Police Officer Interview Questions And Answers

Responsibilities of a police officer are varied, and may differ greatly from within one political context to another. Typical duties relate to keeping the peace, law enforcement, protection of people and property, making us feel safe and protected and the investigation of crimes. Officers are expected to respond to a variety of situations that may arise while they are on duty.

"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 however, 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 harm's way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do."

"officer" is the formal name of the lowest police rank. In many other countries, "officer" is a generic term not specifying a particular rank, and the lowest rank is often "constable". In many other countries there is no such title as "police officer", as the use of the rank "officer" is legally reserved for military personnel only and thus not applicable.

"I'm a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. I am a good communicator and quite a 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."

"My last chief taught me the importance of time management - he didn't 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."

"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets - all of which, I see the potential for in this department."

"In five years I'd 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, I'd 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."

"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd 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."

"I've been a law enforcement officer for the past five years - my chief has said time and time again that without me, the
department wouldn't function as well as it currently does. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the nonstandard
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. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."

"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't 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.
I'd 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 I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."

"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next position is the right one."

"I'm 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 I'm interested in this job is that I know I'd have even more interaction with the public, on an even more critical level."

"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 didn't like spending quite so much time out of the department. I'm happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel."

"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 victim's family. Our personalities just didn't 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 weren't 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."

"I've always been motivated by the challenge - in my last role, I was responsible for training our new recruits in firearm care, and wouldn't stop teaching until each recruit passed the course. I know that this job is very fast-paced and I'm more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it."

"My friends would probably say that I'm extremely persistent - I've 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 wouldn't 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 it's just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."

A driving license is issued by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent of Police in charge of traffic office in each district. A person must obtain a learner permit, issued by the same licensing authority mentioned above, and complete the mandatory 6-week training period before he or she can apply for a regular license to drive. Three recent passport-size photographs, a copy of the computerized national ID card, the original learner permit and revenue stamps of the prescribed value have to be enclosed with the application form of regular license before its submission. The person would then need to appear for a test on the date assigned and a regular license will be issued for a period of 5 years upon successful completion of the driving test.

Yes. Currently you must hold a full manual driving licence to apply to become a police constable.

Yes. However this is dependent very much on a case by case basis. You can access a copy of the mandatory national eyesight standards for police officers from the 'Fitness and Medical' section of the website. These guidelines lay out the mandatory national eyesight standards that all applicants are required to meet. So if you are uncertain about your eyesight standard it is recommended that you visit an optician to ascertain wether or not you meet the requisite standard.
Applicants MUST NOT submit or provide any information relating to their eyesight standard or any other medical condition prior to attending their medical appointment at the end of the selection process.

► Dress professionally. Specifically, wear a suit and dress shoes.
► Groom - be neat and tidy. If the agency has specific grooming regulations, it would be smart to follow them when preparing for the interview.

As such, you'll often see them ask questions on the following topics:
► Honesty
► Maturity
► Your view of the agency
► Integrity
► Assertiveness
► Judgment

If you are a very inspired individual - which is wonderful - keep your response toned down. That is, be enthusiastic, but not overly so. Speak, for example, about your desire to make your community a safer place to live in, and how it has been your dream since your youth. Don't be afraid to mention the obvious advantages that go along with the job - respect, good fringe benefits, and whatever else has attracted you.

The interviewee should ensure that he or she has studied all the seven stages of action points, and can recite them freely.

In most countries, having a record is an automatic disqualification. If it is, the question is asked for second verification.
Since this will certainly be verified, be honest. If you do have one, explain why and how you have changed, or perhaps were not really at fault.

Before becoming an officer, tone must complete and pass a course in the police academy. However, being a police officer does not only mean patrolling the streets and frightening or fighting potential criminals. There are desk jobs, community awareness programs and other tasks that require special talent available within the police force.
If you have an academic background, or have any hobby that is related to some divisions of the police force, you could be a more valuable employee. Therefore, discuss your academic qualifications and any related experience. Be factual and brief.