CANDIDATE ADVICE

Hello All!

I would like to take this opportunity to pick as many of your brains as possible. I have put many and all efforts this year into following my dream of becoming an officer of the law. To give myself as good a chance as possible, I am taking a lot of time to do research on particular agencies/departments that stand out as those I would like to work for. I stop every uniform on the street and look into every facet and aspect of law enforcement that I can including attending Police Expos and doing Ride-Alongs.

My concerns are mainly in the testing process which vary from department to dept. I have enrolled in a local Academy's Fitness program for potential Candidates and meet with them twice a week in addition to my own personal training. So, when I am physically ready, the officers in charge of the program will let me know.

Questions: Most Background checks warrant a history of 10 years which I can definitely provide. Will my terminations during that time hurt me? I have poor eyesight, uncorrected, would anyone suggest I simply have the lasik surgery performed prior to applying or wait until they say that they require it? (I have asked, but unfortunately only HR can give me an answer after applying) My apartment complex has had 3 managers in 3 years, do I need to contact

the 2 former managers to let them know that they will be contacted?

Would anyone recommend the extended academy while working as opposed to applying and hoping to get picked up by an agency? Please explain the pros and cons. Any information helps! Thanks!

I was formerly seeing a therapist for normal day-to-day maintenance stuff. I mentioned my desire to enter law enforcement and as he used to be an outsource psych for the psych tests, he administered an mmpi for me. How much can this help me?

I purchased a Law Enforcement Exam book to start studying for Academy, if and when I get in. Turns out that there is a lot of misinformation within it. Can anyone recommend a better study aid?

I have started thinking about my entrance interview(s) and there is some ambivalent controversy regarding whether one can take notes in. I would like to and have looked on POST that it is now allowable, but what is everyone else's experience?

I am also no spring chicken, I do not think that this will hurt me, if I don't let it. Any advice on this?

Also, last thing, I have not received disciplinary action or requirements in my history at work. Do verbals count when written (documented)? My HR says that they do not disclose this info, however how in depth is the Background check at your place of business? Do they make a special trip out to interview different people you work with and how do you explain to your boss why the police are here asking questions about you?

Again, I most sincerely appreciate everyone's time and assistance.

Thank you.