Becoming a Police Officer: Insider Tips on Navigating the Hiring Process with Sergeant Watson - Episode 7:

In episode 7 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., I sit down with SGT Tim Watson to break down the hiring process to become a police officer. Whether you're applying in Washington State or elsewhere, this episode offers valuable insights on how to prepare for a career in law enforcement. We discuss every stage of the process—preparing yourself mentally and physically, the physical agility test, tips for the written exam, what evaluators expect during the oral board panel, and how to navigate the background investigation. The conversation starts with an introduction to SGT Watson, covering his early life and what it was like to test for a police job in the 90s. Drawing from over 50 years of combined experience, we share advice on what makes a strong candidate and how to stand out throughout the process. If you're serious about joining the force, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed. Overview of Topics Covered: We’ll walk through every stage of the hiring process, including: - Preparing yourself mentally and physically for the career. - The Physical Agility Test—what it includes and how to train for it. - The Written Exam—how to study and avoid common mistakes. - What evaluators are looking for in the Oral Board Panel interview. - The Background Investigation—what to expect and how to be transparent.