Got called back for my second interview...

[RDT72]

From what I have seen, the second interview is less about technical LE knowledge, which you are not really supposed to have much of anyway, and more of who you are and why you chose that department and how you can contribute, in a less formal setting to get to know you better.

^ This, usually

The second interview, in my experience, is to see whether or not you are a good fit with the Agency. Different Departments care about different things so do YOUR homework. An agency down south with high income residents currently poses this question to new applicants: "your enroute in broad daylight to a property theft crime, along the way you see a disabled vehicle and a woman waving her hands frantically at you. What do you do?" Your answer may be to stop see what she needs- a property theft is usually low priority anyhow- Then they add, " OK but the property stolen is one of Lance Armstrong's competition bicycles, stolen before a big race." What now? do you change your priorites? Certain agencies will want you to check on the woman first Others will want you to respond quickly to the much higher profile issue. It all depends on where you are wishing to work and their philosophy. The best way to figure out that agencie's philosophy is to ask the officers that work there. I'm assuming you have already done a ride-along. If not, that is a must before any interview. It show you have a real interest.

[IA300]

^ This, usually

The second interview, in my experience, is to see whether or not you are a good fit with the Agency. Different Departments care about different things so do YOUR homework. An agency down south with high income residents currently poses this question to new applicants: "your enroute in broad daylight to a property theft crime, along the way you see a disabled vehicle and a woman waving her hands frantically at you. What do you do?" Your answer may be to stop see what she needs- a property theft is usually low priority anyhow- Then they add, " OK but the property stolen is one of Lance Armstrong's competition bicycles, stolen before a big race." What now? do you change your priorites? Certain agencies will want you to check on the woman first Others will want you to respond quickly to the much higher profile issue. It all depends on where you are wishing to work and their philosophy. The best way to figure out that agencie's philosophy is to ask the officers that work there. I'm assuming you have already done a ride-along. If not, that is a must before any interview. It show you have a real interest.

Good advice, also know the demographics of the city/area they cover, it helps to be familiar with the mission statement and core values as well.

[Notorious]

Some chiefs like it when you know the vision and mission statement and are able to recite it verbatim to them... but who knows. You will find that out when you go on a ride along with the younger officers who can tell you what they went through to get hired.

[explorerdude]

Thanks again guys for the responses. I have a ride-along scheduled for Sunday morning. I will try and get as much info as I can, without annoying the officer of course. I am pretty excited actually, have not been on a ride-along in a while.

[sfbay]

good luck!

i also started off as an explorer... i hope it works out!

[explorerdude]

good luck!

i also started off as an explorer... i hope it works out!

Thank you! Had my interview today, should know in a couple weeks whether I go on to the next phase.