Ever since I saw Police Academy I've been interested in being a cop. Going through all those tests and challenges just seems like so much fun. I'm highly competitive so any opportunity to win something or get into something, I'm interested in. So I headed down to an orientation to join the LAPD a few weeks ago. There were mostly young Hispanic men and myself. My intention was just to apply...but when the regular and reserve police officers talked about being a police officer, I got really inspired and started to see it as part of my civic duty, as a new American. Another way to participate in society.
Reserve officer accessories
I would have to be an LAPD reserve officer since I am over 35. A reserve officer goes through the same application process and the same training as a regular LAPD officer but only works two shifts a month. They still get a badge, a uniform and a Glock 22 gun. Imagine that!
Step One: Preliminary Background Application and Job Preview Questionnaire The first thing I had to do was an online test and the bulk of it was questions about drugs and criminal activity. The drug questions were very specific. It listed a bunch of drugs (marijuana, hash, hash oil, steroids, PCP, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, mushrooms, barbiturates, hallucinogens, vicodin etc.) and then you had to say whether or not you had tried that drug. If you answered yes, you had to say how many times and how long ago. Some of these questions come back later in your polygraph test so you really have to be honest. I was, and at the end of the test I was nervous as to whether or not I'd be permitted to continue. Another screen came up and I read; "you may proceed to the next step of the application process" and I relaxed.
Step Two: Personal Qualifications Essay The essay questions were really great and we had ninety minutes to finish them. There were a few more girls at this "event" which I thought was kind of cool. I was still clearly the oldest. We were to write about: 1) a time that we had made a bad decision and how that had impacted us; 2) a time when we had to lead a group of some sort, and; 3) a time that we helped someone in need. It took some thinking but I came up with some good stories from my past and was ready to write. Unfortunately I had started my training for the Boxing Match that morning and as a result, my hands started shaking and cramping when I started writing so it was a painful experience. Still, I finished with about 40 minutes to spare and got a letter that I had passed and scored an 85 about a week later.
With the letter came a huge packet with all kinds of information about what was next. First of all, there was a whole fitness section with a booklet where I was to record my physical activities. So every day I've been listing the type of exercise I've been doing, trying to increase my running in order to get up to what they require. I even shared it with my boxing trainer Mysti and she started to incorporate some of the things they listed into my training sessions with her.
I started to fill out the 26 page document they sent, listing every apartment I've lived in, every job I've ever had, names, professions and contact information for everyone in my family and for seven references who had to be within ten years of my age. (Thank you Ellie, Ron, Maya, Cyndi, Rachel, Toni and Francesca for being willing to be interrogated about me.) I also had to make copies of my social security card, driver's license, citizenship certificate, car insurance...order college transcripts etc. A lot of work.
Step Three: Background Investigation The day arrived for the background investigation part. I showed up to the Personnel Building downtown in my business attire at 6:30 am, ready for what they said could be a four hour appointment. Once there, I got another questionnaire with 165 questions to answer while they went over my 26 page document. Intense. It was yes or no, but if you answered yes to something, you had to write a brief essay explaining the circumstances; Why? Where? When? I was honest. Deeply honest. Perhaps too honest?
Some of my mistakes...
I let them know about my medical marjuana card even though it's expired and I haven't gotten high in a while. I told them about the couple of times I stole candy bars at the super market when I was 7 or 8. I told them about the VERY few times I had tried other drugs, even why, with who, and how they made me feel. I told them that I had my car listed as being parked in Ojai after not living there anymore, to keep the lower car insurance rate. I told them I gave a friend with severe back pain some vicodin I had been prescribed after a root canal. After I was finished I sat down with an investigator to go over my answers. He asked me specifically about each instance where I had said yes, to clarify exactly what had happened, and to make sure this was the only instance for this particular "transgression." And on to the next. Exhausting but I thought I did well. I was honest, respectful, and even remorseful where applicable.
I guess they didn't agree because in spite of my perceived success at the interview, I got a letter in the mail yesterday saying that the LAPD has concluded that I don't meet their standards and will not be able to participate in the Reserve Office Program. There are a few different areas listed as important in order to meet the standards, and the areas they didn't think I was up to snuff in were: Decision Making & Judgment as well as Maturity & Discipline. WHAT PLANET ARE THEY FROM? HAVE THEY NOT MET ME? Perhaps this is way too egotistical and self-obsessed of me to say, but who makes better decisions than I? And who is more mature and disciplined? So, a bit disappointed today. But what a great ride and what a great experience.
The parts that I didn't get to experience (but was really looking forward to) was the Physical Abilities Test where you have to do a certain amount of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and also have to be able to drag a 165 pound weight for 32 feet (!) There was also the Polygraph test, the Department Interview, the Medical and Psychological Evaluation before you get to the Academy.
Not my car...
So today, I am a bit sad that I won't be riding along in that big black and white car and turn the siren on. And a bit disappointed that I won't be able to demand that everyone call me "Officer Cahn." But as far as the Glock is concerned, I know if I'm itching to shoot one I can always call Matt (of Number 17: Fire a Gun fame) and meet him at the gun range!
been loving your adventures mar! can't believe the LAPD passed you up - totally their loss. i love that you went through the process though and you can say you gave it everything you had. nicely done.
Posted by: leslie | 08/29/2010 at 07:07 PM
Very well-stated article. These are the things that must be accomplished in applying to become a part of LAPD.
Posted by: Wendy West | 08/14/2010 at 04:15 PM