Police Interview Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 1
January 2002

Welcome to the first issue of "POLICE INTERVIEW", a newsletter dedicated to providing law enforcement applicants with suggestions, guidance, insights, and tips during the job search process.

Law Enforcement Agencies across the nation are seeking to hire the best and brightest applicants. Competition is rigorous among qualified candidates.

Let me introduce myself. I'm Dr. Mac Hart - a Clinical Psychologist. I have worked with local police departments and sheriff's offices in central Virginia for the past 20 years. In consulting with these agencies, my primary responsibility has been to help law enforcement personnel select the most highly qualified police and deputy sheriff applicants available.

As the psychologist on the NEW OFFICER ORAL INTERVIEW BOARDS of several law enforcement agencies, I have interviewed thousands of police and deputy sheriff candidates over the years. My focus has been to help select men and women who possess the intelligence, aptitudes, life experience, commitment, and maturity required to train and function successfully in the law enforcement field.

Your face-to-face interview with the New Officer Oral Interview Board is one of the most crucial steps in the entire application process. Hundreds of applicants score well on the agencies' written exams and physical agility tests. Far fewer "pass" the Oral Interview process.

Are you prepared?

Inside this issue:

* Keys To Success
* Ready to Interview
* "Firing Line"
* Ask The Experts
* Coaching Services
* Web Address

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KEYS TO SUCCESS

Progressive law enforcement agencies are hiring the cream of the applicant crop. These are men and women who demonstrate:

* Intelligent Problem Solving
* Excellent Communication Skills
* Job Related Experience
* Good Character & Reputation
* Convincing Law Enforcement Interest
* Emotional Maturity
* Solid Interpersonal Skills
* Effective Stress Management Skills
* Confidence, Comfort With Self

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"FIRING LINE" - Time For Your Oral Interview

Welcome Law Enforcement Applicant. Please have a seat in your virtual chair. Take a deep breath, sit back, and relax. The Oral Board has a structured series of questions to ask each applicant today. Please answer each question in a thoughtful, complete fashion. Are you ready?

1. Why are you seeking a career as a police officer/deputy sheriff?
2. What education & experience do you possess that has prepared you for this career?
3. Describe the worst problem you have encountered in a work situation. How did you deal with the problem?
4. How do you feel about carrying a gun and possibly having to take someone's life in the line of duty?
5. What are the sources of stress in your personal & work life? How you do manage this stress?
6. What is your pattern of alcohol use? Illegal drug use?
7. What types of interpersonal conflict have you experienced in your work life?
8. What steps did you take to resolve the issue?
9. In what area are you looking for a change or self-improvement?
10. What personal qualities and traits do you possess that would make you well-suited for a law enforcement career?
11. What types of situations cause you to feel discouraged? Anxious? Irritated?
12. When have you had to take charge of a situation to quickly resolve a problem or crisis?
13. As a police officer, you pull a speeding car. It's a friend of yours and you suspect he's been drinking. What do you do?

Take your time, listen to each question, and think about your response before answering.

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ASK THE EXPERTS

In this regularly appearing column, Dr. Hart and local law enforcement officers will respond to frequently asked questions.

Applicant: I smoked a little pot in high school and college but I don't have a drug problem. Is it really necessary to report my experimental use of marijuana to the agencies where I am applying?

Dr. Hart: Great question! Yes, it is extremely important that you be truthful and consistent in reporting any drug use in your history. This includes what you say in your personal history statement as well as how you respond during the interview process. Some applicants choose to understate or "forget" the extent to which they engaged in drug use. That's foolish and often raises reasonable questions about the candidate's integrity. Remember, you will be closely scrutinized during all phases of the application process. And, law enforcement personnel are expert at detecting lies and falsehood.

Police agencies prefer truthful officers who can acknowledge a few past mistakes over dishonest applicants who misrepresent themselves and fail to accept responsibility for past errors.

GET READY FOR THE BIG INTERVIEW

* Get a good night's sleep
* Research the Department-Do your homework
* Select a conservative suit of clothing-Minimize jewelry
* Prepare a list of questions to ask
* Arrive at least 1/2 hour early
* Relate to interviewers in positive, courteous, respectful fashion