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Police Agency exams never fail to surprise me.

Ace of Hearts

Ace of Hearts

New member
Joined
Sep 16, 2002
Location
between here and there
Moto(s)
yes
The agency shall remain nameless, but I’m scheduled to take the entrance exam and the entire examination process consists of a singular essay which candidates are only given 15 minuets to complete.

So for the first time, my drive to the test will take longer than the test itself.

Yep, that’s it, a 15 minute essay. Though I should disclose they are only taking academy grads and laterals (so a lot of other qualifications are already assumed).

This profession never ceases to amaze me. One agency might have the most asinine series of hurdles, and another will be nothing more than a formality.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all grins when I found out what this test consisted of. :teeth
 
Is this the agency we spoke of? My department, we didn't have any tests. Oral boards, then background, then psych, then poly, then chiefs interview, then I started.
 
Who says a 15 minute essay is a formality? I know many people that would quickly reveal in that 15 minutes, that they can't read, write, or spell to save their life.

I'd prefer someone who can read, write, and do basic math without a calculator, than someone who gets every hypothetical situation question right. We can teach you to be a cop. I'm not going to teach you how to use proper grammar and spell correctly.
 
Sorry, I'm not naming names, and it's not an agency I've spoke to any of you about. Plus, the position just closed so it's not on CalOpps.org anymore anyway :)

It is best I not disclose who I'm applying too because it will greatly narrow down who I get hired by if anyone is following my posts.

As for the test, it's not the writing I'm worried about, but getting in enough details, and chronological organization. They said they will be checking for spelling, so I take it I will not be using a computer, and I’m guessing I have to do it all by hand. Which means BLOCK PRINT. So my penmanship is likely being tested as well (I’m screwed).
 
It’s not looking good.

I took that written test. It is nothing to be concerned about. They basically ask you a life question, and then you have 15 minutes to write about it.

The big concern was the 200 applicants (mind you, all 200 of them are academy grads or laterals) they have for 2 positions. So it's not a matter of how well I did. It is a matter of how well I did against 199 others. If I make this round it will be because I watched my time and wrapped things up with a logical summation.

Also today, I got an e-mail notification that one agency turned down my application. That’s the first time that’s happened. I didn’t test or interview or ANYTHING. I only submitted an application and was turned away at Step 1. I’m guessing they simply filled the position or postponed filling it. So that's one agency I would have been better of not applying too. It only raised the number of applicaitons I have to disclose when asked.

Sigh…………. Things are pretty thin. I’m applying to part time bank teller positions now (where I started 15 years ago).
 
That doesn't surprise me. I am still on the firm belief that a lot of the small agencies out in the bay area really look for that "cookie cutter" cop image.
 
Outta Control said:
That doesn't surprise me. I am still on the firm belief that a lot of the small agencies out in the bay area really look for that "cookie cutter" cop image.
Click to expand...

They do. And I don't care if anyone disagrees with me on that either. :| If I could convince my wife to leave California, I'd have a LEO job already.
 
Saw this today.

City of Piedmont - Piedmont, Alameda County, CA
Join Our Team! The City of Piedmont is a charter city of approximately 11,000 residents located in the beautiful Oakland Hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The city, consists of established, high-quality single family homes on tree-lined streets. The Piedmont Police Department is dedicated to providing the best available law enforcement service to Piedmont citizens. The department employs a total of 28 full-time employees. For more information, visit us @www.ci.piedmont.ca.us.
 
silversvs said:
Saw this today.

City of Piedmont - Piedmont, Alameda County, CA
Join Our Team! The City of Piedmont is a charter city of approximately 11,000 residents located in the beautiful Oakland Hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The city, consists of established, high-quality single family homes on tree-lined streets. The Piedmont Police Department is dedicated to providing the best available law enforcement service to Piedmont citizens. The department employs a total of 28 full-time employees. For more information, visit us @www.ci.piedmont.ca.us.
Click to expand...

Wow. Piedmont is a tiny department too.
 
Kornholio said:
They do. And I don't care if anyone disagrees with me on that either. :| If I could convince my wife to leave California, I'd have a LEO job already.
Click to expand...

I think a few departments in SoCal are hiring. Just convince her to relocate and you dont have to leave CA. I think LAPD also has an accelerated hiring process out of town applicants.
 
ckim34 said:
I work for a small department. Nothing wrong with that.
Click to expand...
Small departments rock:thumbup

With the state of the economy, I imagine the hiring process at just about any department will be even more competitive than ever. Good luck to all the Barfers out there looking to go into law enforcement.
 
ckim34 said:
I think a few departments in SoCal are hiring. Just convince her to relocate and you dont have to leave CA. I think LAPD also has an accelerated hiring process out of town applicants.
Click to expand...

Getting her to go to Southern California is really no different. I tried that approach years ago and it had about as much effect as suggesting we move to Texas where I had a virtual job offer with a department back in 2005. :|
 
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