Police Interview Questions and Answers

12 Jul 2023, 20 Questions

As Indians, we consider the job of a police officer to be very prestigious. Hence, it is a highly sought-after job. If you are also ambitious to work as one, then you must work hard to clear the selection process that consists of a written exam, physical fitness assessment, and personal interview.

During the interview, the panel will assess your integrity, critical thinking skills, and ethical values. The police interview questions will help them in evaluating your capabilities to become a competent police officer. The interview will provide you with an opportunity to prove you are capable of protecting and serving people and being a good fit for the job of a police officer.

In this article, we have shared a list of top police interview questions with sample answers. We would advise you to answer the questions asked during the interview honestly and professionally. During the interview, you must maintain your focus and highlight what motivates you to become a police officer and your passion for serving the public.

Top 20 Police officer Interview Questions

Here in this article, we will be listing frequently asked Police Interview Questions and Answers with the belief that they will be helpful for you to gain higher marks. Also, to let you know that this article has been written under the guidance of industry professionals and covered all the current competencies.

Q1. What qualities make a good police officer?
Answer
  • Good communication skills especially verbal
  • Compassion and helping attitude
  • Cooperation and conciliation
  • Top-quality work
  • Integrity
  • Open to learning
  • Love doing the service
  • Mental and Physical fitness
236 15
Q2. What are the responsibilities of the Police?
Answer

The responsibilities of the police can vary depending on the country, state, or region, but generally include the following:

  • Maintaining public safety and order: The police are responsible for maintaining public safety and order by enforcing laws, preventing crime, and protecting people and property from harm.
  • Preventing and investigating crime: The police are responsible for preventing crime through patrols, investigations, and intelligence gathering. They also investigate criminal activities, arrest suspects, and present evidence to the courts.
  • Protecting people and property: The police are responsible for protecting people and property from harm, including responding to emergencies, managing traffic, and providing assistance during natural disasters.
  • Maintaining law and order: The police are responsible for maintaining law and order by regulating public gatherings, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and dealing with civil disturbances.
  • Providing assistance and support: The police provide assistance and support to individuals in need, such as victims of crime, and domestic violence, and those experiencing mental health crises.
  • Building positive community relationships: The police are responsible for building positive relationships with the community they serve, including engaging with community groups, promoting community safety, and fostering trust and cooperation.

Overall, the primary responsibilities of the police are to maintain public safety and order, prevent and investigate crime, protect people and property, maintain law and order, provide assistance and support to individuals in need, and build positive community relationships.

27 1
Q3. Why do you want to be a Police Officer?
Answer

In this Police Interview Question, the interviewer wants to judge the thought and the motive behind choosing your career as a police officer. You can begin talking about your passion, the commitment which you have towards serving the nation. You were able to see the intensity of the work and integrity required in the police department of our country. I always wish to help those people who are not capable of supporting themselves. Also, I don’t have the nature of seeing cruel people taking benefits from people with innocence. These are the main reasons for choosing this rewarding career as helping others gives me peace.

Here are a few suggestions of what you could plan to accomplish on the job to prove that you've got good intentions as an officer in the police force.
  • Aid in reducing crime rates within the community.
  • Do your best to help people learn more about the law.
  • Establish a connection with your local community.
  • Be kind to people from all backgrounds with respect.
  • Let people feel safe and safe.
79 9
Q4. How do the police help the community?
Answer

Helping the community and handling crime are the two primary responsibilities of a police officer. In order to help the community, the officers need to protect the citizen's property and lives at any cost. Also, the serving part of the police officers also fluctuates with the number of residents in the community. Named peace officers, do a lot to help the community such as patrolling the streets on control traffic, foot or in squad cars, or working as detectives investigating crimes. They might also be appointed to work in the crime laboratory or the records department.

10 ways Police Officers help their communities

The community engagement element is at the heart of the work of police officers. Police officers swear to defend and serve. As part of their jobs, they typically risk their lives to ensure that communities and citizens are secure.

  • Infringing on the law and preventing the commission of criminal acts
  • Investigating crimes
  • Protecting victims
  • Assisting with accidents
  • Talking to groups about the prevention of crime
  • Assisting citizens in getting to their safety
  • Assistance in emergencies during severe weather conditions
  • Evidence collection at the scene of a crime
  • Maintaining order in the public
  • Conducting welfare checks on request

Note: While answering these Police interview questions, you have to be confident and sensible. Try not to tell too much, just cover the thing with a positive attitude and keep your answer short and crisp; this will help you in leaving a good impression on the interviewer.

140 4
Q5. How long does someone have to report a crime?
Answer

There is no meaning of wasting a minute when you have witnessed or fallen victim a crime. You need to report the crime as soon as possible. There are some limitations as well in crime reporting. These are known as the statute of limitations; these are put for the proper governance of the time which goes in reporting a crime before it is “forgiven” in the eyes of the law.

The fear of being retaliated is common, but if you have fallen victim or have witnessed a crime, then you should report it without any fear.

28 3
Q6. What tips would you follow to react normally in a hostage situation?
Answer

Being polite and calm are the essential skills which are required — other abilities which one should have been a police officer while witnessing a hostage situation.

  • Cooperation with the other captors by not drawing attention to yourself.
  • Obey the captors and
  • Avoiding being loud-mouthed and first analyzing the situation.
  • Memorizing the physical traits of the people present there on the crime scene.
  • Check for the body language of the witnesses.
23 1
Q7. Tell me your reaction if a suspect offered money for you to "forget" his /her crime?
Answer

I would not tolerate any sort of corruption. If anyone would offer me any money or other related stuff, I will take strict actions against the person. It is because corruption is appreciated not from one side, but from both.

NOTE: You need to be very creative and thoughtful to get good marks in this Police Interview Questions.

28 5
Q8. What factors influence a police officer’s use of discretion?
Answer

Police can use its discretion power in case of small offenses such as public urination and traffic incidents. Here, the officer can arrest as well as fine the offender. He can also leave him by giving only a verbal or written warning. The parameters on which Police discretion depends are as follows

Suspect's Demeanour

If a suspect behaves disrespectfully, and does not cooperate with the policeman is more likely to get arrested. If an individual shows respect and remorse for the actions performed, then a police officer may give him a chance by only warning him against such activities. It is the most important parameter of the actions to be taken and the use of discretion as per the study conducted in the year 1964.

Suspect's Record

The more the number of criminal cases against an individual, the more intense the punishment is likely to be even on the first infraction with you. The number of convictions matters the most.

Important link about US police

Complaints

A complaint against an individual gives an idea of the situation. In that case, there might be an influence on the discretion of the police officer. Investigation with the offense has to be carried out with care when there is any complaint lodged against the individual.

The attitude of Parents/Guardians

It is another factor which might influence the level of the discretion of a police officer. It is evidence as per the study by Bynum and Thompson. The care, interest in cooperation with the captor by the parents can change the whole scenario, and the actions might become informal.

System Variables

System variables are a part of the list of the influencers of the police officer’s discretion. A policeman becomes more lenient in case of the backlogging of the court and correctional systems. The police department gets into more strict actions when the city needs funds and revenue. Police officers are the ones who are available to the general public in their first approach. Their service is available 24*7. These are basic police interview questions and answers which are a must for candidates preparing for Interviews/jobs

11 1
Q9. What does police officer do on a daily basis?
Answer
  • We are providing public safety by responding to the emergencies, maintaining the order and offering the best protection to people and property.
  • Enforcing laws related to a motor vehicle, criminal laws and taking the life of the community to the next level
  • Identification of the suspects, pursuing and arresting them.
  • I am recording facts and figures for the further process of crime reporting such as documentation of the activities and incidents.
  • Determining the criminal act or statute violations
  • Evaluation of the complaint and emergency- request information for the requirements.
  • Sometimes patrolling some areas on foot and giving the best assistance
70 0
Q10. Explain the various levels that a police officer must keep in mind while interacting with a criminal?
Answer

Here are some of the best practices police officers should follow while interacting with a criminal:

  • Make sure that he/she is read their constitutional rights
  • Clearly make them understand what they have been charged for
  • Make sure that they have a lawyer present during the conversation
  • Explain things in a clear way and avoid violence at all costs.
13 1
Q11. What do police officers say when arresting someone?
Answer

Being a police officer, you can remain silent. You need to take care of your words at that point of time as your words can be used against you in a court of law. You can say that you can consult with a lawyer who can be available to you while questioning process. You can inform the availability of the lawyer in case of out of the affordability.

12 3
Q12. Why do you think you are the best candidate for the police officer position?
Answer

Working with law enforcement is not everybody's dream job. There are many unpleasant scenarios a police officer has to go through. To make sure that you are the right candidate, you need to show your interviewer that you have what it takes to be a good police officer.

Start with some real-life experiences and how you think it reflects on you as a person fit for the job. You need to show them your respect for law enforcement and the police force. Try showing your previous experience if any, your ability to work with different kinds of people and most important of all, your willingness to learn and grow while on this job.

69 3
Q13. Your supervisor gives you a direct order that you know is against department policy. What do you do? What if the order was against the law?
Answer

If you are ever in a situation where you are being forced by your supervisor to look away from the law/directly break a law, you must be alert about it and try to understand the reason behind it. Do not fret and directly file a complaint with the Department of Justice explaining to them clearly as to what happened between the two of you and what he expects you to go ahead.

16 9
Q14. What challenges are you looking for in this position?
Answer

Challenges faced in a position for a police officer are many:

  • Chances of being bribed
  • Intimidated or retributed
  • A threat to life is plausible in certain situations

But, aside from these threats, you should explain to the interviewer how the honor of wearing that uniform supersedes all of those shortcomings and make you proud to be a police officer.

NOTE: This is one of the common interview questions for police officer jobs. From the research, it has been found that this question is being asked to every third person who is giving the interview.

13 0
Q15. What physical training activities are you currently involved in?
Answer

In order to pass as a police officer, you must be able to successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) which would consist of the following physical activities:

  • Getting out of a patrol car while still having your seatbelt is on
  • Run a certain distance (500-1000m)
  • Climbing or jumping over a wall of a certain height
  • High step climbing over several low hurdles
  • Dragging a dummy body weighing 150 pounds for almost 50 feet
  • Belly crawling while missing aversions/obstacles
  • Continuous stair climbing and descending
  • Climbing in and out of a window
16 3
Q16. What would you do if you witnessed a robbery in progress?
Answer

If you are/have witnessed a crime follow these steps carefully:

  • First of all, call the emergency number, 999(UK), 911(USA) or 100(India) and explain to them of the robbery you have witnessed.
  • Wait for the police officer to come to the crime scene
  • Explain the whole statement clearly for the police officer to act on if it is not your jurisdiction.
Responsibility of police officer
Courage can never be seen around the corners, however, it goes around them. This is the key thing that needs to be considered in the police officer interview questions.
15 0
Q17. You are off duty. At a restaurant the owner recognizes you as a police officer that patrols the neighborhood. The owner says, "Good job. Keep my restaurant safe ok?", and then writes no charge on your bill. What will you do, if anything?
Answer

I respectfully decline his offer to waive my restaurant charges only because I’m the patrolling officer. I reply back to him “ Thanks for your offer, but as an officer of the law, it is my duty to protect citizens and their rights. I cannot accept this as it is my job to do so, but thanks again.”

13 2
Q18. What actions would you take as a Police Officer to insure good relations with the public in the area that you patrol?
Answer

Police and community relations are vital to effective policing by law enforcement. You must think of these factors while communicating with the public in your area of jurisdiction:

  • Acknowledge and discuss with your communities the challenges you are facing while countering crime.
  • Be transparent and accountable, this is the easiest way to establish trust between you and the community.
  • Start with small but effective steps to reduce bias while improving cultural competency.

Note: This is a type of most frequently asked Police interview questions.

10 0
Q19. Would you arrest a police officer who is performing a crime?
Answer

Yes, being an officer of the law, it is your duty that each and every person follows the law. If you have reasonable doubt or have witnessed a law enforcement officer committing a crime, you have the right to arrest him/her.

NOTE: In the interview questions for police, it is recommended to study all the roles and responsibilities of the police officer.

11 1
Q20. Would you follow an order by a superior, if you know it is against the regulations?
Answer

No, if the order given to me by a superior anyhow violates or breaks the law, I as a law enforcement officer must not only not follow that order, but, also report this incident to a superior officer or maybe even lodge a complaint as per the seriousness of the said crime.

13 1

Why is Police important for our society?

The agenda of keeping the police officers in our society is to maintain a safe and constitutional environment. Here are some benefits to have police in our society:

  • Regular patrolling of the streets even during the odd hours
  • Improved public relationships
  • Enhanced security of the public
  • Reduction in the number of crimes
  • Increased crime intimidation

Top 10 Police oral board questions

In the process of police hiring jobs, oral board round plays the key role to get selected for the job. As a candidate, it is required not only to pass the round however to beat the other you have to score higher as much as you can. Here is the list of top 10 Police oral board questions for interview.

  • Tell us about yourself
  • Why did you decide to become a police officer?
  • Why did you select our agency?
  • What do you know about the job?
  • List your biggest strengths/weaknesses.
  • What are your career goals?
  • What do you know about our organization?
  • Why do you think you are qualified for a police officer?

Police Officer Interview Tips

Here are some Police officer interview tips that will be helpful for you, if you consider them correctly while giving the interview:

  • Stay relaxed and confident
  • Be honest, do not cook any stories
  • Listen to the question carefully before answering
  • Show the interviewer how disciplined you are

Top Police interview scenario questions

You need to prepare yourself for the comprehensive process of hiring, to become a police officer. There will be a different round where you will be asked to answer some scenario or situational based questions asked by the experts. Here is the list of some popular Police interview scenario questions for interview.

  • How you are going to handle the situation where your senior told you to perform the tasks or things which are not in your scope or with the company standards?
  • Describe the scenario where you have to handle the situation where two coworkers are coming to you for complaining regarding each other.
  • How would you handle the situation where you have to tackle an employee who is not adhering to the company’s standard?
  • How would you help your employees in case your staff is short and your team has to work extra hours?
  • How you are going to convince your manager to not doing extra hours in the office when your manager told you to stay back and you have some outing plans.
Wrapping it up

Please make sure that the above questions are the most likely asked interview questions for the police. There are chances that they will ask you some other question than the above list, it depends on the team of professionals who are interviewing you. But always keep in mind, their agenda is the same and they are looking for the person about whom we discussed in this article.

Go ahead and face your questions confidently and smartly. Always remember nothing to discuss which leaves a negative impression about you. It’s better to say nothing than saying rubbish. You can also read tips to crack Police interview techniques that is helpful to crack your interviews.

For your convenience Police interview questions and answers pdf can be downloaded from the “Download” button provided at the end of this article. We are always ready to provide our viewers with the best and easy experience. Feel free to share yours in the comment section.

Good luck with your endeavor!
About Best Interview Question
Best Interview Question
Technical Consultant

With our 10+ experience in PHP, MySQL, React, Python & more our technical consulting firm has received the privilege of working with top projects, 100 and still counting. Our team of 25+ is skilled in distinct programming languages such as Python, Java, React.js, Angular, Node.js, PHP, HTML, CSS, Designing, iOS and Android apps, Database, .net, QA, Digital Marketing and Govt. jobs, etc. We are helping 10+ companies in solving their technical problems. When not found coding, our technical consultants can be seen helping out others.