CSO interview questions.

[lsmalibu]

Hello,

I'm an academy graduate that can't get hired as a sworn officer due to some background issues, so in light of that, I've waited about 6 months since my last sworn background investigation and have recently been applying for CSO positions. I have a few interviews coming up this week and next, so timely advice is appreciated.

My question is, do I bring up the fact that I've been through an academy? I'd think it would show that I am dedicated to law enforcement and would be a good hire for the agency if and when I transfer to a sworn position, saving them some money in the process.

Of course, bringing up that fact opens a can of worms about why I can't get hired as a sworn officer, and that if I have background problems at all, why bother hiring me (even for CSO) when there are others out there who don't have these problems.

One recruiter I spoke to advised me to leave the background questions out of it, in effect to let the background investigator make that decision, not the oral board.

I did tell one oral board panel that I was an academy graduate and did want to eventually become a sworn officer, but that I wasn't "ready yet" and wanted to get more experience first by becoming a CSO. Kind of weasely, but pretty much true. I passed that oral board, but didn't score high enough to be considered for the one spot available.

I think I bring a lot more to the table with my training than the average CSO applicant, but will bringing it up hurt me more than help me?

P.S. I read in one of those Police Officer Exam study guides that you should always send a thank you letter to the members of the interview panel. Should I send one to everybody or just the head of the panel. The book also advised asking each member for contact info. Should I bring along a notebook and pen? Email or formal letter?

[sdd241]

All I can tell you is that, if you want to tell them that you have been through the academy, that is fine. (it might help) as for opening a can of worms about your background check, that is why departments have a background investigation unit. Let them decide and question you about what you did and how bad it is. And as for sending a thank you letter to each person on the oral board, well as for all the boards that I went through and now I participate on them, the letters are not worth it. Act appropriate at the interview and since you want to be in a professional job, then act like one.
and to tell an oral board that you want to be sworn officer, but your not ready yet, you just opened yourself to rejection. You take the test and oral boards because you want to do the job, just so you know telling them your not ready could follow you if you apply to that department again. That is something they will remember.
always answer their questions honestly, only give the information they ask for don't offer anything that could be left for the BI.
I hope this helps and good luck

[lsmalibu]

thanks for the reply sdd241