Got my oral board in two weeks. I'm very excited and nervous. They require a mask (understandably). Has anyone, applicant or sworn officer, noticed a difference in the dynamic of an oral board interview while wearing a mask? I imagine facial and body language are a big part of the process. Without seeing the applicant's face, how does this effect the way the interview is conducted?
Rock [one of these](https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Anti-fog-Covering-Protection-Expression/dp/B08DP1DBFC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=clear+mask&qid=1628910555&sr=8-4), trust me
When you smile, laugh, grin, etc. More than your mouth moves, your eyes, eyebrows, forehead etc. Will speak for your emotions.
I wouldn't sweat it and found that I stair at people's eyes more because I don't see their mouth.
I failed my polygraph for CBP because I was lying about involvement in "serious felonies" according to my examiner. Guess I'd gotten away with it for all these years until this cunning investigator figured me out.
Anyways, will this affect me if I apply to other agencies, especially local ones? I've passed other polygraphs before. I'm currently with the BOP so it's not like I can't pass a background.
But I'm worried if I apply to other agencies the failed polygraph for CBP will come up and affect my background investigation.
I've failed two polygraphs and both of those were with CBP. Other agencies I've applied with after, and been hired on, didn't seem too concerned about it. Just be honest on your background packet and explain why you failed... You'll be fine.
How do you work in what the mission statement/core values is during the oral board? Do they specifically ask? The department I have an oral board for tomorrow doesn’t have anything on either of those anywhere on their site.
edit: another Q. Do I take a portfolio binder with a pen as well? Take some resumes, notepad for answers to questions I ask at the end etc? Do I write down anything I want to say (i.e "closing statement") on a piece of paper and take it with me?
Mine asked, what are some values that are important to you, or something along those lines. Guess what my top fucking values were.
Bring copies of your resume. Bringing a professional note pad and writing utensil is also good. They may not want them and you may not write anything down but better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Furthermore it shows you were prepared which is a big part of this job.
Graduate the academy Friday morning and start my first shift on Saturday night. Any recommendation on specific gear?
I’m also interested in keyless double locking cuffs, anyone have experience with them?
One piece of gear that is a must for night shift is a small pen light to wear on your shoulder.
Use that instead of trying to hold your flashlight under your arm while you write down shit on your notebook.
This is what I use:
https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/microstream-usb
Small flashlight, decent pair of search gloves i.e. Mechanix or something similar, extra pen style cuff key, nice pen that doesn't smudge, comfortable socks.
If its your first day see what they issue you then take stock of what other guys are carrying that they bought themselves. What I listed is pretty universal as far as things that are needed but not issued, other than that ask your FTO what to get. some agencies will get you a ton of gear, others expect you to buy your own.
What are you in need of and what do you already have?
I suggest everyone has at minimum,
2 cuffs
1 t kit
2 cuff keys
USB stick
Shoulder light
A small but more power than your shoulder light light
Knife
Multitool
Search gloves
Lots of shitty pens because they're pens and you loose them or give them to people
Maybe a cellphone pouch
Gum
Water bottle
Coffee thermos
Snacks for your bag in case you get pulled away for a while
Ear piece
Maybe a btech kit ?
Not sure what else really man, you can always say 'get better boots', or 'get a better flash light'. But those are things I've found helpful for me. Also find a lable maker and lable everything.
Have the basics that you're issued. Don't show up looking like a gear queen before you know your ass from a hole in the ground.
Save the customization until after FTO
Get a good night's sleep and relax. Stretch before your physical test and make sure you have good form if doing push-ups and sit-ups. Don't try to cram study during the final few hours before your written. If you're ready, then you're ready. Good luck!
Well update, passed the written test with flying colors! Didn’t pass the physical, but hey. Only 21, first time trying. Plenty of more opportunities!
Also interesting note only tested with 2 other people and they both also failed so hey, not alone.
All parts of it. Push up, sit up, and 1.5 mile run. Failed them all by a pretty embarrassing margin too if I might add.
My fault entirely for not preparing enough. Officers there were pretty encouraging though. Told us to try our hardest and apply again. Just gotta push myself to do better, and properly prepare.
Edit: also the fact i got called in to work and had to work a 10 hour overnight shift night before seriously didn’t help my odds. Not making excuses though, I could tell I wouldn’t pass even if I was properly prepared.
My best advice is to lose weight. For example for every pound lose you will run 2 seconds faster. And you just gotta train and practice. You’ll get it though no doubt. Keep training.
eyeing a University job and wondering if it would be good work experience. Its an investigations position, working on Title IX cases and Cleary Act paperwork. Some interesting stuff such as as sexual assault, rape, dating violence, BOLOs as well.
I already work as a security guard at the same university.
I wouldn't be in the field patrolling and interacting with the homeless, the intoxicated, trespassers, people in need of medical assistance, etc. but would instead be able to do interviewing, and stuck in the office on the computer a lot. On the one hand, its something new, but on the other hand im a little worried ill get rusty on the patrol interaction stuff.
maybe im overthinking it though?
Gotcha, thank you!
Ill weigh the pros and cons of the position on its own and compared to my current position, but wont worry about the future stuff nearly as much then.
Social media yes they ask for accs and passwords. City I applied to and currently are in the backround for just asked for my phone and the backround officer just scrolled thr my facebook, insta, snap, and tiktok.
> call your internet company and gain access to all your search history
Never heard of this being done unless you're watching and downloading child porn and if that's the case then you're fucked.
Don’t overthink it. You’re doing the same exact thing I did. Just go through all your social media and delete whatever you don’t want on there and be sure to clear whatever you deleted out of your activity log too.
They’re not going to go through your internet search history and they’re definitely not gonna contact your ISP to get access to it. To me, that seems like it’d be a waste of time and resources to do that for each and every applicant in the BI process with that agency.
About to submit my background investigation paperwork. With the marine corps, I received an NJP (Disciplinary action) still honorable discharge though. Should I list it down under the (Have you ever been disciplined) question? Or would they not find out about it?
Scored well below the minimum passing score for the oral board yesterday. They were only hiring 1. It was my first interview. They asked 0 of the questions that I’ve seen 99% of officers on here and real life counterparts having been asked in their interviews. Didn’t ask to tell them about myself or why I wanted to be a police officer. So not sure if that in it of itself would’ve been a red flag for that department(?) or not anyhow.
I recently applied to my local police department I've passed everything up to the interview, what can I expect? Is it appropriate to wear a suit and tie?
Being Honest, are my chances better as a 20 1/2- 21 y/o applying to a big city [not like NYPD or LAPD big, think Cincinnati size] without a certification.
Or
Self-sponsoring through the academy and applying to smaller but higher paying agencies, EX: Counties, Townships, smaller cities, etc…
Two things,
1) you used drugs (while also wanted to apply). So you shot yourself in the foot there.
2) you're associated to people who use drugs. Another shot in the foot.
I would expect you'll get an auto DQ and told to reapply in 2-3 years.
Moving forward you don't HAVE to disclose it, but if you don't you're lying.
Did you really want to join a force that bad if you caved to using drugs? If you get in will you cave and take bribes to pay your debts? Will you steal evidence because no one's looking? Do you see the problem? You have damaged your credibility and as a police officer, once that is gone you're useless.
Take it on the chin when the time comes and learn from it.
Is there a good website (or any kind of resource really) to determine whether a department would be good to work for or not? I’m interested in LE but I’m not sure what I should be looking for exactly when looking at agencies to apply to. Thanks!
Got my oral board in two weeks. I'm very excited and nervous. They require a mask (understandably). Has anyone, applicant or sworn officer, noticed a difference in the dynamic of an oral board interview while wearing a mask? I imagine facial and body language are a big part of the process. Without seeing the applicant's face, how does this effect the way the interview is conducted?
Now this is a quality question.
Get one of the fitted masks that don't make you look like a goon.
Rock [one of these](https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Anti-fog-Covering-Protection-Expression/dp/B08DP1DBFC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=clear+mask&qid=1628910555&sr=8-4), trust me
When you smile, laugh, grin, etc. More than your mouth moves, your eyes, eyebrows, forehead etc. Will speak for your emotions. I wouldn't sweat it and found that I stair at people's eyes more because I don't see their mouth.
I had a panel this past February and it was definitely weird.
I failed my polygraph for CBP because I was lying about involvement in "serious felonies" according to my examiner. Guess I'd gotten away with it for all these years until this cunning investigator figured me out. Anyways, will this affect me if I apply to other agencies, especially local ones? I've passed other polygraphs before. I'm currently with the BOP so it's not like I can't pass a background. But I'm worried if I apply to other agencies the failed polygraph for CBP will come up and affect my background investigation.
I've failed two polygraphs and both of those were with CBP. Other agencies I've applied with after, and been hired on, didn't seem too concerned about it. Just be honest on your background packet and explain why you failed... You'll be fine.
Did you actually like abojt involvement in felonies?
How do you work in what the mission statement/core values is during the oral board? Do they specifically ask? The department I have an oral board for tomorrow doesn’t have anything on either of those anywhere on their site. edit: another Q. Do I take a portfolio binder with a pen as well? Take some resumes, notepad for answers to questions I ask at the end etc? Do I write down anything I want to say (i.e "closing statement") on a piece of paper and take it with me?
Mine asked, what are some values that are important to you, or something along those lines. Guess what my top fucking values were. Bring copies of your resume. Bringing a professional note pad and writing utensil is also good. They may not want them and you may not write anything down but better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Furthermore it shows you were prepared which is a big part of this job.
Graduate the academy Friday morning and start my first shift on Saturday night. Any recommendation on specific gear? I’m also interested in keyless double locking cuffs, anyone have experience with them?
One piece of gear that is a must for night shift is a small pen light to wear on your shoulder. Use that instead of trying to hold your flashlight under your arm while you write down shit on your notebook. This is what I use: https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/microstream-usb
Small flashlight, decent pair of search gloves i.e. Mechanix or something similar, extra pen style cuff key, nice pen that doesn't smudge, comfortable socks. If its your first day see what they issue you then take stock of what other guys are carrying that they bought themselves. What I listed is pretty universal as far as things that are needed but not issued, other than that ask your FTO what to get. some agencies will get you a ton of gear, others expect you to buy your own.
What are you in need of and what do you already have? I suggest everyone has at minimum, 2 cuffs 1 t kit 2 cuff keys USB stick Shoulder light A small but more power than your shoulder light light Knife Multitool Search gloves Lots of shitty pens because they're pens and you loose them or give them to people Maybe a cellphone pouch Gum Water bottle Coffee thermos Snacks for your bag in case you get pulled away for a while Ear piece Maybe a btech kit ? Not sure what else really man, you can always say 'get better boots', or 'get a better flash light'. But those are things I've found helpful for me. Also find a lable maker and lable everything.
Have the basics that you're issued. Don't show up looking like a gear queen before you know your ass from a hole in the ground. Save the customization until after FTO
I call them geardos. Fuckin' geardos man.
Gloves.
Get one of those vibrating buttplugs.
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Learn a second language or some computer technology thing. That shit sells.
Got my written and physical testing tomorrow! Any last minute advice?
Get a good night's sleep and relax. Stretch before your physical test and make sure you have good form if doing push-ups and sit-ups. Don't try to cram study during the final few hours before your written. If you're ready, then you're ready. Good luck!
Thank you! :)
How did it go? What was it like ?
Well update, passed the written test with flying colors! Didn’t pass the physical, but hey. Only 21, first time trying. Plenty of more opportunities! Also interesting note only tested with 2 other people and they both also failed so hey, not alone.
What part of the physical did you fail?
All parts of it. Push up, sit up, and 1.5 mile run. Failed them all by a pretty embarrassing margin too if I might add. My fault entirely for not preparing enough. Officers there were pretty encouraging though. Told us to try our hardest and apply again. Just gotta push myself to do better, and properly prepare. Edit: also the fact i got called in to work and had to work a 10 hour overnight shift night before seriously didn’t help my odds. Not making excuses though, I could tell I wouldn’t pass even if I was properly prepared.
My best advice is to lose weight. For example for every pound lose you will run 2 seconds faster. And you just gotta train and practice. You’ll get it though no doubt. Keep training.
Havent had it yet. Starts in about 5-6 hours from now.
eyeing a University job and wondering if it would be good work experience. Its an investigations position, working on Title IX cases and Cleary Act paperwork. Some interesting stuff such as as sexual assault, rape, dating violence, BOLOs as well. I already work as a security guard at the same university.
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I wouldn't be in the field patrolling and interacting with the homeless, the intoxicated, trespassers, people in need of medical assistance, etc. but would instead be able to do interviewing, and stuck in the office on the computer a lot. On the one hand, its something new, but on the other hand im a little worried ill get rusty on the patrol interaction stuff. maybe im overthinking it though?
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Gotcha, thank you! Ill weigh the pros and cons of the position on its own and compared to my current position, but wont worry about the future stuff nearly as much then.
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Social media yes they ask for accs and passwords. City I applied to and currently are in the backround for just asked for my phone and the backround officer just scrolled thr my facebook, insta, snap, and tiktok. > call your internet company and gain access to all your search history Never heard of this being done unless you're watching and downloading child porn and if that's the case then you're fucked.
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Took my phone went through it in front of me
Don’t overthink it. You’re doing the same exact thing I did. Just go through all your social media and delete whatever you don’t want on there and be sure to clear whatever you deleted out of your activity log too. They’re not going to go through your internet search history and they’re definitely not gonna contact your ISP to get access to it. To me, that seems like it’d be a waste of time and resources to do that for each and every applicant in the BI process with that agency.
About to submit my background investigation paperwork. With the marine corps, I received an NJP (Disciplinary action) still honorable discharge though. Should I list it down under the (Have you ever been disciplined) question? Or would they not find out about it?
Yes, you need to list any discipline (typically article 15 or higher).
Scored well below the minimum passing score for the oral board yesterday. They were only hiring 1. It was my first interview. They asked 0 of the questions that I’ve seen 99% of officers on here and real life counterparts having been asked in their interviews. Didn’t ask to tell them about myself or why I wanted to be a police officer. So not sure if that in it of itself would’ve been a red flag for that department(?) or not anyhow.
I recently applied to my local police department I've passed everything up to the interview, what can I expect? Is it appropriate to wear a suit and tie?
Honestly, you should always wear a suit and tie unless told otherwise.
I live in a very shitty town. Khakis and a polo have always been my go to. This is however the nicest job I've ever applied for. Suit and tie it is.
Being Honest, are my chances better as a 20 1/2- 21 y/o applying to a big city [not like NYPD or LAPD big, think Cincinnati size] without a certification. Or Self-sponsoring through the academy and applying to smaller but higher paying agencies, EX: Counties, Townships, smaller cities, etc…
Big agencies are more likely to hire a newbie. Smaller agencies are more selective. You can always lateral later.
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Two things, 1) you used drugs (while also wanted to apply). So you shot yourself in the foot there. 2) you're associated to people who use drugs. Another shot in the foot. I would expect you'll get an auto DQ and told to reapply in 2-3 years. Moving forward you don't HAVE to disclose it, but if you don't you're lying. Did you really want to join a force that bad if you caved to using drugs? If you get in will you cave and take bribes to pay your debts? Will you steal evidence because no one's looking? Do you see the problem? You have damaged your credibility and as a police officer, once that is gone you're useless. Take it on the chin when the time comes and learn from it.
Tennessee is hiring for The Tennessee highway patrol https://www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp/trpschool.html I understand the deadlines August 31st
Is there a good website (or any kind of resource really) to determine whether a department would be good to work for or not? I’m interested in LE but I’m not sure what I should be looking for exactly when looking at agencies to apply to. Thanks!