How to Pass The Police Hiring Process! 

Throwing in a couple of general tips: 1. Do NOT chew on anything during the interview; this is seemed as very rude. If you are offered something, that is different of course. 2. Do NOT speak while you have your hands in front of your mouth. Have a good resting position that makes it easier to talk/breathe. 3. Try to maintain eye contact, but do not stare as if you were a deer caught in the headlights. 4. Do NOT come late without having the world's best excuse. There better be a fire or a traffic accident, not that you woke up too late. 5. Remember that the interview is always two ways, meaning: What's in it for you. Also: Look up the department and have a couple of good questions you can ask them IF they ask if you have any questions. It shows that you came prepared. 6. Don't get too comfortable (Officer401 talked about this a little) Just because you think the panel interview is going good, it does not mean that you should celebrate early. 7. This is probably the most important one of them all: If they ask you: "Tell about yourself" Do NOT start talking about your whole life story. A lot of people get nervous and just keep going about schools, other jobs, hell even girlfriends. To prevent this, write down a couple of sentences that say something like this: "I am Jeff, 22 years old, come from Jonesboro, educated so and so and something about your hobbies. Point is, make it SHORT, informative, and have yourself memorizing it so much that you can tell it without stuttering and forgetting your lines. Again, make it SHORT, this is extremely important. Extra plus if you manage to make a bridge at the end with something like: "and this is why I am applying for this job or that is why I am here" 8. If you do get nervous, try to breathe a bit deeper and also put your hands on your legs or similar. Try to ground yourself and relax. Remember that just because you feel nervous it does not mean you look nervous, nor do the interviewer care too much about this. As long as you can speak you are golden. 9. Do try to smile a little even if you are nervous. Nobody died, so smiling a little will definitely not only help yourself to a better emotion, but it will also reflect on the people interviewing you. 10. Good luck!;)

Im convinced officer 401's head just finishes at the eyebrows

Love how everyone in the comments are either cops or becoming cops! What’s up fam!!! Most people I know are anti-police (including family) so it feels great to see there are A LOT of others pursuing the same career. Good luck to you all!

Got past chiefs, background, and poly. just waiting for physical and pysch interview now! Been watching you since the beginning 401!! Thanks for all you do!

Honestly I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who wants to get into law enforcement right now. Probably the worst time ever to pick that career. But with that said thank you for taking on the roll of protecting and serving in these trying times.

I forgot to mention the lie detector test! They'll either give you a polygraph or a CVSA, which measures your voice. Don't sweat it, just be honest and give a second before you answer the questions. Dont answer some quickly and others you have to think about. Be consistent! Thanks for watching. :)

I am a recruiter for a large police department, and what this gentleman is saying is 100% accurate. I tell all applicants who come through our process the same information. Thank you!

Going through the process for three departments down here in San Diego! So far so good!

Great info. My son just got hired at a major Metro PD. keep it up!

As someone who just finished the process for a sheriffs office in Florida, I will say this is spot on. Best advice I can give to anyone, is to be yourself and relax, especially for the panel interview. The panel interview is meant to intimidate you, and if they are successful, you may disqualify yourself. For me personally, 20 minutes into my interview, I was asked to give a description of the person who greeted me at the door. Pay attention to details.

Additional Advice: -Arrive early for any appointments. -Order any required paperwork ASAP (DMV records, SS Earnings, School transcripts, (anything that needs to be mailed), etc. -Make copies of all paper work.

Hey 401, I want to be a LEO when I’m older and I just wanted to say I love your channel and videos and they really motivate me and encourage me especially through what is going on right now.

When I was asked where I see myself in 5 years I just said this: "My crystal ball rarely works so I try not to predict the future. I just want to be doing this job and doing my best at it."

The process I went through was 1. Apply 2. Physical Agility Test that was 1.5 mile run, as many push-ups in 1 minute, as many sit-ups in 1 minute 3. Civil Service test 4. Civil Service Commission panel interview 5. Panel interview with the SGT’s, LT’s and 2 Captains 6. Interview with Chief. Then I had the medical physical and the psychological exam. I had a few weeks of FTO before academy. I am now in week 11 of the academy.

401: I'm not helping you lie to get the job. Also 401: Tell them you want to retire with them even if you don't. 🤣

I just have to say thank you! I have watched your channel for over a year as I navigate getting in to this career field with my local department. Today I just took my polygraph and signed my conditional offer shortly after! The long journey to the start of my dream is slowly becoming a reality. Thank you!

Been watching you since 2017 when I first applied to my first department. After many rejections, I've been working half a year or so with a current department. Your videos got me through some rough times but you kept me motivated. Thank you, I owe you so much more than you'll ever know.

This is pure gold! Watching your videos daily gives me the motivation and strength I need for when my day comes to apply. Have nothing but respect for you!!

I just got through the hiring process and it was intense and unexpected! Your videos have really helped shed light on what law enforcement is really like. I’ve been a fan for the last year, keep up the good work

Applied yesterday for one of my local departments, looking back at these videos.. Thank you 401 for what you do, stay safe and God Bless man!

Hey, I just wanted to say that I appreciate the work you guys do to protect your communities. Please keep up the good work.

I've been getting healthy and in shape for the last several months so that I can pursue a career in law enforcement, I could not be happier that you put this video out. I've still got a good way to go, but I'm grateful for the helpful information.

Ive been a correctional officer for a little over a year now. Been on the fence the whole time about going patrol. I have now applied to two departments now and have my national law enforcement civil service test on August 8th. hopefully things go good! Love your videos, keep up all the hard work!

Man i watched you even before i was in the academy,you helped me a lot when i went thru it,now almost a year active duty still watch your vids keep it up lots of love 😁

I passed the police hiring process in Germany (Hessian state police) last week. It was really intense, especially the computer test and the physical evaluation, but I made it. It will get harder during the 3 year long training, but getting through those tests is a big motivational boost and gives me hope that I am going to be a police officer in 3 years. I enjoy watching your videos because it's interesting to compare police work in different countries with different laws and cultures.

I didn't expect to hear back so fast after my panel interview. I had it at 10 am and got invited for the poly and psych tests a few hours after

Thank you Officer401 for making this video and all your other videos. I plan on starting my hiring process in a couple years once I get my degree. The incite from actual police officers is very helpful and has been allowing myself to better understand the process and to know what I am getting myself into.

This video has helped so much! I have a year left of college but getting mentally ready is just as important in my opinion! I do suggest trying to work with some of the officers from the place you want to work for. Do ride alongs, workout with them, go to the range! Make friends cause that helps to know people as well!!

If you're still applying to be a cop during these times, congratulations. You are the kind of cop we all need.

I always wanted to be a cop. Still do. Now Im 33 years old and have a small record. If I thought I even had a INKLING of a chance, I would apply. Good luck to anyone young and smart enough to become a cop. I respect your courage and drive

Excellent timing! Got my sights set on a conservation officer position and this is all incredibly helpful. Thanks, man. Love your channel.

I appreciate this. I’m in the middle of trying to figure out what department I should apply to. Knowing what to generally expect really helps calm the nerves. Thank you!

Although I am from germany your videos helped a lot to go through the hiring process here. I will be sworn in on saturday thank you very much for your videos!

Applied when I was 21, didn’t get hired because I wasn’t experienced enough, so instead of wasting my time, I enlisted in the Marines. Now I’m 25, plenty of experience, and get out next year. Hopefully everything works out for me and I get hired. Been watching your videos for a couple of years now. Always coming back for motivation

Officer401 thank you for the great content as always! I used your previous videos to prepare myself for the hiring process. Glad to say it does pay off dividends for future prospects. I have been with my department now for right at 4 weeks, due to Covid everything is in house until I can go to the state academy in SC. Again thanks for what you do because it matters 100%!

This is a great post!! If you're interested in getting into law enforcement or really, any position in criminal justice (community corrections, probation, etc.) watch this over and over. Interviews are very similar.

Thank you for this sir. I have an interview with the Sheriff's Office on Tuesday for a corrections officer, and hoping to move into patrol with them after a year or two. I've been really stressing out about it, worried ill blow it. Thank you for your insight to help myself, and others looking into a career in law enforcement.

Always loved your videos very proud to say your videos have helped me get through the hiring process and I’ll be getting sworn in tomorrow morning.

Been on for about a year. Love it so far. Yes, there’s stress, there’s there’s a lot of bs, but it hasn’t discouraged me yet

Thanks for the advice and the help. I'm taking the PAT in September for Orange County Sheriff department on Orlando,Florida. These types of videos really help and make me more confident in going through the process. Thanks Officer 401👮‍♂️🙏👍

It’s great information you provide. You are helping many enter this great profession with knowledge that most old timers did not have going in.

This video was very great to watch and also very useful. Thank you officer401

Hey @officer401, I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your videos! I listen to them frequently when I drive and thanks partly to your advice, I passed my PT and written test yesterday. Thank you!

@officer401 nailed it. This is such valuable information. I'm always surprised by how many applicants there are that don't take the hiring process seriously. I absolutely agree with the part on giving unique answers during your interview. EVERYONE says that they want to serve their community so come up with something unique. As officer401 mentioned, dress in business attire for your panel interview (this is a must). Know what the physical fitness standards are and train for the PT test like it like it's your job. Memorize the agencies mission statement and actually READ the job description. Regarding the scenario based questions, this advice is spot on. You MUST be able to articulate your answers and once you make a decision, stick with it. Be confident in your answers. The most important advice, BE HONEST! Good luck to all of the prospective officers out there. We need more officers on the streets. Stay safe and God Bless America!

I got my final offer of employment and start the academy on August 3rd! It’s gonna be a hell of a ride.

*Cops across the country are quitting due to unwarranted backlash and generalization from many people* Police Chief: 401. You're on recruiting.

Great points here especially regarding the panel interview. I've been part of a few panels and here are more tips: Big difference between confidence and arrogance. Regardless of your background and/or experience, dont walk in like you are doing them a favor for applying. Always try to make eye contact when answering questions with whomever asked the question, but not uncomfortably so lol, if that makes sense. Scan the room when you talk, briefly speaking to each panel member. Be polite, dont slouch in your chair and dont name drop. I promise that no one on the panel cares that your neighbor's, cousin's, eldest daughter works there... Best of luck all!

THANK YOU for this!! The timing is perfect. I'm in the application process for several departments in Nevada and this is a great refresher. Great, great tips, especially for the interview and background.

I start the academy in September! Extremely excited to get going

Many years ago I applied to the local PD. We did the PT test on day one and had to come back the next day for the psych exam and polygraph test. As we where waiting in a conference room 3 of the biggest cops I'd ever seen came in and grabbed one of the other applicants and threw him on the table. It turned out that he had a couple felony warrants from Florida and didn't realize they would do a background check.

I wanted to be a state patrol swat team member after retiring from the army but since I got hurt and got out unable to fight and do my job anymore I made alot of wrong choices and now I know I could never get in I got a clean record thank god but now that I'm pushing 31 I gotta push forward and figure out how I can continue my service in a different way good luck to all getting into LE or military and thank for you for helping and serving us officer 401 much love brother

I love this. Just turned in my papers for the initial testing taking place in August. This is SO helpful!

I’m only 16 but have been studying and getting educating so once I am of age I can pass the hiring process/academy with ease you’ve definitely helped me get started thank you

Anybody else remember a couple years ago when 401 was always like "I don't really know If I want to show my face, Maybe I'll do a face reveal but it probably wont be a regular thing" and now the first thing you see every video is a 4k ultra close up?

Going thru the process right now. Just passed the 1st exam now have a 50 page questionnaire to fill out. Thanks alot officer 401 for all your videos

This is great to hear, thank you. You are going above and beyond for us brother.

Passed physical, passed written, passed panel interview, passed background check, passed Polygragh. Just had my psychological, medical and physical test, waiting on formal job offer letter ! Edit: Currently in the Police Academy, 9 weeks in 15 weeks to go! Edit: I have now almost 3 years of experience serving as a law enforcement officer guys!

Going through the process in Portland, Oregon.

This has been spot on to what I’m currently experiencing. Take notes guys! He’s right! Happy testing💪🏼

This was one of the best videos I have watched about the first few steps of the application process. Thank you for your knowledge, assistance, and dedication to the job.

when I went to the interview panel, I never cracked a single joke because I felt as though cracking even 1 single joke especially in front of an interview panel is risky

My application for the Omaha Police Department got accepted in February but due to the ongoing pandemic all of my trainings and exams have been postponed :( at least it gives me more time to prepare myself.

Thanks for the advice in the past it got me past the interview board but I wasn't expecting the sheriff and jail commander to be at it but your videos and others definitely helped

This video is outstanding. I’m scheduled to take the agility course and written test in August with Columbia Police Department here in South Carolina. My biggest worry was the panel interview but after watching this video I feel more prepared.

It’s definitely been a lengthy process lol. I’m scheduled for my Polygraph now, so I’m almost there.

Just took my interview Tuesday, I find out in about 2 weeks

I am currently in the hiring process with county police in South Carolina. I knocked out the written test, physical agility test, panel interview, polygraph, and chief interview. I’m down to the last step, the psych test. This channel has been great help!

Very helpful I served in the army for 3 years as an infantry man and I have my first interview later next month

Tester: So, Mr. Applicant...what separates you from the other applicants here today? Me: Oh, about twelve feet, Sir.

God bless all the selfless police out there,in these times,hat off from this American

Thank you so much for these videos! I am in the hiring process and getting ready for a chief interview. These have helped ease my nerves 🥰

I've always enjoyed your content on here Officer 401! Been a fan since the days you were doing videos from your truck. Glad to see your progression as an officer as well! Keep up the good work,and before you know it, you'll have 1million subs!

Going through State Trooper process, passed physical fitness test, passed my polygraph and passed my written test. Waiting for background investigation to finish

Video title: FEDS *Laughs in USSS and US Marshalls*

Thanks man I'm not going to be a cop but it just makes me understand more clearly on so many different things . God bless u and family

I had to run the 1.5 mile in 11:04 and that psych eval was over 1000 questions, it was stupid lol. Great info man, it’s definitely applicable to what agencies are looking for these days. I just did my whole hiring process in February of this year. And the “feel out the room and tell a joke” is spot on too. That exact thing happened in me and it helped so much with the process. But like you said, I could tell, being a small town PD, they were much more laid back and the joke landed well

Imagin someone said everything you told us to say in an interview and the people hiring saw this video also what you think there reaction will be.

How does this video have 56 dislikes?? This is some damn good information! 🔵⚫️🔵

Yess! Perfect timing. Thank you 401, Can't wait for the Academy video! 🔥

I finally got hired and passed my first week of FTO. It's been a long hard process, but I did it. Thanks for all your videos.

I start the academy Monday, finally after waiting forever because of COVID, I should have been graduating in 2 weeks😂😭 smh

This was a great video! Does anything important change in the process if you apply after being active duty military? You might not be able to answer directly, but maybe someone else in the community might. I understand and appreciate all the key recommendations and suggestions you presented. Thank you, Officer!

Just put my application in last week, the interview portion of the video was fantastic!

Just got on with my local County Sheriff after a grueling pre-hire process throughout my Academy! After passing my SOCE on the first attempt, my start date is August 3rd! Stay safe out there, brothers!

Officer 401: ''Be yourself; don't just tell them what you think they might want to hear.'' Also Officer 401: ''Tell them that you want to stay with them until retirement.''

It’s a good time to become cops

This is the BEST video I see for this info!!! Great job .

Totally needed this! Thank you 401!

I only have 3 years of college and then 4 months in the academy before I'm a cop

"What type of person are you sir?"...."Nickelback is good music"

Funny you just posted this, I got to take the written test Tuesday on the other side of the country. If I manage to pass, I get to sweat it out on the physical portion. Thanks for all the help brother!

Currently in my third attempt at getting into an agency. This is good timing!

Is it weird that I’m watching this 6 years before it happens?

The only reason i would want to be a cop is to drive a crown vic but since there getting retired i have no reason to be a cop

Makes me feel good that even with all the hate going on a good cop is trying to get more potential good cops on forces across the Country

Thank you for making this video! All of your videos are very informative and have been a huge help in my experience. I have my interview with the Chief in a few days. Will definitely be recommending your channel to others!

As a cop, wouldn't it be required to be "color blind"? 😁

17 years on the job. Here is some advice; DONT DO IT!!! Sorry man it’s not worth it anymore.

I’m so excited that you put this video out. I’m going through the process right now and it’s very stressful. I’ve already done the written exam, fingerprints, and submitted my background check. I was starting to lose hope because it had been about one month since I last heard anything from them and thought I wasn’t gonna continue the process. Literally woke up this morning to a phone call from the department asking me to set up a polygraph test date. So Thursday is the day for me and I can’t wait. Also super nervous. But oh well.

Had to watch this a few times👍 made it past the incognitive test and rowing test. I’m on the fast track of the application I got have an interview Tuesday. The department is attempting to complete everything in one month and preparing to send a few to the academy as well. The most difficult part for me was notifying my current law enforcement job about my decision.