Finally starting my application process

[shenphong]

Some of you may remember my question about credit and applying to be a police officer months ago, since then, I've drastically increased my credit score, passed both the POSTand WSTB and am now officially applying to the several departments I'd like to work for, mainly SJPD.

I recently finished my PHQ for SJPD just a few hours ago and now will wait for the score. How soon is the wait usually for PHQ pass/fails? I know that its mentioned they are pulled down Monday - Thursday, but will it generally take a full weeks time (basically how long it was for my POST and WSTB scores to come out) or is it much faster?

I didn't have anything to hide, but I did have a few points in there I was not totally comfortable with. One being a fight I got into in middle school and taking items from the workplace. I've never really taken anything but I have used office supplies for non work related items so I had listed that down, things like staples for stapling directions or recipes I printed and using my office printer to print out maps or movie times, recipes, or other non work info. Think that will impact it much at all? Pretty excited to get going on this, the WSTB was probably one of the funnest work related application process I had ever done and if the Academy is anything like that, I'd definitely enjoy jumping into it.

[Just-in]

Apply and make them tell you no. That's what I've been doing. Being prepared for them to say no helps you continue moving forward.

[ckim34]

I doubt your middle school fight will hold you back unless it was something really serious.

[shenphong]

lol no it wasn't although I did just want to ask and check with that. The bigger worry I have is using the office printer and listing that down. Hopefully that would not be a big enough disqualifier as I do readily admit I've used it to print google map directions and such.

[Falconis]

Your avatar picture is going to raise more questions with the shrink than your answers on your PHQ with your BI. I wouldn't worry too much. They're mainly looking for major stupid in those things.

[Pappy22]

Just remember to be consistent. You will fill out a bunch of paper work asking the same questions in slightly different ways. You will get hammered, and possibly DQ'd, over discrepancies.

[shenphong]

Just remember to be consistent. You will fill out a bunch of paper work asking the same questions in slightly different ways. You will get hammered, and possibly DQ'd, over discrepancies.

That was definitely something I noticed, at least with the questionnaire. I paid a lot of attention towards maintaining consistency so hopefully it will pay off. Thanks for the reassurances though guys!

[trob]

you used your office printer to print directions.....stone cold.

you're way too worried. relax..

[shenphong]

Thanks though! I definitely need to relax. This has just been the most exciting thing I've done in a long time.

[jtlau]

Did you do your Oral board yet?

[Petro6golf]

If thats all you have to worry about then you are fine. Everyone uses office supplies for personal stuff and hopefully if you wanna be a cop you've been in a fight or 2. Be consistent and thorough and you'll be fine.

[shenphong]

No oral board yet, it won't be for awhile. Thanks for the pick up though guys. I would still have to say I'm just being a bit overexcited. Even if I do not move forward, I'll still keep trying and will honestly admit that just the application process so far has been pretty fun. Good luck to all of you interviewing!

[Thanatos2203]

I'm to the point that I've submitted background packets/documents for San Joaquin County Sheriff, SFPD and Sacramento PD. Basically the information above is good, and remember things like this aren't automatically going to disqualify you and at your background interview or polygraph interview you are going to have the opportunity to explain yourself on a lot of things. Everybody pilfers office supplies, a lot of the questionnaires I've taken including I believe the CHP one asks specifically if the sum of total taken items is less than $25 which it sounds like you are. I think that puts you in a safer zone. Biggest thing they want is honesty, they know that no one is perfect but you have to come clean with them. Getting in a fight or taking stuff from work alone isn't bad, but its when you try to deceive them about it and they find out that is going to get you DQ'd.