👮♂️ The #1 Reason Police Applicants Fail the Interview — and How to Avoid It
By Donovan Heavener | Founder, Preparing 4 Duty
🧠 Author of “Mastering The Police Interview: A Guide for Aspiring Officers”
Every year, highly capable applicants walk into the oral board interview… and leave wondering what went wrong.
Not because they lacked passion.
Not because they weren’t physically or mentally fit.
But because they weren’t prepared for the most important part of the process:
👉 The Interview.
🚨 Here’s the truth:
You don’t need perfect answers. You need preparation.
The best candidates don’t wing it — they walk in with clarity, confidence, and real stories that prove they belong in uniform.
🔍 Here’s what I teach in my new workbook (and what most applicants miss):
1️⃣ Research the Department
✅ Know their mission
✅ Follow their community programs
✅ Understand the challenges they face
Tailor your answers to their values — and you’ll stand out immediately.
2️⃣ Know the Interview Format
Most panels include officers, HR, and even civilians.
Expect general, behavioral, and situational questions like:
“Tell us about a time you resolved conflict...”
“How would you respond to a supervisor you disagreed with?”
Practice using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
3️⃣ Tell Strong Stories
You already have what they’re looking for. You just need to frame it:
✅ Leadership in tough moments
✅ Staying calm under pressure
✅ Standing up for what’s right
Don’t describe your resume. Demonstrate your character.
💥 Want a deeper strategy?
My new workbook —
📘 Mastering The Police Interview: The Workbook —
walks you through:
✅ 14 must-know interview questions
✅ Practice templates to write real answers
✅ Pro tips from real law enforcement professionals
🎯 This isn’t just prep. It’s your edge.
💻 Grab your copy at prep4duty.com
📧 Reach out: donovan@prep4duty.com
🎙️ Tune into the Police Applicant Podcast