The police force is a constituted body that is responsible for the internal security of a country. It is empowered by a state or country to protect human lives and properties, and prevent civil disorder and crimes.
The police are not to be confused with the military and other organizations. It is a body purely in charge of homeland security. It helps in investigating big and small crimes and arresting culprits.
The police force is so important, no wonder many people seek to join and help in the protection of their homeland. To be recruited as a police officer, candidates must pass the interview stage, among other things.
In this article, we compiled some frequently asked police interview questions and their corresponding answers.
Read through them carefully in preparation for your interview. At the end of this article, you will learn how to answer police interview questions.
Duties of the Police
- Police protect human lives and properties.
- They enforce criminal laws and carry out criminal investigations.
- Police regulate traffic, control crowds, and ensure public safety.
- They help in a case of a missing person.
Special Units and Departments In the Police force
The police force has a few special departments and units that help solve crimes, protect the city and arrest criminals. Different countries have different police departments and units. Some of them are:
- Criminal Investigative Department (CID)
- Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA)
- Criminal Investigative Department (CID) :
The Criminal Investigative Department, also known as the CID is a police department that deals with investigations regarding serious crimes like murder. They also handle major burglaries, fraud, robberies, cybercrime, sexual assaults as well as other levels of significant assaults.
This police unit often helps uniformed officers in investigating less serious crimes like theft. It also has a hierarchy structure like the uniformed branch. Officers in the criminal investigative department are called detective sergeants, and detective constables.
Officers that work in the CID do not work in the shift system because they often have to work irregular and long hours. However, CID officers can be required to work all day, if it is a high profile or major investigation.
Working in the criminal investigative department requires great intelligence, patience, memory, and perfect attention to detail. Not many get into this department, and those who do, show certain qualities and commitment.
- Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA):
Serious Organized Crime Agency, also known as SOCA is a police unit that deals with drug trafficking and linked economic crime. It was created to offer support to law enforcement partners.
It also fights organized immigration crime, individual and private-sector fraud, and almost any crime where there is an organized element. This unit is very popular in the UK.
Police interview questions and answers
Below are some questions you may be asked in a police recruitment interview. We will also provide answers that fit the questions.
- What are the qualities of a good police officer?
- What are the responsibilities of a good police officer?
- What is the time frame for a person to report a crime?
- Why do you want to be a Police officer?
- Tell me your reaction if a suspect tries to bribe you, to forgive his or her crime?
- What do police officers say when arresting an alleged criminal?
- Your supervisor gives you a direct order which is against department policy.
- What do you do? What if the order was against the law?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- How much do you want to be paid?
- How do you get along with different personalities?
- If you saw a fellow officer commit a crime, what would you do?
- Tell us a little about yourself
- What are your goals?
- What can you do for the police force, that other candidates can’t do?
- Why should we hire you?
- Is there anything else you would like to say?
- What are the qualities of a good police officer?
This question is quite easy, you just need to highlight some of the qualities of a good police officer. Some of the qualities of a good police officer are integrity, intelligence, great communication skills, problem-solving skills, good interpersonal skills, compassion, excellent moral character, and devotion to humanity, among other qualities.
- What are the responsibilities of a good police officer?
A good police officer is responsible for enforcing the law and order. Their primary responsibility is to safeguard the residents of an area and their properties while maintaining law and order.
A good police officer also risks his or her life to protect civilians from criminals.
- What is the time frame for a person to report a crime?
A witness or victim of a crime is advised to report the crime to the police immediately. An immediate report will help the police swing into action and arrest the culprit. There are also some limitations when it comes to reporting a crime. It is called the statute of limitations. This limitation is in place to properly govern the time that goes into reporting a crime before it is “forgiven” in the eyes of the law.
- Why do you want to be a Police officer?
When answering this question, you should show your passion, and mention that you have integrity and that you are honest. You should also mention that you have always wanted to become a police officer and that you are passionate and committed to serving your community/country and fighting crime.
- Tell us your reaction if a suspect tries to bribe you, to forgive his or her crime?
This is where you emphasize your integrity. You should say that you have zero tolerance for any sort of corruption and if anyone offers you money to obstruct justice, you will take strict actions or measures against the person.
- What do police officers say when arresting an alleged criminal?
You are to remain silent, as anything you say or do will be used against you in a court of law.
- Your supervisor gives you a direct order which is against department policy. What do you do? What if the order is against the law?
You should file a direct complaint with the Department of Justice clearly explaining what transpired between you and your supervisor. Try to understand the reason why your supervisor is asking such from you. It is advisable to stay away from whatever will ruin your reputation within the Police force.
- Why are you leaving your current job?
Do not speak badly of your previous job or role. State that you learned a lot from your previous job but you are currently looking for new challenges, to broaden your horizons and gain new skill sets, and you believe that the position you are applying for will allow you to do that.
- How much do you want to be paid?
This is a tricky question, and it is advisable to just stick with saying that you are not interested in the job for the pay but that you expect to be paid the fitting range for the job based on your years of experience.
You can also add that, a fair salary will consider the current high cost of living.
- How do you get along with different personalities?
You should answer this question by highlighting that you can work together with different people and that you are willing to collaborate and comprise with your colleagues.
- If you saw a fellow officer commit a crime, what would you do?
When answering this question don’t use a tome that can be interpreted as happy or filled with malice. Be neutral in your tone and state that all law enforcement agents are bound by the law.
- Tell us a little about yourself
You should keep this answer brief and state to the point. Highlight a summary of your career, your accomplishments (if any), your strength, and why you think you are a perfect fit for that specific department/role/job.
Your answer should include a summary of your career, a summary of your strengths and accomplishments, and why you want to work in that specific department.
- What are your goals?
Highlight only your immediate and short-term goals rather than your long-term goals.
- What can you do for the police force, that other candidates can’t do?
This is where you highlight your skills, strengths, experience, and accomplishments. This is where your skills, experience, and traits are evaluated.
- Why should we hire you?
You should summarize your strengths, skills, and experience. This is a very common question, so answer it with confidence. You can also highlight your accomplishments in your previous job.
- Is there anything else you would like to say?
This is an opportunity for you to summarize all the points that make you the best candidate for the job. It’s more of a closing statement.
Conclusion
The police force is essential in every community, they help keep law and order, and protect human lives and properties, among other things. A society cannot exist without the police force.
Every year, many people apply to join the police force but only a few are selected because they failed the interview part of the recruitment. Getting into the police force is not only about physical strength but also emotional and mental intelligence, and it is determined during the interview.
We hope you found these police interview questions and answers in this article informative and insightful. Best of luck!
