54 recruits. Our class has 42 now. 4 quit within the first 3 days. Others let go. And a few were rolled back into “newer” classes for failing to maintain academic standards or PT standards. (You get ONE “fail” then removed if you fail to maintain again)