Common Interview Questions

[cdh50193]

Hello,

I'm starting the processes for several PD's including Irving, McKinney and Frisco.
I'm approaching the Preliminary Interviews and the Oral Boards soon enough and wanted some heads up/suggestions regarding the questions and the answers that would be suitable.

I've done an interview already and had questions such as -

1. Do you think you will be able to shoot someone?
2. Would you be able to arrest a family member?

Honestly I'm not too sure what kind of answer they would want to hear.

Can anyone please shine some light on common interview questions as well as suitable answers for these questions?


Thanks in advance.

[sgt jon]

Hello,

I'm starting the processes for several PD's including Irving, McKinney and Frisco.
I'm approaching the Preliminary Interviews and the Oral Boards soon enough and wanted some heads up/suggestions regarding the questions and the answers that would be suitable.

I've done an interview already and had questions such as -

1. Do you think you will be able to shoot someone?
2. Would you be able to arrest a family member?

Honestly I'm not too sure what kind of answer they would want to hear.

Can anyone please shine some light on common interview questions as well as suitable answers for these questions?


Thanks in advance.

I would first suggest you review the countless posts that touch on this very question. Then understand that there is no right answer per se. A good deal of the assessment is not of your answer but your commitment to it. Will you fold if questioned or told that was wrong? Do you demonstrate a theme of good sense and logic or are you offering up wild answers?

That said- if you were answer no to both of your proffered questions, your chance of success is slim. But then again if you enthusiastically answered yes to both you may face the same dead end. Get it?

[AnotherVietGuy]

You can buy this book. It is a really good book. I used this and passed my oral board.

"Police Oral Boards: The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Oral Board Interview" By Mark Denton.

[cdh50193]

sgt jon, Will look into it, and I definitely see what you mean there. Thanks


AnotherVietGuy, That definitely looks handy, I'll look into it. And have you completed the process, including the interview with the Chief? Was wondering what the interview with the Chief would be like..

[rgv_cop]

Why should we hire you?

[iamacop]

Have you ever made love to another man, wanna try??

[Five Whiskey]

I've only done a panel interview with Arlington thus far, but I would certainly recommend knowing a few basic facts about the PD or the city at large (policing philosophy, number of sworn officers, city population, etc.). Naturally, any agency wants to know that you have an idea of who you will be serving and serving alongside of. Also, have a solid answer for why you want to be a police officer for that specific city.

[sgt jon]

You mean answers like “I want to be the police cause you get free food and carry a gun” wouldn’t bode well?

[toledos]

I was told that if the department has the phrase "serve the public" or some form thereof in the mission statement, then you should at some point on your board tell them that you want to "serve the public."

May as well just memorize the entire mission statement for the interview, just my $.02

[Five Whiskey]

I'm sure the interviewers would appreciate that candor.

[Commish]

Funny you should say that toledos.....I've asked that very same question and one in five knew it.

[sgt6188]

i was told that if the department has the phrase "serve the public" or some form thereof in the mission statement, then you should at some point on your board tell them that you want to "serve the public."

may as well just memorize the entire mission statement for the interview, just my $.02

always remember the mission statement! Do not mention "serving the public" for the reason to apply for the position. Remember, you can always "serve the public" by working at mcdonalds. Thats my $.02