Any thoughts?

[motogp08]

Hey all, i just wanted to know, (i'm going into law enforcement) and am starting as a detention officer.

I'm going to be taking my written test soon, then physical agility, then oral board interview...what are these three things like? Have any of you done them?

In particular, is there any heads-ups or advice you have for me? Tips, tricks, or tactics?

I'm kinda nervous because this career means a LOT to me, and i don't want to screw up anything. I've wanted to be a cop since i was a squirt (not to be confused with squid),

For my physical agility i'm supposed to do 180yds. jump a 5ft and 3ft wall, in 47sec. and carry a 150lb dummy 30ft in 9secs. Will this be really hard?

I don't really exercise much myself, (however, i'm NOT overweight, i weigh 150 myself), how difficult will these tests be?

And what will the oral-board interview be like?

Sorry for grilling you with Q's, i'm just nervous and am trying to re-assure myself.

Thanks everybody!

 

[headrash]

I passed the written test for the CHP back in '95 flied through the physical also. When it came to my driving record though they didn't seem to care that I hadn't got a ticket for a couple of years because I had lost my privlages twice when I was an adolesent.

Good luck

 

[motogp08]

I understand the Patrol testing and academy is easier than the Detention Officer testing, which makes me feel a little better...(but not much tho)...hehehe

 

[headrash]

Whatever you do don't tell them of your stomach illness in the oral review.When you go do the oral your best bet is to not be nervous they can read you very well in there. When I went they had an officer whom seemed to me to be reading me the whole interview and did not say one word to me. I went in with the mindset that they were just people like me and seemed to do very well minus the driving record.

 

[motogp08]

Whatever you do don't tell them of your stomach illness in the oral review.When you go do the oral your best bet is to not be nervous they can read you very well in there. When I went they had an officer whom seemed to me to be reading me the whole interview and did not say one word to me. I went in with the mindset that they were just people like me and seemed to do very well minus the driving record.

Thanks for the tip, greatly appreciated!

 

[jefferycarman]

The dummy may be a bit rough, if it ways as much as you, so try and get some practice there. I started the process to become a police officer then got a cake job where no one will shoot at me

.

The running and jumping should be a breeze for you, as long as you can manage a short sprint you are fine. But practice for the dummy if you can. I am 6'3 200 lbs and that was the only thing that even slowed me down. If I had prep'd for it, would have been a cake walk.

 

[motogp08]

The dummy may be a bit rough, if it ways as much as you, so try and get some practice there.  I started the process to become a police officer then got a cake job where no one will shoot at me  

.

The running and jumping should be a breeze for you, as long as you can manage a short sprint you are fine.  But practice for the dummy if you can.  I am 6'3 200 lbs and that was the only thing that even slowed me down.  If I had prep'd for it, would have been a cake walk.

D@mn that made me feel better! Thanks a bunch brother.

 

[SpecOpsScout]

Hey Bro,
I'll see if I can help. I'm a Corrections Sergeant, and have been on the job for just about sixteen years. Over that time, I turned down a half dozen jobs at Police and Sheriffs departments, when I decided I didn't want to take the cut in pay, benefits or job security from working for the state, vs. County or Municipality.
I would strongly recommend taking a prep course if any are available in your area. There are a few options here in Jersey, and they will help you score better on the written test. Most tests include, writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. There shouldn't be too much Law Enforcement specific topics, simply because you have yet to be trained as a Cop.
For the PT test, start training. natural aptitude sounds nice, but nobody is gonna be impressed with your slender build, when you are sucking wind at the back of the pack on a run, giving up the ghost on sit ups and push ups, and otherwise showing a lack of fitness. If you want the job, START EXERCISING! Different departments test differently. Some follow a basic military PT Test, with running anywhere from a quarter mile to three miles, Push ups and or pull ups, and the ever popular sit ups. The more you can do the better. Normally they are graded by quantity, so the more you can do the better. Form will matter and most that test this way, don't count them if you break form.
Others do physical agility tests, like measured standing jumps, running long jumps, obstacle courses, sit and stretch, and so on. Ultimately, if you want to get on the job and do well in the testing, get out and start exercising...
For the Oral Board, you'll be expected to give brief overview of yourself. Training, schooling, Military, family hobbies, ect. Don't get diarrhea of the mouth, but have something to tell them. Be ready to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Make you weaknesses a back door compliment to yourself, like "I am a very work oriented and anal about doing things correctly, and that can sometimes annoy some folks." Be ready to answer what yuo are bringing to the table. There will be questions that are LE related. Preface the first question by stating that you haven't been trained yet, but will perform within standard and in keeping with their department's SOPs, and then just use common sense. Be ready to maturely explain anything negative they might have been able to dig up on you. Accept full responsibility for your actions, even if you think you were innocent. DO NOT try and shift blame to someone else. You did it, your sorry for it, but have matured since then, and learned from your mistake. You won't repeat it...that type of thing.
Some situations will be a damned if you do and damned if you don't. Be ready for someone to jump all over you, insult, challenge and degrade you. It's a test to see if you are gonna pop a circuit, or maintain your composure. Maintain your discipline at all times. Answer the question as best you can, but don't argue. Always be respectful...DON'T LIE! If you get caught in a lie, you are done. Don't lie about anything...
Lastly, when asked, your friends and family are always supportive of your choices, and are behind you a hundred percent.
I hope this helps...
Respectfully,
Harry

 

[Wag]

My brother is five months into his one year probation as a Florida cop. Seems to love the work and has multiple stories to tell already!

Way back when, I wanted to be a cop but never pursued it. One of my FEW regrets now that I didn't do it.

If it's something you've wanted since you were a kid, go for it. The worst that can happen is that it isn't what you expected and you'll have to change careers.

You're young, still. You'll do well!

Get some practice with the orals. Had some people tell me that when I was considering it more seriously. If I can locate the book I used to have, I'll send it to you. I seem to remember that I loaned it to the aforementioned brother!

--Wag--

--Wag--

 

[motogp08]

Hey Bro,
I'll see if I can help. I'm a Corrections Sergeant, and have been on the job for just about sixteen years. Over that time, I turned down a half dozen jobs at Police and Sheriffs departments, when I decided I didn't want to take the cut in pay, benefits or job security from working for the state, vs. County or Municipality.
I would strongly recommend taking a prep course if any are available in your area. There are a few options here in Jersey, and they will help you score better on the written test. Most tests include, writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. There shouldn't be too much Law Enforcement specific topics, simply because you have yet to be trained as a Cop.
For the PT test, start training. natural aptitude sounds nice, but nobody is gonna be impressed with your slender build, when you are sucking wind at the back of the pack on a run, giving up the ghost on sit ups and push ups, and otherwise showing a lack of fitness. If you want the job, START EXERCISING! Different departments test differently. Some follow a basic military PT Test, with running anywhere from a quarter mile to three miles, Push ups and or pull ups, and the ever popular sit ups. The more you can do the better. Normally they are graded by quantity, so the more you can do the better. Form will matter and most that test this way, don't count them if you break form.
Others do physical agility tests, like measured standing jumps, running long jumps, obstacle courses, sit and stretch, and so on. Ultimately, if you want to get on the job and do well in the testing, get out and start exercising...
For the Oral Board, you'll be expected to give  brief overview of yourself. Training, schooling, Military, family hobbies, ect. Don't get diarrhea of the mouth, but have something to tell them. Be ready to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Make you weaknesses a back door compliment to yourself, like "I am a very work oriented and anal about doing things correctly, and that can sometimes annoy some folks." Be ready to answer what yuo are bringing to the table. There will be questions that are LE related. Preface the first question by stating that you haven't been trained yet, but will perform within standard and in keeping with their department's SOPs, and then just use common sense. Be ready to maturely explain anything negative they might have been able to dig up on you. Accept full responsibility for your actions, even if you think you were innocent. DO NOT try and shift blame to someone else. You did it, your sorry for it, but have matured since then, and learned from your mistake. You won't repeat it...that type of thing.
Some situations will be a damned if you do and damned if you don't. Be ready for someone to jump all over you, insult, challenge and degrade you. It's a test to see if you are gonna pop a circuit, or maintain your composure.  Maintain your discipline at all times. Answer the question as best you can, but don't argue. Always be respectful...DON'T LIE! If you get caught in a lie, you are done. Don't lie about anything...
Lastly, when asked, your friends and family are always supportive of your choices, and are behind you a hundred percent.
I hope this helps...
Respectfully,
Harry

 

[motogp08]

 

[muskrat]

good luck... if for some reason this one doesn't work out don't stop testing if this is what you really want to do. i tested for close to 12 places and was on numerous waiting lists before i finally got hired on. 4 years later i still love coming in to work.

as far as the testing process goes there is nothing better to prepare you than testing experience. take as many tests as you can even if you don't want to work for that location, you can always turn down an offer but the experience of the testing will pay off when you get to where you want to go.

as far as the written stuff, as long as you aren't an idiot you should be fine just don't rush through it. for the physical stuff try to do as much training for the actual events as you can (i.e., doing bicep curls isn't going to help you when you are trying to drag a 150lb dummy while winded after doing a sprint and wall jump). as with the interviews just relax and be yourself... again experience in this setting will benefit you.

good luck. we need more cops riding busa's.

 

[motogp08]

Thanks bro!

 

[Ranger]

+1 on what SpecOP said. I went through the whole process and got hired,(Phx) only to quit before I started the academy for a better paying job, but thats another story. For me the lie detector test was pretty nerve racking, if you have to take one, don't lie, they'll know. Be straight forward and honest throughout the whole process and you'll be fine. The psych test can be a bear for some folks but not so bad. If you make it through the whole process and get hired, you really have accomplished something. Good luck, now get to doing those sit-up, push-ups and jogging!
BTW, check out http://forums.officer.com/forums/ forums, great info there.

 

[yamahor]

Good luck! I did the oral interview, but I didn't get passed it. I was WAY nervous! On top of that, I thought too much when asked the questions. They WILL read your actions like a book, so try and stay calm. I need to work on my interview/staying calm in front of the board.

 

[Bosshound]

Life is SHORT !!!!!!!!!   Just Do IT !!!!!!   Otherwise, you will wake up One day, Old, Fat,  and Just found out that the Company you put 15 Years of Hard Work into Just got SOLD

 

[motogp08]

Life is SHORT !!!!!!!!!   Just Do IT !!!!!!   Otherwise, you will wake up One day, Old, Fat,  and Just found out that the Company you put 15 Years of Hard Work into Just got SOLD  

Sounds like experience...

 

[motogp08]

 

[GSXTacy]

Hey Bro,
I'll see if I can help. I'm a Corrections Sergeant, and have been on the job for just about sixteen years. Over that time, I turned down a half dozen jobs at Police and Sheriffs departments, when I decided I didn't want to take the cut in pay, benefits or job security from working for the state, vs. County or Municipality.
I would strongly recommend taking a prep course if any are available in your area. There are a few options here in Jersey, and they will help you score better on the written test. Most tests include, writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. There shouldn't be too much Law Enforcement specific topics, simply because you have yet to be trained as a Cop.
For the PT test, start training. natural aptitude sounds nice, but nobody is gonna be impressed with your slender build, when you are sucking wind at the back of the pack on a run, giving up the ghost on sit ups and push ups, and otherwise showing a lack of fitness. If you want the job, START EXERCISING! Different departments test differently. Some follow a basic military PT Test, with running anywhere from a quarter mile to three miles, Push ups and or pull ups, and the ever popular sit ups. The more you can do the better. Normally they are graded by quantity, so the more you can do the better. Form will matter and most that test this way, don't count them if you break form.
Others do physical agility tests, like measured standing jumps, running long jumps, obstacle courses, sit and stretch, and so on. Ultimately, if you want to get on the job and do well in the testing, get out and start exercising...
For the Oral Board, you'll be expected to give  brief overview of yourself. Training, schooling, Military, family hobbies, ect. Don't get diarrhea of the mouth, but have something to tell them. Be ready to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Make you weaknesses a back door compliment to yourself, like "I am a very work oriented and anal about doing things correctly, and that can sometimes annoy some folks." Be ready to answer what yuo are bringing to the table. There will be questions that are LE related. Preface the first question by stating that you haven't been trained yet, but will perform within standard and in keeping with their department's SOPs, and then just use common sense. Be ready to maturely explain anything negative they might have been able to dig up on you. Accept full responsibility for your actions, even if you think you were innocent. DO NOT try and shift blame to someone else. You did it, your sorry for it, but have matured since then, and learned from your mistake. You won't repeat it...that type of thing.
Some situations will be a damned if you do and damned if you don't. Be ready for someone to jump all over you, insult, challenge and degrade you. It's a test to see if you are gonna pop a circuit, or maintain your composure.  Maintain your discipline at all times. Answer the question as best you can, but don't argue. Always be respectful...DON'T LIE! If you get caught in a lie, you are done. Don't lie about anything...
Lastly, when asked, your friends and family are always supportive of your choices, and are behind you a hundred percent.
I hope this helps...
Respectfully,
Harry

Stay safe bro, good advice there. Ive been a gang specialist and tactical officer for the Illinois Dept of corrections for the past 12 years.

Moto......Firm, Fair and Consistant is all you need to know on the job............and have some thick skin and a sick sense of humor.

 

[motogp08]

Hey Bro,
I'll see if I can help. I'm a Corrections Sergeant, and have been on the job for just about sixteen years. Over that time, I turned down a half dozen jobs at Police and Sheriffs departments, when I decided I didn't want to take the cut in pay, benefits or job security from working for the state, vs. County or Municipality.
I would strongly recommend taking a prep course if any are available in your area. There are a few options here in Jersey, and they will help you score better on the written test. Most tests include, writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. There shouldn't be too much Law Enforcement specific topics, simply because you have yet to be trained as a Cop.
For the PT test, start training. natural aptitude sounds nice, but nobody is gonna be impressed with your slender build, when you are sucking wind at the back of the pack on a run, giving up the ghost on sit ups and push ups, and otherwise showing a lack of fitness. If you want the job, START EXERCISING! Different departments test differently. Some follow a basic military PT Test, with running anywhere from a quarter mile to three miles, Push ups and or pull ups, and the ever popular sit ups. The more you can do the better. Normally they are graded by quantity, so the more you can do the better. Form will matter and most that test this way, don't count them if you break form.
Others do physical agility tests, like measured standing jumps, running long jumps, obstacle courses, sit and stretch, and so on. Ultimately, if you want to get on the job and do well in the testing, get out and start exercising...
For the Oral Board, you'll be expected to give  brief overview of yourself. Training, schooling, Military, family hobbies, ect. Don't get diarrhea of the mouth, but have something to tell them. Be ready to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Make you weaknesses a back door compliment to yourself, like "I am a very work oriented and anal about doing things correctly, and that can sometimes annoy some folks." Be ready to answer what yuo are bringing to the table. There will be questions that are LE related. Preface the first question by stating that you haven't been trained yet, but will perform within standard and in keeping with their department's SOPs, and then just use common sense. Be ready to maturely explain anything negative they might have been able to dig up on you. Accept full responsibility for your actions, even if you think you were innocent. DO NOT try and shift blame to someone else. You did it, your sorry for it, but have matured since then, and learned from your mistake. You won't repeat it...that type of thing.
Some situations will be a damned if you do and damned if you don't. Be ready for someone to jump all over you, insult, challenge and degrade you. It's a test to see if you are gonna pop a circuit, or maintain your composure.  Maintain your discipline at all times. Answer the question as best you can, but don't argue. Always be respectful...DON'T LIE! If you get caught in a lie, you are done. Don't lie about anything...
Lastly, when asked, your friends and family are always supportive of your choices, and are behind you a hundred percent.
I hope this helps...
Respectfully,
Harry

Stay safe bro, good advice there. Ive been a gang specialist and tactical officer for the Illinois Dept of corrections for the past 12 years.

Moto......Firm, Fair and Consistant is all you need to know on the job............and have some thick skin and a sick sense of humor.

You're an officer?

Where the he11 have i been all this time?

Anyhoo, thanks!