Chiefs Interview...

[avalon42]

...I guess I made it through backgrounds, because according to the process documentation that was handed out during the written test, Chief's Interview is always next.

What was really interesting was that I had my oral panel just last Thursday. The sergeant said my answers were spot-on and exactly what they were looking for.

I know a few things I plan to share with the chief, particularly my interest in working as a motor cop (he's been looking to start up the division again) for the department and my own personal development by continuing my education.

Any tips or insight on what I should expect during the interview would be much appreciated. Almost there!:D

[pulicords]

Keep whatever you have to say fairly brief. Since it's a "Chief's Interview", he/she will probably start to talk if a decision has been reached (formally or not). Smile, nod and listen to everything said, managers like to talk and be listened to. I'd stay away from future plans beyond wanting to work for the agency, do a good job and pass probation. I'd emphasize how important it is to show the department (the Chief) you are worthy of it's (his) trust.

Good luck and keep us up to date.

[Garbage Man]

Dont say you want to be a motor cop or any one specialty, makes it sound like you think you are going to be made a motor right away. Your looking forward to serving the community. Read the Chiefs bio on whatever agencies your applying fors I net. Dont try to kiss up and say what you think he wants to hear. Well OK do that but dont make it so obvious.

I am not criticising your research about starting the motor unit, that was great score, but a better way to use that intell is to wait for him to ask you what a departments priorities are and make sure you throw in "traffic enforcment." remember on day one patrol you can write tickets and sounds like the guy wants the cash. Give him the ol'

"I know that many people forget the importance of traffic enforcement, they forget that in most cities the number of traffic deaths at least equal the number of deaths by homicide." After that he will be putty in your hands.

[avalon42]

Thank you both for the advice and kind words. It is GREATLY appreciated. hopefully everything goes well tomorrow!!!

[avalon42]

Well, I went to the interview.

I could tell the minute I shook his hand and looked at his face that I didn't get it. The candor was gone in less than 2 minutes time. I was brutally honest, as was he.

So he went right for the nose. 1 bad debt and an "indiscretion" in 2004, all things that I openly shared with the background investigator and on my PHS. Things that a sergeant who works there told me were "non-issues" and that he has done "far worse". The chief said that because of those things, he would not overlook them to hire me. The last 4 years of keeping clean, paying off a majority of my debts, and getting my degree wasn't enough.

So while I got shot down in less 5 minutes (after driving nearly 1 1/2 hour to get to the interview), has this setback dissuaded me? No, it has only strengthened my resolve. His loss.

[McGruff]

^ Sorry to hear avalon about the Chief's decision, the department's loss. I am glad that this "setback" isn't deterring you from seeking a career in LE. If you have enough patience to wait an additional year, making it a total of 5 yrs, I would recommend you doing so. Even putting yourself through the academy as a pre-service wouldn't be so bad. Good luck!

[avalon42]

Yup, pre-service enrollment in an academy is next on my mind. I've been thinking Miramar or Goldenwest (I know, quite far from each other).

I'm tired of being told no...when I know they will say yes if I have an academy under my belt. The sergeant that works for the agency told me he had to put himself through an academy to even get considered, but once he did it, the offers were all over the place.

Thanks for the continued encouragement and advice guys/gals.

[IMachU]

I am not sure....have you applied for LA Co Police?

[pulicords]

Sorry to hear that it didn't work out. Was the "indiscretion" in 2004 something that would prevent you from ever being considered by this department, or can you reapply? Remember that if you made it this far with this department, you may have been one of several potential candidates. With a little time, this incident might not be as important when compared with other applicants' histories.

+1 on pre-service training. This could also make a difference in getting hired. Don't quit, if you really want this career. Good luck.

[avalon42]

I am not sure....have you applied for LA Co Police?

Nope...should I?

Sorry to hear that it didn't work out. Was the "indiscretion" in 2004 something that would prevent you from ever being considered by this department, or can you reapply? Remember that if you made it this far with this department, you may have been one of several potential candidates. With a little time, this incident might not be as important when compared with other applicants' histories.

+1 on pre-service training. This could also make a difference in getting hired. Don't quit, if you really want this career. Good luck.

Thank you. Apparently, an indiscretion of this nature is very common among those enlisted in the armed forces. The chief made it sound like he won't hire anyone that ever did.

I am going to enroll in an RBC academy ASAP.

[tony84]

What's an "Indiscretion"?

Also how bad does debt effect your chances?

[avalon42]

Also how bad does debt effect your chances?

A debt that has not been paid or at least an effort to pay the debt off contacted shows lack of commitment. The Chief even asked me "how do I know that you won't run away when things get tough?" In my defense, I pointed out that most of my debts were paid off and I swore to him that this debt was next on the list (I've been saving up and paying off debts in lump sum values--way cheaper this way). Although it is not an excuse, the one debt left over from 2004 was still involved in a class action lawsuit against Tenet Healthcare which has been settled. I'm going to wipe that mess out once and for all and get this over with.

If you have any debt, no agency (that runs a credit check) will touch you as this damages your credibility. :mad:

I'm still going to enroll in an academy self-sponsored. I know I will graduate top of my class and show them I have what it takes to be a police officer.

[hooknbook]

If you have any debt, no agency (that runs a credit check) will touch you as this damages your credibility. perhaps you mean "bad" debt...like you haven't been paying your bills and now your credit is all messed up. I don't think I know anyone that has NO debt...mortgage, car loan, credit card etc...

Having clean credit is a requirement for most departments. Shows muturity, responsibility, etc.

BTW, I made it to Chief interview twice. First time he shot me down. I kept in touch with my BI for the next year, did more ride a longs, and applied again...second time I made it to the chiefs interview, I sat down and he said, just relax, you made it this time, I just wanted to see how serious you were about this job...

[avalon42]

perhaps you mean "bad" debt...like you haven't been paying your bills and now your credit is all messed up. I don't think I know anyone that has NO debt...mortgage, car loan, credit card etc...

Having clean credit is a requirement for most departments. Shows muturity, responsibility, etc.

BTW, I made it to Chief interview twice. First time he shot me down. I kept in touch with my BI for the next year, did more ride a longs, and applied again...second time I made it to the chiefs interview, I sat down and he said, just relax, you made it this time, I just wanted to see how serious you were about this job...

Yup, I meant bad debt.

I only have that 1 adverse account.

I have a question...what did you do for that year that you were waiting? Did you start with another agency, go the academy self-sponsored?

[PB3021]

Well, I went to the interview.

I could tell the minute I shook his hand and looked at his face that I didn't get it. The candor was gone in less than 2 minutes time. I was brutally honest, as was he.

So he went right for the nose. 1 bad debt and an "indiscretion" in 2004, all things that I openly shared with the background investigator and on my PHS. Things that a sergeant who works there told me were "non-issues" and that he has done "far worse". The chief said that because of those things, he would not overlook them to hire me. The last 4 years of keeping clean, paying off a majority of my debts, and getting my degree wasn't enough.

So while I got shot down in less 5 minutes (after driving nearly 1 1/2 hour to get to the interview), has this setback dissuaded me? No, it has only strengthened my resolve. His loss.

Good attitude! When I started in Maryland in the early 90's there was a recession and the dept's could pick/choose. After 3 yrs and 9 agencies I got hired. I moved to FL after a few yrs and am now a motor Sgt. Hang in there, indescretions work themselves out over time. Good luck and keep that positive attitude.