All the information is from my perspective from being involved in the hiring process in the State of California at many different law enforcement agencies, as well as being the one doing the hiring. Again, this is from my perspective and one size does not necessarily fit all, but it will fit most. Welcome toContinue reading “Hiring Today”
Author Archives: Scott Warnock
Am I Hirable?
There are some misconceptions about what is in an applicants’ past that can disqualify them. It goes both ways. I mean, some people think they have done things in their past that would prevent them from getting hired, when in fact, they are pretty average. Then, on the other hand, some people never will getContinue reading “Am I Hirable?”
The Hiring Process
I would venture to say that many people are unaware of what a person has to go through, as far as hiring as a police officer in the State of California. I have been to other states, doing backgrounds for police agencies in California, and was shocked at what a difference there is in theContinue reading “The Hiring Process”
Application – Step One
If you have decided you want the job as a police officer (or PSD) in this climate of such negative attitude toward law enforcement, more power to you, and thank you. Step one is deciding and finding which agency you want to work for. There are lots of ways to do that. POST has aContinue reading “Application – Step One”
The Interview
Interview…This word strikes fear in most people. It’s akin to public speaking. Before I get into it, let me mention that you submitted your application and may have done the written and physical agility test unless you are a recent academy graduate. The written test is to determine if you can read and comprehend andContinue reading “The Interview”
The Polygraph
At the end of this post, I will tell some interesting true stories about some exams and candidates. In about 1994, while working for the DA’s Office, the county was sending the chief investigator and a sheriff’s lieutenant to the months-long, live-at, polygraph school. The lieutenant had some family issues come up and couldn’t go.Continue reading “The Polygraph”
Personal History Statement (PHS)
The Personal History Statement (PHS) is the heart of the background investigation. Like all other things you will do to get this job, you need to put your best foot forward. That means accuracy, completeness, no spelling errors, etc. This is a quick guide through the PHS to alert you to some problem areas andContinue reading “Personal History Statement (PHS)”
Background Interview
You passed the polygraph, and now it’s time for the background interview. If you had a polygraph examiner who is also your background investigator, this would be done simultaneously as your polygraph. That is not the most usual case, though. Many agencies nowadays use contract background investigators except the largest agencies with a whole professionalContinue reading “Background Interview”
Your Background
Ok, your application passed muster, you were successful in your interview, the polygraph/CVSA is done, you had your initial background interview. You were approved to go forward, and your paperwork is (mostly) in. Now, the background investigator goes to work on your background. I believe that some candidates may have a misconception as to whatContinue reading “Your Background”
Discrepancy Interview
Whew, you made so far having gone through the gauntlet of shit 💩 to get the job. It’s been weeks or months, and the background is almost finished…almost. Your background investigator calls and wants to set up a meeting to discuss some things in your background. She may say just that or flatly tell youContinue reading “Discrepancy Interview”
Scattered Thought 