Entry Level Recruit examination - Questions

[WeekendWarrior]

So I am making progress on my goal to become an LEO (police department, not sheriff). I have been invited to participate in the the entry level recruit examination process in one of my local cities. I will be doing 3 "tests" if I pass them subsequently.

The first test is a written/multiple choice test, the next is physical ability test (stuff like jump over a fence, etc.) and finally an interview round.

The written and multiple choice test will be in about 30 days. I know there is a math section, and to be honest its been awhile since I have done any math outside of a spreadsheet. What types of questions should I expect? Is it basic arithmatic, algebra, or geometry based? I want to review for the test to make sure I get as close to 100% correct as possible as I know a lot of people are interviewing.

Also, what are the other types of questions I can expect besides math? The description they sent me was extremely vague.

Please give me any advice you have for me!

Thanks!

-WW

[Samuelx]

My understanding is that the vast majority of pre-background testing is based upon high school level math and English (spelling, vocabulary, grammer, punctuation, reading comprehension, etc).. .

[ankyle62]

Brush up on proper grammar and spelling. The tests are similar to those standardized tests you take in high school. They aren't too bad.

[deadcoyote]

It's been a long time since my written but I specifically recall the math questions were silly and easy. There was one stating: "You're working as a bailiff in a Court holding cell. You have 19 inmates until 2 are sent to courtroom four and three are sent to courtroom eight and 9 are transferred into your holding cell from the jail. how many inmates do you have?"

It's really easy. I'd make sure I read the job listing , description and the PD's mission statement and that kind of stuff to try to appear well read up on the agency for the oral board(interview stage).

[WeekendWarrior]

Nice, thanks a lot for the advice guys. I was most concerned about geometry as I dont remember formulas for finding the area of a triangle or the circumfrance of a circle for example. Im pretty up to date in algebra, fractions, & arithmatic.

Also, any advice on dragging the life like dummy 20 yards? I was thinking about grabbig its ankles and dragging it behind me as I run forward. Or do they want you to hold it by its arms and run backwards?

[21654]

They will have a specific way for you to hold the dummy. Typically, the dummys even have handles.

You will *not* be dragging it by the ankles or running with it.

[BigDogatPlay]

Long time for me since I took a written exam. A lot of agencies used to the use the POST DRT, the same one used to enter an academy. What math I was ever asked for on tests was pretty easy. Some if not most of the test will almost certainly be reading comprehension. Read the questions thoroughly and don't rush.

They'll usually want you to take the dummy under the arms, lift it up to at least waist height and drag it backwards. You aren't going to be running doing that.

[Samuelx]

DOH! I just noticed I misspelled "grammar"! Where is speel cheek when you needs it?!

[WeekendWarrior]

"Speel" check? Double Doh!

[WeekendWarrior]

Thanks for the info guys. I had no idea what to expect do I definitely feel better about it now. Maybe I will try to find some POST practice exams as I saw in there letter that I would be exempt from taking the exam if I had passed that within the last 3 years.

Hahaha dragging by the ankles does seem a little stupid now that I think about it. I was thinking it would be timed or something.

[The Bacon Eater]

The dummy i had to pick up and move had a handle and i just picked it up threw it over my shoulder and ran 15-20ft with it across the predetermined distance. They wanted me to pick it up under the arms and drag it, but adrenaline was pumping and i felt very confident i could muscle it up there. They were cracking jokes and had a lot of fun with me after that, but they always remembered my name and who i was after that. Not sure if that was a bad thing overall because even though i passed the pt test i did not get offered the job. Best of luck to you

[deadcoyote]

By the way, i know this seems obvious but dont bend the truth on your background packet. I can't tell you how many people with minor "no big deal" type background issues try to cover it up and get denied for it when they would have been fine if they were just straight up about it in the first place.

[9mmepiphany]

it has been close to three decades since i've taken the test, but i remember the dummy drag (not carry) was included in the time allowed as was a mandatory 30sec rest before you started the drag.

our instructions specifically stated that the dummy needed to have it's head raised off the ground and that it's feet needed to be "dragged" across a line before it could be dropped

[retired]

I recall having to push a radio car a certain distance. There would be a deputy sitting in the driver's seat of course and we would stand at the rear of the car and push on the rear bumper.

They stopped that eventually when they finally realized they didn't want deputies doing that in real life and possibly hurting their backs and costing the county money.

[tom2]

Written Test: two part test. the first is a multiple choice, basic stuff (math, english, reading and comprehension, etc.). the second is sort of a memory test - looking at pictures (done before the first test), after the first test is complete, you go into the second test and put faces to names, names to crimes, etc.

Physical Agility: POST has standards for each type of test. Agency may chose the tests to administer. Typical test is the wooden fence jump, cyclone fence jump, dummy drag, 99 yard obstacle course and the 500 yard run. Other tests may include a handcuff simulator test, gun grip and trigger pull, etc.

the above two are sometimes done on the same day. once you receive a passing score, you'll be notified of an oral examination......

Oral Examination: Up to the agency. Usually a "tell us about yourself", followed by "what do you know about this agency", a few hypotheticals and allow for a closing remark from you.