LEO interview question?

[Average Joe American]

If they ask me how I prepared for this LE position what would a decent answer be in your opinion?

If I said I have studied up on California laws, which laws would you recommend an out of state candidate brush up on for California?

Exercise? Running? 10-codes or what ever they use out there? firearms training? Fire arms laws?

[Knight]

Being able to say that you've been on at least 1 ride-along is usually a must for most places I've interviewed. 2 or more is even better.

[alex00]

Some things to study, and discuss in the interview are: The amendments to the constitution, some history or significance of the local community, the command structure of the particular department, know the names of the mayor/city council member, know what a "Ramey" and "Steagald" warrant are. You may want to brush up on search and seizure law, and powers of arrest statutes. Just remember, if you say you know something, be prepared to discuss it in detail.

As far as laws, I don't think they would be quizzing you on a pre-academy position. It probably wouldn't hurt to know the elements of 211, 240/242, 243, 245, 459 and some of the 830s dealing with peace officer powers. None of my entry level interviews asked me for specific elements of crimes, or what the Penal Code section was. This may have changed.

All the above will be covered in depth in the academy, but if you have at least a general understanding of some of it, you may set yourself above the crowd. I wouldn't worry too much about the 10-codes. There are 9, 10 and 11 codes, and they all vary slightly by department. There are just too many to learn unless you know what department you are going to work for.

I personally wouldn't do a lot of shooting prior to the academy unless you have had professional training. A lot of people come in with bad habits that take awhile to break. There is a specific set of instruction that goes into firearm training in the academy, and the last thing you want to do is spend a few months getting it wrong before you enter the academy.

Obviously the more exercise you do now, the better off you will be in the academy. The better shape you are in going into the academy, the more time you will have to concentrate on other areas of instruction.

The pre-academy interview is going to show what type of critical thinker you are, how you resolve problems, and general personality traits. It is much less about police specifics, and laws, but a fundamental understanding won't hurt.

Good luck.

[9mmepiphany]

i told them i discussed the pro and cons of the job with active LEOs and that i discussed it with my family because i knew it was a major commitment which required their support.

i like to think that i was trying to tell them, i wasn't going into it blind, understood that there was a downside, wasn't caught up in some childhood fantasy and considered the effect it might have on my life.

i followed that up with a desire to give back to a community/society that had offered me multiple opportunities...this last part might not work for you unless you're also an immigrant/refugee

i had no specific LE knowledge at all going into my interview...granted it was 30+ years ago...but i ended up 56 out of 2400

you need to be in some kind of shape before the academy...the most important thing is wind and cardiovascular condition. jogging and running stairs seems to work for most folks

[Jonathan Doe]

You only have answers tot he questions. How much did YOU prepare for the job? I did study criminal justice (not required, but gave me a good idea about the job), ran everyday 3 - 5 miles, lifted weights, visited academy, ride alongs, etc after I got out of the USMC.

[WILDMAN442]

If they ask me how I prepared for this LE position what would a decent answer be in your opinion?

If I said I have studied up on California laws, which laws would you recommend an out of state candidate brush up on for California?

Exercise? Running? 10-codes or what ever they use out there? firearms training? Fire arms laws?

Prior to an academy interview I would say know about the community. Know how to handle situations on your feet and under stress.

They want to see if you can critically think without having to take an hour to formulate a response/ resolution.

Be honest! Thats the best thing to do. Some agencies ask drug and alcohol related questions during interviews and trust me, if you lie, its not IF but WHEN they find the truth. Be honest.

Sell yourself to them. Make them see that you have done what you need to do to prepare for the job or academy Mentally and Physically.

There are a number of books and videos online that offer some sample questions that you can use for reference.

Also, look confident when you answer. Dont fidget around or slouch. ANd dress appropriately for the interview. A suit and shiny shoes are good. No flashy ties.

Just be calm and confident in your abilities and I am sure you will be fine!!!

Now... HURRY UP CAUSE WE NEED PEOPLE!!!

Justin

[BigDogatPlay]

+1 on all of the advice above... especially the part about being honest. If you don't know an answer, don't make something up. It's okay to say "I don't know that, but I am going to make a point to find out".

If you are applying to a specific agency, do a little research on what kind of problems they have in the town / city / county. That can be done as easily as looking through a few issues of the local newspaper at the police log section. Know the size of the department and at least the names of the command staff and how the local government is constituted.

An out of state candidate who is already a LEO would / could discuss what they've been doing with their career, what assignments they've worked and how that has prepared them for the role they are seeking. This candidate should be able to discuss the elements of basic crimes in California law and how those relate to where they are coming from and what their experience has been with them.

An out of state candidate who has no LEO experience should have done some studying of basic law, not the least of which would be the powers of arrest of a peace officer laid out in PC836. Be prepared to discuss college coursework that you feel has prepared you, how you are keeping yourself in shape, etc.

Appearance is everything in any job interview situation. Suit and tie, pressed and shoes shined. Posture is important. Sit up straight, at ease but confident, do not slouch, keep your hands folded in your lap and avoid "talking with your hands" as much as possible. Look your questioner in the eye when you are receiving the question and try to make eye contact with each member of the board as you give your answers and avoid letting your eyes wander around the room or out the window if there is one. If you don't fully understand the question, it's okay to say so and ask for elaboration.

Most any job interview is a nerve racking experience, but especially a panel interview. Remember you are selling yourself and your abilities. Do some homework, relax and keep an open mind.

[Jonathan Doe]

One more thing...Why do you want to be an officer or a deputy? See if you can honestly answer to it. They have heard enough of "I want to help people/community," Maybe you can give them a unique answer. Think about it. There are many other ways to help people and community.

[WILDMAN442]

^^^Great Point.

Be unique and honest. If its for the benefits or pay or something be honest. Although, you can live well as cop, but your not driving a Bentley.

Justin

[Average Joe American]

Thanks guys. I have an interview next friday. I really hope I get it because I dont know how much more of these state furloughs I can take? They are looking to cut another 20% out of our budget and me being the lowest in seniority is a scary thing.

[Foriegn power]

Don't lie, do not sound like a robot or a speech be natural and sound sincere.

[franco802]

You can say those things at an LEO interview, but some agencies don't care if you have been doing push ups, running, blah blah. They mostly want to hear that you have been going on rides, tell them about your military experience if you have some. Any kind of civilian volunteering with a local department is a huge plus. Taking AOJ classes at the local college is a plus as well.

I went on a numerous amount of rides with different agencies way before even applying. Agencies usually only give you one ride a year as a civilian.

Years ago when I was hired on as a civilian volunteer with a local department, I was able to go on rides anytime I felt like it. I was going four times a month and loved it!

Those kinds of things really help you out as it shows you really want to do the job and live the lifestyle. I have seen a countless amount of individuals who never did any of those things I mentioned. The department would hire these people who passed all the exams etc. May be they watched a COPS episode and thought it would be easy. The same individuals never went on rides, never read about police work or anything. These same individuals pass the academy some how,then come one or two months into field training and never show up to work one day, permanently.

If you want it bad, you will get it. Good luck.