The Police Applicant Podcast

Great news!! Ken and Donovan's new eBooks are now available! Listen to this special announcement. Ken's book is " Police Background Investigations: Inside the Mind of a Background Investigator. " Donovan's book is "Mastering the Police Interview: A Guide for Aspiring Officers." Bonus: Ken's book is discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! You're going to lov...

In this episode we interview former officer Scott Medlin. Scott's story in compelling. He was a U.S. Marine and police officer. His path changed mid-career and he's now a sought-after public speaker for first responders. You don't want to miss this one! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

In this special presentation, Commander Eric Tung tells us about his new "Blue Grit Police Testing & Hiring Guide." You can find the guide at https://www.bluegritwellness.com/product-page/police-testing-hiring-guide

Welcome to Season 5!! In this episode, Ken interviews special guests Captain Robin Pertillo of LAPD Recruitment & Employment Division (RED), and Investigator Jesse Cohen of the Westminster, CO PD Recruitment Unit. Also joining as a guest/co-host is Donovan Heavener of the Federal Way PD (WA). The topic is police recruitment in 2025. We're sure you'll enjoy the valuable insights our guests prov...

This is a SUBSCRIBER PRE-RELEASE. The episode will be available to the public on Friday - January 10th. ________ On this episode we see how backgrounds are down in the great state of Texas! We sit down with Jared to talk about his journey to being hired. We think you'll really enjoy this episode! ______ ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net Background consultations: w...

In this episode we interview Washington State Patrol Trooper Bryan Villanueva. He was adopted in a family that didn't provide a good upbringing. A deputy sheriff mentored him and set him on the right path. He shares his story of adversity, success, and the path to applying and getting hired! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

In this episode we interview John, who is a three-year deputy sheriff out of Maryland. John has been a long-time podcast listener and found us via the Things Police See Podcast. We discuss the hiring process, background, academy, FTO, and war stories! This is a great episode we think you'll enjoy! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

In this episode we interview the commanding officer of the LAPD Recruitment & Employment Division (RED.) She's in charge of the units that determine whether an applicant will be hired or not. Join us as we sit down with her, and she takes us behind the mystery of LAPD backgrounds and hiring. ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

In this episode we interview retired Kennewick PD (WA) Sgt. Chris Littrell. He was a successful police officer and detective working child abuse crimes. PTSD crept in and he had to make a choice about his survival. Tragedy struck in 2024 when he lost his daughter in a traffic accident. This is his story of pain, resiliency, and the road to healing. ken[at]policebackground.net donovan[at]policeback...

In this episode Ken and Donovan discuss out favorite Reddit posts!! This is gonna be a blast!! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Trevor Kirk is being unjustly prosecuted by the federal DOJ for lawful actions he took during a misdemeanor arrest. Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva discusses the case and shares how we can help Trevor and his family. Fundraiser for Trevor Kirk by Zack Bonn : Donate to Assist Trevor and His Family

Join us as we interview Officers Johnson and Badri of the Portland Police Bureau about what it's like to work for their department. This is one of our Pacific Northwest agencies that's currently hiring! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

In this episode, we interview recruiters from the Seattle PD. We explore what it takes to join this department in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, along with the incredible benefits and compensation they provide! www.policebackground.net ken(at)policebackground.net donovan(at)policebackground.net

Let's catch on what's happening on the podcast!!

In this episode we interview WSP Trooper/Recruiter Heather Axtman! She tells us what it's like to be a 16-year veteran trooper and recruiter. We talk all about what the WSP has to offer for those interested in the Pacific Northwest! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

The LAPD poly is out! LAPD is taking over Backgrounds from the Personnel Department. Let's talk about it!

We wanted to do something special for our milestone 100th episode. So, we got all of our hosts - Christine, Minerva, Donovan, and Ken together and had a reunion. Join us as we reminisce about how the podcast got started, our history, and why each episode is special to us. Thank you to our amazing listeners for this remarkable journey and we share why we do what we do. _____ ken[atsign]policebackgr...

In this episode we catch up with Investigator Jesse Cohen of the Westminster Police Department in Colorado. Jesse was our guest on episode 72. Today we find out what's new in Westie and why you should apply there!! _________ Email Inv. Cohen: jacohen@westminsterco.gov Apply at WPD: ⁠ Join WPD (westminsterco.gov) ⁠ ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net www.policeba...

Welcome to our NEW series: The Recruitment Corner! In this premier episode we interview Lt. Williams from the Fond du Lac PD in Wisconsin. Learn what it's like to work in Fond du Lac and why in may be a good fit for you! Police Patrol Officer - Human Resources - City of Fond du Lac (wi.gov)

This is a Subscriber Pre-Release. The publish episode will be published on Friday - August 9, 2024. ________________ In this episode we interview Evan. Evan is a podcast listener on the East Coast who was recently hired and starts the academy soon. Let's find out what his hiring journey was like!! Contact us! ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackground.net

in this episode we interview our co-host Minerva about everything from pensions, medical insurance into retirement, and everything a new police officer needs to know about not ending up broke in 30 years!! Contact Minera: Instagram @lady_g213 Email: minerva[atsign]policebackground.net ken[atsign]policebackground.net donovan[atsign]policebackgorund.net

This is a subscriber pre-release. The public release with be on Friday - July 12th, 2024. In this episode we interview Nick Lopez, a former LAPD officer who endured the 2020 riots, which resulted in his inability to continue pursuing his career in law enforcement. Nick has gone on to a career in mental health therapy in the law enforcement community. Hear his story of the hiring process, the acade...

This is a midweek news update for the podcast. Let's catch up!!

This is a subscriber pre-release. The public release will be on Friday-June 28th. _____ in this episode we interview Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak. Sheriff Kozak is a no-nonsense old school law enforcement officer. He's also the sheriff who place a recruitment billboard outside Denver PD's offices! Let's see if being a deputy sheriff in Wyoming is your calling. _____

In this episode we interview Kristofor Healey, who is a former Special Agent who spent his career directing large scale, multi-defendant fraud and public corruption investigations domestically and overseas, including leading the largest tele-fraud case in U.S. history. We discussed how bad police hiring can result in bad police officers. We know you'll enjoy this one!! Find Kristofor: KRISTOFO...