I want to be a Cop. - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

GreenLantern · 11-07-2007, 09:31 AM

So I am taking the entrance level exam for the Saskatoon City Police a week from today. After the entrance exam there is a 3 hour psycological exam, followed by the P.O.P.A.T. the next day.

I am wondering if anyone here on CP has had these tests before and can maybe shed some light on the subject? The test I am being told is a "no study" test, and there is an example of the POPAT online and it looks pretty intense:

http://www.police.saskatoon.sk.ca/pd...ourse_link.pdf

I have been working out for over two years, with cardio, so I am in pretty good shape, but over the past few months I haven't been running as much, hopefully I can get into enough shape in a week, if I was ever out of. Any tips to prepare for this over the coming week?

I didn't expect to get in this time around, I thought it would be full when I applied last Thursday.. but I am glad I did because I will be finished my degree this year and would love to start working in the summer.

Also please keep the "eat donuts" and "be lazy" replies out of this thread, I don't really want to hear what you think of Police Officers more just tips on how to become one

Thank you very much.

Ford Prefect · 11-07-2007, 10:22 AM

I have two buddies who have recently become RCMP offices. Say hello to absurd amounts of paperwork and good bye to a social life, according to them.

Jayems · 11-07-2007, 10:26 AM

I passed the POPAT as a smoker and had never worked out... so I wouldn't worry about it.

BlackArcher101 · 11-07-2007, 10:30 AM

Was watching to serve and protect last night where they were showing a recruit class for the Edmonton police. They did pretty much the same type of test as the POPAT you show, except it was more running and I didn't see station #2 or #3 there and station #4 was near the middle of the test. As well, they had another portion where after you were done, you had to punch/fight with a heavy dummy. Brought people to near collapse. I was thinking of joining a police force until I saw the test, going to need a few years of exercise first. I'd say if you can run with a heavy vest on for a period of time, then you are good to go.

Phaneuf3 · 11-07-2007, 10:33 AM

Don't tase me bro!

but seriously, i've had a couple friends go through the testing or whatever. apparently the fitness/physical testing isn't that hard - exhausting if you give it your all but not too tough to pass. if you have a decent workout routine at all and don't ignore cardio, you'll be fine.

troutman · 11-07-2007, 10:35 AM

I appled to the Vancouver police dept a long time ago. The written test was more like an IQ test - I don't remember a psych test. I went into law instead - probably a good thing, because the physical tests were next, and I'm not a strong swimmer.

CaramonLS · 11-07-2007, 10:41 AM

I sent you a PM GL, but call the recruiting office to see if they have a POPAT prep course. I did the one for the PARE (CPS), and it was very helpful/informative.

jar_e · 11-07-2007, 12:36 PM

Just in the final steps with CPS...with the physical...definitely focus on cardio. That was my major hurdle. I know four minutes doesn't sound too long, but it feels like hours when its focusing on every body group and type. In regards to written testing, aim on expanding your vocabularly. Maybe its just me, but there were a lot of words I had never even seen before. Such little thing as learning root words and such can be helpful.

Flash Walken · 11-07-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

I'm not a strong swimmer.

I'll admit it, I laughed.

troutman · 11-07-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I'll admit it, I laughed.

Good Flash - you got the reference:

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/84/84aswimmers.phtml

Lawrence: I don't swim.

Gerald: Lawrence doesn't swim. So.. I mean, no, of course not.. no one's going to just walk up and hand us a gold medal. Men's syncro isn't even in the '88 Olympics yet.

Lawrence: That's okay, because we could use the time. 'Cause I'm not.. I'm not that strong a swimmer.

Flash Walken · 11-07-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

Good Flash - you got the reference:

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/84/84aswimmers.phtml

Lawrence: I don't swim.

Gerald: Lawrence doesn't swim. So.. I mean, no, of course not.. no one's going to just walk up and hand us a gold medal. Men's syncro isn't even in the '88 Olympics yet.

Lawrence: That's okay, because we could use the time. 'Cause I'm not.. I'm not that strong a swimmer.

best part of that skit is christopher guest. The way he says 'goose'...ah, the memories.

Cscutch · 11-07-2007, 03:19 PM

You will want to concentrate on the stairs, it is what kills most people in the test. Prep for that.

11-07-2007, 03:31 PM

I would say, as far as the physical goes, pace yourself. It doesn't look that hard and so many people tend to drop the hammer outta the gate. Here in Calgary, they have actually lowered the standard to 4:45 (RMCP and CAPS was always that) from 4:00. Also, and maybe this is a poor attitude, go their to kick everyones ass- they are trying to get the same job and are the direct competition. Don't be an arrogant ass about it, cheer everyone on, but know if it comes down to you or them, you would rather get the job offer.

As far as the written goes, I am not so sure one can actually 'study' for it as it's things you should already know. Simple math, memory, vocabulary, etc. There is an essay component here which I think does a fair amount of people in. Just be sure to read the scenario CAREFULLY, write a quick outline and then your essay. If you aren't use to writing essays, just be sure to have an intro a middle and an end seperated by paragraphs- structure is important.

GreenLantern · 11-07-2007, 05:35 PM

Thanks for all the tips guys.

I would love the chance to write an essay for them, fourth year History major, it is what I do

But as I understand it the Saskatoon Police test is all multiple choice :/

I feel pretty confident going in, I just finished mid terms so my mind is as sharp as it is going to get. Pushing myself at the gym today I have found endurance I had no idea was there. I think about the only area I am concerned about would be the stairs, I haven't done a lot of stair master in the past, will have to work on that.

Again thanks for all the tips guys I appreciate it. Good ole' CPuck, definately more than just a message board.

Locke · 11-07-2007, 06:46 PM

^^ EDIT: Crap. I totally just ruined a primo "CP Feel Good Moment." My timing is stellar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Also please keep the "eat donuts" and "be lazy" replies out of this thread. Thank you very much.

Well, that elmininates my participation in this thread. You cant take witty remarks away from me Lantern man. You just cant. Its all I got.

Remember that when you pull me over.....