how many here failed the police test first time? (employment, high school)

[magic462]

I was wondering how many here failed the police exam first time. I was speaking to a few officers before the test and they told its different from 10 years ago when they used to make the recruitments go to class but now they don't do that anymore in hilo.

I have taken the test and got 98 of 160 correct. The minimum you need to make the recruitment is 117 correct. You have 2 hours to complete the 160 questions and about 20 questions are story questions each being a page long. Some of they questions asked regarding the story did not make since because in real life one of those answer could also be correct. I feel that should of given more time such as 3 hours would have been reasonable, because of the questions you had to actually think about it and if you spent more then 3 minutes on each question then you are not going to complete the test in time.

I called the county office they couldnt tell me my strength or weakness on the exam which I found alittle bet ridiculous. They also dont give out 2nd re-takes which I found alittle stupid compare to how the mainland does it.

The hilo police department hasn't had any recruitment open for 6 years and I am not sure how long I am going to have to wait again, until I am able to re-apply.

Its hard finding a job a damn single job in this economy, I have been applying to sports authority, macys, targets, bank of hawaii, and safeway. They never respond to your online application. I just feel so damn depressed right now that I wish I wasnt even born at all. I hate my life right now.

[Occifer]

A written test is the first step in what is usually about a seven step process to get a job in law enforcement. Written tests are designed to assess the most important traits that are necessary for police officers to have, such as reading comprehension, spelling/grammar, reasoning, time management, etc. Many people who don't prepare for the test prior to taking it simply don't pass and it's not designed to be easy if you're not strong in those areas. If you didn't research the test before going into it and study things that were supposed to be on it, then you went into the test with a very big disadvantage. There are lots of test prep books out there for police tests.

[Tiger Beer]

Hmmm...you're all making me think of another option here for potential employment in Hawaii.

I wonder what percentage of employment is 'in the office', and which percentage of jobs are 'in the street/car/bike'?

[TXLara]

I'm sorry that things are so gloomy right now, Magic462. I totally feel your pain- I've been applying everywhere, the same sorts of places you are and I can't a call back or an interview. It does make you feel like crap when Target doesn't even want you, even though you've had years of retail experience. But I have a feeling things are going to turn around soon, so keep your head up. Good luck!

[magic462]

thanks TXLara, for the support

[scottfree00]

I'm going to take the police test for Kauai in a few weeks. Are you taking that one? I guess it could be totally different than Hawaii. I'll let you know how it goes.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Occifer

A written test is the first step in what is usually about a seven step process to get a job in law enforcement. Written tests are designed to assess the most important traits that are necessary for police officers to have, such as reading comprehension, spelling/grammar, reasoning, time management, etc.

Yes, keep in mind that even if you were to pass the written test, you then still have to pass a physical test and a psychological test and so on and so on.

It's no shame and no blame if you wash out at any step of the way. The standards are high for a good reason, and most people couldn't make the grade.

That's why I think we should feel nothing but gratitude towards those individuals who devote their lives to the fields of public safety, because most of us could not do their jobs!

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by OpenD

Yes, keep in mind that even if you were to pass the written test, you then still have to pass a physical test and a psychological test and so on and so on.

It's no shame and no blame if you wash out at any step of the way. The standards are high for a good reason, and most people couldn't make the grade.

That's why I think we should feel nothing but gratitude towards those individuals who devote their lives to the fields of public safety, because most of us could not do their jobs!

Hawaii County Police... All it takes is a GED or high school diploma!

[Kualoa]

High school diploma or GED are minimum requirements to apply and start the testing process. Written tests, multiple interviews, psychological screening (written and interview), polygraph screening, fitness test, medical examination. Most people are not suited for this line of work and the hiring process is designed to weed out those that are not. This is not good or bad, it is what it is. If a person wants to be a nurse they must apply to a nursing program and be accepted. Study and graduate. Pass the state boards for licensing. Then get hired. Same concept. Certain professions not for everyone. In certain markets those interested in law enforcement as a career are instead turning to the high end private security trade. Better long term money and benefits and less headache. My hats off to anyone willing to be a cop in today's world.