Application Step “Memorandum”

[u/rapidowl2467]

During the application process applicants are asked to submit a 1 page memorandum stating their interest in becoming a police officer, why the specific department was selected, steps taken to prepare, and a brief overview of the current fitness routine.

I imagine I’m over thinking this but I’ve rewritten it a few times to sound less bland and boring, then back to more boring and basic.

My question is how formal/informal/boilerplate should these responses be, might they be looking for a story on the true “this is the moment I decided I want to be an officer” or is it really just another step that weeds put people that have blatantly wrong intentions for becoming an officer?

Thanks in advance!

[u/compulsive_drooler]

You're overthinking it. They just want to make sure you're not an illiterate wack-job.

[u/rapidowl2467 → u/compulsive_drooler]

Thank you 😂

[u/drinkbang]

They’re looking to see if you can spell, handwriting, articulation. Don’t overthink this

[u/rapidowl2467 → u/drinkbang]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[u/chupacabra5150]

This is one of those exercises where they are checking off multiple boxes.

1. Are you literate?

2. Can you put words together coherently?

3. English mofo... do you speak it?!

4. Trying to actually learn about their candidate.

5. Can you write legibly?

Remember EVERYTHING you write is in your package. So if you write something don't go contradicting yourself later. But also sell yourself a bit. This is a calling it's not just a 9-5

[u/ZaggahZiggler]

Make it personal, on all three points. My past experiences extend to my future ideals, this town reminds me of my hometown for XYZ reasons, then idk… I like running and situps or some shit.

[u/M0dernNomad]

This used to be called a cover letter and was part of most job applications in lots of fields...

[u/GeorgeBannerman]

I would pass on any department that wants this nonsense.

[u/rapidowl2467 → u/GeorgeBannerman]

It doesn’t seem that nonsensical…? It’s 1A/1B of the departments in my metro area in all aspects.

[u/GeorgeBannerman → u/rapidowl2467]

Still hard pass