Panel Interview

[bandit4cat]

I am in the process for a deputy sheriff custodial (jail guard) position. I have to do a repeat interview tomorrow since I had a knee injury and couldn't do the PAT.
Need advice on answering situational questions. Interviewers are the heads of the three county facilities.

Last time I was asked the following:

o What would you do if a fellow officer were taken hostage? (No-hostage policy)

o What would you do if you were fingerprinting a prisoner and he spit on you? (I gave an answer then they followed up with - What would you do if he spit on you again?)

I assume there are policies to deal with most probable situations. How can I generally answer these things without knowing what they want to hear? I could answer by saying using physical restraint and they could think that was too harsh but if I answer trying to verbally reason with the prisoners they could think I'm too soft.

Other questions dealt with personal failure/success, integrity, knowledge of the system, etc.

Any help would be appreciated.

[McPhenius]

Think along the lines of common sense... If a officer is taken hostage, you better call it in for backup as one of your first things.

If a guy spit on you, most likely the agency will have face shields. Secure the prisoner until equipment can be put into place to prevent him/her from spitting again.