The Police Applicant Podcast

In this episode we interview Mickey, a Midwest candidate. Mickey was raised by his dad after his mom fell into drug addiction. He decided he wanted to make something of himself and was accepted to college, but didn't have anywhere to stay. So, he slept in his car the night before his first day and went on to graduate with a four-year degree. Mickey overcame adversity and was recently hired and will start the academy soon!! This is a great story for all of our listeners.

________________________

Contact Ken: ken[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Minerva: minerva[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Donovan: donovan[at sign]policebackground.net

***You're now able to support the podcast!***

** RSVP by email: WEBINAR[@sign]policebackground.net --- SUBJECT: MG

Join us for a Virtual Meet & Greet with the investigators!! Minerva, Donovan and Ken will meet with our listeners in-studio to answer your questions, share stories, and have some laughs. It's going to be a great time.

___________________

Contact Ken: ken[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Minerva: minerva[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Donovan: donovan[at sign]policebackground.net

***You're now able to support the podcast!***

We wrap up Christine's return to the podcast with part 2 of her interview. In this episode we continue on her journey as we delve into why she left street policing for campus. We have fun while discussing the pro & cons of each job. Let us know if you have any questions!

___________________

Contact Ken: ken[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Minerva: minerva[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Donovan: donovan[at sign]policebackground.net

***You're now able to support the podcast!***

In this episode we interview Officer Em, who works for a police agency in Canada. We discuss the application process, backgrounds, and the academy. Donovan and I learned it's not easy to get hired up north!! Did you know they attend police college? Find out more in the great interview. ___________________

Contact Ken: ken[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Minerva: minerva[at sign]policebackground.net

Contact Donovan: donovan[at sign]policebackground.net

***You're now able to support the podcast!***

In this update, Ken talks about Officerprivacy.com, Should the podcast insert ads?, and helping the podcast show up in searches. Let's talk about the podcast!

This was a result of a recent data leak by LAPD. All 9300 LAPD officers' information and photos - including undercover officers - was released to anti-police hate groups. Officerprivacy.com specializes in scrubbing information off the Internet. This is for active & retired officers, police families, supporters and police applicants. Please take this seriously as credible threats are out there targeting police families.

In this episode we interview Commander Aaron Clem of the Kennewick (WA) PD. Cmdr. Clem started at KPD in 1996 and has worked Patrol, Narco, SWAT, and a Federal Gang Task Force, among other assignments. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. We discuss all things Kennewick and why you should work there!

___________________

Minerva, Donovan, and Ken hosted this Sept. 15th, 2022, YouTube Live to discuss the ride-along!  We discussed do's & don'ts, how to dress, and what questions to ask. 

___________________

This is your mid-week announcements episode! Here's everything coming up: Washington state Meet & Greet with our listeners, Special listener's Q&A episode, Special online listener's Meet & Greet, and a few other things!

___________________

In this episode we interview Bakersfield PD (Calif.) Officer Ian Whittington. He was our guest on episode 23. He told us how he was the #1 candidate for hire, entered the academy and quit on day one. Ian returned to the academy after some real soul searching and recently completed probation. He shares what his FTO experience was like. Another great interview with Ian!

___________________

In this special YouTube Live episode, the investigators discuss the dreaded oral interview. Donovan, Minerva, and Ken break down what you need to know about the interview and how to pass it. 

You can find another more in-depth discussion on this interview on episode 3 with retired LAPD mentor/recruiter Caroline Zavala.   

__________________

In this interview we interview Ron Z., who is a deputy sheriff in Nebraska. We discuss the hiring process, academy, and FTO. The FTO process was an interesting discussion!

___________________

In this episode we interview Sgt. Eric Tung and Officer Brian Cortinas of the Kent, Washington PD Recruitment Unit. We talk about war stories, recruitment, testing, physical training, and being a cop in 2022. 

In this episode we interview Thomas, a California deputy sheriff. He failed his first self-sponsored academy, returned a few months later and became the class president. He's been on for four years and is working patrol. This is a great story!

___________________

Minerva hosts this special edition episode about women in law enforcement. Our guests are Officer Katie C. (east coast) and Sgt. Sharon K (west coast). This episode is a great listen for our female and male applicants alike. The women talk about working in a male dominated profession, the academy, recruitment, and the challenges facing female officers. You don't want to miss this one!

___________________

In this episode we interview Jarrod who is an applicant from Florida. We discuss his journey so far. Jarrod is also a black belt instructor in Jiu-Jitsu. A big part of this episode is about self-defense and the need to be ready for street fighting that is inherent to patrol work. Are you ready to defend yourself in the street?

__________

This is a special update about you guys! Ken covers our most popular recent episodes, how you can join us in a special event roundtable, and other news! Get caught up! 

_________________

In this episode we interview a Lt from a large southern U.S. department about her academy experience, whether getting a college degree is important, and the challenges women who are applying need to be aware of. 

__________

LAPD Officer Ruben Avalos spent ten years trying to become an officer. After 33 apps and 10 DQ's in 10 years, he finally landed on Ken Roybal's desk in 2006. This is his story.

__________

In this episode we interview Richard. He was hired by a So Cal agency, got injured in the academy, self-sponsored, got hired, failed the psych, appealed, and was hired again!! We unpack his amazing comeback story in this episode!!

__________

In this episode we interview Midwest applicant Nathan who was just hired and will start the academy in July. Nathan's engaging story about his hiring process from applying to the background investigation to getting the call about his academy date is inspiring. Don't miss this one!

__________

In this episode we interview Federal Way, Washington PD Recruitment & Background Investigator Donovan Heavener. We discuss the day he was shot, candidate background investigation mistakes, and the challenges in recruitment.

In this episode we interview Sgt. Steven Zollars who is the OIC of Recruitment and Backgrounds for the Concord, NC PD. We ask about policing in 2022, why Sgt. Zollars wasn't hired from the academy, and the challenges of recruitment.

Please note: The Police Applicant Podcast is publishing this episode to bring attention to this case. We are not personally involved in this case.

This is a special episode regarding the recent trial and unjust conviction of Huntsville, AL police officer Ben Darby. We were recently contacted to assist in getting the word out about Ben's shooting and trial. He is currently languishing in a state prison. He needs our help to let as many people as possible know about this miscarriage of justice.

In this episode we interview Alex who was hired and in the academy in 2010. His BI showed up and delivered the bad news: "Something came up in your background" and he was let go. Alex takes us on his journey to become a police officer that began in 2008 and continues to this day. He won't give up on his dream and he has a message for every candidate struggling to keep going after the DQ.

Welcome to our new occasional Mid-week News segment!! In this episode:

____________________________________________

In this episode we interview Clay who is a longtime SWAT operator and trainer. Clay has been a SWAT team member since 1989 and is currently a sheriff's department captain who trains regional and statewide SWAT teams in Tennessee. 

In this episode we interview Christina Dages, wife of former La Mesa, CA Officer Matthew Dages. Matthew's story revolving around an arrest incident that occurred in 2020, their home being doxed and descended upon by anti-police activists, him being charged by a rogue district attorney for politically motivated purposes, and then to his ultimate victory in court after being found not guilty. The battle continues with Matthew fighting to get his job back. Christina details how police applicants, officers, and supporters can remove their personal information off the Internet. 

Support the Dages Family:

In this episode we interview Sgt. Rob Ellis who is the OIC of the WSP's recruiting and testing unit. Ken and Minerva had a great time finding about what it takes to become a Washington State Trooper!

In this special episode we go back in time to 2009 when we interviewed retired LBPD Officer Rick Delfin about the April 2000 ambush that took the life of his partner, Officer Daryle Black. Rick and Ken were LAPD background investigators from 2006-2018.

In this episode we again interview Sgt. Brandon Merkelbach of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on life as a Corrections Officer. We interviewed Brandon in Ep. 24 about being a CDCR background investigator. 

In this episode we interview Officer Ian Whittington of the Bakersfield (California) Police Department. He went from being #1 out of 400 applicants to quitting after the first day at the academy in 2019. This is his incredible come back story!

In this episode we discuss what happens when a BI gets your case and how background investigations are conducted. Also, we have a update message about Episode 15 guest, Jen.

In this episode we interview Val, a 911 dispatcher for a large California agency. She'll discuss how dispatchers are the lifeline for police officers and give important information for new officers.

In this episode we interview recent LASD Academy graduate, now Officer Jen L. She'll describe her DQ and hiring experiences and what the academy was like. 

In this episode we talk about the dreaded PHS, application, PHQ...whatever it's called by different agencies. The PHS has been the downfall of many an applicant. We try to help you navigate the most important parts of this crucial part of the process.

We're joined by police applicant Jeff, who lives in New England. He tells us about his journey and we answer listener questions about the hiring process! Shout-outs included!

In this episode we discuss the dreaded psych written and oral interview with noted forensic psychologist Dr. Nicole Vienna. Join us we learn about the psychological portion of police hiring.

In this episode we discuss the fears, challenges, and struggles faced by cops and those who love them. Our special guest is Jen (a police spouse) who talks about relationships, family life, and everything in between. 

In this episode we'll take you on a ride along with veteran retired LAPD homicide Detective Dave Escoto. Dave was a Detective III and supervised a squad of murder detectives for many years. We talk about what it takes to become a detective and what you'll need to to prep if you want to become one.

In this episode we interview Chris J who tried over and over again after being DQ'd several times over four years. He finally got hired. Listen to his story and you'll know you can do it, too.

In this episode we interview retired Glendale (CA) PD officer Minerva Gaines who failed one test at the LAPD academy, was released, and didn't quit! She went on to become a police officer, background investigator, and now big city investigator. This is a great comeback story!

Your BI called you for the Meet & Greet Interview. This can be nerve racking! You'll be prepared because we break down everything you need to know about this interview.

In this episode we talk with Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (ret.) about the mass exodus from police departments and what applicants need to do to keep pursuing their dream. Sgt. Smith is a renowned police trainer and spokesman for The National Police Association. She retired in 2009 after a 29 year career with an Illinois police department.

In this episode we interview Will who is a Southern California police officer and RTO (Tac Officer/Drill Instructor) at the Rio Hondo Police Academy in Whittier, California. We know you'll enjoy this episode!

Can social media be the death of the your dreams to become a police officer? In this episode we delve into the pitfalls of social media and how to avoid common mistakes.

In this episode we interview retired LAPD Officer Caroline Zavala who is a Subject Matter Expert in police oral interviews. Caroline was the recruitment officer the LAPD would rely on to coach applicants who failed their entry level interview. She also consults with applicants so they can pass their interview.