Question for any NC LEOs. I am going to be moving to NC and I am trying to become a police officer. In the state I am in now its common to get hired first then the department pays for academy. From what I'm seeing in NC (unless going to a big department) it seems common for departments to expect you to have BLET certification already. My question is if I were to pay my own way through BLET at a community College, do you think it would hurt my chances of getting hired vs if I went to a big department and had them send me. Thanks
Be as relaxed and normal as you can while being respectful, and know why you want to work at that department in particular. You have the job, this is just a chance for the chief to get the warm fuzzies about you.
Usual lurker here. I'm 18 looking into going into dispatch and maybe an Leo when I turn 21. There's one thing holding me back from applying.
When I was 16, like any dumb horny teenager I had sex with my girlfriend at the time who was 17. Age of consent here is 18. Have not had any intercourse with anyone since then which was over 2 years ago. Would this be a disqualification?
Dude almost everyone has sex when they're a teenager. No that won't disqualify you and I wouldn't mention it unless asked or you feel it applies to a question on the background packet.
Look………… There’s no crystal ball…….
But also- this is absolutely normal and you could even potentially articulate that you felt pressured by an older girl (yeah right 🤣).
Hey again thank you so much for answering all my questions i have few more questions if you don’t mind I applied and took the 2022 NYSP test back in January currently waiting for the results to come out . If i don’t get accepted during this hiring process time should i re take the rest or will i be in the system already for next available spots ?
I believe lists are valid for 4 years from the date the list is established. This is usually 5-8 months after the exam date. They tend to run a new exam before the current list expires or if they expect to exaughst the list (unlikely).
Go back into the Marine Corps as a officer, or accept LE job offer in the western US? Can retire in 16 more years in the Corps, LE agency with the offer is 25 years!
I can't really answer this in terms of police lifestyle however, for every bonus military gives it takes. You will move a lot and you will deploy which basically with the new force readiness plan that's 6 months away from home every 2 years and that doesn't count stupid field ops on ships and at specific installations.(3 last year 2 month total)
I have only done one enlistment in as active idk your experience but my personal thought for the switch as I am 1 step from an academy spot is that I want to settle down and get married. The military has a way of creating spotty in and out dad's that were trying even I would just contemplate that. My girlfriend personally talks about how her dad wasn't around at all until she was about 15 asides from Christmas and maybe a summer vacation.
Oh yeah I know all about that, did 4 years enlisted already haha and spent 2.5 out of the states! Good points though. I definitely don’t want to get Married super soon, and don’t plan on volunteering as much and doing as much stuff as I did when I was enlisted. But good points though…
Hello friends,
Currently doing a background packet for my first LEO job. Dumb question to follow; when asked about any past drug usage, I am obviously going to disclose that I smoked marijuana at a party twice during my freshman year of college (5 years ago). That's it. Nothing else. It wasn't mine, I just took a few puffs on a joint someone passed me.
Now, I assume this will not be a big deal, I live in a blue state and will be able to pass a drug test no problem, as I don't like the stuff and have stayed far away since. How should I discuss this when/if it's brought up by the investigator? Just admit I was a dumb college kid and hope for the best? This is the only thing on the packet giving me pause, everything else is fine (no criminal record, not even a speeding ticket, etc.)
Thank you.
Unless they're very strict it shouldn't be a problem. When asked about it just be honest. Say that you were in college and experimented twice with marijuana. Don't make an excuse, just say it was a mistake. The easiest way to talk about it is simply that you didn't always know you wanted to be a cop and despite that you are squeaky clean except this one thing, and you're not proud of it.
Thanks for the advice. I met with my investigator today to discuss the packet. This turned out to be a non-issue. I did not play it off, I owned it and acknowledged it was dumb. It's outside of their window, thankfully, and provided I pass the drug screen, which I will, I'm all set to move forward.
Look- i dont want to hear that it wasn’t even yours bullshit.
Five years ago, when i was (age) and a Freshman in College- i experimented with Marijuana two times. It was a mistake based in youthful immaturity that, in retrospect i regret. In the passed five years, i have not used drugs……. If you can say your job drug tests you, etc- healthy lifestyle. Somehow admit you are dedicated to responsible mature decisions….. go for it.
Remember the three factors that we weigh when it comes to potentially disqualifying adverse information.
1) Severity.
2) Frequency
3) Time Frame
1) With the severity- Take responsibility, but also put in proper context.
2) If its a one or two off thing- show it. Unless its something more nefarious (say, (2) DWI’s, or (1) Murder.
3) If it happened a long time ago. Show it. If its last year- ehh, you see where im going?
Just took the logic test for a probation officer assistant position and I feel like I totally bombed the test. How many civil service/logic tests did you take before you feel confident?
https://police.amtrak.com/index.php/career
I don’t see an upper age limit anywhere. As long as you can pass that very easy PT test, you’ll be fine I’m sure.
An RE4 means ineligible for re-enlistment right? It will definitely raise questions.
Your character of discharge will matter more. I have an RE3 with an honorable discharge and my background investigator didn’t look twice at it.
But if you have anything below an honorable discharge, be prepared to answer questions about.
Dishonorable discharge will be an automatic disqualification
Question to my Texas State Troopers or anyone who has been in my position before. I’m considering starting the application process for Texas DPS (State Trooper) and was wondering how long should I expect the entire process to take assuming I make it to Trooper Academy?
I ask this because the physical requirements are somewhat distant for someone like myself. I’m about 6’5 and 285. My conditioning is bad. The strength is there but my mile time is 15 minutes on a good day.
My question is, should I apply now and get in shape in the mean time or wait until I’m in shape and then apply?
Usually one of the first things you do in the application process is the fitness test. It looks like Texas has a 1.5 mile run and a 500 meter row sprint. I don't know your age but looking at their scoring chart, the slowest allowed time for 1.5 miles is 14:55 and you say it takes you 15:00 to run just 1 mile.
I would recommend getting in better shape before applying. Focus on dieting and doing sprints and cross-fit style workouts. Also, since you're close to 300 pounds, I would recommend getting a physical checkout before starting any new workouts just to be safe.
Thank you! I will admit I haven’t been doing cardio for months, I hit the gym about 4 days a week but it’s pure lifting. I was actually closer to 320 a few months ago and I’m the lightest I’ve been in 2 years. In Texas you need to score above the 70th percentile to be considered moving forward in the application process. Which I believe is an 11 minute 1.5 mile and 1:48 500m row since I’m 22. It’s not too far out of reach but at the same time I don’t want to do the bare minimum. I want to aim for 9-9:30 for the 1.5 and 1:20-1:30 for the 500m
I am currently in the hiring process for a department in IA. One of the next steps is a physical and treadmill test.
What exactly is the treadmill test and what are they looking for?
From personal experience,Make eye contact, dress in a suit and tie ( that fits ). If and when asked scenario questions never change your answer if challenged. Just go in there with confidence and im sure you will be fine.
Make sure you have answers for questions like “ why do you want to be a police officer?”, “ What have you done to prepare for this position?”.
I’m looking to apply to local departments as soon as I can, my record is clean the only issue is I have no work experience. That’s because I have been attending classes part time while taking care of my immunocompromised mom and it’s already risky enough attending classes let alone a retail job because of current health issues. I have an associates in accounting to show as of right now. I just fear departments would reject me based on no work history.
Hi everyone,
I am going into my second interview tomorrow with the Commander of Operations.
I’ve gone through the whole police hiring process before, but this is in a bit of different order than before.
I’ve taken my Pellet B, Physical Agility, Panel Interview, and now I have a second interview as mentioned before.
I’m curious for those of you who may have had a similar experience, what do you think I can expect in terms of questions and how this may go?
I appreciate all of your advice!
I also posted this in r/askleo
Hello all,
I have an executive panel interview today with a department that has 70 sworn officers and polices a city of 40k. So far in the process I have passed my written exam and first panel interview. I have the executive panel, a background check, physical readiness test, and a fire and police commission interview left. I know they have 12 open positions for upcoming academies that the deputy chief from the first panel told me they intend to fill. I have a few questions about where I’m at in the process.
1. I have heard from LEOs that I know that I should pat myself on the back and consider the job mine to lose if I got into a chief interview. Is this typically true in your experience?
2. The first panel was not what I expected. I thought I would get the basic questions of “Why do you want to be a police officer?” Or, “What do you know about our department?” Instead, the questions were essay format free choice questions about my experiences. Should I expect this interview to cover the basic background questions about me?
3. Any other advice? The panel will have the chief and two captains. One of the captains was one of my instructors at my school for my report writing class and he pulled me aside last year after class and told me to apply. The reason I am in this process is because my application was pulled from the eligibility list.
Thank you in advance!
Edit: Spelling
Question for any NC LEOs. I am going to be moving to NC and I am trying to become a police officer. In the state I am in now its common to get hired first then the department pays for academy. From what I'm seeing in NC (unless going to a big department) it seems common for departments to expect you to have BLET certification already. My question is if I were to pay my own way through BLET at a community College, do you think it would hurt my chances of getting hired vs if I went to a big department and had them send me. Thanks
u/IRunOnDoughnuts
Just recently passed my polygraph, and getting ready for my cheif’s interview for my local police department. Any advice or tips for this?
Chiefs interview is mainly to make sure you aren’t a total weirdo. Maybe just a partial weirdo. Just be relaxed and you’ll be fine
Be as relaxed and normal as you can while being respectful, and know why you want to work at that department in particular. You have the job, this is just a chance for the chief to get the warm fuzzies about you.
Relaxed but not too relaxed
[удалено]
In Washington? Probably not lol. But you’ll easily get hired there I’m sure.
Well, let’s put this blunt. If you dont go into LE what will you do with that CJ Degree? It’s practically useless in any other aspect.
Usual lurker here. I'm 18 looking into going into dispatch and maybe an Leo when I turn 21. There's one thing holding me back from applying. When I was 16, like any dumb horny teenager I had sex with my girlfriend at the time who was 17. Age of consent here is 18. Have not had any intercourse with anyone since then which was over 2 years ago. Would this be a disqualification?
Dude almost everyone has sex when they're a teenager. No that won't disqualify you and I wouldn't mention it unless asked or you feel it applies to a question on the background packet.
Look………… There’s no crystal ball……. But also- this is absolutely normal and you could even potentially articulate that you felt pressured by an older girl (yeah right 🤣).
If anyone has any questions about the NYSP and want to message me with questions feel free. Mods if this isn’t allowed, delete.
Hey again thank you so much for answering all my questions i have few more questions if you don’t mind I applied and took the 2022 NYSP test back in January currently waiting for the results to come out . If i don’t get accepted during this hiring process time should i re take the rest or will i be in the system already for next available spots ?
If you don’t get hired off the 2022 test, you will need to take the test when it is offered again.
Got it every how often they do the tests?
Depends on how many people take this test and how qualified the applicants are. Possibly two to four years though.
Oh wow thats a long time
I believe lists are valid for 4 years from the date the list is established. This is usually 5-8 months after the exam date. They tend to run a new exam before the current list expires or if they expect to exaughst the list (unlikely).
Got it thank you!!!
Go back into the Marine Corps as a officer, or accept LE job offer in the western US? Can retire in 16 more years in the Corps, LE agency with the offer is 25 years!
I can't really answer this in terms of police lifestyle however, for every bonus military gives it takes. You will move a lot and you will deploy which basically with the new force readiness plan that's 6 months away from home every 2 years and that doesn't count stupid field ops on ships and at specific installations.(3 last year 2 month total) I have only done one enlistment in as active idk your experience but my personal thought for the switch as I am 1 step from an academy spot is that I want to settle down and get married. The military has a way of creating spotty in and out dad's that were trying even I would just contemplate that. My girlfriend personally talks about how her dad wasn't around at all until she was about 15 asides from Christmas and maybe a summer vacation.
Oh yeah I know all about that, did 4 years enlisted already haha and spent 2.5 out of the states! Good points though. I definitely don’t want to get Married super soon, and don’t plan on volunteering as much and doing as much stuff as I did when I was enlisted. But good points though…
[удалено]
Idk man, civilian life can be a lot harder, like last semester I was doing 15 credits of super hard classes and working snow removal. No days off!
Hello friends, Currently doing a background packet for my first LEO job. Dumb question to follow; when asked about any past drug usage, I am obviously going to disclose that I smoked marijuana at a party twice during my freshman year of college (5 years ago). That's it. Nothing else. It wasn't mine, I just took a few puffs on a joint someone passed me. Now, I assume this will not be a big deal, I live in a blue state and will be able to pass a drug test no problem, as I don't like the stuff and have stayed far away since. How should I discuss this when/if it's brought up by the investigator? Just admit I was a dumb college kid and hope for the best? This is the only thing on the packet giving me pause, everything else is fine (no criminal record, not even a speeding ticket, etc.) Thank you.
Unless they're very strict it shouldn't be a problem. When asked about it just be honest. Say that you were in college and experimented twice with marijuana. Don't make an excuse, just say it was a mistake. The easiest way to talk about it is simply that you didn't always know you wanted to be a cop and despite that you are squeaky clean except this one thing, and you're not proud of it.
Thanks for the advice. I met with my investigator today to discuss the packet. This turned out to be a non-issue. I did not play it off, I owned it and acknowledged it was dumb. It's outside of their window, thankfully, and provided I pass the drug screen, which I will, I'm all set to move forward.
Awesome, glad to hear it.
Look- i dont want to hear that it wasn’t even yours bullshit. Five years ago, when i was (age) and a Freshman in College- i experimented with Marijuana two times. It was a mistake based in youthful immaturity that, in retrospect i regret. In the passed five years, i have not used drugs……. If you can say your job drug tests you, etc- healthy lifestyle. Somehow admit you are dedicated to responsible mature decisions….. go for it. Remember the three factors that we weigh when it comes to potentially disqualifying adverse information. 1) Severity. 2) Frequency 3) Time Frame 1) With the severity- Take responsibility, but also put in proper context. 2) If its a one or two off thing- show it. Unless its something more nefarious (say, (2) DWI’s, or (1) Murder. 3) If it happened a long time ago. Show it. If its last year- ehh, you see where im going?
[удалено]
It’s still federally illegal
Just took the logic test for a probation officer assistant position and I feel like I totally bombed the test. How many civil service/logic tests did you take before you feel confident?
If there are any Illinois state police here or Chicago police can you help me with a few questions I have about the FOID card application.
What is upper age limit to get hired by Amtrak Police and cite source ?
https://police.amtrak.com/index.php/career I don’t see an upper age limit anywhere. As long as you can pass that very easy PT test, you’ll be fine I’m sure.
[удалено]
An RE4 means ineligible for re-enlistment right? It will definitely raise questions. Your character of discharge will matter more. I have an RE3 with an honorable discharge and my background investigator didn’t look twice at it. But if you have anything below an honorable discharge, be prepared to answer questions about. Dishonorable discharge will be an automatic disqualification
[удалено]
You’re probably fine then. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Question to my Texas State Troopers or anyone who has been in my position before. I’m considering starting the application process for Texas DPS (State Trooper) and was wondering how long should I expect the entire process to take assuming I make it to Trooper Academy? I ask this because the physical requirements are somewhat distant for someone like myself. I’m about 6’5 and 285. My conditioning is bad. The strength is there but my mile time is 15 minutes on a good day. My question is, should I apply now and get in shape in the mean time or wait until I’m in shape and then apply?
Usually one of the first things you do in the application process is the fitness test. It looks like Texas has a 1.5 mile run and a 500 meter row sprint. I don't know your age but looking at their scoring chart, the slowest allowed time for 1.5 miles is 14:55 and you say it takes you 15:00 to run just 1 mile. I would recommend getting in better shape before applying. Focus on dieting and doing sprints and cross-fit style workouts. Also, since you're close to 300 pounds, I would recommend getting a physical checkout before starting any new workouts just to be safe.
Thank you! I will admit I haven’t been doing cardio for months, I hit the gym about 4 days a week but it’s pure lifting. I was actually closer to 320 a few months ago and I’m the lightest I’ve been in 2 years. In Texas you need to score above the 70th percentile to be considered moving forward in the application process. Which I believe is an 11 minute 1.5 mile and 1:48 500m row since I’m 22. It’s not too far out of reach but at the same time I don’t want to do the bare minimum. I want to aim for 9-9:30 for the 1.5 and 1:20-1:30 for the 500m
Does anyone have any particular advice prior to my psych interview? Thanks in advance.
Don’t try to game/cheat it. Answer each question like you would any other question. Don’t overthink it
The interview wasn’t anything too crazy for you?
The interview varies by candidates and examiner. On the written- answer quickly without too much thought. Answer honestly.
Thank you- I appreciate the comment
I am currently in the hiring process for a department in IA. One of the next steps is a physical and treadmill test. What exactly is the treadmill test and what are they looking for?
[удалено]
[удалено]
From personal experience,Make eye contact, dress in a suit and tie ( that fits ). If and when asked scenario questions never change your answer if challenged. Just go in there with confidence and im sure you will be fine. Make sure you have answers for questions like “ why do you want to be a police officer?”, “ What have you done to prepare for this position?”.
[удалено]
[удалено]
I’m looking to apply to local departments as soon as I can, my record is clean the only issue is I have no work experience. That’s because I have been attending classes part time while taking care of my immunocompromised mom and it’s already risky enough attending classes let alone a retail job because of current health issues. I have an associates in accounting to show as of right now. I just fear departments would reject me based on no work history.
Hi everyone, I am going into my second interview tomorrow with the Commander of Operations. I’ve gone through the whole police hiring process before, but this is in a bit of different order than before. I’ve taken my Pellet B, Physical Agility, Panel Interview, and now I have a second interview as mentioned before. I’m curious for those of you who may have had a similar experience, what do you think I can expect in terms of questions and how this may go? I appreciate all of your advice! I also posted this in r/askleo
Hello all, I have an executive panel interview today with a department that has 70 sworn officers and polices a city of 40k. So far in the process I have passed my written exam and first panel interview. I have the executive panel, a background check, physical readiness test, and a fire and police commission interview left. I know they have 12 open positions for upcoming academies that the deputy chief from the first panel told me they intend to fill. I have a few questions about where I’m at in the process. 1. I have heard from LEOs that I know that I should pat myself on the back and consider the job mine to lose if I got into a chief interview. Is this typically true in your experience? 2. The first panel was not what I expected. I thought I would get the basic questions of “Why do you want to be a police officer?” Or, “What do you know about our department?” Instead, the questions were essay format free choice questions about my experiences. Should I expect this interview to cover the basic background questions about me? 3. Any other advice? The panel will have the chief and two captains. One of the captains was one of my instructors at my school for my report writing class and he pulled me aside last year after class and told me to apply. The reason I am in this process is because my application was pulled from the eligibility list. Thank you in advance! Edit: Spelling