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Is anyone else out there attending the exam for this department on April 9? This is the first test that I've taken that requires you to show up with a coat and tie. Is that a common thing?
Brad
You will have a screening interview with a background investigator immediately following the exam. Therefore, you are expected to dress in business attire. Many agencies require business attire throughout all stages of the process with the exception of the physical exam. Besides, even if a department doesn't specify it, I reccomend it. It will set you apart from the rest. Good luck with the exam... you should get your results after about 2 weeks.
I never thought about it that way before. I should buy a few more suits. :) Thanks.
Brad
Well, I took the written exam yesterday. I hope I did well. I only need a 65 to pass. Is anyone else in the process or has gone through the process before? Any insights would be helpful. Thanks.
Brad
I tested with them last summer, and made it to the polygraph. The polygraph really sucks. They ask you about 100 questions ranging from "what is your name" to "have you ever had sex with an animal". Then they hook you up to the machine, and ask you the same questions, 3 times in a row. I passed the polygraph, but then I go the a letter saying "thanks for applying, but we have more qualified applicants. Feel free to apply in another year." Great department, with lots of $ for top of the line equipment. Expensive place to live, though. Good luck to ya.
tre8
I have a friend that just graduated the academy and started FTO.....he loves it.
Hey Mongo...
Could you do me a favor and ask your buddy what the pay scale is. I'd like to know what the average officer makes after 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, etc.
THANKS!!
pilk
JerseyBoy
04-11-2002, 14:55
This is off of their web site:
Current Fairfax County Police Salary Scales
(July 1, 2001)
Police Officer $36,841 - $60,011
Police Officer First Class $38,525 - $62,755
Master Police Officer $40,363 - $65,750
Sergeant Police Officer $42,381 - $69,037
2nd Lieutenant $44,500 - $72,486
lst Lieutenant $51,885 - $84,516
Career Development: Officers are eligible for promotion to Police Officer First Class after two years of satisfactory service. Promotion to Master Police Officer is a competitive process open to PFC's with seven years of satisfactory service. Promotion to supervisory positions is accomplished through a competitive testing process.
Yeah, I saw that on the web site, but I wasnt sure if those amounts are "reality" or not. I'd like to know what the typical officer brings in (including overtime, etc.)
Thanks
Thank you for all of the replies. They told me during the testing and interview that anyone who lives more than 4 hours away that they would do the polygraph, PAT, and psych. all in one trip to Virginia. Whether this is true or not I guess I will find out if I passed the test. I was surprised when the told me that all I needed was a 65 on the written test to remain highly competitive. I hope I passed and will return for the rest of the process next month. They told us that we were in line for the academy in August. That seems like a quick process.
Brad
PonchIUP
04-11-2002, 19:21
Cape804, Just curious what was the test like? Did it seem like a tough one? Just wondering why you only need a 65 to stay "highly competitive".
PonchIUP,
For the test they gave you a study guide that you were able to study for 25 minutes. It had different things about police work and bulletins you had to study. After that they gave you a test of 100 questions. There were only about 30 questions on the study guide. The rest were things like analogies, problem solving, and reading comprehension. You get 1 hour 45 minutes to take the test. Then you have an initial interview with someone. It is just going over the basics. Past drug use, criminal history, driving record, etc. Lasts about 10-15 minutes. I was a little shocked about the 65 too. Overall, I was very impressed. They had several speakers talk to us before the test telling us all about the department. They showed us videos on the PAT and academy. I have tested a few other places and all they do is throw a test at you and when your done you leave, thats it. I thought Fairfax County was very profesisonal about it.
Brad
There are so many variables that go into pay that giving an "average" salary would be impossible. You will get overtime for court, late calls, etc. In addition, you can sign up for department approved overtime details. For example, you might sign-up to direct traffic at the church on Sunday, or guard the parking lot of a shopping center. Count on making $30-35 per hour for these gigs. If you are ambitious, you could make around $75,000 after just a couple of years on. Of course you won't have any free time to spend it.:)
Thanks BVG819, that's almost exactly what I was going to post regarding 'real' pay.
Also, my friend is in FTO, and really doesn't have enough time in to give me that sort of info.
JerseyBoy
04-12-2002, 13:23
Cape
I took their test a month before you did. You should get your results in about a week. They told me the same thing about working with out of town applicants in doing numerous tests in a span of like two days. After he said that though, an instructor in the back of the room was mumbeling under his breath, "BullS#*t". A little disheartning, though I'm hoping for the best. My polygraph is scheduled in two weeks.
On a side note, I just talked to a friend last night that I graduated high shool with that has been working for Fairfax Co. PD for about a year now. He says that he loves his job. The academy was stressful as expected, they are big sticklers on uniform. The guy in charge does cerimonial detail, so of course anything that you do to your uniform will not be good enough. Through praticals and tests, they have the three strikes and you are out rule. You really don't want to do a pratical for a third time, because the stress is overwealming. For FTO, you will run with about 3 FTO's over a course of a few weeks, and back to your original. Once you are on your own, you are given a permanent shift. Shifts are 12 hours. They run three days on/two days off/two days on/three days off type of schedule. They are also very positive with ride alongs. If you have the chance you should do one.
Just a little background for you.
Hey JerseyBoy,
Let me know how the polygraph goes. I have mine on the 20th. I wont be making the August class regardless of how I do in the rest of the process. Military Stop-Loss is being held over my head indefinitely. I am hoping for then next class which I heard will be later this year. Good luck.
Pilk
JerseyBoy and pilk706,
Best of luck to you. Somehow something told me they were blowing smoke about the out of town thing.
Brad
Thanks Cape,
I'll let you know how the process goes as I go through it. I wont be doing the out of town process since I'm stationed in the area so I'll be doing it gradually. But like I said earlier, there is no rush now since I cant get out of the service until ... who knows when. Anyway, good luck to you too.
Also... when I took the written, we were told that 65 was passing, however ONLY those who were highly competitve (using written test score and initial screening results) would be called for a polygraph. Maybe they mixed their words up when they spoke the night you tested. I can't see someone getting a 65% being as competitive as someone in the high 90's. But, then again, I could be wrong. Just my .02
Tre8...
Question... How many questions were asked when you were hooked up? The last poly I took asked about 16 or so... basically summarizing what I previously answered during the pre-poly. I was curious if this one was similar. Thanks!
I think they asked me 10 to 15 questions. It was strange, because they asked me what my name was, and what day it was, then, they asked me if I had lied on any part of the test! It freaked me out. The polygraph seems useless. All it does is test your nerves. To this day, I don't even know if I passed it. They just sent me the "thanks but no thanks" letter, stating that they had "more qualified" applicants. Hope you do better that I did.
good luck,
tre8
I received my results today. I am scheduled for the polygraph on May 3rd. This is the first time I have ever made it to the next step after the written exam with any department. I am so happy even if I don't make it.
Brad
Congratulations Brad!
I was supposed to have my polygraph tomorrow morning, but I had to reschedule it for mid-May. Best of luck the rest of the way!!
Pilk
Thanks pilk. I got a 75 on the written exam so I hope thats good enough. Best of luck to you too!
Brad
Good luck to you, Cape. Don't be too nervous.
tre8
Thanks tre. I am going to try not to be that nervous. I was only able to get 1 day off of work for this. I am working the night before the poly till about 5PM and driving down after that. I have to drive back after the poly because I have to work on Saturday. I hope that this doesn't affect my performance on the ploy.
Brad
It may work to your advantage. If you are sleepy during the poly, you'll be totally relaxed when they ask you the questions!
tre8
I hope I can stay relaxed. I would really like to work for them.
I took the polygraph this morning for Fairfax County. This was the first polygraph I have ever had. I was the only person there to take it today and most of my time was spent waiting. Then you go into the polygraph room and sit down with the detective. He went over everything about the test and told me about himself. Then he asked me lots of questions. Everything imaginable. Then I went out and waited some more. Then he brought me back into the room and hooked me up to the machine. He asked me 9 or 10 questions. I was tested on the same questions 3 different times in different orders. After that the day was over. I don't know how I did. They don't tell you that. I will receive a letter in about 2 weeks either saying congratulations you are moving on or sorry, but there are others more qualified.
Brad
They don't even tell you if you passed or failed the polygraph if you get the "thanks, but no thanks" letter.
Good luck,
tre8
I think if you swallow, sneeze, cough, or even think about moving you fail. Or at least that is the way the examiner explained it. I hope that is not the case. If you are an experienced examiner I think that you should be able to distinguish between a lie and a finger twitch.
JerseyBoy
05-04-2002, 16:29
Was the nice blond working the desk when you got there? Because that was all that I could think about while I did the poly!! I didn't have as much waiting as you did it seems. Most of the time was going over my history. Then he had to select 14 questions to ask me. After going over the history, we did a bathroom break, he showed me how the machine worked, asking me to, "lie" to him so he could see how accurate it is. Then did the same thing like you. Asked me the same 14 questions in a different order with the first and last question always being the same. I took mine on the 24th last month and am still anxiously awaiting my results.
JerseyBoy,
No blonde woman. I did have a nice conversation with the women that was working at the desk while I was waiting. My examiner didn't ask me to lie to test the machine. I don't think that the first and last questions were the same either. I guess you had someone different. You probably will receive your results this week. I hope that I passed. Good luck to you.
Brad
I just got the packet in the mail today. I am scheduled for the medical exam on June 11. I guess that means I passed the poly. I am so excited. I have never made it this far before.
Brad
JerseyBoy
05-10-2002, 15:45
Congratulations! I am STILL waiting for a letter in the mail as to how I did. It's been over two weeks now. This just leaves a funny feeling in my stomach.:mad:
The letter I received didn't say anything about how I did on the poly. It just said that I was scheduled for a full medical examination on June 11th. It also came with a few medical history forms to fill out before the exam. Good luck to you JerseyBoy. I hope you are able to make another trip to Virginia.
Brad
Congrats Cape804, how you just keep moving along. JerseyBoy, hang in there, I'm sure you'll get the letter and progress. Great department, and I wish you both luck.
Cape,
Congratulations! I agree with Mongo. From what I've seen, that's a GREAT place to work. Good luck in the rest of the process.
tre8
JerseyBoy
05-11-2002, 01:36
Cape and Tre8.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. After the poly, the examiner said that I showed a "hit" on one of the questions. When I explained to him what it was that I was thinking, he said that he would have to talk to his supervisor. It was actually the sex question. He asked if I had paid for sex. I said that I didn't, but I had been to a place in Purto Rico while in the military where women offered themselves to the men. Although I didn't partake in the extracarricular activities, that was what was going through my mind. He said that at the worst, I could be called in for further testing.
I spoke with a friend of mine on the department, and he said that the same thing happened to him. After he explaoned what happened, he didn't get called back. He just went on to further testing. I'm hoping for the best. We'll see. Best of luck to you Cape, I hope that I am in that August class with you, if you make it further.
Thanks everybody.
JerseyBoy, that doesn't sound like it would be much of a problem. I hope that I continue on and get to go in August. The guy who did my poly was the supervisor of polygraph testing. I'm sure that if that's all it was you will move on with no problem. Best of luck.
Brad
snwracer33,
For the test you are given a study guide that you have 25 minutes to study and then you are tested on that material and other things like reading comprehension. After that you go upstairs and have a short interview about your history. Then in about a week or two you are sent your results and with any luck a day and time to take a polygraph. Good luck to you on the test. I thought my drive was long at 4 1/2 hours.
Brad
JerseyBoy
05-13-2002, 14:53
Well I received my letter today. I figured when Cape mentioned that he received, "a package" and I only received an envelope, I figured it was my Dear John letter. Actually, I have to re-take the stupid thing the 22nd of this month. I am trying to look on the bright side. At least I'm not out of the process.:(
JerseyBoy,
That may not be the best news, but it surely isn't the worst either. Best of luck to you.
Brad
The only thing that I am concerned about with the medical exam is the eye exam. The requirements are 20/200 with 6 months of contact lens wear. I have worn contacts for about 6 years now, however my vision is close to 20/200 maybe worse. I hope it isn't worse. Other than that I have no other medical problems. I guess I will find out on June 11th.
JerseyBoy
05-14-2002, 06:26
Our eyesight sounds about the same. Though, I just had my getting out of the military physical, and know that I don't have much to worry about. Thats about the only part of this whole stupid process that I'm not worried about! I figure, now that I have a good idea on what to expect, I will be able to relax much more. My only hope is that the blond is working the desk again.:winkee:
I got a call from my backround investigator this evening. I am already scheduled for my medical in 2 weeks and while I am there he wants me to complete my psych, PAT, and BI interview. I guess they weren't blowing smoke about being willing to work with out of town applicants. Good luck to everyone else in the process.
Brad :bounce:
Congrats Brad, you aren't too far from the final offer now. Keep us posted when you get done with everything. Take care.
Thanks Mongo. I am hoping for a final offer. According to my BI it won't be until about October. At first it seemed like a long time, but that is only 6 months after I took the written exam so it isn't bad at all. When I was on the phone with him we talked about departments in PA and I found out the he was from York, PA. So if I have nothing else going for me at least my BI and I are from the same state. :D I am looking forward to going back next week. Even if I don't get hired this will at least be a nice vacation away from home. ;) It will also be nice to be able to go on my first ride along ever. That in itself is worth the trip.
Brad
October doesn't sound too bad. I think you'll find a suprising number of PA people at Fairfax PD. You should have fun on the ride along, but don't forget to use it as an ops to ask questions, learn more about the dept, and generally pick the officer's brain. If you run into an Officer Pleva, tell him Ron said hi.
Have fun down there.
JerseyBoy
06-04-2002, 17:30
I thought they were trying to hire for an August Academy? Did the BI mention anything about that?
Mongo,
If I see him I'll tell him. I will be doing my ride along out of the Mason station. My BI said that there is an very large amount of PA people in Fairfax.
JerseyBoy,
I spoke with my BI last week and he told me that my backround investigation would not be completed for the August academy. He said that the next academy is going to probably be in March 2003. However, if everything goes good they will hire you after everything is over and you will do administrative duties and ride alongs until the academy begins. My BI said he would be finished around October with everything. It isn't too bad of a deal. At least I won't have to wait until March to be hired. BI is finished in October and you are given a job offer, however you don't start until March. That would suck. Best of luck to you Jersey. Hope you hear something soon about the poly.
Brad
JerseyBoy
06-05-2002, 01:38
Good info Cape, thanks. I was told that you could be hired and on the payroll, so you are required to do ride-alongs with the stations. It only makes sence. It also seems like a good way time wise to get your stuff moved down and find a place in the meantime. PM me who you ride with in Mason. My buddy works for Mason, and I also rode there with another officer. It's one of their busier stations, so you should get to see some stuff. I'm hoping anyday now to get my letter. I'll let you know.
Well, I had my backround interview and ride along yesterday and my medical today. The ride along was a lot of fun. Not much happened until about 11PM. Then we were called to a shooting. I think there was a total of about 20 officers at this one. Just passed the medical today. I have the PAT and Psych tomorrow so I will see how that goes.
Passed the PAT and did very well on the Psych. The only real hard part about the PAT is that you don't have anytime in between the events to rest. You do the trigger pull, then an obstical course, another obstical course, ride for 2 minutes on an excercise bike keeping the RPMs about a certain level, and an arm strength test. Took less than 20 minutes to complete everything. Only thing that is left is the backround investigation. With any luck I will be moving to Northern Virginia in the fall. If anyone is wondering the only residency requirement is that you have to live no more than an hour away. You can live in Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
Congrats pal.... you're on your way!
Thanks pilk. All of the testing is over. Only thing now is the backround investigation.
Well, my Background Investigation is coming to a close. My Investigator will be in Pittsburgh in 2 weeks to finish up. The only thing that's left is the final interview and for the Personnel Commander to give his approval. It almost seems that I have been in the process forever. :D
It does seem like a long time, but it will all be worth it when that final call comes. Good luck, you're almost there!
This is a good department to work for but one thing i dont understand they do. From what i understand it seems applicants are getting disqualified mostly on the polygrah. They should at least tell the aplicant in the dq letter that they did not pass the exam, Because sometimes applicants may wonder that this department only hires people with sworn or military experience.
Originally posted by yanks
This is a good department to work for but one thing i dont understand they do. From what i understand it seems applicants are getting disqualified mostly on the polygrah. They should at least tell the aplicant in the dq letter that they did not pass the exam, Because sometimes applicants may wonder that this department only hires people with sworn or military experience.
There are 62 Fairfax County PD recruits in the academy with me right now. Several of which have had no prior military or law enforcement experience including myself. So it is possible to be hired with no military or LE experience. Are the going to be specific on what questions you failed on the polygraph in the DQ letter, generally no. You either pass or fail. Over 1,600 people took the written exam for Fairfax County last year. Only the 62 in the academy right now plus about 10 VA Troopers were hired. This department is VERY big on honesty. Telling the slightest lie will cause you not to be hired or if you lie after being hired you will be fired, no questions asked.
I totally believe honesty is the best policy when going for this position. From What i hear there is a 25 minute study guide where i believe it consists of 2 or 3 stories and reading comprehension. Also wondering what else is involved. How easy or hard is the test.
JerseyBoy
03-04-2003, 22:01
I for one am one of those that was disqualified on the polygraph. Personally, I feel that it is sad that they are disqualifing good candidates due to this process. This is not the only agency however that has disqualified me due to the poly. Unfortunatly there are people out there that can't pass the thing. I have a military background with nothing to hide. It's unfortunate that they can't verify answers through the background investigation to prove that I'm not lying. All in all though, Fairfax Co. is a good reputable agency that is very selective in their hiring. I wish Cape the best of luck with them.
Originally posted by yanks
I totally believe honesty is the best policy when going for this position. From What i hear there is a 25 minute study guide where i believe it consists of 2 or 3 stories and reading comprehension. Also wondering what else is involved. How easy or hard is the test.
I'm pretty sure that it is still the same test. You're correct, they give you a study guide and you study it for about 20-25 minutes and then you are tested. It really isn't a hard test if you read the study guide. After the exam you will meet with a detective for a 10 minute initial interview. They just ask you about your past. You need a 65% or better to pass and move on to the polygraph. You will receive your results in a week or two. Good luck to you.
FCPD uses the poly for many reasons. Obviously to see if you’re lying, but I think some of you forget the other reason: what is in your background may not be what they are looking for.
FCPD is a premier Law Enforcement Agency that pays well, has lot of toys, great advancement, and a great retirement. The county is extremely safe and it’s a great place to work.
They are selective, but so what. I worked for this agency for 4 years and can tell you, they are an awesome bunch of officers. I have worked for 4 agencies in Virginia and currently work for VBPD and the only thing I can tell you....they select the best.
They only recruit, select and hire the most qualified! Bottom line, its not their poly (you have failed more than one) its just a sequence of tests they use to judge you.
Cape, good luck. If you get a chance, try to work out of the Mt. Vernon sub station off Rt. 1, you will see the most action there!
Originally posted by MikeS
Cape, good luck. If you get a chance, try to work out of the Mt. Vernon sub station off Rt. 1, you will see the most action there!
Mt. Vernon is going to be my first pick for station assignment. Alot of action there and the officers there are great. If I don't get Mt. Vernon I hope I at least get Mason. I don't want to end up in West Springfield patroling those residential areas all day.
Well i did print out the study guide for the test on friday in long island. One thing i believe the study guide says that it gives arithmetic computation, But on the study guide it does not show anything on math so i was wondering what kind of math can i go over to prepare. I know there is problem solving and reading direction maps which seem easy, Can anyone let me know if there is vocabulary questions as well.
Thanks.
Originally posted by yanks
Well i did print out the study guide for the test on friday in long island. One thing i believe the study guide says that it gives arithmetic computation, But on the study guide it does not show anything on math so i was wondering what kind of math can i go over to prepare. I know there is problem solving and reading direction maps which seem easy, Can anyone let me know if there is vocabulary questions as well.
Thanks.
If I remember correctly there is not a math section on the test. There is reading comprehension and analogies, but no math. I don't believe that there are vocabulary questions either, but that may have changed.
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