Careers: Police/Police Interview

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Expert: - 4/30/2007


Question
Hello,

My husband has been trying to get with the police department for the past 3 years.  He has filled out several applications and has done several test.  He finally made it to the interview process which is scheduled tomorrow.  He wants to be prepared for it.  What should he expect?  What types of questions do they typically ask?  Should he ask questions, if so what kinds of questions?  She he wear a suit or just a shirt tie and slacks?  Should he take a copy of his resume/cover letter since the application mirror his resume already?  

Thank you for your advice

Answer
Tina,

   Keep in mind that there are thousands of police departments in this country and all have their own hiring process thus their own interview process.  He might be sitting in front of one person or three.  He might be asked about his views on police work, life experiences, how he would handle simple situations, or any number of things.  It might be a bit late now but I do recall seeing books in the library that address this kind of thing and if there are books in the library there are certainly Internet sites that have sample interview questions.  But there is a danger in focusing on those things because it might limit his thinking and then he would be surprised with completly different questions.

  He should surely wear a coat and tie and a suit if possible.  It would not hurt to take his resume with him.  If they ask for it he would have it.  If they don't then it doesn't hurt to have it under his arm.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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