Craving to be a newbie...

[beasy1975]

This is my first time posting anywhere on this site. I am a recruit for the LA County Police and I was wondering if anyone had any insight or advice for me? My Oral is coming up this weekend and I have a ride a long this week. Does anyone know what they will ask or what to expect? I have looked all over the internet for (free) help with the oral and any other advice. Not too much luck and I am looking for all I can get.

[exComptonCop]

Nicely done. I can't answer any of your LACOPS questions, but IMachU can. He usually checks into the Ca forum on a daily basis...just hang out and wait

[beasy1975]

Do you know how to change the name of the thread? Can you even do that? I think I need something a little more powerful.

[exComptonCop]

Nope, not possible. I think it'll be just fine

[beasy1975]

Do you know any questions that are more likely to be asked during the ORAL? I have had a few but I want to be prepared the best that I can. Im sure they are going to do the usual; Why do you want to be a PO? How come this Department? Prob the most difficult question would be; What are your strenghts and weakness's? Not really too sure how to answer that question. Any advice?

[beasy1975]

I wonder how long or what we are going to do out of the South station? Do you know what division it is in?

[IMachU]

I got your email. You sure are tenacious. Here's the best I can do. They've changed the oral boards since I last worked them.

Know that we are 4 Bureaus....Admin Bureau, Health Services Bureau, Facilities Bureau, and Parks Services Bureau (I work PSB now, but have worked all 3 bureaus....I seem to be banned from Admin Bureau). I understand you have a ride along scheduled for the busiest station we have. Good for you....that's a step in the right direction.

OK....on to Oral Board issues: (there is an LA Co Police thread in here....read that front to back. It has GREAT stuff in it)

Remember....the duties of a POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE are to go to the academy and graduate, then arrest, write reports and citations, testify in court, etc. (look at the job bulletin for the job specs), under the SUPERVISION OF A FIELD TRAINING OFFICER. Key points there in bold.

Strengths and weaknesses....be honest. But have a plan of action for correcting that weakness....be it physical fitness (joined a gym, working out), organizational skills (bought a Palm PDA to help with that), etc. You get the idea.

Scan the forums here. The prior threads about orals will be of help to you. But do yourself a favor. No matter how you prepare for the oral, just walk in feeling confident. If you are not confident, you will stumble over your words, contradict yourself, etc. Be yourself. Remember, those sergeants on the oral board are sometimes as nervous as you are. We all put our pants on one leg at a time (except LA DEP, he simply wills them on....and DOA - he sweet talks his pants on :D). Appropriate jokes are not out, either. Smile. Have fun with it. Look each interviewer in the eye when answering questions. Don't fidget.

For a closing statement, HAVE ONE. Reiterate your strong points. Tell them why you are the best candidate in the office that day. Don't exaggerate, and don't be a butt-kiss....then thank them for their time. Get up, shake hands, ask what's next, and go home and have a beer. You've earned it.

I've bolded the more important points for you to consider.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

[IMachU]

I wonder how long or what we are going to do out of the South station? Do you know what division it is in?

Dude, that is the busiest station during the busiest time of year for us. You will have a BLAST. Trust me. It's in Parks Services Bureau, Division II. The hours will be from 1300-2300 hours on the day you signed up for. You will do a lot of stuff. Fun stuff. Just hang on and enjoy.

[exComptonCop]

I got your email. You sure are tenacious. Here's the best I can do. They've changed the oral boards since I last worked them.

Know that we are 4 Bureaus....Admin Bureau, Health Services Bureau, Facilities Bureau, and Parks Services Bureau (I work PSB now, but have worked all 3 bureaus....I seem to be banned from Admin Bureau). I understand you have a ride along scheduled for the busiest station we have. Good for you....that's a step in the right direction.

OK....on to Oral Board issues: (there is an LA Co Police thread in here....read that front to back. It has GREAT stuff in it)

Remember....the duties of a POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE are to go to the academy and graduate, then arrest, write reports and citations, testify in court, etc. (look at the job bulletin for the job specs), under the SUPERVISION OF A FIELD TRAINING OFFICER. Key points there in bold.

Strengths and weaknesses....be honest. But have a plan of action for correcting that weakness....be it physical fitness (joined a gym, working out), organizational skills (bought a Palm PDA to help with that), etc. You get the idea.

Scan the forums here. The prior threads about orals will be of help to you. But do yourself a favor. No matter how you prepare for the oral, just walk in feeling confident. If you are not confident, you will stumble over your words, contradict yourself, etc. Be yourself. Remember, those sergeants on the oral board are sometimes as nervous as you are. We all put our pants on one leg at a time (except LA DEP, he simply wills them on....and DOA - he sweet talks his pants on :D). Appropriate jokes are not out, either. Smile. Have fun with it. Look each interviewer in the eye when answering questions. Don't fidget.

For a closing statement, HAVE ONE. Reiterate your strong points. Tell them why you are the best candidate in the office that day. Don't exaggerate, and don't be a butt-kiss....then thank them for their time. Get up, shake hands, ask what's next, and go home and have a beer. You've earned it.

I've bolded the more important points for you to consider.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

Dayum, with all that great info. almost makes me wish I were testing for LACOPS. :)

[beasy1975]

Oh wow, thanks so much. Thats so helpful. I am going to do all I can to be as prepared as possible. By any chance IMachU are you working at the south station on thursday? What is DOA, dept of??? My ride is at 1300 hours..

[beasy1975]

Oh one other thing. I am always confused on what to wear when I go on a ride. Any suggestions? I know you need to look professional but you need to be comfy at the same time. I usually wear a polo shirt and some black pants and black shoes. Is that good or shoulf I be more specific to the colors of the dept?

[hankido2000]

You may also want to enroll into Rio Hondo Police Academy's pre-academy that way you'll be physically prepared (IF hired) for when the academy starts. If you haven't started a regular workout program, I strongly suggest that you do now.

Good luck. I wish you well in the hiring process.

[beasy1975]

I was told by several cops not to wear jeans (even if they are dark). Why do you bring a lot of cash, for what? I understand for code 7 but I am not trying to buy my partner dinner and flowers. Well, maybe if it warrants it. I am in a fitness program that was setup by an LT for LAPD. I have been working out a lot and I ma in great shape. I do want to build stamina for my runs. Im at 5 miles and I am dying at the end. I need to know how to build that up so Im not dying after a run so I can make the arrest or do whatever I am doing. I want to get to 7 or 8 miles.

[hankido2000]

I was told by several cops not to wear jeans (even if they are dark). Why do you bring a lot of cash, for what? I understand for code 7 but I am not trying to buy my partner dinner and flowers. Well, maybe if it warrants it. I am in a fitness program that was setup by an LT for LAPD. I have been working out a lot and I ma in great shape. I do want to build stamina for my runs. Im at 5 miles and I am dying at the end. I need to know how to build that up so Im not dying after a run so I can make the arrest or do whatever I am doing. I want to get to 7 or 8 miles.
Make sure you incorporate hill terrain into your running routine since Rio Hondo is located in the hills. I think the shortest is 3 miles or so.

[IMachU]

Oh wow, thanks so much. Thats so helpful. I am going to do all I can to be as prepared as possible. By any chance IMachU are you working at the south station on thursday? What is DOA, dept of??? My ride is at 1300 hours..

No, I work the same division, but a different station. You may have called me asking about a ride along (because my station is closer to your house), and I referred you to South Station. I will be working Thursday, but on overtime at my own station.

DOAcop is a member on these forums, and a friend of mine. Just making a joke. Relax man.

Oh one other thing. I am always confused on what to wear when I go on a ride. Any suggestions? I know you need to look professional but you need to be comfy at the same time. I usually wear a polo shirt and some black pants and black shoes. Is that good or shoulf I be more specific to the colors of the dept?

Wear casual business attire. Polo shirt, Dockers, and decent shoes (but comfortable). They will give you a loaner vest to wear there, so make the polo shirt a little big. As far as colors, just make sure that the colors aren't bright. Darker colors are better for the environment you'll be in.

[beasy1975]

I was asking what DOA is, there are some people that use initials and I was a little confused. no worries. I am going to get a bulletproof vest issues to me?

[hankido2000]

I am going to get a bulletproof vest issues to me?
You ain’t rolling through the streets of Mayberry. :D

[IMachU]

And it'll be loaned, not issued. You gotta give it back at the end of the night.

[WPD954]

Ya......and hopefully it isn't a 15 year old expired vest

[IMachU]

You mean like we have to wear?

[syphon157]

Also, realize that LA County Police is different from the Sheriff's Department. Even though LACOP is the 4th largest force in LA they are very unknown to many people. On your oral board, you need to be confident. Speak clearly and slowly. Don't be robotic but just be natural. Also, be prepared for the question "What do you have to offer to our department?" Goodluck and have fun on your ride along. Pick the officers brain with all your questions.

[WPD954]

EXACTLY !! IMachU

[beasy1975]

What is a good answer to that question "What do you have to offer to our department?" ? I have an idea but I dont want to answer something out of the blue that no one has heard of.

[beasy1975]

What are the 4 largest depts in LAC? 1. LAPD 2. LASD 3. ?? 4. LACOPS.....

[Showboat]

Advice from an applicant to an applicant: Don't ask what the right answer to an oral board question is. There is no "right" answer (even though we know there is;)).

My advice, taken from deputies from LASD and VCSD, is that you be sincere and concise in your oral board answers. When the board asks you what you bring to the table, tell them what makes you unique and sets you apart from the other applicant who interviewed before you. Talk about your qualities, but be sure to have specific examples (ie I have a very strong work ethic, exemplified by my completion of my bachelor's degree in only 3 years with no AP/CLEP credit when most of my friend's from high school are still at the community college).

Good luck and hope this helps. IMachU, how busy is the Castaic station? Do they make you wear a vest on a ride-a-long? I'm considering applying for the LA County Police, but I want a real inside look into what the average day is like for an officer.

[WPD954]

Castaic station covers castaic, val verde, scv, san fernado, antelope and crescenta valleys. a lot of driving time, not a high volume of calls, which allows the units to be more proactive in observations ie traffic and ped stops.

[WPD954]

oh and Ihaven't seen a ride along up there with a vest yet.

[WPD954]

Beasy1975.....long beach is # 3

[syphon157]

What is a good answer to that question "What do you have to offer to our department?" ? I have an idea but I dont want to answer something out of the blue that no one has heard of.

Well, thats for you answer. Are you hard working? If yes, prove it to them. Are you disciplined? If yes, prove it to them. Are you committed? Are you unwavering in your morals and decisions? Things like that. Remember they want to give you a gun and a badge. You need to convince them that you are just the person that should receive said items. Being a cop is not a job that you show up to and do the bare minimum and get paid(although some seem to think it is but that another story). It takes dedication and being proactive and most importantly, sacrifice. Remember that when you are going through the application process.

[IMachU]

beasy, you are getting yourself all worked up over nothing. The oral board is a lot easier than you are giving it credit for. Relax man....you'll blow an O-ring before you ever walk in the door at this pace!!

[beasy1975]

You're right I do need to not worry so much. I am thinking way too much. On another note I am really excited about my ride on Thursday. It's going to be a blast. SHould I bring a flashlight? I dont want to get too nit picky but I want to be prepared. How many people are in the room for the interview? Is there any way that I would be able to see the new communications center while I am on my ride? Until tomorrow, have a great night and may everyone be safe tonight.

[gonzo1510]

Hankido brought up the Rio Hondo PAF. I highly suggest that you enroll in that program. It'll expose you to the same type of physical activity that you will be subjected to in the academy complete with "motivation" from the tac staff. As for your ride along, just relax and observe. I wore a polo, jeans and sneakers. I wasn't loaned a vest since I have my own. Oh, I also brought a 1.5 Liter bottle of water along. In this humidity, I'd bring one if I were you

[gonzo1510]

sorry...double tap

[IMachU]

Don't bring a flashlight. And you will not get to see HRC. Tonight the guys at South had some great arrests, and got a stolen gun off the street too.

[gonzo1510]

deleted....

[TheInlandEmpire]

IMachU is the best candidate for a ride along! I had a great time, even though his computer was slow that day, and had a near miss TC with a cement pillar (Was that Enterprise or Lueders Park?? I forgot) . Anywho.. great attitude, good supervisor, and and an all around good dude!!:)

[hankido2000]

Anywho.. great attitude, good supervisor, and and an all around good dude!!:)
+1 Well said.

[beasy1975]

Ok here are a few questions for all of you. 1. What does BOS mean? I hear it everywhere on this site. 2. Does anyone know a way to increase my running stamina or to improve in that way. I once read that there are things to do after a run to help but I cant find it anymore.

P.S. Thanks to everyone. I am feeling much better about my Oral this Saturday and I am really excited about my ride on Thursday. ImachU maybe we will run into each other Thursday. Is there a way that I can get a ride with you or your station in a few weeks?

[hankido2000]

Ok here are a few questions for all of you. 1. What does BOS mean? I hear it everywhere on this site. 2. Does anyone know a way to increase my running stamina or to improve in that way. I once read that there are things to do after a run to help but I cant find it anymore.

BOS stands for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

[IMachU]

beasy, just concentrate on passing your testing process. Ride alongs will come in time.

[beasy1975]

ImachU I have a ques for you. As you know my ride is Thurs at the South station and I understand there are 2 man cars? Will in be in the cage or are there 2 man cars WO the cage? When I rode with LBPD I had to ride in the back with the cage? And I have been doing a lot of research so I will be ready and well prepared.

[IMachU]

Cage.......

[beasy1975]

So I am going to look like a suspect. A suspect with a bulletproof vest. oh well, Its all good...

[hankido2000]

Are you there to learn and gain insight into the LACOPS, or worried about what others think? You know you're not a suspect, so who cares? Make it a learning process and have fun.

[IMachU]

It's starting to sound like you are going into this for all the wrong reasons dude.

[beasy1975]

I know it sounds like I am there for the wrong reasons but I am there to learn. I want to know inside details and I want to see what the department does minute to minute. Those who are out on the street who see the police only see 1/64 (a very small fraction) of what a police department actually does. So I dont mean to sound like I dont care or unappreciative. There is so much respect that I couldnt even tell you a level of how much I care for the police and all LE. So I am sorry if I come off the wrong way. I am sooo excited for this. I have been thinking about this for quite some time and talking to all of you I am so much more excited.

[wasfuzz]

Whoa - take a deep breath Dude youre starting to hypervent, man!!!!! . Some one help me talk him down - man!!!. You will do fine on your oral - if its meant to be it will happen.

[IMachU]

Dude, you are getting too worked up. Relax, take it down a few steps, or you will be so worked up by the time the oral comes around you'll go into vapor lock and fail miserably. You MUST be relaxed. If you get all worked up like this, how will you react in a true emergency in the field as an officer? THAT is the way we think. You need a calm, cool, level head in times like this. However, in your postings here, you are going berzerk with all sorts of questions. Your posts are all over the place instead of being calmly organized in a logical fashion.

Relax....you'll do a LOT better!

[beasy1975]

I know it doesnt seem like it but I am calm. Of course I will be nervous but I dont think that will be a hindurance. I just want to be prepared as possible. I don't mean to be all over the place and ask all sorts of random questions, I am just excited. You guys have all been very nice and your advice has been great. Thank you for that.

[beasy1975]

I like to ask a lot of questions.....

[beasy1975]

So I had my ride a long yesterday in Watts and South Central, man it was so much fun I had an absolute blast. My ride started at 1300 and the watch SGT. didnt come get me until almost 1430. I guess there was a shooting so he was ties up for a while. No big deal it happens. I didnt mind at all. I ended up riding with 2 of the nicest officers I could have asked for. They were so nice and they were so helpful. We were pretty busy (not to many radio calls), we went to all the parks and busted for some dope, did some t-stops and we issued some injunctions. We had fun. I was invited back, so I am for sure going to go back and I want to try some other stations. I met a few other young officers and they gave me some pointers and told em I will do fine. I love how positive all the officers were and they gave some great advice. It was a great experience and I am so ready to do this for a career. I am so excited. I want to thank you all and wish me luck for the Oral on Saturday. Anyone can PM me if you want any details on my ride.

[IMachU]

Well, since we're duplicate posting....

Now you see why I had you ride out of South Station....busy, and a lot of fun.

[hankido2000]

How was your oral today?

[beasy1975]

My Oral went so well. I dont think I could have asked for anything more or it to go better in any way. There were 2 SGT's and it was pretty relaxed. Not the usual stiffness in the room and they didnt make me feel uncomfortable in any way. They only asked 3 or 4 questions, I gave them my closing statement and that was it. When I walked out of the building there were a few poeple still in the lobby that were there when I arrived. My oral was at 0820 and there were only 3 people there for the written. I cant remember what time that was at. but thats a very small group. I have good thoughts and prayers that this whole process goes very well. I think it will take 2 weeks to hear back on whether I passed then its off to meet my BI. I will keep you all informed on how the process goes. Do you or anyone have any idea of whats next and how long it will take? Just wondering. Talk to everyone soon.

[hankido2000]

I'm glad to hear that your oral went well this weekend. The next step in the hiring process with be your polygraph, along with having finger prints and a photograph taken; you'll also receive your background packet. You'll be given an ample amount of time to complete your background packet while you wait to be assigned a background investigator. Once assigned a background investigator, you'll be scheduled a date/time to meet with him/her to review your packet. It sounds like a lot, but the time passes very quickly. Once you have successfully completed all of the above steps, you'll be scheduled to take the psychological and medical exams.

[beasy1975]

Ok I just got my letter from the county telling me that I passed the Oral. So that makes me really happy... It did say that I was placed in band 4. Now what does that mean? Does that mean I have to wait longer to meet my BI? Or is there a step between the oral and meeting my BI? Ijust have no idea of whats going on...

[hankido2000]

Ok I just got my letter from the county telling me that I passed the Oral. So that makes me really happy... It did say that I was placed in band 4. Now what does that mean? Does that mean I have to wait longer to meet my BI? Or is there a step between the oral and meeting my BI? Ijust have no idea of whats going on...
The following link might be helpful in explaining what band ranking means:

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=905398&postcount=103

[beasy1975]

Do you know how long or how many people are in each band.... Im a little frustrated that I only made band 4.... does that mean that they will eventually get to me....???

[IMachU]

If you are in any band, you will move on in the process. We are at a 30% vacancy rate, so it makes no difference what band you are in. You passed....that's all that matters.

[beasy1975]

Thank you. I feel great that I passed the oral. I know I have to wait my time but I look forward to maybe working for the county police. They are a very exciting department. They do the stuff I want to do and I can see them making an impact on the people they come across...Any help\advice or info that anyone wants to pass on I am all ears. Again thank you everyone for the helping hand.