Interviews are tough; police interviews can be tougher. Check out these 15 tricky questions and how to answer them.
Dont just say you like it. Anyone can like law enforcement, and that proves nothing. Focus instead on your history with the industry and if you can, tell a story.
Good answer: “I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. My interest really piqued in law enforcement after I witnessed a domestic dispute and watched the responding officers diffuse the situation. I heard the calling as I saw the officers control the situation and remove one of the parties from harms way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do.”
Bad answer: “I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelors degree in Biology – but I decided that wasnt the right path for me. I switched gears and started volunteering with a local police department as an admin. Then I went on to work in another department and started watching the training courses. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back to start working again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging law enforcement role.”
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer: “Im a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. Im a good communicator and team player. At the last department I was with, I initiated advanced medic classes for the officers who were interested in learning new first-aid techniques. It had such a positive impact that they are offering the same course again this year.”
Bad answer: “He was completely incompetent and a nightmare to work with, which is why Ive moved on”
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from them no matter how awful they might have been.
Good answer: “My last chief taught me the importance of time management – he didnt pull any punches, and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet goals I never even thought were possible.”
Good answer: “Ive learned a lot from my current role, but now Im looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets – all of which I see potential for in this department.”
Theres really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that youre ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the station. So, instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer: “In five years Id like to have an even better understanding of what it takes to be a good officer. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene, and I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, Id like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me, and those we are there to help.”
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you dont want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.
Good answer: “Ive never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance in this field. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous department if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, Ive given several safety presentations to school children across the county. I still dont love it, but no one else can tell!”
Bad answer: “In my last job I earned $45,000 – so, now Im looking for $55,000”
If you can avoid it, dont give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research youve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.
Good answer: “Im more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, Id expect to be paid the appropriate range for this job, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.”
Good answer: “Ive been a law enforcement officer for the past five years – my chief has said time and time again that without me, the department wouldnt function as well as it currently does. Ive also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques that may come in handy while on duty. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. Whats good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.”
Bad answer: I never finished law school – and everything that has happened since then has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.”
You dont want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.
Good answer: “When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didnt take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. Id even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what Im doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, its not worth doing at all.”
Bad answer: “I was tired of the job and I needed a break,” or “I just couldnt find a job.”
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You dont want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer: “My work is important to me, so I wont be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, Im taking my time and being selective to make sure my next position is the right one.”
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Bad answer: “I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”
Dont give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well —and enjoyed— that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that youre a great fit for the department and showcase your enthusiasm.
Good answer: “Im a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with community residents, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible comfort in a tough situation. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed. Part of the reason Im interested in this job is that I know Id have even more interaction with the public, on an even more critical level.”
Bad answer: “A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you dont want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure wont be part of this new role.
Good answer: “There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didnt like spending quite so much time out of the department. Im happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”
Bad answer: “Im easy to get along with, so Ive never had any kind of discord with another officer or department staff member.”
Interviewers dont like these types of “easy out” answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and show how it became a positive learning experience.
Good answer: “I used to lock heads with a fellow officer. We disagreed over a lot of things – from civilian interaction to who got what shifts to how to speak with a victims family. Our personalities just didnt mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we werent getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”
Its not that this answer is wrong — its just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So dont give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good answer: “Ive always been motivated by the challenge – in my last role, I was responsible for training our new recruits in firearm care, and wouldnt stop teaching until each recruit passed the course. I know that this job is very fast-paced and Im more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesnt care all that much. Its unlikely that theyre hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. Youll want to keep your answer relevant to the job youre interviewing for, and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.
Good answer: “My friends would probably say that Im extremely persistent – Ive never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. In college I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for major conferences. I usually got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldnt take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but its just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.”
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Police Accountabiltiy Oral Board Question and Answer Demonstration
General questions for a police chief
Here are a few general questions that a police chief might encounter in an interview:
Why do you want to be police chief?
An interviewer might ask this question to learn about a candidates specific interest in police work and dedication to the field. This can be important, as police chiefs typically need to be passionate about their work, as the job can involve long hours and many job duties. To answer this question, you can offer some insight into your personal connection to law enforcement and your reasons for pursuing this career path.
Example: “I have wanted to be a police chief since I was a child because my father was too, and I always admired him. I grew up being around police officers often, and they always made me feel safe and important to society, so I would like to do the same for others.”
How would you describe your management style?
A police chief is often the highest level of authority within a precinct. Because of this, interviewers might ask this question to determine how effective a candidate might be at supervising other officers. When answering this question, you can discuss the methods you use while in charge of others and highlight your leadership skills.
Example: “My management style focuses mostly on empowering the people I lead and emphasizing communication. I use this type of style because I feel that people often work best when they feel confident in what theyre doing. Communication is also key for police officers, so I want any officer I lead to know that they can always talk to me or their fellow officers.”
Example: “If I learned one of my officers was involved in a controversial incident, I would first meet with them privately to learn more about what happened. Then, I would hold a meeting with all of my officers to remind them of our policies and expectations. I would also address any concerns they had about the situation or the department’s response.”
Example: “I believe my leadership style is collaborative. I like to involve everyone on my team when making decisions. This helps me ensure that we’re all working toward the same goal. I also value transparency, so I make sure to keep my team informed about any changes or challenges within the department. By being open with my team, they feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback.”
Example: “I’ve seen some police departments use body cameras on their officers. I think this is an excellent idea because it can provide evidence in situations where there is conflicting testimony from witnesses or other parties involved. It also helps protect our officers from false accusations of misconduct. If we were to implement body cameras, I would want to make sure that we had a policy in place about when officers must turn them on and off.”
Police work can be stressful, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to handle pressure. Police captains often have to make important decisions quickly, so it’s important that you’re able to think clearly under stress. In your answer, explain how you stay calm in high-pressure situations and give an example of a time when you did so successfully.
Police work can be unpredictable, and employers want to make sure you’re prepared for that. They may ask this question to see if you have the flexibility to adapt to changing schedules. In your answer, explain how you handle unexpected situations. Explain that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Interviewing a current lieutenant for promotion is different than considering a new worker. The established relationship allows you to bypass the small talk and get down to business. Skip the rookie inquiries about why the candidate chose a career in law enforcement and wishes to work for your agency. Analyzing a lieutenant for a promotion takes carefully worded questioning and rigorous critiquing. Base your police lieutenant promotional questions on the job description of a police captain, which is the next step on the career ladder, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, or LAPD.
A promotion from lieutenant to captain typically leads to the role of commanding an entire patrol division. The Finests website indicates that oral boards should ask police lieutenant interview questions related to leadership style. Responses can help gauge the candidates fit with the mission and philosophy of the police agency. Discern promotion readiness by asking about leadership methods or techniques that have been implemented in past situations of conflict while on the job. Follow up by questioning the success of these practices. Next, have lieutenants describe a time in which they had to lead and direct others. Cue in to any exaggerations and ask for another example if the provided response is less than exemplary.
It is no secret that a lieutenants career takes an immense toll on the mind and body, but a captains position will not alleviate this pressure. How do applicants cope with stressful situations, both on the job and at home? Those who turn to alcohol, gambling or other negative forms of release may not be the best fit for the promotion. Military.com mentions that police officer candidates are often asked about a regret, failure or mistake they once made and what they learned from the situation. The responses given to these questions can dramatically help you gauge a persons honesty and integrity.
It is crucial for police captains to take pride in their job because personal attitude and individual actions of a leader influence the rest of the division. Ask candidates what they think the primary role of law-enforcement should be in the community. Note any negative comments while looking for selfless responses. Also key in on each lieutenants reflection of self. Inquire about times the candidate was able to receive constructive criticism and accept responsibility for mistakes. A fitting captain should have more than one example and clearly own up to any shortcomings.
An upgrade from a lieutenant rank requires more than street smarts and an ideal arrest record. A candidates responses should be specific, sincere and preferably reflect the point of view of the position being sought. Even though split-second decision-making is an enormous part of their careers, aspiring captains should be able to prove their preparedness with thoroughly considered answers and a levelheaded demeanor. Police lieutenant oral board questions should also test a candidates ability to understand the importance of each question and relate it to their qualifications for promotion.
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FAQ
What questions do they ask in police job interview?
- Tell us a little bit about yourself. In any oral board, this will be one of the first questions that is asked. …
- Why did you choose to become a police officer? …
- Why do you want to work at this agency? …
- What is your greatest weaknesses? …
- Moral questions. …
- The interview is over, is there anything else you’d like to say?
What does Captain mean in police?
How do I prepare for a police officer interview?
- Know the keywords. …
- Make a mental list of your skills and experience. …
- Review common interview questions. …
- Elaborate on your answers. …
- Have a positive approach. …
- Anticipate the participants. …
- Plan to avoid failure. …
- Prepare to discuss your future.
What are the 20 most asked questions in an interview?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why should we choose you for this job?
- What are your hobbies outside of work?
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- What are your main strengths?
