Police Oral Board Interview Questions with correct Answers

Tell us something about yourself - Answer- -I'm a motivated and hard working person -I'm a fast learner and work well with others -I'm a team player and strive to be the very best I can be -I possess excellent communication skills because of the education that I have received over the years -I can express myself clearly both verbally and in writing -I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING GIRLFRIEND EVER THAT I LOVE MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD Why do you want to become a Police Officer? - Answer- First and foremost, I have chosen law enforcement as my ultimate career path because of the satisfaction that I get from helping others. There is no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment I get when I help others -Also, I like the fact that there is a huge amount of emphasis on training and the fact that I will be learning something new everyday. -I like how there is so much emphasis on training and developing each police officer to be the very best they can be. -I feel that I will always have job satisfaction knowing that there are so many opportunities for specialization and promotion in certain areas. -Another point is that every day is different in Police work and that you have no idea what to expect when you go out each day. What have you done to prepare yourself to become a Police Officer? - Answer- -To start off, I just recently graduated college with a Psychology degree (finishing up one more class online) -Recently, I just obtained my Connecticut Pistol Permit. I hope to soon take a marksman course to further my skills with firearms. -I know that being a Police Officer not only requires great communication and learning skills, but also includes the necessity to have physical ability and strength. I recently joined LA Fitness to prepare for the police academy, where I run and lift 3 times a week. -I am also a Security Officer for SSC Inc. at Channel 3, where I monitor and authorize entrances and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises. I answer alarms and investigate disturbances and I also write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences -Additionally, I try to work on different skills or traits throughout my day that will be useful as a Police Officer such as listening skills, communication skills, writing skills, and also being personable. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? - Answer- I see myself as a four year veteran with the Manchester Police Department -I also see myself active in continuing my training and education by taking advantage of the education reimbursement program and possibly take a few classes to expand my knowledge -I'd like to be more involved with the community through programs like D.A.R.E. or go to local schools to talk to kids about the danger of drugs and violence. -I see myself as being a member of the K-9 Unit here in Manchester. This has always been an interest of mine and I could definitely see myself as one where I could help in searches and recovery. -I also hope to be a role model for academy graduates -I HOPE TO BE MARRIED AND TO BE HOPING TO START IF NOT ALREADY, A FAMILY OF MY OWN!! Why do you want to leave your current position with your current employer? - Answer- I've worked with my current employer for only a couple of weeks and have enjoyed myself as an employee at SSC Inc. -I have learned valuable experiences such as people skills, team work, communication skills, and customer service skills, and valuable medical treatment skills such as First Aid, CPR, and AED, but the job is missing one thing in the sense that I haven't reached my goal of becoming a Police Officer. I know that I will be a great Police Officer because it is my ULTIMATE career path and the lifestyle that I would choose any day and will keep working towards that goal until fulfilled. What do you know about our police department? - Answer- I know that Mark Rinaldo is the Chief of Police for the Avon Police Department. -I know that the department consists of 35 regular Officers, two supernumerary officers, six civilian dispatchers, one administrative secretary, two full-time records clerks and one Chaplain. -The Avon Police Department is proud to have been awarded national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Fairfax, Virginia, since 1993. -I know that the Police Department which consists of 35 regular officers, gives service to about 17,684 residents who reside in Avon according (2011) data and consists of 22.6 square miles/ 14,454 acres. -The Department philosophy is service to the community. We support D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), Police Cadets, and the Citizen Police Academy. The Department uses a Juvenile Review Board that offers an alternative to criminal courts by referring youthful offenders meeting certain criteria to the Board for remediation. -The patrol division has a bike patrol unit and each patrol car is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator. Each patrol officer is a medical response technician and all patrol sergeants are Emergency Medical Technicians. -I also know that crime rates in Avon, compared to cities near Avon, are very low. Crime rates have varied year to year, but as of 2012, the crime rate in Avon was 57% which is higher than 2011 (46.4). I know that if given a chance to become a Police Officer for Avon, I will make a difference. What are your weaknesses? - Answer- The irony of this question is that some of my greatest weaknesses I have worked on to turn into strengths. For example, I used to be underweight for my size, but I worked hard to be physically active and lift weights and run daily and have gotten myself into great shape. A second weakness I possess is that I lack relevant police officer work experience. However, I've taken jobs in the past that have put me in direct contact with the public which has given me a chance to fine tune skills that will be useful to me as a police officer. One of the greatest things I've learned from these experiences is how to better treat people with empathy and understanding and the importance of listening to their needs. What are your strengths? - Answer- I feel that I have excellent communication and people skills where I can articulate myself clearly both verbally and in writing. -I'm in great shape and live a healthy lifestyle. -I am self driven and work great in teams and love having a goal for myself each day. I am also a great leader and people look up to me as a role model -I can successfully complete tasks in great manner under little to none supervision and can make good critical decisions in which there is little time to do so -I think outside of the box and can overcome and adapt to any situation which may come about -I am a quick learner and follow directions and am not afraid to ask to have them repeated if I didn't understand Give an example of a time when you had to make a critical decision? - Answer- A good example of a time where I had to make a critical decision would be the time when I graduated from Siena College and had a job all set up as being an aflac agent. I was really not looking forward to working there because I knew that it was not going to be something that I wanted to do and feel good doing each day. I was making no money for a couple weeks and had to make a decision to either stay and waste money or I could follow my heart and my dreams to become a Police Officer. I always wanted to be a Police Officer since the beginning of my senior year of college, but I turned the idea down just to try going into business. Anyways, I walked into my District Sales Coordinator's office and respectfully told him that this wasn't for me and I thanked him for the opportunity and said that I was following my dreams of becoming a Police Officer. In the end, I know that this was the best critical decision that would lead me to a great career. Give an example of a time when you had to make a critical decision under stress...... - Answer- ... How do you feel about report writing? - Answer- My understanding of report writing comes from work experience as being a security officer and also comes from going on ride alongs with different police departments. From what I know is that it is critical that Police Officers have to pay attention to detail and with that comes the skill of taking accurate notes and being able to put these important facts down into the report system so that it will tell the whole story of what actually transpired at the incident. -It is very important to get as much detail in the report as possible and to have done so accurately. -I embrace the duty of report writing and wouldn't mind it because I actually take great notes, pay great attention to detail, and I actually like to write. What is your understanding of the duties of Police Officers? - Answer- It is my understanding that some of the duties of a Police Officer are but not limited to responds to calls, performs searches of persons, vehicles, and various types of premises -identify, warn, cite, or arrest offenders -maintain law and order Give me three traits a Police Officer should possess - Answer- I believe that a Police Officer should be honest, have good interpersonal people skills, and be able to communicate. -As a Police Officer, there's a great deal of responsibility and trust given to each officer and it is the job of the officer never to compromise their integrity. -Additionally, people skills is a useful trait for a Police Officer because they will interact with the public everyday and they must be able to do so professionally. -Lastly, communication is always important. Whether it be radio communication, or listening to orders from a supervisor or letting dispatch or your partner know where you are and or what you are doing. This is important because it keeps everyone is on the same page. How do you feel about physical training? - Answer- I highly encourage it regardless of what profession someone chooses. I personally enjoy physical training and take pride in being fit and living a healthy lifestyle. In regards to Policing, I understand that the police academy is not only mentally challenging, but it's also physically challenging too. I have been preparing myself for this challenge by weightlifting and running numerous times a week at my local gym. I know I will be ready for the physical aspect of the Police Academy and that I won't use the Academy to get into shape. How long do you plan to stay with our department? - Answer- Right now, I am very interested in this Police Department and I'd like to get into the next academy class and complete my training and probation. I am 24 years old now and would like to give anywhere from 30 to 40 years of active service to this department. I look forward to career advancement and promotional opportunities in the future. What have you done to improve your community? - Answer- First off, I have been I am a big supporter of wounded veterans and participate in the Wounded Warriors Project by donating to them for their honorable service. -I also take part in charity runs, such as the Manchester Road Race, which supports many different charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Tolland/Mansfield Special Olympics -In high school, I helped RedCross by donating blood -I also want to sign up to become a volunteer firefighter to help the community and give back I see you have also applied to "......" Police Department. Which offer would you choose? - Answer- I would choose Avon Police Department because of the reputable image and training and the commitment the department has made in the community. -GET STATS AND SAY HOW YOU COULD IMPROVE THE TOWN -Avon Police is actually my first choice. Give an example of a time you had to work with someone on a project/ assignment - Answer- ... Give an example of a time you were a leader or supervisor - Answer- A time where I had to be a leader was when I was part of my baseball team -I learned that to be a good leader you have to respect everyone, be fair, honest and unbiased and articulate yourself clearly. I also think a good leader should lead by example and be open minded. Would you prefer to work alone or as a team player? - Answer- Without a doubt I'd rather work as a team! I love working on a team because I feel like everyone can bring something to the table and you can use everyone's ideas to work towards a common goal as opposed to one person being stuck in a certain way of thinking. Teamwork is one of the reasons I want to become a Police Officer. Although I understand Police Officers are on patrol individually most of the time, they are all in constant communication with each other. WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU? - Answer- I believe that you should hire me and give me a chance to be part of your Police Department and family because I am the type of person you're looking for! I'm punctual, dedicated, hardworking, and honest. I believe in working as a team. I work very well with others, am enthusiastic about law enforcement, and I believe that I can make a difference here in this town! I have dedicated myself to becoming a Police Officer through education, interpersonal skills learned through previous jobs, and also have valuable skill sets that I believe would make me a valuable asset to this Police Department! WHY DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD MAKE A GOOD POLICE OFFICER? - Answer- I think that before you can be a good Police Officer, you need to be a good person and I feel that I fit into that mold. I also believe that I'd be a great Police Officer because I've had the blessing and opportunity to prepare myself through my education at Siena College and life experiences. I have held several jobs that have put me in direct contact with the public and have worked at polishing my skill set for the very reason of making myself a good Police Officer. Additionally, I have prepared myself physically for the demands of the career and with all the reasons combined, I feel confident that I will be an excellent Police Officer for Avon once I receive my training. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? - Answer- I feel that one of greatest accomplishments is how I've been able to help people. I feel most proud of my ability to help others through my community service, my volunteer time, and all other ways I've directly or indirectly helped others. The sense of inner joy and satisfaction I feel from helping others can never be topped. As I've stated before, this is one of the significant reasons why I want to be a police officer. How do you deal with criticism? - Answer- I have learned how to deal with criticism very well through life experiences, especially going to a military/ catholic high school, or by being a security officer, I am positive that I can stay open minded and can take criticism very well. I think constructive criticism should be embraced because the purpose of it is so you don't make the same mistake twice or the fact that you can learn from your mistakes and better yourself to fix the problem. I have no problems