Frequently Asked Questions.

Number one has been what happened to the forum I was talking about, where did it go, how do I get on it? Well due to a security issue the forum was down for a while however, it's back up and running! Get on there and introduce yourself, having problems with math formulas, coming to the correct conclusion on syllogisms, demo WCT scenarios, whatever? Post your questions! Don't forget that not only am I on there but so is John Belisle (professor, Police Foundations Program) and so is another Police Foundations professor, Dennis Campbell. You can get advice to any of your questions including fitness routines, Dennis Campbell is the gentleman that set me up with mine! You can check the forum out at www.testreadypro.com/forums

Another big one is about volunteering. It's not so much a question as it is a complaint, if you've been reading the blogs for the past five months, I've been talking about volunteering a lot. Why? First off, we know it's something police services are looking for in applicants, you can find this worded as volunteer experience or community involvement. Furthermore, volunteer experiences are great for rounding out some of your competency examples, always keep in mind that during your interviews you can answer behavioural questions with experiences from work, school and volunteering. Lastly, volunteering really is giving back to your community, even before I had an interest in policing I was taking part in volunteer events/fundraisers. It's a great way to meet new people, gain some experience and of course feel great. So, in an effort to get some of you who voted "No" on the poll before it closed for "Are you currently volunteering?" here's a volunteer experience I've been doing recently and enjoying that I've never posted about before: The easiest and MOST rewarding for me so far has been a volunteer experience as a volunteer driver for the Children's Aid Society. Here's how it works: you've got a car, if not you use mom & dad's/the spouses all the time right? You probably have your full G licence, relatively clean driving record, and some free hours here and there during the week or weekends at random times? Well, all you have to do is contact your local Children's Aid/Family & Youth services and sign-up to become a volunteer driver. Typically what is included with this duty is picking up children who are in care, either foster homes, group homes, hospitals, etc. You drive them to the Children's Aid or to their parents house, drop them off and then pick them up a few hours later and take them back to where they came from. Easy right? Well, you wouldn't believe how desperately drivers are needed. It gets easier, chances are there are kids in your community who need this service, you may not even know there was a foster home or group home right around the corner from you. Also, know that these kids, their parents, their siblings and the workers really appreciate what you're doing because you're making it possible for them to visit with their families. These aren't troubled kids that are going to light fires in the back of your car or try to strangle you while you drive, these are kids that can't get there without you and they want to see their families. If that isn't a big enough reward, you get paid for your gas and a little bit more to make up for the wear and tear on your vehicle. All in all, it's a pretty good deal for someone who says "I just don't have the time to dedicate." Thats fine, this is your ideal volunteer experience!