question about POWER exam

[Callistobass]

I had posted this in the introduction page, but not many people look over there..

originally posted here (http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27394)
So, I've sent in my first application! The Orientation is March 12th, and that is the day they have the P.O.W.E.R. Test as well.

I feel very confident coming in.. except for one aspect of the physical test. As I mentioned above, I ran Track in college, so the running aspect is absolutely no problem. smae goes for the sit-up test. The Sit & Reach I am still working on, as I have never been all that flexible, but the bench press is what worries me a little.

From what I gathered by searching online, the POWER test takes 98% of your bodyweight and tests how many times you can put it up. This is different from what I heard from the Naperville Deputy that said you only need to put it up once. Since I am more endurance than power (though I have hit the weights hard since graduation) I worry about this aspect of the test. I am 155lbs, so that is 152lbs I'll have to put up multiple times.. I may be lucky if I get 3, but my guess is very onestly only 1-2.

My question for anyone reading this: How much stock is put in each of these tests? Is any one test more important than the other, or do they all "balance out" in the end (thus my running score will vastly overshadow the bench score)?

Thanks in advance!

[CPDZone9]

Until you reach 30, you ARE required to press 98%. But it's once. I don't know if the department YOU'RE going out for checks to see HOW many times you can do it...but the state requirement is ONCE, & that's all I've ever had to do for every department I've gone out for.

And it's not a matter of "one test is more important." If you can't pass one part of the test, you don't pass the test. If you pass them all, you pass the test.

Depending on the department, they might let you come back in a short few weeks to retest. But that's the extent of it. And I wouldn't worry much about the sit-&-reach test, either, if you can do 37 push-ups in one minute...

They have you thrust yourself forward from a lean-back.

Thanks in advance!

You're welcome.

[Callistobass]

Until you reach 30, you ARE required to press 98%. But it's once. I don't know if the department YOU'RE going out for checks to see HOW many times you can do it...but the state requirement is ONCE, & that's all I've ever had to do for every department I've gone out for.

And it's not a matter of "one test is more important." If you can't pass one part of the test, you don't pass the test. If you pass them all, you pass the test.

Depending on the department, they might let you come back in a short few weeks to retest. But that's the extent of it. And I wouldn't worry much about the sit-&-reach test, either, if you can do 37 push-ups in one minute...

They have you thrust yourself forward from a lean-back.



You're welcome.


I see you are from chicago - I am applying to Oswego (FAR SW Suburb).. It was very vague regarding the bench. No problem with the once @ 98%!

thanks again for the info, I feel very good about this!

[CPDZone9]

thanks again for the info, I feel very good about this!

Not a problem, just glad I could help someone.

[Titan67]

In Bolingbrook we only had to do 98% once. It was set on the academy standards and all the PT was pass/fail.

[Callistobass]

In Bolingbrook we only had to do 98% once. It was set on the academy standards and all the PT was pass/fail.

thanks for the post... yeah, I bet it is just the once, just with vague description.

So how does this work exactly? Does everyone just hang out in the weightroom with a calculator and put up the weight, or is it a "circuit" of sorts?

[Titan67]

thanks for the post... yeah, I bet it is just the once, just with vague description.

So how does this work exactly? Does everyone just hang out in the weightroom with a calculator and put up the weight, or is it a "circuit" of sorts?


We tested on Sit-ups, 1.5 mile run, and bench (maybe one other thing), but they split us up in equal groups so that not everyone was sitting and waiting. When it came time to bench (a lot of people were already gone from the run) we had about 20-30 guys with like five benches. You walk in the weight room and they weigh you and they have a chart to that tells them what you're suposed to bench. They call out you wieght and two other cops set the bar as you walk up. It was real simple and far less than I had worried about, they were all there to help you through each exercise.

[Callistobass]

good deal.

I was wondering if that was the case.. man, I am glad I have good endurance! going from the run right to the bench is sure to be tough!

Thanks for all the help

[Serpico]

In Bolingbrook we only had to do 98% once. It was set on the academy standards and all the PT was pass/fail.

You're with BPD? I grew up and work Loss Prevention in Bolingbrook. You guys just started a new eligibility list last year, right? So you're process won't open again until 2006 or 2007?

[Callistobass]

well, this is coming up this week.. I have been working hard the last month and a half, and feel VERY confident about the run, sit-ups, and sit & reach

..but the bench. It's gonna be close.

but I had one more question.. Orientation is Saturday - what do you wear? Shoudl I come readt for a workout, or should I come wearing a tie and shirt and dress pants, and bring a bag with my workout gear?

I guess I am just used to formal job interviews and have never had an "interview" quite like this :p

Sorry for such a newbie question, but HEY! I am a newbie, and I have questions!

[Callistobass]

The good and the "'DOH!"

The good: I did a dry-run of the POWER exam yesterday night.. put up 98% of my bodyweight twice (yes!!!!!), 38 sit-ups, 16 3/4 in the sit & reach, and 10:30 in the mile and a half run. HECK YES. I am ready for Saturday!!!!!!!!

the "'DOH": While running about 10 minutes late today, I am going 50mph in a 45pmh zone. From behind I notice an unmarked - JUST before he flashes me.

"sh*t" would be my direct quote.

The best part: he is a LEO from the DEPARTMENT I AM TESTING AT SATURDAY!

*see above quote*

He was very cool and asked if I had noticed that he was a LEO when I passed him, and I answered honestly "no" - he explained that he had to pull me over because what kind of example would that be to the other drivers around him that knew he was a LEO. I told him I understood, and he just gave me a written warning.

I know it isn't a big deal, but it just makes me mad that I go and do something like this!

But anyway, I am so excited for Saturday now.. if anyone can answer my question on "what I should wear" (my previous post) I would greatly appreciate it!

[sunshinegal]

The good and the "'DOH!"

The good: I did a dry-run of the POWER exam yesterday night.. put up 98% of my bodyweight twice (yes!!!!!), 38 sit-ups, 16 3/4 in the sit & reach, and 10:30 in the mile and a half run. HECK YES. I am ready for Saturday!!!!!!!!

the "'DOH": While running about 10 minutes late today, I am going 50mph in a 45pmh zone. From behind I notice an unmarked - JUST before he flashes me.

"sh*t" would be my direct quote.

The best part: he is a LEO from the DEPARTMENT I AM TESTING AT SATURDAY!

*see above quote*

He was very cool and asked if I had noticed that he was a LEO when I passed him, and I answered honestly "no" - he explained that he had to pull me over because what kind of example would that be to the other drivers around him that knew he was a LEO. I told him I understood, and he just gave me a written warning.

I know it isn't a big deal, but it just makes me mad that I go and do something like this!

But anyway, I am so excited for Saturday now.. if anyone can answer my question on "what I should wear" (my previous post) I would greatly appreciate it!

Bummer!! I have really been watching myself when it comes to speeding too. I have been (knock on wood) ticket free for a long time now so I dont need one a month before the my first test. Cruise control is my friend! :)

But anyways, I have been watching this thread because you asked a very valid question about what to wear. Here is my 2 cents. I would say it is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Do you have an orientation tonight? I have the POWER/written test next month and we have a manditory meeting the evening before so I would suppose that may be an issued that is discussed. So maybe something like Kakhi pants, dress shirt, nice shoes and then bring your running clothes in a gym bag and be prepared to take the running part either inside or outside. (Mine will be at the local high school track outside so I know they say to be prepared to run in whatever weather the day brings.)

GOOD LUCK--Let me know how it goes!! :o

[Callistobass]

Bummer!! I have really been watching myself when it comes to speeding too. I have been (knock on wood) ticket free for a long time now so I dont need one a month before the my first test. Cruise control is my friend! :)

But anyways, I have been watching this thread because you asked a very valid question about what to wear. Here is my 2 cents. I would say it is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Do you have an orientation tonight? I have the POWER/written test next month and we have a manditory meeting the evening before so I would suppose that may be an issued that is discussed. So maybe something like Kakhi pants, dress shirt, nice shoes and then bring your running clothes in a gym bag and be prepared to take the running part either inside or outside. (Mine will be at the local high school track outside so I know they say to be prepared to run in whatever weather the day brings.)

GOOD LUCK--Let me know how it goes!! :o

Hey! thanks for the response!

The warning really isnt a big deal.. I am not worried about it at all, just was frustrating given the fact it was so close to the testing.

The Testing? Oh yeah... I am onto the next round! I am pumped!

I have the written test next Saturday Morning :)

I went in Kakis (sp?), a charcoal polo shirt, and nice dress shoes - I brought a bag with a ton of workout cloths since it was INSANELY cold and windy today, but we ran on an indoor track. I made sure ot get there early so I could change if I needed to, so I checked in and went to the bathroom t change. I'd say 98% of the people there were dressed to work out, and a few newbies like me "dressed to impress" - some of the LEO's gave me a little crap, so I joked around with them for a little bit.

My group didn't go until last, so I spent an hour and a half sitting around.. that sucked a little, but had NO problem with the test.

We started with the situps (did 37 - pass), went to the sit & reach (reached 18"), bench (put up 145 with ease), and finally the run(9:53 for the mile and a half).

I feel really good, and met some great people - a group of 7 or 8 of us (candidates) were really supportive and I think that helped a lot of us. Afterwards we were walking around and talking and are all excited for next week.

SSgal- feel free to PM with any questions! I'd love to help if I can!

[sunshinegal]

We started with the situps (did 37 - pass), went to the sit & reach (reached 18"), bench (put up 145 with ease), and finally the run(9:53 for the mile and a half).

I feel really good, and met some great people - a group of 7 or 8 of us (candidates) were really supportive and I think that helped a lot of us. Afterwards we were walking around and talking and are all excited for next week.

SSgal- feel free to PM with any questions! I'd love to help if I can!


Great!! Sounds like you did good. (The website burped again so I hope this doesnt post more than once!!) Bet it feels good to get that over with. So how many people were there total? How did the competition compare to you? Any women applying?

:)

[ChgoPaintball]

:confused: A month from now (April 16th-2005) i will be taking the physical agility test for Hickory Hills. i was wondering if i could get any advice. i havent done any excersises for a long time now. im 20yrs old. 5ft 9in, 140lbs. and about average built. Today (3/17/05) for the first time since Sept of 2004 i ran. I did 1/2 mile jog in 2mins 10sec. But after that i felt like i wanted to die. Does anyone have any advice to help me stay alive for the extra mile? im not to worry about the sit ups because i can do 32 of them in about 40 secs so i think i can push 5 more in 20 sec. sit and reach i can reach passed my toes without a problem. its just the 1.5 mile run and the bench press. thank you Callisto for the earlier chat. if anyone else has any advice on the run and what to eat before the test please let me know or email me at italianmaster1@comcast.net or IM me on AIM at Italianmaster1 or Iapaintballbebe1

[Serpico]

:confused: A month from now (April 16th-2005) i will be taking the physical agility test for Hickory Hills. i was wondering if i could get any advice. i havent done any excersises for a long time now. im 20yrs old. 5ft 9in, 140lbs. and about average built. Today (3/17/05) for the first time since Sept of 2004 i ran. I did 1/2 mile jog in 2mins 10sec. But after that i felt like i wanted to die. Does anyone have any advice to help me stay alive for the extra mile? im not to worry about the sit ups because i can do 32 of them in about 40 secs so i think i can push 5 more in 20 sec. sit and reach i can reach passed my toes without a problem. its just the 1.5 mile run and the bench press. thank you Callisto for the earlier chat. if anyone else has any advice on the run and what to eat before the test please let me know or email me at italianmaster1@comcast.net or IM me on AIM at Italianmaster1 or Iapaintballbebe1

The ISP website has a decent 12 week training course.

[Callistobass]

Took my first Written exam Saturday for Oswego PD (IL)

I think it went REALLY well, especially since I had time left to re-check my answers and fix some glaringly wrong answers.

the second part of the test was an essay on "a time in my life that was important to me and I was nervous and excited about." - I admit I took WAY too long thinking about what to write, and as a result my conclusion was cut drastically short ("time up"). That part of the test was pass/fail, and I have a research and a journalistic writing background, so I am pretty confident a weak conclusion won't hurt my chances.

Anyone have an idea how long the test-grading process takes? If I make it past this part, I am onto the Interview process :)

[Titan67]

:confused: A month from now (April 16th-2005) i will be taking the physical agility test for Hickory Hills. i was wondering if i could get any advice. i havent done any excersises for a long time now. im 20yrs old. 5ft 9in, 140lbs. and about average built. Today (3/17/05) for the first time since Sept of 2004 i ran. I did 1/2 mile jog in 2mins 10sec. But after that i felt like i wanted to die. Does anyone have any advice to help me stay alive for the extra mile? im not to worry about the sit ups because i can do 32 of them in about 40 secs so i think i can push 5 more in 20 sec. sit and reach i can reach passed my toes without a problem. its just the 1.5 mile run and the bench press. thank you Callisto for the earlier chat. if anyone else has any advice on the run and what to eat before the test please let me know or email me at italianmaster1@comcast.net or IM me on AIM at Italianmaster1 or Iapaintballbebe1

If you did the 1/2 mile in 2:10 you should be fine. You have something like 14 minutes to do a mile and a half, just slow you pace down a bit. Now I am guessing that you actually did the 1/4 mile in 2:10 and that's still not bad (2:10 1/2 mile would win you a medal in a state competition somewhere). I would work on running long distances and not worrying about pace, just keep moving. And then work in interval runs (high speed for 2 minutes and slow for a minute and keep alternating) this will build up your lungs and your VO2 max. Then work on running a mile at the pace you want then 1.25 mile then 1.5 miles. Just keep running and don't kill yourself in that first 1/4 mile. This is my unexpert opinion.

Good Luck...Titan

[ChgoPaintball]

Just came back from my jog/run. I think I will be fine for the Hickory Hills test that is coming in 2 weeks. I was able to run 1.5 miles in 11mins 50secs (at Midway Airport) and 11mins 18secs (at school which is 1.5 miles around). I was also able to do 37 situps, hands behind head, elbows touching knees, in 51secs. The sit and reach is just to easy. The one I worry most is the bench press. I am able to do 135lbs on the Universal machine and I was able to do 135lbs on the freeweights. Just barely doing it twice. So I think everything will be find. Thanks Callisto and everyone else for your help and opinions.
Nick :)

[USAcop]

1)You will be motivated in the mile and a half with all the people there. Its outstanding when you have the mile and a half run. This will eliminate lots of people!

2)Is the bench press on a machine or free weights? that is a big difference.

[SeVere]

Machines almost always.

[Callistobass]

Machines? Really? damn.. we did free weights.

Passed the written, have my interview next Thursday

[Freakapino]

1)You will be motivated in the mile and a half with all the people there. Its outstanding when you have the mile and a half run. This will eliminate lots of people!

2)Is the bench press on a machine or free weights? that is a big difference.


I agree with SeVeRe, and these machines are the old school ones where the stack is behiind the lever, so you're not doing the full weight. When I ran for Bolingbrook, they're the only ones that actually used free-weights.

And USACop, you wouldn't believe it, but during the BPD P.O.W.E.R. test, we've already eliminated many candidates in sit-ups alone! :eek: and further more when we did the run, and Titan can say the same thing since we took it the same time

I just ran the Academy P.O.W.E.R test this tuesday and pretty much the same - some failed the situps and some runs, and some both events. And they have make it up yesterday Thursday (31Apr05); so, what I think is if you're not ready on tuesday what's the chance that you're going to pass it 2 days later, right?

[USAcop]

I agree with SeVeRe, and these machines are the old school ones where the stack is behiind the lever, so you're not doing the full weight. When I ran for Bolingbrook, they're the only ones that actually used free-weights.

And USACop, you wouldn't believe it, but during the BPD P.O.W.E.R. test, we've already eliminated many candidates in sit-ups alone! :eek: and further more when we did the run, and Titan can say the same thing since we took it the same time

I just ran the Academy P.O.W.E.R test this tuesday and pretty much the same - some failed the situps and some runs, and some both events. And they have make it up yesterday Thursday (31Apr05); so, what I think is if you're not ready on tuesday what's the chance that you're going to pass it 2 days later, right?

What were the women required to do?

What were the men required to do?

sit ups, push ups and run.

Just curious.

Congrats

[Freakapino]

What were the women required to do?

What were the men required to do?

sit ups, push ups and run.

Just curious.

Congrats

Thank You very much!

The Candidates are required to meet the following:

MALE

TEST 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59

SIT AND REACH 16.0 15.0 13.8 12.8

1MIN SIT-UP 37 34 28 23

MAX BENCH-PRESS .98 .87 .79 .70

1.5 M RUN 13.46 14.31 15.24 16.21


FEMALE

TEST 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59

SIT AND REACH 18.8 17.8 16.8 16.8

1MIN SIT-UP 31 24 19 13

MAX BENCH-PRESS .58 .52 .49 .43

1.5 M RUN 16.21 16.52 17.53 18.44

[sunshinegal]

I agree with SeVeRe, and these machines are the old school ones where the stack is behiind the lever, so you're not doing the full weight. When I ran for Bolingbrook, they're the only ones that actually used free-weights.

And USACop, you wouldn't believe it, but during the BPD P.O.W.E.R. test, we've already eliminated many candidates in sit-ups alone! :eek: and further more when we did the run, and Titan can say the same thing since we took it the same time

I just ran the Academy P.O.W.E.R test this tuesday and pretty much the same - some failed the situps and some runs, and some both events. And they have make it up yesterday Thursday (31Apr05); so, what I think is if you're not ready on tuesday what's the chance that you're going to pass it 2 days later, right?

I agree. I cant believe people dont prepare for these things. I have one on the 22nd and have been running my butt off. (with lots of good advise from Calli) Free weights are A LOT different from the machines. YIKES!
Oh well, my $.02.

[Freakapino]

I agree. I cant believe people dont prepare for these things. I have one on the 22nd and have been running my butt off. (with lots of good advise from Calli) Free weights are A LOT different from the machines. YIKES!
Oh well, my $.02.


The thing that kinda made me wonder was, they know that they're going to take the test again before getting fully accepted to the academy so they have to keep in shape, however, they didn't. They wasted their time and that city's time and money to haul them over there and then failed it. Not to mention, embarrassing the department's Sergeant (he was there and personally drove these guys to the academy), and the department itself.

[Titan67]

And USACop, you wouldn't believe it, but during the BPD P.O.W.E.R. test, we've already eliminated many candidates in sit-ups alone! and further more when we did the run, and Titan can say the same thing since we took it the same time

Yeah it was like these people found out about the test that morning. Guys that couldn't do half the sit-ups and guys that just walked off the track after the first 3/4 - 1 mile. They obviously were not serious about the LEO thing.

Freak - You hear anything new from BPD lately?

[Callistobass]

Yeah it was like these people found out about the test that morning. Guys that couldn't do half the sit-ups and guys that just walked off the track after the first 3/4 - 1 mile. They obviously were not serious about the LEO thing.

Freak - You hear anything new from BPD lately?


oooooooh I hate it when people quit! I mean, sure you may not pass the run, but at least finish what you started.. there were a few at the POWER exam that just flat-out stopped! I was stunned.

[Callistobass]

I have never been more nervous/anxious/excited as I have been all week... the Oral Board is tonight - my first one.

It has felt like a huge knot has been tied around my chest all week, but today I have been suprisingly calm.

I simply realized that I am going into this all wrong - I have nothing to hide, and nothing to lose going into this interview.

t-minus 2 hours, 40 minutes! :cool:

[Titan67]

Good luck, it'll be cake!

[ChgoPaintball]

yeah i can feel the rope around my chest tighten right now. I have my physical test this coming saturday. I wish I started in January with all my training but I was not motivated until I filled out the application. I am able to do everything. I just dont want to jinx myself. Freeweights are definetly different from the machine. I was told that we are using the machine since there are over 200 people applying for the job. The Chief of Hickory Hills said to me it will take to much time to change weights for all 200 people. So machine it is. I weigh 140 (+/- 2lbs) and I am supposed to do 138lbs since thats my .98 of my body weight. Its funny because the machine goes by 10s so I am able to do the 135lbs but I tested myself and was happy to see that I am able to do the 145lbs. I am capable of doing all the tests and I have only been training since March 12th. Callisto is a big help. Hes my internet coach and is helping me to get through this since this is my first test ever. Thanks for all your support. I will post something this coming weekend to let all you know how I did on my Physical test.

[soxfan101]

Keep me updated on the process. I was going to take the test also, but I just found out I will getting on CPD and that was always my dream department so that is where I am going. I actually heard the turnout was pretty low for the test. Were the numbers really that high around the 200 mark I heard around 40. I heard they might actually be hiring four. Actually many suburban Illinois departments have thousands apply for two or three posistions. The universal bench press is MUCH easier than free weights. Keep training hard though. Good Luck.

[ChgoPaintball]

Hey paintball I live in Hickory Hills, for the next few months anyway. Keep me updated on the process. I was going to take the test also, but I just found out I will getting on CPD and that was always my dream department so that is where I am going. I actually heard the turnout was pretty low for the test. Were the numbers really that high around the 200 mark I heard around 40. I heard they might actually be hiring four. Actually many suburban Illinois departments have thousands apply for two or three posistions. The universal bench press is MUCH easier than free weights. Keep training hard though. Good Luck.

thats what I heard from a friend of mine i work with at UPS who is also applying for Hickory Hills. he said there had to be 200 people applying for it. Honestly, to me that seems really high for a suburb. I can understand for the city of Chicago, but not a suburb. Congrats by the way on making the CPD. I always wanted to try it out but I just recently turned 20 when they were taking applications back in November 2004. If they have spots open or taking applications, I am willing to try for Chicago anyday since I live in the city. :p

[LEhopeful]

hey soxfan, please check your pm's

[ChgoPaintball]

Tomorrow is my big day where I have to take the Physical Agility test. Wednesday was orientation and there seemed be only about 120 people who showed up. My friend who was there said since the Chief of Police anounced that there are no openings as of right now, people are more likely to stop applying themselves for the tests since they will think its a waste of time. Found out its not a universal bench machine but the Smith machine. Do not know what that is but I seen pictures online and it looks easy. I gain 3lbs (hopefully muscle) so instead of benching the 135lb i was hoping for, its now 140. Little nervous but im getting psyched. Listening to Slipknot on the way to the test tomorrow. Wish me luck and thanks everyone for you help

[Titan67]

Best of luck!! The Smith Machine will be a standard bar and plates that are rigged to a guided track essentially. Just like free weights except it ensures that you lift perpendicularly to the floor. You'll do fine!

[ChgoPaintball]

I PASSED.... :D I'm really excited. I knew I can do it because I trained myself really hard for and also by getting advice from this forum, Callisto and friends who applied to other departments. First we were seperated into groups. I happen to be in group 1 because my last name begins with "C". First thing we had to do was the 1.5 mile run. Its 8am and I was not in the mood to run. lol. But we started and I was in the back of the group. 2 mins later I was the second person ahead of the group keeping a good pace. The closest guy to me was about 20 secs away. I did take a little breather though but still continued moving. I finished in 10mins 54secs. That is an accomplishment for me. I am usually a 11min 24sec person. People behind me were like, Nick you motivated me to pass you up when you started walking but then it all went away when you began to run again. I just laughed. Then it was the sit and reach and I believe I reached up to 18inches. They did not say what I did. Just told me to stop when I pushed the little rod thing. Then we did the situps. I did 37 in 50 secs. Very happy with that since that is my average at home. Then was the bench which scared me. They weighed me at 141lbs. I lost 2lbs since I weighed myself at home before the exam..lol. They told me 138 is 98% of my weight so I have to do 135lbs. I was the first to go since I was the lightest in my group. THey slapped the weights on and i brought it down. I had a tough time bringing it up because I positioned myself badly. THe bar was over my neck and not my chest. I was still managed to push that 1 rep up. The group was supportive by telling me to push harder. Great group. Hope more exams are like that when I apply to other departments. I was extremely happy with my results. Cool thing is, My friend's girlfriend has a brother in law working at the department and was shocked to see me there. Which I thought was cool. But again thank you all for your support and now I must worry about the written exam thats this coming Saturday at 9am. Thanks

[Serpico]

Chgopaintball,
The written is gonna be much easier than the PT. You'd be lucky to make it in Hickory Hills. The Chief taught a CJ class that a guy I work with took. From what I heard, the Chief is a really nice guy. Best of luck.

[soxfan101]

Congrats Paintball, keep it up!

[Callistobass]

Paintball - great work! make sure to keep us updated


I just got home from Kendall County - did the POWER exam there.

maybe 60-some people there, most made it on, which was good to see.

I am WAY too competitive with the run! I had a long drive and a long day yesterday, so I figured I'd sit back and just pass it casually.

of course right when the officer with the watch said "go" I was in full race mode. Finished first again, pushing the guy next to me to the finish

Written is May 3rd, and still waiting for my Oral Board results from Oswego :cool:

[ChgoPaintball]

thanks guys and gals. I just came home from the written test today (4/23). It was horrible. I was expecting something easy. For instance answer 100 questions in 2 hours or something. No, it was more like you have 2 mins to answer 25 questions. You have 1 min to answer 42 questions. I was like OMG im going to die. The proctor said its to test how well you can do something under pressure. All I need is a 70% but from the way it went, I felt like I'm going to get a 10% or worse. Feel really crappy about it. I am not looking forward when I recieve that sealed envelope in the mail. Maybe Ill let my girlfriend open it for me. lol. The chief is really cool. He is actually my teacher for Juvenile Deliquence. Real nice guy. Jokes around with me all the time after classes and he actually wished me the best of luck for the testing and all. Woulndt mind working for him at all. Wish me luck guys and girls. Thank you for your support. I will definetly let you all know what my results are. Best of luck to you all

[sunshinegal]

Paintball--I am sure you did fine. When I think I did my worse, then I end up doing really well. The test did sound intense. Let us know.

Calli-You are a running god!! That is all I have to say :)
Let us know how Oswego went. You should be hearing this week right? Im excited for you! :D

[Callistobass]

I MADE THE LIST!

I really thought I wouldn't with how badly I did at the Oral Board... must mean I ACED the written :cool: to average out the two scores!

I am #40/45 right now, but I need to submit my transcripts so I can get the +5 preference points, which (if this were a perfect world) would move me up to the low 20's for rank. But I assume most will be able to apply to get these preference points.

I am just really excited to make the list... this being my first time through the process I have really learned a lot about myself and what it takes to be an officer.. I really give all of you on this board a lot of credit - so much great advice, & no sugar-coating.

Have a great day, all! Mine just got a tad better!

[ChgoPaintball]

congrats on making the list. its good to hear.

(Im still waiting for my written results...its killing me) lol

[sunshinegal]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

One more step closer.... :)

[ChgoPaintball]

Just got my letter from Hickory Hills about my written exam. Sorry to say but I did not achieve a passing grade of a 70 or better. Kinda sucks. The Chief told me that 25 people passed and 26 people failed that test. Makes me think because I can not even pass a supervisor test at UPS (tried 4 times) and now its happening to me all over again with Police exams. Im jinks with tests.

[Serpico]

Just got my letter from Hickory Hills about my written exam. Sorry to say but I did not achieve a passing grade of a 70 or better. Kinda sucks. The Chief told me that 25 people passed and 26 people failed that test. Makes me think because I can not even pass a supervisor test at UPS (tried 4 times) and now its happening to me all over again with Police exams. Im jinks with tests.


ARCO has some pretty decent police prep exam books.

[Callistobass]

paint- I got this book recently and it is packed full of good advice and practice questions

Clicky (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764124102/102-5075173-5496922?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance)

[Callistobass]

Yup - no more full-time library work for Callisto!

The new job: $1.00 per hour CUT in pay (sucks), but it is a full-time reporter position with a newspaper. I'd be doing the Education beat as well as Features and Photography.

The best part: I primarily get to work from home.

My Fiance just got a new job that is giving her a $12k raise in salary (she is an accountant)- so that added security in additon with my loathing of my job at the Library made this decision pretty easy.

Working from home is going to kick ***. I'll have more time to work out and keep training to become a Police Officer (the *other* dream job outside reporting), I'll be able to house search a lot easier, and help my Fiance with the wedding plans a lot more.

A drawback would be I may have to quit my band, but it seems like I'll be able to pull it off (I'd be working a few nights that we may have practice/shows). Once I get into LE I'll definately have to quit or cut back on band activities - too much time/money is spent on the band anyway :)

[Creed]

A drawback would be I may have to quit my band, but it seems like I'll be able to pull it off (I'd be working a few nights that we may have practice/shows). Once I get into LE I'll definately have to quit or cut back on band activities - too much time/money is spent on the band anyway :)

Sounds like you are a blessed man. I too am in a band (singer/guitar) and it is a lot of time, money and hassle at least to me. I recently have played my last show as a Cover Band 2 Friday's ago, my drummers a Doctor and he is moving to another state. As i prepare for LE i can't have any distractions or tempations to get in my way, so i've decided to drop everything and focus on that 100%. Unfortunetly i had to break things off with my girlfriend, becasue i want to focus on my career, and i couldn't give her 50% and the Academy 50%, she understands and we're still friends. Who knows what can happen down the road :) .

[Callistobass]

Sounds like you are a blessed man. I too am in a band (singer/guitar) and it is a lot of time, money and hassle at least to me. I recently have played my last show as a Cover Band 2 Friday's ago, my drummers a Doctor and he is moving to another state. As i prepare for LE i can't have any distractions or tempations to get in my way, so i've decided to drop everything and focus on that 100%. Unfortunetly i had to break things off with my girlfriend, becasue i want to focus on my career, and i couldn't give her 50% and the Academy 50%, she understands and we're still friends. Who knows what can happen down the road :) .

The band activities have already taken a hit with all the exams and so-on I have been taking, but generally the Departments I have been applying for have had REALLY reasonable times for their physical and written exams - Saturdays, nighttime - I have been very grateful to them for being REALLY flexible with their potential recruits!

My Fiance have talked about Academy life and that is another reason why I am taking a job where I can work from home - I can be there and help witht he wedding and house hunting up until I go to academy (If I am so lucky to make it that far). So while she is at work now I can focus on LE stuff and when she is home I can focus on us (been together for 7 years). She is nervous but supportive if I should get into an academy. It will no doubt be very tough, but we have planned for it :cool:

[ChgoPaintball]

Just a silly question, because Im applying to CHicago Ridge now. Has anyone taken a physical exam by a doctor? The reason I am asking is because I just came from one (im alright by the way) and I was looking at the application for Chicago Ridge and missed 1 word saying that I have to go to the Police and Fire Commission Doctor. Do you think they are going to let me slide or I would have to do another exam (cough)? It just sucks because they dont give you the address or even a phone number to make an appointment to see their doctor. Just wanted to know incase any of you had a moment like this.


---
Just keep swimming swimming

[ftlaudcop]

congratulations on anyone who becomes a police officer in illinois.....

i got chased outta illinois back in 82, when a few cpd cop's said i'd get grey

hair beforethey'd hire a w/m....

so i came to fla in 82, got hired in 83, and got to work for the 1st agency

profiled on the tv show cop's.....!

former "BREMEN" ALUMI HERE.......

[soxfan101]

Sorry about Hickory Hills paintball. Also good luck on Chicago Ridge. I had the C.R. police chief teach a criminal justice class I took. He was so funny he would have the class in tears almost every class. Best class I have ever taken!

[ChgoPaintball]

sounds funny soxfan. at least i know what to expect this time around. My summer plans look like this so far: applying to a lot of agencies, paintball and going out with my girlfriend. She is actually really supportive and helping me look for police departments hiring. Cant beat that. But again thank you all for you support. I hear Justice is hiring too. So ill be picking up and application from them right after Memorial Day.