B/PAD ?????

[[e-mail]]

One of the local departments has a test called B/PAD. It is a behavioral assessment test. They put you in a room with a TV, VCR and camcorder. You watch a tape with 8 or so police situations and are supposed to react to the situation. Has anyone done this? If so what type of situations do they show? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Glenn]

Shawn,
I have heard of this type of interview or assessment. They want to see how you will react and then be able to make a decsion on you. They know that you are not a police officer as of yet, but they want to know if you have what it takes. The best advise is to be yourself. They want to see the real you. So the best is to know nothing about the kind of situations that they will put you into. Just be yourself and react the best way you know how. This way they can see the real you. They dont want you to be something or someone your not. So just go in and be yourself and do your best.
This is my best advise, as I was told by the recruiter, hope this helps.
Keep your stick on the ice.
Glenn 8)

[Charlie]

Shawn M--If I may add to Glenn's excellent advice:

Just so you know, I have not had the opportunity to view or test with the BPAD. I have only heard about it. However, I think I have personally experienced something very similar to it when I went through the academy back in '89. When I went through, they used an old-fashioned film projector that was shown on a wall in a darkened room. The instructors were there in the room with you watching how you'd react to what you saw. After the film, they'd critique you about what you did or why you did whatever it was you did.

The best advice I can offer is:

* You'll be nervous but try to be as calm as possible and focus on your interaction. YOU'RE ONLY HUMAN!

* Try and be as observant as possible while watching the video. What do you see? Hear?

* Remember, the department knows most applicants have never been law enforcement officers before so, try and react to what your seeing by applying COMMON SENSE and GOOD JUDGEMENT.

* DON'T DO what you only THINK the recruiters want to see!

* Do whatever it is YOU logically THINK is best in dealing with whatever you are interacting with.  

Give it your best shot. Take care and good luck! 8)

Charlie

[[e-mail]]

Glenn and Charlie,

Thanks for the advice. This forum has been very helpful.  I have the B/PAD this coming weekend. I will let the group know how it goes.

I had to meet with my background investigator this past Friday for another LE job. Any idea how long the BG investigation takes? I thought the Officer said 1 week but I could be wrong.

Regards,
Shawn

[Charlie]

Shawn M--Backgrounds can take, depending upon how extensive a given agency checks up on someone, anywhere from several weeks to several months. One week does not sound very realistic to me but maybe they do things a little differently at the agency you're applying with. As I have always said, not everyone [various police agencies] does things the same way.

Charlie

[[e-mail]]

Charlie,

I talked to my BGI last week and he had been doing the investigation for a while. He told me that it should only take a week to contact all my references. So it was just my misunderstandingL.  Anyway, I have my oral boards on Tuesday morning. So wish me luck.  I am a little nervous, but this board has taught me a lot.  Thanks everyone!!!


Shawn

[Charlie]

Shawn M--OK, that makes more sense (concerning your background check).

Good luck on the oral board. Just remember:

* Dress appropriately & conservatively.
* Don't give them answers you THINK they want to hear to scenarios. Just use common sense and good judgment.
* Be honest and natural. Be yourself.
* Be polite and definitely DON'T be, frankly, a smart-ass. (They've heard it ALL!)

Again, best of luck.

Charlie