Now What?

So, you passed the written, physical agility and oral interview, and now you have a conditional offer of employment in your hot little hands. What now?

A conditional offer of employment is just that, conditional. What that means is you'll have to meet certain conditions in order to actually be hired. In other words, you ain't got a job just yet.

You still have several more steps to go. You'll have to successfully complete a background investigation, a psychological evaluation, a pre-employment medical exam, and often a polygraph examination.

Many facets of the psych and polygraph are seemingly nonsensical, or even downright weird. You will be asked a lot of questions that seem completely unrelated to law enforcement.

The only way to get through the psych and polygraph is to be COMPLETELY TRUTHFUL. Remember that pack of gum you stole when you were ten? Mention it. Remember the fight you had with that other kid in eighth grade? Speak up about it. Have no skeletons in your closet when you go into the polygraph exam.

As for the psych, it helps if you're not crazy. Some of the tests they give you will make you FEEL crazy, but you'll get over it. We all do.

The medical exam is just to make sure you aren't going keel over from a heart attack your first day on the job. That will come later if you don't take care of yourself. As long as you are in good health, with decent hearing and eyesight, you'll do fine.

If you are successful, you will have a job.

Now you get to go to the uniform shop and get your equipment and uniforms, because next time, you start the academy.

See you at orientation...