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Norwich — The Connecticut Law Enforcement Council office in Norwich on Saturday was arguably one of the safest in the area. More than 10 local police agency representatives guided prospective candidates through the process of successfully applying to become a police officer.
In a few hours on a drizzly gray morning, 23 men and women (including recent college graduates, housewives, retail owners and restaurant cooks) made their way to become sworn officers. Participated in a series of interactive sessions aimed at facilitating .
Officers from Norwich, Putnam, East Lyme, Waterford, and several other departments lead mini-classes on how best to pass written, oral, and physical examinations, followed by one-on-one Conducted 1 interview sessions and reviewed resumes.
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‘Path to becoming a police officer’ shows candidate recruitment process
The Path to becoming a Police Officer forum was the first regional edition of a class already conducted regularly by the Waterford Police Department. Chief Mark Valeslatch said he started holding seminars in his hometown many years ago after seeing many unprepared applicants trying and failing to get hired.
“They were struggling with the hiring process, written tests, agility tests and interviews,” he said. “We tried to create a program that showed them what books to read before taking the written exam, how to pass the physical exam, and how to market themselves in the interview so they could be better prepared. “
Communities get benefits as well as candidates
Balestracci says applicants aren’t the only ones who benefit from such advice. Especially when departments face recruitment and retention challenges.
“The better candidates fill the ranks, the greater the benefit to the region as a whole,” he said.
Officers suggested reference materials to prepare for the written exam, demonstrated proper push-up technique, and encouraged civilian participants to hone their interview skills in the most lively session.
Candidates who initially gave a generic answer (“To protect and serve my community”) when asked why they wanted to be a police officer and why they should be hired were asked to answer more honestly. I was urged.
“Give me more, let’s be more personal,” Balestratch said, prompting participants to translate their personal experiences into the police field.
Glastonbury resident Jestina Gilbert, a deportation and detention center worker taking a criminal justice course, was praised for her response to what makes her an attractive employer.
“I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.
Gilbert, who is still unsure of what to do after graduation, but is thinking about working as a counselor or nurse in the correctional field, took advantage of this seminar to conduct a short interview. As a black woman, Gilbert said she wanted the opportunity to meet a large group of police officers at once and assess their interpersonal skills.
“I wanted to see how they would react and interact with people on the street,” she said. But when it comes to hiring, such a face hardly ever benefits me. ”
Some of the participants said they had little idea what the police hiring process would entail before arriving Saturday.
“Very minimal information, nothing concrete,” said Moosup resident Anthony Leo. “I’m here to get that information.”
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Leo, a recent graduate from Holy Cross College in Massachusetts, said he is still recovering from a knee injury sustained on the football field.
“Once I’m done with rehab, I’ll start applying to the state police,” he said. “I think the challenges I faced were equated to life in law enforcement.”
Several members of the council’s current police academy class were also scheduled to attend and explain the details of school life.
Cody Nichols, a 27-year-old recruit who recently joined the Norwich Police Department, said he would have benefited from the kind of seminar offered on Saturday.
Interview tips and guidance
“Standing in front of three to five cops in an oral interview can be very intimidating, especially if you’re not used to it,” he said. “I never knew everything about what the process would be like. Things like this allow a person to be mentally and physically prepared.”
Even experienced executives said they wish such pre-application seminars were available when applying for jobs.
Detective Daniel Hammett and Sgt. Both members of the Groton City Police Department, Hamon Jennings, spoke of his nervousness before being hired.
“I did a lot of research on my own, and it was me,” Hammett said. is.”
Courtney Batson, a 30-year-old Ledyard resident and retail store manager who took a criminal justice course in Norwich, has long had an interest in a law enforcement career, even years when public opinion may have discouraged others. said he had a
“It never really went away,” she said.
Mohegan Tribal Police Deputy Chief Mike Surprenant, who previously served as Plainfield Police Chief for decades, grimaces as he recalls his first job interview and string of background checks.
“I was nervous and unprepared,” he said. “It took me a couple of interviews before I figured out how to answer correctly. My advice to these people here today is to live your life as if you were already a police officer. is to send
Contact information for John Penny is: jpenney@norwichbulletin.com or (860) 857-6965.
This article originally appeared in The Bulletin: Norwich, Putnam, East Lyme and Waterford police help job seekers
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