1. Explain me about your military service?
If you were in the military, the panel will ask you about your time in the service. They will want to know which branch you served in, what was your highest rank, and what were your duties and responsibilities. If you saw combat, you should mention it to the panel. They will also want to know what type of discharge you received. They may ask you why you left the military.
If you received a medical discharge, the panel will explore this. They will want to know what percentage is your disability. They will also inquire as to the specific nature of your disability. You will need to show that you can perform the full range of duties required of a law enforcement officer.
2. Tell me why did you choose a police officer career?
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.
3. Tell me what traits do you need to improve upon?
After asking you about your qualities, expect them to ask you about the areas you feel you need to improve. You are not telling them that you are weak or terrible, but you are admitting there are things you could strengthen. This is not the time to air your personal laundry. Choose one or two items, state them and state how you are working to improve them. If you don't mention anything, then you are portraying yourself as being perfect and the panel will feel that you are not being truthful.
4. Tell me are you willing to take a (drug, medical, psychological, fitness) test?
All they are looking for is a yes answer. If you add anything to your yes response or you respond with a no, then you open yourself up for additional questioning.
5. Tell us why do you want to work for our agency?
Here's where something more than the vague “it's the best department” is appropriate. You need to be more specific. First hand knowledge of the agency that you have gained from doing ride-alongs or talking to the officers is crucial to helping you to come up with an answer that is truthful and works.
For example, maybe, after riding with a variety of agencies in your area, you were particularly impressed at how officers on a particular shift handled people at calls for police service with dignity and respect which reflects how you want to practice the art of policing. Or perhaps you found that the agency is heavy into DUI and traffic enforcement, which has meaning for you since a relative died from a drunk driver crash.
6. Tell me have you ever used an illegal drug?
If you are currently using any illegal drugs, then you will not pass the interview. You cannot break the law while at the same time seek a position which enforces the law. You should openly admit to any previous drug usage. Each agency has certain parameters as to the type of drug and the amount of usage they will accept. If you fall outside of these parameters, there is nothing you can do but apply with another agency.
If you smoked a joint a few times in high school or college, admit to it. This does not necessarily disqualify you. As long as the panel believes this was an infrequent occurrence in your past, and that you are now a responsible adult, you should pass this portion of the interview.
7. Tell us have you applied to any other law enforcement agencies?
The reality is you should apply with every agency you are interested in. Putting all of your eggs in one basket greatly limits your chances of getting into law enforcement. Do not be afraid to answer this question. Tell them every agency you have applied with. They may even ask you what your hiring status is with these other agencies. This does not make you look bad. It shows you are determined to get into law enforcement.
8. Tell us do you have any questions or comments?
This is not the time to ask about salaries and benefits. The candidate should have determined this type of information from other sources such as the department's website, speaking with the recruiter or staff in human resources. Rather, the individual should use this as an opportunity to give a 30- to 45-second summary of his/her strong attributes and how he/she will be a valued contributor to the department. Thank the assessors for taking the time to meet with him/her and a willingness to meet at anytime to continue in the selection process.
9. Tell me is the candidate honest, informed, intelligent and motivated?
When preparing for the interview, it is important for the applicant to identify potential questions that are likely to be asked and practice their responses. While the interview process is different for every department, many ask some of the same basic questions. No list can be comprehensive, many of the most common questions asked during an interview are include below.
10. What do you consider to be your best strength as Traffic Patrol Officer?
This question allows you to brag on yourself, but keep in mind that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position. For example, being a problem solver, a motivator, and being able to perform under pressure, positive attitude and loyal. You will also need examples that back your answers up for illustration of the skill.
11. What are your salary expectations as Traffic Patrol Officer?
This question is like a loaded gun, tricky and dangerous if you're not sure what you are doing. It's not uncommon for people to end up talking salary before really selling their skills, but knowledge is power as this is a negotiation after all. Again, this is an area where doing your research will be helpful as you will have an understanding of average salary.
One approach is asking the interviewer about the salary range, but to avoid the question entirely, you can respond that money isn't a key factor and you're goal is to advance in your career. However, if you have a minimum figure in mind and you believe you're able to get it, you may find it worth trying.
12. Tell us have you ever been arrested?
As with your driving record they will run a criminal history through the National Crime Information Center to see if you have a criminal record. Nearly every police agency will not hire you if you have been convicted of a felony charge. A misdemeanor conviction does not necessarily disqualify you for the job. They will inquire as to what type of sentence you received. They will ask you about the details of the case. If this was something you did as a juvenile, then share that with the panel. Their concerns are whether or not this is the only time you were caught. If you were arrested but the charges were later dropped or you were found not guilty, they will question you concerning the charges. Were you truly innocent or did you get off on a technicality? Be prepared for them to inquire about any contacts you had with the police. Maybe you were not arrested but were you detained for questioning?
13. Explain me what is your employment history?
The panel will probe into your work history. They will look at the duties you performed in your previous jobs. Share with them any supervisory responsibilities you held. You should mention any accomplishments you had or recognitions you received. Don't fret if your work history consists of minimum wage jobs. You can still show them you are a dependable worker who will get the job done.
If you have worked several jobs, they will ask you why you left one job for another job. Be truthful in your answer. If you left because the new job paid more money or because you did not like what you were doing, then tell them that. If you were fired from a job, they will inquire as to why you were terminated.
If you have just graduated from college and have not yet joined the work force, you probably still have a work history. You should talk about any summer jobs you had, or part-time jobs you had while in school. The panel is looking for reliability. Someone who arrives to work on time and gets the job done. Someone who does not abuse sick leave and has no problems taking orders from a superior.
14. Explain me why do you want a career in law enforcement?
If you have always wanted to be a police officer since you were a little kid, then tell them that. Of course, what they really want to know is specifically why do you want to go into law enforcement? If you tell them you want to kick butt and arrest people, you will not pass the interview. Tell them what it is about law enforcement you find attractive. Maybe you like investigative work and would enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out what happened or who did it. Emphasize the high moral standards you have. Protecting your community is something you would like to do.
The panel may also ask why you want a job with their specific agency or department. Do not tell them you always wanted a job with them. Do not tell them they are the best agency even if you feel that way. They will not view your answer as sincere. To them, it looks like you are saying whatever you need to say to get the job. In this case, flattery will get you nowhere. You should tell them what you like about their agency. If you have heard good things about their department, then tell them that. If you know someone who works for them, you can probably mention their name. Tell them that this person had good things to say about them. Be honest but do not try to snowball them. After all, these are police officers that are interviewing you.
15. Tell us are you prepared to work weekends, holidays, unscheduled overtime and nightshifts?
Law enforcement agencies operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a result, employees are required to work shifts and at unusual times. This question is designed to place the candidate on notice they will be expected to work during these times and achieve acknowledgment of this from the candidate. If a candidate is not willing to work these times, law enforcement is not a good career choice.
16. Top 20 Traffic Patrol Officer Job Interview Questions:
☛ Why do you want to be a police officer? What motivates you about a career in law enforcement?
☛ What education or training have you undertaken that makes you fit for this position?
☛ Do you have volunteering experience? How did this experience prepare you to be a police officer?
☛ Do you have any allergies or medical conditions that would hamper your job as a police officer?
☛ What do you think is the role of the law enforcement department?
☛ What is the most important aspect of being a police officer?
☛ What are the key values of a police officer and how do you demonstrate these values?
☛ What are conversation impressions other than words? How do you use these to communicate effectively with others?
☛ What are the techniques that you use to clarify meanings of vague messages?
☛ Have you ever taken initiatives to solve problems that where beyond your responsibilities?
☛ How frequently do you support others and get support from others?
☛ What is the importance of building relationships with colleges to your professional life?
☛ How do you cope with stressful situations in general?
☛ Describe a situation when you had to direct others.
☛ What practices do you implement during situations of conflict and are they successful?
☛ Give an example of a mistake you made. What did you learn from that mistake?
☛ Do you have an example of a situation when you followed strict rules to complete a task?
☛ Give me a situation of efficient teamwork. Why did this situation require efficient team work?
☛ Give me an example of a situation when you helped someone.
☛ Do you need to learn anything new that is related to police duties? What are your development needs?
17. Basic Traffic Patrol Officer Job Interview Questions:
☛ Can you tell us about yourself in a few words?
☛ Why is your chosen line of field, the police forces? Or, why do you want to be in the police forces?
☛ Give us an idea about your educational background and achievements. How do they relate to this particular profession?
☛ Do you have any criminal convictions that we need to be aware of?
☛ What according to you is the most important aspect of being a police officer?
☛ Are you restrained by any medical conditions that might affect your job, if selected?
☛ How important do you think it is to work in a team? Have you had any past experiences?
☛ Did you prepare for this interview? How?
☛ Give us one example of a situation when you helped another person.
☛ Suppose you see a coworker pick-pocketing during a drug search, what actions will you take, if any?
☛ What are your weaknesses? Have you ever tried overcoming them? How?
☛ What sort of mind-set does a police officer need to have when dealing with hardcore criminals?
☛ Are you driven towards a passion for justice or do you want this job for money?
☛ Name some personal qualities that make you well suited for this job.
☛ How often do you consume alcohol?
☛ In most departments, the gun is a very important part of the police force. How would you feel when carrying the same and taking someone's life in your hands?
☛ For example, if your brother is convicted of a first degree murder and you are the police on duty, what steps would you take to assure that he gets what he deserves?
☛ What do you believe in: capital punishment or a life sentence?
☛ In what kind of situations would you be depressed?
☛ Has there been a time when you could not solve a given problem, even after trying hard?
☛ Being in the police forces is a demanding job. How will you maintain your health and fitness?
☛ If a criminal attacks you and runs for his life, what will you do?
☛ How many people are there in your family? Do they know that being in service is risky business?
☛ Do you think making friends is more important than your career?
☛ There are several departments in the police forces. Which one have you picked? Why?
☛ Who is the current Commissioner of Police?
☛ There is a lot of competition for this particular position. What makes you think you are better than the others?
☛ Do you think men and women need to be treated equally on committing crime?
18. Tell me are you currently in any financial debt?
Just because you have an outstanding balance on your credit cards, a car loan, a student loan, and/or mortgage payment does not mean you wont be hired. Most people have borrowed money to pay for the more expensive things in life. What they want to know is if you are credit worthy. A person who is not capable of paying his bills may not be a dependable employee. If you have accumulated a large amount of debt on your credit cards, this too may disqualify you. Accumulating large amounts of unsecured debt shows that you have exercised poor judgement and may be a risk.
19. Tell me do you drink alcohol?
Moderate drinking is acceptable. What they are looking for are those people who drink excessively. Too much drinking can lead to absence from work, poor work performance, bad health, and financial troubles.
20. Tell us what qualities do you possess?
This question may also be asked in other ways such as, What are your strong points? or What assets will you bring to this agency? This is your chance to brag about yourself. Everyone has good qualities. Tell them what characteristics you possess that will help you in your job performance. There is a big difference between articulating your strength and boasting. State things as matter-of-fact and avoid embellishing. If you were in a supervisory position, make clear your ability to manage people. Avoid statements such as: Everyone likes me or Everyone knew how well I did this. State your strengths as measurable or documented things. Such statements would be: There was a low turn over during the time I was a supervisor or My boss gave me additional responsibilities. Being liked is an admirable trait but showing your ability to perform is more important. Take some time before the interview and think about your strong points.
21. Tell me why do you want to be a police officer?
As a police officer I always want to devote my career to minority communities. I am willing to face challenges and contribute my strength to reject the badness out of our society. I strongly believe that I will make effort in my job as a good example to children in our society and in any law-broken situations caused by their parents.
So they will learn good lessons from me and other uniformed forces and they will pay back their community. I want to devote my strength into Police state.
22. Tell me what have you done to improve your knowledge for a TRAFFIC OFFICER POSITION?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.
23. Explain are you happy with your career-to-date?
This question is really about your self-esteem, confidence and career aspirations. The answer must be 'yes', followed by a brief explanation as to what it is about your career so far that's made you happy. If you have hit a career plateau, or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify your answer.
24. Tell me have you ever sold illegal drugs?
If you have ever sold drugs, don't count on getting hired.
25. Tell me why do you want to be a police officer/deputy sheriff/trooper?
(depending on the type of agency you are applying to) Try to avoid the cliché answers of “I want to serve and protect” or “I want to give back to the community.” Cynical panel members are on the lookout for people who tell them what they think they want to hear.
I advise people, when you picture yourself as an officer, what is it that you are doing? If it is helping small children and being role model because the same thing occurred to you when you were a child interacting with a neighbor who was an officer, then say so. If it's because you've tried the indoor, office cubicle type of career path and you are looking for a more varied, outdoor type of excitement, then say so. If it's because you want to help bust drug dealers because your best friend from high school died after graduation from an overdose, then say so.
You have to help the panel understand that your desire stems from more than just the cars are pretty or you want to carry a gun and drive fast. Try not to focus solely on why the agency is good for you, but rather show the synergy between what you can bring to the agency and how that in turn will help you
The interviewee should ensure that he or she has studied all the seven stages of action points, and can recite them freely.
27. Tell me have you ever been involved in a motor vehicle accident or received a speeding ticket?
You can be sure they will run a computer check to see if you have had any motor vehicle violations. This is one example of where your ability to tell the truth will be verified. Just because you were ticketed for speeding, illegal parking, or for an accident does not mean you are immediately disqualified from obtaining a position with them. Every agency will accept a person who has minor infractions. Nobody is perfect. The agency may have a certain number of violations they will accept. If you exceed the set number, then you are disqualified. For example, four or more speeding tickets in the past two years may be unacceptable. Each agency usually sets the standards they deem appropriate.
What they are looking for is a pattern of deviant behavior. You are applying for a job which enforces the law. If you have demonstrated that you continually break the law, no matter how minor the violation, they are not going to hire you. The other concern is that a police officer spends a great deal of time in a motor vehicle. They want to make sure you can properly handle a vehicle and that you are not going to get into an accident.
The candidate has no way of knowing what skills the other candidates may possess and should acknowledge it. The purpose of this question is to determine if the department will receive an adequate return-on-investment from the required training they must provide for a new employee. When preparing for this question, view the issue from the perspective of an employer.
Departments do not want to hire an officer only to learn he/she is incompetent, lazy, or are looking to move on to another agency. The candidate should be able to describe how he/she has always been a dedicated and hard worker with other employers. Candidates who are highly motivated may describe how they continuously seek to enhance their knowledge, skills, performance, and do not expect the department to always provide this development. They may also describe a desire to stay with the department because of ties to family and friends in the community and department.
29. What do you see yourself doing in five years as Traffic Patrol Officer?
This is another question looking towards job commitment. Some people go through jobs like socks because they don't have a life plan, and your answer can show insight into this. It can also be used for finding out if you are the type that sets goals at all in life, because those that make long-term goals are usually more reliable. Also, your goals can provide insight on your personality too.
You should respond with an answer that shows progression in your career is on track with your route in the company. It's important to do your research on company prospects, this way you understand what to expect and if it's in your long-term goal. Interviewers don't want to set you on a path that won't provide the results you want, resulting in you resigning.
This is a behaviorally based question that is founded upon the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance. These types of questions focus on competencies that are critical for performing as an officer such as conflict resolution, problem solving, teamwork, and integrity.
When responding to a behavioral question, the candidate should provide a three-part response that includes a description of the situation, the action the candidate took in response to the situation, and the results of their action.
For example, in response to this question, a candidate may describe how he/she was working at a fast-food establishment. A customer came in who was very angry and confronted him/her about ketchup being on his hamburger when he specifically asked for ‘no ketchup.' The angry customer went on to make a number of unflattering comments about the quality of service he had received and the inadequacies of the staff. As customer voiced his complaint, he became very loud and was starting to disturb the other customers.
The candidate respectfully responded, “Yes, Sir. I remember you placing your order and the request. I am sorry for the mix-up. Either the cooks did not see the request or I picked up the wrong items. Regardless, I am very sorry. I will fix the mistake and include a couple of desert pies for the inconvenience.” Before he left, the customer apologized for being rude and thanked the candidate for his/her efforts to resolve the issue.
There are an unlimited number of responses to this question. But in this example, the candidate spoke of a situation when a person who was angry and acting very hostile. He/she initiated action to address the problem and resolve the conflict. In the end, the result was a happy customer.
The purpose of these questions is to measure the candidate's judgment and moral resolute. When deciding the appropriate response, it is common to be torn between violating department policy and potentially being insubordinate. Operational policy is designed to give officers direction regarding acceptable behavior in compliance with established legal and professional standards.
History is filled with instances of individuals who claimed they “were just following orders.” The correct answer is to advise the supervisor that he/she perceives the directive to be a violation of department policy. This gives the supervisor the opportunity to clarify the issue or change the directive. If the supervisor insists on violating policy, the officer must decide between refusing and complying with an improper directive. When responding to the follow-up question regarding an order that violates the law, the candidate should always respond that he/she would not follow the order.
32. Tell me one example where you did not lose your cool in spite of trying circumstances?
Being a police officer is quite complex and requires a lot of patience. A trigger happy police man can give a bad name to the entire police force.
Therefore, you will have to give one example in which you kept your cool in spite of the daunting task ahead of you. Select carefully. Consult with friends and rehearse your narrative. Do not memorize a speech, but review it so that you can deliver it smoothly. Be brief and avoid arrogance.
The panel will probably question you about your overall health. They will ask if you are currently taking any medications. They may inquire as to what your vision is. They want to make sure you are physically fit for the job.
This scenario is designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to identify unethical behavior and demonstrate his/her ability to withstand negative peer pressure. The candidate should direct his/her partner to properly record the money on the inventory and turn it in. If he/she fails to do so, his/her actions will be immediately reported to a supervisor.
35. What knowledge do you have about the company and its work?
You should do your research prior to the interview. Look into background history of the company, this will help you stick out. Learn about main people, have they been in the news lately? The interviewer doesn't expect you to know dates and certain people, but showing that you have enough interest to research the company is a positive impression.
