Lt. interview suggestions

[CaptMike]

Hello everyone.

I will finally reach the door step of my goal next week. I will finallly get a chance to interview for Lt. Can some of you that have made it through the process PM me with some suggestions. I want to be as well prepared as humanly possible. Thank you all in advance.

[hitman13]

So..... LtMike isn't a Lt???

[CaptMike]

That's always been my goal, that's why I chose that handle 13 years ago when I started in law enforcement. You always have to have a goal to reach for. If I'm lucky enough to make Lt. I may change my handle CaptMike, LOL

[Jonathan Doe]

I have never took promotion test after I was not picked from the band 1 list. For a Lt. I am certain that they will ask you about management type questions, and manuals regarding procedures.

[old bear]

Expect questions related to resource and manpower uses as well as H.R. practices. Brush up on your general civil law specially as related to property rights and true ownership. Get ready to put on your P.R. hat as you will be the first phone call placed by some upset citizen when they don't like what one of your troops did or did not do.

Be yourself and honest.

Best of luck...

[Marty33]

Say something like "Chief, I will kiss your *** so hard and so often, your butt will shine".

Thats a joke son. But if you do make El T, please remember that you were once a patrol officer and your job is to support them on the street. Something about making LT makes guys forget this.

[zack_trp1911]

Marty33 is absolutely right. Guys/gals that move up in rank some how re-invent themselves a d quickly forget what it's like to push a black and white, and handles calls for services.

Good luck on the LT position. Get some rest the night before and review your material you should be great!

[OLDLEORET]

There are a number of factors which you don't give which will determine the type of questions you will be asked and what answers they will be looking for. For instance: what size department; what is the role of the lieutenant (middle or senior management). What type of interview: one on one; panel; assessment center; etc. What they are not going to be looking for is how you would do the things you handle at your present rank. You need to try to look at every thing from the viewpoint of upper management. Think leader, but also how do you manage people. Always, always what is in the best interest of the department.
Lots to think about. Good luck

[CaptMike]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I really appreciate every bit of wisdom.

Old LEO, the department is 4500 sworn, position is middle management (manage independent offices with up to 100 sworn. The interview process is three phases. First phase includes a commander from another law enforcement agency, a manager from another civilian department and a civilian from a community organisation. If I make it past that, I move into an interview with 3 of my departments deputy chiefs. If I make it past them, I will be interviewed by the chief for his final decision. The suggestions you made were very insightful.

Thank you all once again for any additional suggestions. Stay safe everyone.

[retired]

So..... LtMike isn't a Lt???

I went our Star Center for some business last year and decided to look him up as a result of his prior invitation. Tell me I wasn't confused when I asked everyone at his work location, "Where is Lt. Mike?" They had no idea who I was referring to and said they had no Lt. Mike.

Perhaps when you finally make Lt., I'll try again.....as long as you don't change it to Capt.Mike as mentioned.

[BoJackUSMC]

Good luck with the interview.... I still get scare when I have to visit my Sergeants...

Just few days ago they told me to look for ID-10 T form and I had no idea what that was. I finally found out later ID-10 T form spells "IDIOT" lol....

I am new lol.... it's cool because I like my team..

[OLDLEORET]

LtMike -
Have you worked any administrative assignments. If not be ready to explain why not and what you have done to replace that experience (education, training, etc). They will be interviewing lots of good cops; even a few good sergeants. The question will be what will make you an exceptional middle manager. Your answers should take the perspective of at least one position above the position you are interviewing for. Thats who is doing the interviewing. The first panel is intentionally weighted with non LEO types. Those members couldn't give a ratsa-- less about your leadership in the field. How will you stop the rampant graft and brutality? Thats their perspective. Again, the mind set is all important. Remember if any thing like a situational question comes up, they don't want to know what you would really do; they want to know if you know the keyed answer. Good luck. Let us all know what you think after the interview.

[URBAN COMMANDO]

pm sent ......

[NOTARPilot]

Good luck.... Apparently they make you drink some messed up cool aid to make the transition from stripes on your sleeves to bars on your collar. You will lose the ability to make good decisions and think rationally.

[CaptMike]

Well I had the interview this morning. Thank you all for your suggestions, I did incorporate most of it into my interview. One positive was that I did not have to interview with the first panel, I went straight to the Deputy Chiefs. Now its a waiting game to see if I get the call for the Chiefs interview. Thanks again everyone. Stay safe out there.