Oral Boards-Q&A

[stunna]

I did a quick search for an "oral boards" thread, but I felt that a general thread was in need.

Here's the 1st question,

What is the best answer for this scenario?

You are investigating a missing person's report. The missing person is a female in her mid 30's. The missing person's report was reported by her parent's who have stated that their daughter always reports home after work and that she failed to do so. You discover that she had been to work that day and that she had left her car in the parking lot. You also discover that the missing person is divorced. You visit the home of the ex-husband and he answer's the door in a robe. He is very reluctant to help and slam's the door in your face. Before the door closes, you see a female handbag lying on a table.

"Please describe, in detail, the steps you would take in this situation, from beginning to end."

My answer - "I would first begin by conducting an immediate search at her place of work. I would incorporate search dogs and interview her co-workers.

When conversing with her ex-husband, I would kindly ask for his assistance. If he refuses to help, I would request his assistance with more urgency. If he continues not to help, I would search the immediate area around his home for signs of foul play. I would try to attain a search warrant and return later.

Then, I would return to the scene where the missing person was last seen and continue my investigation..."

After I had completed answering the question, one of the Sgt.'s asked if I would anything more in the situation with the ex-husband. I said I would not, because he has done nothing wrong and that I was always told not to make any assumptions.

(I think that the Sgt. was taken back by my answer; however, I answered the way I did, because I was told by another dept. that as a LEO, you cannot assume anything. Therefore, if I had said that I would enter the ex-husband's house by force, I would be assuming foul play, and I would be making an invalid assumption).

I passed the oral exam. So I'm guessing that I answered correctly. However, a friend of mine was asked the same question, and he said he would kick in the ex-husband's door, guns drawn and search his home.

thx in advanced.

[drizz]

Usually, there's no correct answer to these things. Seems like a decent answer though.

We'll see how much I know about answering these things when I get my CHP results though :laughing

[silversvs]

Oral boards are like math tests. You get credit even if you get the answer wrong IF YOU SHOW YOUR WORK. Whatever answer you give, explain your line of thinking. So if you answer wrong they can still see how you process the info and what steps you are taking to solve the problem. As Drizz said, there is no clear cut right or wrong answer. The scenario allows the board members to take you down whatever road you choose. If you don't show your work they can force you to explain why you are making the decisions you are making by taking you deeper and deeper into the scenario.

So it really wouldn't do much good for you even if I told you all the answers for every oral board question (like I know all the answers). If you don't have the common sense and problem solving abilities to think your way through a scenario, and the communication skills to explain how you are working through the scenario, then having all the right answers won't get you a passing score.

[motorman4life]

Drizz is pretty much right, there are likely several "right" answers and very few "wrong" ones. It is not what you would ultimately do, but why you would do it and the considerations you gave before answering. They want to know you can think critically and assess a variety of situations, considering the consequences of your actions. Generally, if you stick with your first answer (show confidence) and give a solid foundation for your reasoning behind it, you will pass an oral exam question like that with flying colors.

Not to critique, because if you passed, then you did just fine,but I would likely have asked a few questions before I gave my response to the question; is the ex-husband on probation or parole? is he a foster parent? is he out on bail? is there any history of violence between them? does he have a criminal history and if so, for what? Are there other residents that are on probation or parole? Is there any police contact history at his current or previous residence? Are there any restraining orders on file involving him? Have you attempted to "ping" her cellphone through her cellular provider? Did you consider a neighborhood check prior to contacting him? If so, what were the results?

Likely they would shut you down and give you no leads or help, but the questions show you are thinking outside-the-box and getting a bit of background info BEFORE you contact him, so you are armed with information. See, when you contact people, they assume you totally know their history. They presume you have done your homework. Many times you can "wing it" and get by just fine. In a case like that (possible kidnapping), you would be wise to live up to the highest expectation and get some people doing some research and briefing you while you are enroute to the ex's house. If he (or another known resident) is/are on parole or probation, you are in the house, no problem. If it is a foster home, then one call and you are in. Past DV history or a criminal record with priors for kidnapping or false imprisonment may help you build the necessary probable cause (PC) to make your entry to do a protective sweep of the residence. A cellular ping from her phone coming from the triangulated area of his house or street could also help a lot.

In the end, you might end up walking away empty handed, but it won't be for lack of trying! :thumbup

[stunna]

so much for this thread...lol. but definitely helpful. I like how motorman suggested asking questions, definitely something I will do in my next boards...and for the record, I did pass, but I think I could've done better.

Thx again...lunch on me at Alice's, if and when I get my badge

[nicholonious]

I would attempt questioning the suspect a second time, even after he shut the door in your face. Remember that it is a private residence and they are entitled to right of privacy, despite a strong sign that foul play may be about.

Joon, sorry I can't make it out tonight. I can't do Sunday either. Really bad week for me. We'll get together later, no doubt!

-Nick