Quote Originally Posted by DingleBerns View Post
Go onto their website and learn about the department, structure, chief, etc. Then be prepared to be asked why you want to be a police officer and what have you done to prepare yourself.
This. Also, be able to articulate why you wish to work for them specifically. Use examples such as discussing one or more of their policing programs and the impact you've seen with them where you live, the desire to assist your neighbors, etc. You need to personalize it and get them to feel as though you understand their agency and how they do things and you want to be a part of it. They are going to see a lot of people in the next few days and they are all going to say the same thing and answer the questions in the same way. You need to stand above them. Everyone coming in for an interview wants to be a cop; some want to work for them, some just want a cop job and the Springs is hiring. You need to bring to the table a very detailed and dedicated reason as to why they should consider you over all these other people and you can do that with knowledge of their department, how you could fit into the department, what programs you are excited about, how you are going to make their department better with your hiring. Don't use SWAT or tactical as a reason; use cornerstone programs like their policing practices (what philosophy does the chief embrace?), their outreach to minorities, seniors or children, crime prevention programs, etc.