Update and question

[Jacqueline]

I have passed the first phase of the process, the physical and written tests and the Bpad. I got the call today to go for an interview with a background investigator next week.

Question 1...does the background investigation, ie reference checks etc. begin prior to this interview so that questions can be cleared up or does the department usually wait until after this initial interview to verify information?

Question 2...is it appropriate to use personal examples to answer questions such as "what would you do if a family member or friend is involved in criminal activity?"  I have turned a man in when I found more than a dozen emails to children in which he was claiming to be a teenager himself (he is 35 years old). After confronting him and getting brushed off with " I was just messing around " I turned the information over to his ISP as per their instructions. Another time I turned someone in to their probation officer after I found out he were bringing drugs in to my home and around my children. Would using this information be telling too much or would it help solidy my ablitly to make fair judgements even when that person is close to me?

Thanks again to all those who take the time to answer to our replys. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Jacqueline

[JimCMR]

Jacqueline:
As to the first question, each department will have their own way of doing BI's, and some may vary that as the case is presented.

I see nothing with telling what you have done to remedy situations such as you mentioned.  As someone who did hiring, I would welcome such answers in an interview, but of course there are others who may not, but I would go with the facts on how you handled a situation.

But, if they ask if you would give your mother a ticket for speeding, YES would not be the best answer, but I would not tell you what the answer should be, you will have to figure that out yourself.

Good Luck.     Jim

[Charlie]

Jacqueline--To answer your questions:

1. Everyone does things a little differently and not necessarily in the same order. Depends on the department and their procedures but, I think it is a possibility a given department may do some checking first to verify some information or to answers some questions they might have about you.

2. Why wouldn't it be appropriate to use a personal example? Depending on the question, I don't see a problem with it and it may also better illustrate your answer to given question. I would suggest, while giving your personal example, that you be somewhat general and not use any names. I think for obvious reasons, there is no need to use names. The way you explained your examples in your post was good I think.

I also think, if the example involves someone particularly close to you AND depending on the overall circumstances, it would possibly cast even an even better light on your sense of right and wrong AND, doing the right thing. Perhaps one of the toughest things to do, again depending on the overall circumstances, is turning someone in that is close to you. Especially a family member.....

Again, there is no single method that insures you're going to respond correctly to any given question you may be asked. Just remember to exercise common sense and good judgment. Tell them what you you think. And, they also know that a lot of applicants have never been cops before and may only have limited experience. Finally, there is NO "right" answer for everything.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Charlie

[cpl_mike]

???Lesson #1 - don't stress! as you've already been told on this board,the Investigator will give you a packet to be filled out and researched, and they will contact you based on any discrepancies they find.You alone know what may be hiding in your "closet" so be honest and everything will work itself out.Be sure to ask questions  if you are unsure of how to answer issues prompted, and don't be pushy about delays in completing the background of your investigators, as many small and large depts. have numerous applicants.If you are D.Q.'ed politely inquire as to why and make steps correct deficiencies, as (if you've taken my past advice) you should be processing with other area agencies too and don't want to "blow it". If all is well,you'll get the phone call or letter to appear for orientation(as we do it here in California ;D )So get that "gut in shape,Recruit!!!!".

[Jacqueline]

Thanks for the responses...I've been offline for awhile and missed the responses prior to my interview. BUT, it has since been completed and I now have my BI recommendation to proceed with the next (and final) phase...the polygraph, medical and psych. tests.

As to the question about my mother...I didn't get "would you give her a ticket", I got a variation. "Would you arrest your mother?" I admitted I wouldn't but also said that I would be willing to be present as necessary but that it would be in the best interest of the case and my future relationship with my mother if a third party did the actual arrest. "That's what I was looking for" was his response.

Also, he not only contacted every reference I gave, he also asked those people for two more. I gave one coworker as a reference but when it was over and done, he had literally talked to just about everyone I work with!

So, that's where I'm at now. Thanks for the insight!

Jacqueline