LE Recruit Panel Interview Questions

[slick_711]

So I'm pursuing a job as a police officer here in TX, my family needed me nearby so I figured being a cop here is about the same thing (I had been applying with CA depts). Anyway, my final interview with one of the departments is tomorrow. If it doesn't go well I've got the paperwork to apply with like 5 others, but this particular dept had been doing the testing while I was here visiting so I had a 3 month jumpstart on the process.

If there is any advice or insight that any of you guys could offer it would be greatly appreciated. I'm confident I'll make a good Officer, but they only have a few openings so I want to make sure I don't say the wrong thing and ruin my chances because I didn't know what to expect in the interview.

For instance, in a prior interview the backgrounds Investigator had asked what I'd do if I was in a 7/11 and witnessed a fellow officer take a drink and not pay for it. I don't know what protocol or policy on something like that would be, but I said "well, I'd pay for it so the 7/11 wasn't out anything and then I'd speak with the Officer and remind him we're public servants." I thought that was pretty fair, but he went on with "are you going to pay for his sodas forever?" etc... and I wasn't sure how to respond to that.

So I was just hoping some of you seasoned guys might have an idea of what types of questions I may be facing. I'm expecting situational scenarios like that, but I don't know what exactly to expect or how to answer them.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Cpl. Haas]

For instance, in a prior interview the backgrounds Investigator had asked what I'd do if I was in a 7/11 and witnessed a fellow officer take a drink and not pay for it. I don't know what protocol or policy on something like that would be, but I said "well, I'd pay for it so the 7/11 wasn't out anything and then I'd speak with the Officer and remind him we're public servants." I thought that was pretty fair, but he went on with "are you going to pay for his sodas forever?" etc... and I wasn't sure how to respond to that.

Generally, any answer you give in a scenario question is treated like the "wrong" answer. The interviewer wants to see if you will change your mind in order to fit what they make sound right. The best advice on scenario questions is to give an honest and firm answer, and to stick with it if they try to make you sound wrong. You're not expected to know department policy, nor patrol tactics... just give a morally honest response and be prepared to back it up with explanation.

Beyond that, research the department you're applying to and be prepared to tell them why you want to work for their department specifically... I'm told "cuz you're the only one's hiring right now" is frowned upon.

[Lulfas]

I'm a criminal justice student, and our teacher hit us with that question for our final in our Patrol class. Afterwards, he said it was one he got asked when he was applying to LAPD a longish time ago. The idea is to see if you'll assume he did something wrong (which you did by going to pay for it) or if you'll investigate the matter (maybe he runs a tab and catches it on the first of the month)? Is there a GOOD answer to this question? Not really. Best answer my professor came up with was to investigate it as much as you can by asking your partner about it, then throw it in the Watch Commander's lap. It'll make you look like a jerk, but better an honest jerk than a dishonest lapdog.

[9mmepiphany]

there usually isn't s correct answer and it really is a test to see if you've thought it through and you have the strength of your own convictions.

BTW: even if there was a "right" answer, i doubt it would have any relationship with reality...plus the "correct" answer in CA might have no relationship to the "correct" answer in TX

[mofo74]

I remember getting a similar question. Except it was at a mall at night and a group of fellow officers having coffee and donuts. Caught me off guard since it sounded like a joke... you know, cops and donuts.

I couldn't keep a straight face. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.

[slick_711]

Generally, any answer you give in a scenario question is treated like the "wrong" answer. The interviewer wants to see if you will change your mind in order to fit what they make sound right. The best advice on scenario questions is to give an honest and firm answer, and to stick with it if they try to make you sound wrong. You're not expected to know department policy, nor patrol tactics... just give a morally honest response and be prepared to back it up with explanation.

Beyond that, research the department you're applying to and be prepared to tell them why you want to work for their department specifically... I'm told "cuz you're the only one's hiring right now" is frowned upon.

That's kind of what I thought, just wasn't sure. Thank all of you guys for the input.

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[2nab]

A similar question that has been asked is.

You are performing inventory on the contents of a vehicle before it is towed. Your partner pulls what appears to be an expensive watch from the glovebox and puts it into his pocket. You finish the scene and are headed back to the office. How do you deal with this?

There are at least two possible scenarios. Is the officer stealing the watch? Routine practice is to retain valuables and book them at the office as property, for safe keeping. When you get to the office he pulls the watch out of his pocket and begins the appropriate paperwork to document the valuables and store them for the owner to retrieve later.

The point is that no matter what you say the panel can make you second guess. Be prepared to give a reasonable answer and don't be afraid to defend it. Don't be afraid also to articulate if appropriate that there are multiple possibilities and instead of jumping to conclusions you would investigate further, then explain.

Here's another:

You arrive at scene of collision, an overturned big rig carrying frozen turkeys. Driver tells you the only other truck the company has is not refrigerated, all the turkeys will spoil and you should take as many as you can so they don't get thrown away. Your partner loads the trunk and you see numerous citizens loading their cars. What are you going to do as the new officer?

[Spyder]

Arrest the chiefs daughter for DUI.