Expert: Dick Rogers - 10/23/2003

Question
I will be interviewing soon with a local police department for the oral boards to become an officer. I know there will be serveral ethical and/or police related scenerios. Do you have any pointers or sample questions that you know from experience?  

Answer
Robert, the usual questions have to do with excessive force and ethical issues.  For example, you may be asked if you could take a life and if so under what circumstances.  They don't expect you to know the force policies of any dept. but they are looking for reasoned responses. Something to the effect that..."I don't relish the idea of taking someone's life but I recognize that there are incredibly dangerous situatins that require instant judgement.  If a situation measured up to the requirements, I could use deadly force."  Also, look for questions relating to your partner taking items during a burglary investigation.  Be prepared to take a stance...usually along the lines of having you partner turn the property over to the watch sergeant and taking the heat for it.  There are no shades of this...there is no room for police malfeasance and you must be prepared to defend it.  Hope this helps