Posted: 11/19/2007 11:02:11 AM EDT
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I'm in the hiring process with 3 large police departments right now and the oral boards have all gone fairly well. I have to say they seem a lot easier than the background interviews. I had one today and i think it was too much coffee but when the detective was asking me questions I was fidgeting. Well she went into interrogation mode trying to get me to "be straight with her" Although it was funny watching a 5'5 woman try to be intimidating I am pretty sure she thinks I am lying  I tried to explain to her I am not use to sitting in one place for 3 hours, and I skipped my morning run and wold be happy to take a lie detector (well not really because they really dont work) I am no interrogator but I guess fidgeting means you are lying? The whole experience was pretty uncomfortable, a lot worse than other background interviews. Any other advice for looking squared away. |
You come off as confrontational and smart alecky with your remark. The polygraph works, it isn't always accurate. It serves as a screening tool. You will take a lie detector anyway. All you had to say is you were nervous and move on from there. The background investigators job is to ferret out bad candidates, it is a fishing expedition. Always remain cool and professional. Don't make off the cuff remarks or jokes. At least pretend you are submitting to her interrogation. This isn't a pissing match you can win. |
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The trick, as others have hinted, is to settle down and be mature about it. You want to be a part of something they're already a part of. They're looking for bullshitters and liars, and anyone who is one or might be one will be swept out of the process in the same sweep. [not that I think you're either]  Good luck, dude. |
You took the words right out of my mouth. I would have red-x'ed you right there for a remark like that. I will add one thing: Don't think for a minute of popping off in the academy like that should you manage to get hired. |
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Do you really need a play by play? Very well I will humor you. 1. Well she went into interrogation mode trying to get me to "be straight with her" It is her job to "go into interrogation mode" it is your role to "be straight with her". Be prepared for scrutiny, you may be a friggin saint, but it is your BIs job to determine that. Don't be so confrontational. The role of police officer is one of great public trust. Your personal history, employment history, and past criminal activity (if any) will be scrutinized. Just submit to it. After all you want the job right? 2. Although it was funny watching a 5'5 woman try to be intimidating I am pretty sure she thinks I am lying That remarks comes off as condescending. That she is 5'5 and a woman is irrelevant. You don't have to be intimidated but you do need to be polite, professional and honest when answering her questions. Don't joke, or give snappy comebacks. 3.I tried to explain to her I am not use to sitting in one place for 3 hours, and I skipped my morning run and wold be happy to take a lie detector (well not really because they really dont work) You are demonstrating scorn and discomfort while being questioned which can be a sign of deception. Being defensive is a common reaction but don't show it. You quipped back you "would be happy to take a lie detector". Don't try to turn the tables on your investigator, just say you are nervous and say you are being honest without being confrontational. You will likely take a lie detector anyway. 4.I am no interrogator but I guess fidgeting means you are lying? The whole experience was pretty uncomfortable, a lot worse than other background interviews. Different departments handle their hiring processes differently. Be prepared for that. The department in question was making the experience uncomfortable on purpose. This is strictly professional for her. Not personal like your taking it. If you don't like how the department conducts its hiring procedures and background investigation you do not have to continue with the process. Short of gross misconduct on the BIs part you don't have much recourse. I have been in the hot seat myself. I know it is unpleasant but it is also one of the many testing/filtering procedures departments use to get the best candidates. Take it with a grain of salt and see it for what it is. It isn't a personal attack. Good luck with your goal. |
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TGMoore, you are right i didn't handle the situation correctly. I really had no problem with her methods I understand thats her job is to illicit a confession and I have no problem with this. my main question was the fidgeting and what message that sends. Although I have to say I am not easily intimidated, and really is a detectives job to intimidate and scare to get info I dont think that angle is going to be very effective? maybe in some cases? |
It may have produced good results for her in the past, it may be department policy to do "high stress" background interviews, she may just be having a bad day. If you haven't taken oral boards yet be prepared for "high stress" techniques as well. Roll with the punches and stay positive. ETA: If everything else was kosher with your background she may have been digging for that one thing. In this case (for right or wrong) it was your figgiting that she homed in on. I was questioned extensively when I answered that I had never used marijuana (I never have). The BI repeatedly asked me if I wanted to change my answer and said things like "come on, I find that hard to believe for someone your age (I am 28), its ok if you did it once, just tell me, lets clear the air, be honest, etc". |
got ya, yes I have taken oral boards, the supposedly "high stress" ones seemed to mirror evaluations in military schools where its not the decision itself only that you made a quick decision, have a reason for doing so and stay strong on your answer and dont let them change it. |
I got the same song and dance...I've never smoked pot....but almost thought it would have been easier to lie and say I had in the very beginning  My brother got grilled alot harder on his...actually the BI called him back in for a second time, cuz his neighbor saw him smoking a pipe on his back deck and assumed it was marijuana (it was just tobacco, but he's 23 so it looks funny for him smoking a pipe) But we both passed and got hired on. The whole hiring process is brutal, but Im sure its that way for a reason....I'd rather get grilled hard and know they weed alot of people out...then to work with shitbags!!
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Why is this a trend with almost all your threads about applying to a PD? You mention in most of your threads over the last few months (year?) how you have background investigators and polygraph operators accuse you of lying or at least not believe your answers. Part of that is the mind game part of the application process. Part of that is probably the way that you are responding to their questions and your body language. Think it might not be the investigators who are the problem but you instead?? Advise for looking squared away? Don't lie. Don't be a smart ass. Don't try to act like you are smarter or more experienced than you really are. The department didn't look for you. You went to them. You have to IMPRESS them and make them believe that you will be an asset to THEIR department. If you can't do that, then give up the LE career desire. +1 to all the other comments. |