Hello, I have introduced myself in the forums (http://policelink.monster.com/topics/85800-hello/posts) but wanted to ask a few questions.


As stated in the intro, I am in the application process for a Reserve position at a local Sheriff agency. I have completed the initial application, passed the PT assessment, taken and passed the basic written exam, taken the psych exam, and am now going for my oral psych this week via webcam. I have turned in my PHQ but have yet to have an initial interview with the BI. Though, I have a few questions regarding the oral psych and some few others related to the background process as a whole.


1) Since this is a webcam evaluation with the psychologist and not face to face, do I look into the camera when speaking to him/her or

look at the screen? I know this may sound silly but I have researched this and found reasons to do either or.


2) After filling out my PHQ and having turned it in, I have recalled a few more items that I should list to ensure my integrity is sustained and I am not wihtholding anything, however I have called alteast once already to add more items that I have remembered (yes, I am focused on the packet that I had filled out; I made copies of what I had turned in so I can remember what I put and have been obsessing over it to ensure I disclose anything that I may have forgotten. Is it okay to call mulitple times to add any info that I had failed to record in the PHQ before turning it in? I realize that may lead to a negative connotation of my memory but it's difficult for me to remember everything in the past to ensure I haven't lied.


For example, one of the questions asks to list items that I have taken from my employer. I mentioned office supplies (accidentally) but recently recalled one of our work vehicle's fuel card that I had brought home on accident but contacted a coworker to bring the card back to work; it was never utilized for personal use just forgot to put it back in the vehicle after fueling. Also, there is a question regarding damaging an employer's property, etc. I recall knocking over a traffic cone while driving at work on accident, although nothing was damaged.


I am probably overthinking this and need to relax but I am serious when it comes to my integrity and do not want it questioned. Does the BI go over the PHQ extensively and go over any items that I may have missed? I understand I should've recalled these incidents before returned the answered PHQ.

 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

Take a deep breath and relax. Yes, you are over thinking this.

 Thank you all for the insight. I'm a bit hard on myself at times, perhaps a weakness of mine. 

I will definitely be reviewing any questions that may come up in the oral psych regarding myself and the info provided in the PHQ.

CDubya says ...

<snip> For example, one of the questions asks to list items that I have taken from my employer. I mentioned office supplies (accidentally) but recently recalled one of our work vehicle's fuel card that I had brought home on accident but contacted a coworker to bring the card back to work; it was never utilized for personal use just forgot to put it back in the vehicle after fueling. Also, there is a question regarding damaging an employer's property, etc. I recall knocking over a traffic cone while driving at work on accident, although nothing was damaged.


I am probably overthinking this and need to relax but I am serious when it comes to my integrity and do not want it questioned. Does the BI go over the PHQ extensively and go over any items that I may have missed? I understand I should've recalled these incidents before returned the answered PHQ.

 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated! <snip> (edited for length and relevance) 

You've already received some good advice from my fellow PL'ers. I would just add one observation. LE work is all about discretion and common sense. My concern is that accidentally taking a fuel card home or knocking over a traffic cone constitute "reportable offenses" to you. You can't afford to be that heavy handed with people on the street. Writing somebody for every possible equipment/moving violation on a traffic stop because "technically" they broke the law is not what we do. Arresting a single mother for a misdemeanor warrant when she is the sole caretaker/provider for her minor children, when you can just as easily give her the option of appearing the next day to have it cleared up, is not appropriate either.

I'm sure you understand this, but I felt it was important to point out for other viewers who may peruse this thread as well. I I apologize for drifting off topic and I didn't mean to hijack your thread. 

 Best of luck...

CDubya. they will not give a reason for the rejection. I would not even contact them. As chief when I sent a rejection letter I only stated we could not offer a position and wished them well.

Since they are not the only game in town, yes seek other agencies.

 I don't think it would hurt you to reapply to the same department, even in the next hiring cycle. Just because you were not hired this time around does not mean you won't be the ideal candidate in the next round. However, you absolutely should be applying to more departments. Don't pidgeon-hole yourself by focusing on one area or department.