This episode is all about the DOs and DON’Ts of the hiring process for police officers. We hit on so many hot button topics here I can't list them all. A MUST LISTEN for anyone looking at becoming a police officer in the future! Dan Flippo is the Deputy Chief of the Santa Cruz Police Department. He has been with Santa Cruz Police Department for 29 years, has been involved in hiring and promotional processes for over seven years and was in charge of hiring all positions for his department for the last three years. In the last 18 months, his department processed about 1200 applications and only hired 20! This is pretty standard, especially in California. Find out how to beat the odds in this great conversational episode!

Book Recommendations:

The Courageous Follower
Jocko Willink - leadership strategies and tactics
7 Habits of Highly Influential People

It’s time to level up! You can be part of something great over at patreon.com/policeacademypodcast!

Show Outline:

What can I do to stand out in the hiring process without looking like a suck up?

- know the job

- know the department

- know the jurisdiction

What degrees do you look for? What stands out? - Being good academically, any sports, clubs, service, etc

What if someone has a degree in an unrelated field? the experience of college can build character, completed goal, did you succeed and apply yourself or squeak by
Military or college degree? Which fairs better? I can discuss both. Both have advantages, I can discuss both.

Most common mistakes applicants make?

application process- don't follow directions, don't turn in paperwork
background investigations- not consistent in background PHS's and show discrepancy. Are not responsive to investigator and items requested.
- Social media accounts are huge these days
- What should applicants expect will be inspected?
- What are you seeing there that are big red flags?
panel interviews- See shared document. Two questions
in home visits
Any other things that applicants might overlook?

I’m not ready to apply just yet (for various reasons). In the meantime, what can I do now to build my resume?

Fitness
Hand to hand training
- which fighting style do you like to see? BJJ, MMA, DT focused programs?
Public service? Community service, volunteering
Jobs? be good at what you do, reliable

I’m ____ years old. Is it too late? How old is too old?

Things that departments are doing that are setting up an environment for failure in the process?

How can departments do better to find good LEOs and avoid the bad ones?
Millennials are hard to deal with
- How have hiring standards changed? (EX. MJ is legal in CA)
- Are you noticing and trends in who and how many are applying for this job?
Who are departments looking for today?

Past Mistakes: I get these questions constantly. Listeners: use these as a comparison tool. Your situation is not the same, but you might be able to see where it falls among these examples.

Thoughts on past drug use:

“A few years ago I purchased some adderal from a friend who had a prescription because I was curious and wanted to see what it was like. Would this automatically disqualify me from getting hired on with an agency?”

what is a guaranteed DQ?
How long do you want to see someone has stayed clean?
What are some obvious DQs?
How are departments evolving here? Are they starting to relax past drug use restrictions?

Chris:

“8 years ago when I was still drinking, I went on a bachelor party trip to Tijuana. We went to a strip club, that turned out to be more than a strip club, and for the right price you could get just about whatever you wanted. Needless to say we all took part in the festivities, and shortly thereafter was when I made the decision to change my life and I went to rehab, and I am now 5 years sober.

I worked through my bad decisions when I went through the 12 steps of AA. I volunteer within my community, I teach Yoga and meditation to people at drug and alcohol treatment centers to help them while they are going through tough times, I even teach a meditation class at a state prison every other Tuesday. I have a family today. Two beautiful step children, and just had my first child 3 weeks ago! I am not the same person today as I was 5, 8, 10 years ago, but I have made some boneheaded decisions in the past.

The fact remains, I did pay for a sexual service. Should I save my time and money from taking the tests required to apply for a law enforcement position? Would I even get the chance to explain myself, and show that I am a completely different person today sober?

Any no questions asked DQs here?

Psychological Issues:

Are there any cops out there now with anxiety issues or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?”
What about ADD, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns?

Michael:

“I began the process to join a department I really wanted to be a part of in December of 2019. I passed my physical and written tests and was sent on to the oral interview with a 5-member board. I was nervous, but passed that as well. I made it to the background interview with a seemingly endless amount of questions. After a week or so of the officer checking my references and an at home interview, they called and told me to schedule my medical and psych evaluation. I was given a conditional offer of employment. The chief and deputy chief (who had been helping me along the way) called me and formally congratulated me.

My medical examination was fine, but my psych evaluation was the first time I felt unsure.Two days later I got a call from the chief saying I was not recommended by the psychologist. All the months of hard work and waiting and planning for the future was washed away with that phone call. I remember you saying most people will not make the first department they apply to, but how do you get over making it that far in the process and then failing on the second to last step? And would it be worth my time to get a second opinion? Everyone says the psychologist could have just not liked you and it’s all subjective. The questions I was given and answers I provided have been running through my head nonstop. It was a devastating experience and has humbled me, even a week later. What advice would you give to someone in my shoes?”

Polygraph:

Brandon: “The examiner said that I was having trouble with one of the questions regarding my involvement with drug crime. I have never used drugs and I have never been involved in any crimes related to drugs.”

1. Is it common for people to fail their first polygraph and then be told to come back and take it again?

2. Why was I "having trouble with" one of the questions on the polygraph?

3. So I actually ended up failing the 2nd one and having to come back in for a 3rd with a different examiner. I passed the 3rd one and have received a job offer! Is this a common occurrence? What explains this?

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