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Post by cali242 on Oct 28, 2002 15:57:45 GMT -5
 Hi everyone, how is everyone doing? I've been reading the message boards and responses and I do have a couple of questions. I have my 3 day testing for out of towners for the San Diego Police Department. Having already talked to the recruiter and asked several quesitons in which she gave me excellent responses to so that i'm prepared in January. For those of you who are further along in the process and/or already police officers, What should I be doing to best be prepared for my testing in 3 months..besides training for my P.A.T test? I've read and have talked to those about the poly test, and I'm thinking that would be the hardest part for me in the beginning of the hiring process? And why is it that most don't get hired the first time? That could be quite discouraging. Please share we mith your experiences after you took the written, poly, background, and P.A.T test. Cali
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Post by Cpl Mike on Oct 29, 2002 6:44:51 GMT -5
Quite simply -They don't "really" prepare themselves!!! San Diego,huh? Love the town as it is So. of L.A. and a great weekend getaway so I can tell you this: San Diego is the third most POLITICALLY CORRECT city in California (behind San Francisco and Berkeley) so learn their mission statement and "core" values(it should be listed on the SDPD website-check http://www.officer.com).Unless you already live there, learn the basic city mgm't(i.e. Mayor,council,city mgr,population,main attractions to the city) then the police operations (Chief,divisions,# of officers,focus of patrol), then expect and be prepared to answer questions regarding what problem you would focus on as an officer and why. San Diego is a very multi ethnic ,multi- lingual town,with a large military presence, and numerous colleges which gives it a "party town" reputation,i.e. Gaslamp district.Thats what you should prep for prior to an oral.Study booklets from your local library like t Barron's Police Exams or Arco/Pass book Police officer exams(they're generic info books, but offers good examples on the written tests,how to oral, and demeanor throughout the process) Since you are doing the out of towner gig, its a go for broke issue.YOU MUST have the credit reports, references and letters of recommendation READY to go.PERIOD. as far as the polygraph, there are several books on the pros and cons of its usage, but I advise you to be honest and forthright if you have any NEGATIVE past issues,but make sure you understand all questions asked of you before you answer the examiner or fill out the questionaire or SIGN ANYTHING. ( and I don't mean equating smoking 2 joints during the after prom as "drug usage").Only you know the truth about yourself and if you've been doing knuckle headed stuff just last week and decided to go "straight" for the job just now,don't expect success.But I have a feeling that you're playing it straight and have been on the right path,so the choice you've made hasn't been taken lightly.(I don't think you'd go this far if there was a questionable issue in your past that would sink you !!!!!) The Poly will be the longest of the tests(4 hours) seconded by the Psych(2-4 hours,written and oral).Check the POST web site for further info on the states minimal requirements to be hired into an agency,then look around your area for a PC 832 class(if you are actually in california)-the class is about 40 hrs and will give some insight on the expectations of being a peace officer in CA.You also need to get in some SDPD station tours,and ridealongs for additional prep work(just give up the weekends,partner!!!  ).Its been 12 + yrs since I was hired in L.A. and we're talking a 10 month process! the 3 day process knocks out about 6 months,so that another 4-6 months can cover your intensive backgrounds.You should either have or will receive a total recruiting packet with all required instructions. Good Luck.P.S. Cali 242 ? battery defined-interesting online handle.... |
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Post by cali242 on Nov 1, 2002 19:46:35 GMT -5
Hey thank you so much for your response for it is greatly appreciated. 242..really I'm usually cali24 but because i had my original email blocked of junk mail, i didn't get the correct password for my original name so i just went for 242...not realizing the penal code. It wasn't like it was 187 or 415 ;D I'm pretty much prepared as far as references, credit reports, but letters of recommendation? From who? Job employers, previous security sergeant perhaps? I'll do some searching and will bring a couple of those letter of recommendations. 12 years with L.A huh? Sounds great, hope you're doing very well sir. I could definitely use your advice through this whole process. I lived in San Jose,Ca orginally for 9 years. I only came out to Arizona for a year. San Diego is beautiful I was previously offered a b-ball scholarship to USD. I try to visit once a month, however, with my current schedule I have not been able to visit there in 3-4 months  |
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Hi everyone, how is everyone doing? I've been reading the message boards and responses and I do have a couple of questions. I have my 3 day testing for out of towners for the San Diego Police Department. Having already talked to the recruiter and asked several quesitons in which she gave me excellent responses to so that i'm prepared in January. For those of you who are further along in the process and/or already police officers, What should I be doing to best be prepared for my testing in 3 months..besides training for my P.A.T test? I've read and have talked to those about the poly test, and I'm thinking that would be the hardest part for me in the beginning of the hiring process?
).Its been 12 + yrs since I was hired in L.A. and we're talking a 10 month process! the 3 day process knocks out about 6 months,so that another 4-6 months can cover your intensive backgrounds.You should either have or will receive a total recruiting packet with all required instructions. Good Luck.P.S. Cali 242 ? battery defined-interesting online handle....