Invited to Police physical / written exam. Advice?

[batman53201]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Passed in 4 minutes 16 seconds. On to the polygraph and psych eval.

wtg........good luck

[Oogabooga]

Originally Posted by guerrillakilla13

Actually yeah that's exactly the video I was talking about haha. Hope you're ready for it!



I already know the constitution, especially the 1st and 2nd amendment. I'm not planning on being a road bully; i'm one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. But I also understand that this country would depend on me to keep law and order, and I would do whatever it takes to keep people safe. Most police officers are fantastic people. Only a few bad ones, as with any job you'll ever find.

Good! I must have bad luck then. You cannot do "whatever it takes". You must stay within the limits of the Constitution. I think cops are trained to talk you out of your Constitutional protections. Maybe not so much bad luck for me just how it is.

For example,

Officer: can I search your car

Me: I respectfully decline if you do not have a warrant

Officer: Are you hiding something I should know about? Are you a terrorist?

Me: I remain silent (5th Amendment)

Officer: Why are you not cooperating. What are you hiding? I'll have to call a dog.

Me: I remain silent


My point is why can't I just go on my way? I have the right to remain silent. I have the right to not have my car searched without a warrant. It's like if I don't submit I'm a suspect. Very odd to me.

This has happened more than once to me.

[guerrillakilla13]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Passed in 4 minutes 16 seconds. On to the polygraph and psych eval.

Arguably the hardest part to get past. Good luck!!

Originally Posted by Oogabooga

Good! I must have bad luck then. You cannot do "whatever it takes". You must stay within the limits of the Constitution. I think cops are trained to talk you out of your Constitutional protections. Maybe not so much bad luck for me just how it is.

For example,

Officer: can I search your car

Me: I respectfully decline if you do not have a warrant

Officer: Are you hiding something I should know about? Are you a terrorist?

Me: I remain silent (5th Amendment)

Officer: Why are you not cooperating. What are you hiding? I'll have to call a dog.

Me: I remain silent


My point is why can't I just go on my way? I have the right to remain silent. I have the right to not have my car searched without a warrant. It's like if I don't submit I'm a suspect. Very odd to me.

This has happened more than once to me.

I've had some bad luck too. They have a reason for it, whatever it may be. Some things I can explain from when I was a police explorer and was taught certain aspects of policing. Other things I obviously can't explain because I didn't go through the academy nor have the experience.

Put yourself in their shoes and imagine the kind of crap they have to deal with. Doesn't excuse them from treating you horribly when you've done something little, but how would you feel if a few hours ago you just stopped a brutal beating of someones wife? Than you had to resume patrol like nothing happened.

The chances of that happening are so little (or maybe not, depends on your city). But my point here is to keep an open mind. Cops certainly aren't out to "get you" like the PC crowd will have you believe. they're human too.

[xinfamousxi]

No advice but just wanted to say good luck

[Scalded Dog]

Originally Posted by Superman09

Pepper spray sucks for most people. It feels like the guy at the end of raiders of the lost ark when his face melts off, and then it comes back when you shower.
It is tough but I love my job and can be very rewarding

Sent from my campfire using smoke signals

I've done a little training with pepper spray. I think everybody senses it a little differently, but to me, it's just 'pretty uncomfortable.' I am able to perform all requested tasks (like "stealing" my trainer's wallet, running away, etc). It does not debilitate me, blind me, or drop me. Yes, it's not comfortable... but it only hurts a little.

My opinion of pepper spray is that its strongest feature is the fear/ deterrent effect. People are afraid of it, because they THINK it's some powerful stuff... more powerful than it really is.

Point being, don't be afraid of the pepper spray training. It may be a piece of cake for you.

If you train with CS gas, that's a different animal. That DOES drop me, turns me into a quivering pile of snot, tears, and worthlessness.

I wish that I could offer an opinion on the taser training, but, alas, I have not been tasered.... doesn't look fun, though! I have been stun- gunned, and, like the pepper spray, was nothing but uncomfortable. That, in my opinion, is also 99% intimidation (those bolts of lightning jumping from terminal to terminal along with that ominous buzz are pretty scary!), but does not actually pack a punch. I have yet to see an "drop," loss of muscle control, or debilitation anywhere but on the videos produced by manufacturers. In fact, I'd be surprised to find any law enforcement agency still using stun guns.

So, pepper- spray and stun guns... don't be afraid. Tasers, yeah, those probably suck real bad. And CS gas, if you happen to train with that... it's gonna suck.

[blake-b]

I've been dealt pepper spray and CS gas. They wouldn't taser us in the academy although many of us asked to be tasered.

Pepper spray sucks but it isn't debilitating. We were sprayed, had to fight off an attacker who was using an air shield and then call for help on our radios.

I've been CS'ed and I didn't think it was that bad. It sucks because my eyes and nose were running like an open faucet but the pepper spray was more painful and lasted longer.

Everyone will have a different reaction to them though. I do agree the "fear" affect is what gets most people. I'm not portraying myself as a bad ass or anything but I knew full well before getting hit with either was the physiological effects would be and mentally steeled myself for them and knew that the mind is stronger than the body.

On another note, I was part of some training where I was a bad guy with a simunition gun. A recruit (big ol' boy former Div 2 lineman) was shot in the arm and stopped. When asked why he stopped, he said it was because he was shot and dead. I, and an instructor were ??????. You're never out of the fight unless you cannot move. The recruit has went on and become a fine officer though.

This one still makes me laugh. I was again a bad guy with a simunition gun. Scenario was I was playing loud music and the officers came to my house to talk to me about it. They didn't know but I was armed and anti police. I started shooting at them from about 10' feet away. This was taking place in a hallway (think apartment building) so nowhere for them to seek cover so they rushed me. I ended up being tackled by one and had a misfire. I tapped, racked, and continued to fire until I gun was empty. I was not a full time instructor (just a volunteer) and, after that scenario, one of the instructors informed me that inside 5' or so, we do a "safety kill." That is where you basically say "bang" and not actually shoot. He did compliment me on my malfunction clearing during the scuffle. "Nice malfunction clearance but..."

[Superman09]

I was able to function and perform the assigned tasks, fight for 30 seconds and retain my sidearm. However it did make my face feel like it was melting off and came back with a vengeance when I showered 4 hours later. Everyone reacts differently one guy in my academy had the worst reaction the instructor had ever seen (he had to be driven home by a friend that day as he could still not see 4 hours after being sprayed) and another guy wiped his eyes went through the tasks and declined to wash his eyes as he said his pain level was less than 1. I will let ya know how taser goes I do that Wednesday (18th)

Sent from my campfire using smoke signals

[JLSuperfly]

Pepper spray, taser, what is CS? Whatever it is, I don't think I am tough enough to take any of those. I give you guys props.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by JLSuperfly

Pepper spray, taser, what is CS? Whatever it is, I don't think I am tough enough to take any of those. I give you guys props.

CS gas. Similar in concept to other chemical agents like pepper spray.

[blake-b]

Another name for CS is tear gas.

[guerrillakilla13]

I did 1.42 miles in 13:48 minutes yesterday (with some walking involved. walking is a automatic disqualifier). I had to stop and rushed to the bathroom cause I was about to puke. I didn't, but damn that was really hard. I'm only a few weeks away and I need to do much better then that!

Originally Posted by xinfamousxi

No advice but just wanted to say good luck

Thanks buddy, I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Scalded Dog

I've done a little training with pepper spray. I think everybody senses it a little differently, but to me, it's just 'pretty uncomfortable.' I am able to perform all requested tasks (like "stealing" my trainer's wallet, running away, etc). It does not debilitate me, blind me, or drop me. Yes, it's not comfortable... but it only hurts a little.

My opinion of pepper spray is that its strongest feature is the fear/ deterrent effect. People are afraid of it, because they THINK it's some powerful stuff... more powerful than it really is.

Point being, don't be afraid of the pepper spray training. It may be a piece of cake for you.

If you train with CS gas, that's a different animal. That DOES drop me, turns me into a quivering pile of snot, tears, and worthlessness.

I wish that I could offer an opinion on the taser training, but, alas, I have not been tasered.... doesn't look fun, though! I have been stun- gunned, and, like the pepper spray, was nothing but uncomfortable. That, in my opinion, is also 99% intimidation (those bolts of lightning jumping from terminal to terminal along with that ominous buzz are pretty scary!), but does not actually pack a punch. I have yet to see an "drop," loss of muscle control, or debilitation anywhere but on the videos produced by manufacturers. In fact, I'd be surprised to find any law enforcement agency still using stun guns.

So, pepper- spray and stun guns... don't be afraid. Tasers, yeah, those probably suck real bad. And CS gas, if you happen to train with that... it's gonna suck.

A taser is just like a stun gun, only difference is a taser can be fired from a distance (i'm pretty sure). I've read a lot about pepper spray and i've heard a lot of horror stories from it. No deaths of course but people describing it as your face melting off. I'm not sure how I feel about those descriptions. My pain tolerance is pretty high, I used to play ice hockey for 10 years. I'm not the same as I was back then though. Just gotta always remember that the pain is controlled and temporary.

CS gas is only a military thing. Thank god I wont be having to do that. As far as taser training goes, i'm not sure if the academy in Arizona requires you to be tasered. Mace is mandatory.

Originally Posted by blake-b

I've been dealt pepper spray and CS gas. They wouldn't taser us in the academy although many of us asked to be tasered.

Pepper spray sucks but it isn't debilitating. We were sprayed, had to fight off an attacker who was using an air shield and then call for help on our radios.

I've been CS'ed and I didn't think it was that bad. It sucks because my eyes and nose were running like an open faucet but the pepper spray was more painful and lasted longer.

Everyone will have a different reaction to them though. I do agree the "fear" affect is what gets most people. I'm not portraying myself as a bad ass or anything but I knew full well before getting hit with either was the physiological effects would be and mentally steeled myself for them and knew that the mind is stronger than the body.

On another note, I was part of some training where I was a bad guy with a simunition gun. A recruit (big ol' boy former Div 2 lineman) was shot in the arm and stopped. When asked why he stopped, he said it was because he was shot and dead. I, and an instructor were ??????. You're never out of the fight unless you cannot move. The recruit has went on and become a fine officer though.

This one still makes me laugh. I was again a bad guy with a simunition gun. Scenario was I was playing loud music and the officers came to my house to talk to me about it. They didn't know but I was armed and anti police. I started shooting at them from about 10' feet away. This was taking place in a hallway (think apartment building) so nowhere for them to seek cover so they rushed me. I ended up being tackled by one and had a misfire. I tapped, racked, and continued to fire until I gun was empty. I was not a full time instructor (just a volunteer) and, after that scenario, one of the instructors informed me that inside 5' or so, we do a "safety kill." That is where you basically say "bang" and not actually shoot. He did compliment me on my malfunction clearing during the scuffle. "Nice malfunction clearance but..."

lol nice stories. We all can be a little naive when we're doing things we've never done before. I'm glad to hear that pepperspray wasn't all that bad for you and the guy above you.

Originally Posted by Superman09

I was able to function and perform the assigned tasks, fight for 30 seconds and retain my sidearm. However it did make my face feel like it was melting off and came back with a vengeance when I showered 4 hours later. Everyone reacts differently one guy in my academy had the worst reaction the instructor had ever seen (he had to be driven home by a friend that day as he could still not see 4 hours after being sprayed) and another guy wiped his eyes went through the tasks and declined to wash his eyes as he said his pain level was less than 1. I will let ya know how taser goes I do that Wednesday (18th)

Sent from my campfire using smoke signals

Poor guy must've been allergic to it or something. That's awful to hear.

[guerrillakilla13]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

CS gas. Similar in concept to other chemical agents like pepper spray.

how's your hiring process going??

[Scalded Dog]

Originally Posted by guerrillakilla13

...A taser is just like a stun gun, only difference is a taser can be fired from a distance....

A stun gun is a hand- held device that the operator presses against the "victim," with two electrodes delivering high voltage (but relatively low wattage). It looks and sounds scary... but reports of its ability to debilitate appear to be highly exaggerated.

A Taser fires electrodes (which remain connected to the device via wires) which pierce the skin of the "victim" and remain in place while the he gets the juice. As mentioned, I have never been tasered, but, by all appearances, it looks like these things are pretty effective. In my opinion, the very best episodes of the show COPS are the ones titled "Tased and Confused." I just can't get enough of watching total and complete A- holes riding the lightning.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by guerrillakilla13

how's your hiring process going??

Waiting for my polygraph date now.