You are preparing yourself for promotional advancement and you are requested to complete an application form. Now no one really thinks about why this form is so important but believe me, as chief, I formed an opinion regarding the candidate and how serious he or she was about the promotional process by the finished product of their application form. Let me explain.
After completing your formal application, you may be requested to complete a supplemental application that recaps your law enforcement career. The application may include information on your experience and the various positions you have held, either with your current agency or former law enforcement agencies. It may also include information on commendations, discipline within the past two years, sick leave usage, college education, certificates achieved, a review of your evaluations for the last two years, and anything else that the Administration may feel is important in order to make an intelligent decision regarding the position.
At the end of this supplemental application, the department's chief of police or his designee may add some additional questions not associated with the formal written examination. For example, I would ask questions similar to the following:
To sergeants, I would ask: Describe your problem solving experience or Identify three tasks within the Uniform Patrol Division of the police department that you would consider as priorities if you were assigned as a sergeant in that division. Explain why you chose the particular tasks, your plan for accomplishing them, and how the department would benefit from your actions.
To lieutenants, some questions might include: Describe your experience involving the motivation of subordinates to perform to the best of their ability. What methods do you think are important to facilitate productivity? What methods do you use to keep informed of what is going on in your area of supervision? What controls do you have? What do you do when procedures don't work well?
To captains, I might ask: Explain how you have utilized your leadership philosophy in motivating and disciplining. How has this style of leadership improved the effectiveness of our department? There appears to be a decline in individuals who want to become a police chief.
- Why is that?
- What would encourage you to consider that position?
- If you are not interested in becoming a Chief, why not?
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical Skills
- Administrative Skills
- Leadership
- Self-Control
Submit the information in rank order by listing the attributes you perceive as your strongest area first (#1), followed by your next strongest second (#2), and continue through your least strongest (#5) as your fifth response.
These are just a few of the questions I have used. Other questions may include how you would respond to hypothetical situations; ask for information regarding recent court decisions; or your Department's General Orders, Administrative Orders, and Special Orders. (Your agency may call these orders or procedures by different names; just make sure you are aware of them and know where to locate them within the department).
These extended applications may be utilized in various ways, such as by the Oral Board or by members of the Assessment Center in an effort to develop a better understanding of each candidate.
Many agencies incorporate a supervisor's round table panel that will review the candidates' applications and addendums and then independently rate them prior to the Oral Board examination. Some administrators will only use this information to assist them in making their final decision, while other Department Heads may use a rating system, which encompasses the supervisors' round table discussion, the candidate's application, extended application, resume, and the last two evaluations. After each supervisor independently records their score, they submit it to the Personnel Manager who will give it a percentage - anywhere from 30 to 50 percent - towards the candidate's final score.
As you can see, the application and extended application process are very important. Sometimes it affects up to half of your total score; therefore, do not take any shortcuts when filling out the forms and compiling the information. Be as accurate as possible. Don't guess! Your Personnel Department has your personnel file and you have every right to review it, so do it. Remember, if you've had discipline in the past two years, or whatever timeframe the application states, be sure to include it. Now is the time to change a negative situation into a positive one and if the discipline situation is brought up during your Oral Board or during any interview connected with the testing process, take advantage of this opportunity. I truly feel you have been given a great opportunity because you now have a chance to explain the situation and how you have learned from the error of your ways. Also, you will be able to explain how the discipline has made you a much better officer because you are now able to assist others so they don't make the same mistakes you did.
These applications and resumes are read by the panel and, therefore, it is important that you make them as neat and professional looking as possible. If your typing skills are poor and you do not have someone that is capable of adequately typing your application, take it to a professional typist and for a small fee, you will have a product that you will not only be proud of but one that will also demonstrate your professionalism and your seriousness about making a positive statement during this promotional process. Now, having said that, make sure that the typist does not go overboard with your application presentation.
Prior to submitting the application package, be sure to contact your Personnel Manager and ask them if there are any criteria relating to the presentation of the application. For example, some agencies do not want it bound with spirals, staples, or other types of attachments.
The reason I bring this up is because in the past, some officers have presented their application packages with shoulder patches attached or have written their documents on pastel colored paper. One officer even wrote his application by hand, which does not present a very professional document and made me question whether the officer was taking this process seriously. Remember, keep it professional.
