If you’re preparing for a career in law enforcement or as a first responder—whether as a police officer, correctional officer, peace officer, sheriff, conservation officer, fish and wildlife officer, or firefighter—nailing your interviews is just as critical as passing your fitness test. Law enforcement and first responder interviews typically include both a behavior-based interview that can include scenario based questions, and a personal disclosure interview, each designed to assess your suitability for the role. Blue Line Fitness Testing has several interview preparation packages to help you ace your interview including practice question workbooks, webinars specific to different roles and agencies and resume and cover letter writing services.
Here’s a breakdown of each interview type and actionable steps to help you pass with confidence.
1. Behavior-Based Interviews
Law enforcement and first responder agencies love to use behavior-based interviews to evaluate how you have handled past situations, based on the idea that past behavior predicts future performance. These interviews can include a combination of behaviour based and scenario based questions. Behaviour based questions ask you to tell the agency a story about a time in your life that you experienced a situation. Scenario or situation based questions are questions where the agency will tell you a story and ask what you think you would do in that situation. They are usually scenarios based on common work practices or situations that would arise while working for that agency.
Key Tips for Success:
A. Use the STAR Method
For every question, structure your answer using the STAR method:
- Situation – Describe the context of your experience.
- Task – Explain the challenge or responsibility.
- Action – Detail the specific steps you took.
- Result – Share the outcome and what you learned.
Example Question: “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult person.”
- S: While working security at a bar, I encountered a highly intoxicated patron who became aggressive with staff.
- T: My responsibility was to de-escalate the situation and remove him safely.
- A: I remained calm, used active listening, and employed de-escalation techniques. I positioned myself between the patron and others, keeping my hands visible to show I wasn’t a threat.
- R: The patron calmed down and left without incident, and my manager commended my handling of the situation.
PRO TIP** Do NOT answer like this: “Well the situation was this xxx, my task was this xxx. I took the following actions xxx and the result was xxx”. The agency wants specific details and for you to fully explain the situation that you were involved in, not a break down of what STAR stands for.
B. Know Common Question Topics
- Integrity & Ethics: “Tell me about a time you witnessed unethical behavior and how you handled it.”
- Conflict Resolution: “Describe a situation where you had to mediate a dispute.”
- Decision-Making Under Pressure: “Tell me about a time you had to make a split-second decision.”
- Teamwork: “Give an example of when you worked with a team to solve a problem.”
- Adaptability: “Describe a situation where you had to adjust to unexpected changes.”
Our sample question workbook that is offered in our Interview Prep packages has over 40 sample questions for you to review and know the answers to, to ensure you are fully prepared!
C. Practice, Practice, Practice
- Write out your answers and practice saying them aloud.
- Record yourself and evaluate your tone, clarity, and confidence.
- Time yourself to see if your answers are too long and ramble or if they are too short and do not share enough detail.
- Conduct mock interviews with a coach or mentor. At Blue Line Fitness Testing, our GOLD interview packages include a one hour one on one session with an experienced officer who will coach you and give you feedback on your answers and demeanor.

2. Personal Disclosure Interview (PDI)
The PDI is designed to assess your honesty, integrity, and suitability for a career in law enforcement or as a first responder. You will be required to disclose past behaviors, including criminal activity, drug use, financial issues, or other personal matters. The purpose is not necessarily to disqualify you, but to evaluate your character, decision-making, and whether you are truthful about your past.
Key Tips for Success:
A. Be Honest
- If you try to hide something and it comes up in your background check, you will likely be disqualified.
- If you’ve made past mistakes, acknowledge them and demonstrate how you’ve grown.
- Use phrases like: “That experience taught me the importance of accountability and making better choices.”
PRO TIP** It is better to disclose anything you may feel is questionable right at the start rather than waiting to disclose it. This shows your dedication to being honest and accountable, and will save you time, energy and heartache if you were to move through the whole process and then be deferred.
B. Prepare for Difficult Questions
Common PDI questions include:
- “Have you ever used illegal drugs?”
- “Have you ever committed a crime, even if you weren’t caught?”
- “Have you ever been fired from a job?”
- “Tell me about any financial issues, such as debt or bankruptcy.”
C. Keep Responses Concise and Professional
- Do not over-explain or get defensive. Keep it focused on what you did, not what your friends, family or others may have done. Do not blame others for your behaviours.
- Stick to the facts, take responsibility, and focus on what you’ve learned.
- If applicable, describe any steps you’ve taken to correct past mistakes (e.g., financial counseling, community service, professional development).
3. General Interview Tips for All Law Enforcement and first responder Roles
A. Research the Agency and Role
- Know the mission, vision, and values of the department you’re applying to.
- Understand the specific duties of a police officer, correctional officer, peace officer, sheriff, conservation officer, or firefighter in your region and be able to explain what your role would entail on a day to day basis.
- Know the role your agency plays in the larger first responder community, their key stakeholders and what issues are currently facing the agency.
B. Dress Professionally
- This should be common sense but if it’s not – Wear a suit or business attire! Business casual is not good enough. First responders have a much higher sense of dress and deportment so reflect that on your first impression.
- Keep grooming and hygiene sharp. Clean shaven is usually required as a first responder so you may want to review the agency dress and deportment policy to ensure you are following it.
- Avoid excessive jewelry, strong cologne/perfume, or distracting accessories.
C. Improve Your Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
- Eye Contact: Maintain confident eye contact without staring. Look at each interviewer respectively when they ask you questions if there are multiple people in the room.
- Body Language: Sit up straight, avoid crossing your arms, and use controlled hand gestures.
- Tone and Clarity: Speak clearly and with a steady pace. Take a breath before each answer to ensure you fully hear and understood the question asked.
PRO TIP** DO NOT cut off the interviewer before they finish the question, even if you know the answer or have a great example to share. Be respectful and show you have truly thought about the full question rather than blurting out your answer.
D. Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. Here are some strong options:
- “What qualities make someone highly successful in this role?”
- “What are some challenges new recruits face, and how do you recommend overcoming them?”
- “What opportunities are there for professional development within this agency?”
Final Thoughts
Passing your law enforcement and first responder interviews is about preparation, honesty, and confidence. Whether you’re pursuing a career as a police officer, correctional officer, peace officer, sheriff, conservation officer, fish and wildlife officer, or firefighter, these interviews are designed to ensure you are the right fit for the job.
By following these strategies, practicing diligently, and presenting yourself professionally, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your dream career in law enforcement.
BLUE LINE FITNESS TESTING IS HERE TO HELP YOU ACE YOUR INTERVIEW
Stand out in the competitive law enforcement hiring process with our expert resume and cover letter editing service. We provide custom, personalized recommendations to align your application with agency requirements and highlight your unique strengths. From optimizing keywords to showcasing relevant experience, we ensure your documents capture attention and help you get screened in.
Maximize your chances of success with our custom 30-45 minute webinar tailored to the agency you’re applying for, giving you insider insights and actionable tips. You’ll also receive a workbook with over 40 sample interview questions to help you practice and refine your answers. Plus, enjoy a one-hour, one-on-one session with an experienced law enforcement officer and former recruitment officer to ask questions, refine your interview skills with a mock interview, and receive personalized feedback on your answers. Prepare with confidence and stand out from the competition!
Additional Resources:
Benefits of Mock Fitness Testing Before the Big Day Read here.
How to Train for Law Enforcement Fitness Tests Read here.
Fitness Training for Tactical Situations: What You Need to Know Read here.