SAMPLE ORAL BOARD QUESTIONS LEST (VERIFIED) CORRECT
QUESTIONS & ANSWERSWITH RATIONALES (REAL DEAL)
Question 1
When asked how you prepared for the LEST position, which of the following answers best
demonstrates proactive and relevant preparation?
A) "I have several family members in law enforcement, so I am familiar with the lifestyle."
B) "I reviewed the job description online and felt my skills were a good match for the duties
listed."
C) "I downloaded and studied the department's study guide, participated in ride-alongs to
understand the role, and familiarized myself with police codes."
D) "I have always been interested in law enforcement and watch many crime-related TV shows."
E) "I focused on my physical fitness and practiced my typing skills to meet the minimum
requirements."
Correct Answer: C) "I downloaded and studied the department's study guide, participated in
ride-alongs to understand the role, and familiarized myself with police codes."
Rationale: This answer shows the most initiative and dedication. It details specific, relevant
actions taken to understand the department and the role of a LEST, such as studying official
materials, gaining firsthand experience through ride-alongs, and learning practical
terminology.
Question 2
What is the most professional motivation for wanting to become a Law Enforcement Support
Technician?
A) The position offers good pay, stable hours, and government benefits.
B) It seems like a less dangerous way to be involved in law enforcement than being an officer.
C) The ultimate goal is to assist officers in serving the community and enhancing public safety.
D) It is a good entry-level position to gain experience before applying to be a police officer.
E) I enjoy administrative work and the fast-paced environment of a police department.
Correct Answer: C) The ultimate goal is to assist officers in serving the community and
enhancing public safety.
,Rationale: This answer aligns with the mission of a law enforcement agency. It demonstrates a
service-oriented mindset and a clear understanding that the LEST role is a crucial part of the
larger goal of community safety, which is a primary value for the department.
Question 3
When discussing your customer service background, which statement shows the most relevant
and extensive experience?
A) "I worked in retail for a summer and handled customer transactions at the cash register."
B) "Yes, I have a background in customer service that has been a key part of my duties since I
began working, dealing with diverse age groups and situations."
C) "I don't have direct customer service experience, but I am a people person and learn quickly."
D) "I once helped a customer find a lost item, and they were very grateful."
E) "My previous jobs required me to answer the phone, which is a form of customer service."
Correct Answer: B) "Yes, I have a background in customer service that has been a key part of
my duties since I began working, dealing with diverse age groups and situations."
Rationale: This answer is strong because it frames customer service not as a single task, but as
an integral and continuous part of their work history. It also highlights adaptability by
mentioning experience with diverse age groups, which is highly relevant to a public-facing
role.
Question 4
What do the department's ICARE values (Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect, Excellence)
primarily represent to an employee?
A) A set of rules that must be memorized for a test.
B) A guideline for professional conduct that fosters a positive work environment and community
trust.
C) A marketing tool used to improve the department's public image.
D) A list of goals that are desirable but not required for daily work.
E) A system for ranking employees during annual performance reviews.
,Correct Answer: B) A guideline for professional conduct that fosters a positive work
environment and community trust.
Rationale: This answer shows a deep understanding of the purpose of core values. They are
not just words to be memorized, but principles to live by that guide behavior, promote a
healthy workplace culture, and build a positive relationship between the department and the
community it serves.
Question 5
When asked about your ultimate goal, what is the most appropriate response for a LEST
candidate?
A) "My ultimate goal is to find a stable job with a good pension that I can stay at until
retirement."
B) "My goal is to eventually become a police officer, and this is the first step."
C) "My ultimate goal is to support police officers in their mission to better the community and
ensure its safety."
D) "My goal is to become the best LEST in the department and win employee of the year."
E) "I want to learn as much as possible so I can transfer to a different government agency."
Correct Answer: C) "My ultimate goal is to support police officers in their mission to better the
community and ensure its safety."
Rationale: This response is service-oriented and aligned with the department's mission. It
demonstrates a clear understanding of the LEST's supportive role and a commitment to the
greater goal of public safety, which is highly valued in a law enforcement agency.
Question 6
When an interviewer asks, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?", what is the best type of
answer?
A) One that shows you plan to leave the department for a higher-paying job in the private
sector.
B) One that shows you have researched the career path and are ambitious for growth within the
department.
, C) One that is non-committal, such as "I haven't thought that far ahead."
D) One that focuses only on personal life goals, such as buying a house.
E) One that suggests you will be happy doing the same exact job with no desire for change.
Correct Answer: B) One that shows you have researched the career path and are ambitious for
growth within the department.
Rationale: This answer demonstrates foresight, ambition, and a commitment to the
department. Mentioning specific upward-mobility positions like Senior LEST or LEST
Supervisor shows that you have done your research and are viewing this as a long-term
career, not just a job.
Question 7
You have a disagreement with a coworker over a workplace procedure. What is the best first
step to resolve the situation?
A) Immediately report the coworker to your supervisor for not following the rules.
B) Ask other coworkers to take your side in the disagreement.
C) Have a professional, private conversation with the coworker to understand their perspective
and clarify the correct procedure.
D) Ignore the disagreement and hope it resolves itself over time.
E) Send an email to the coworker and copy your supervisor to document the issue.
Correct Answer: C) Have a professional, private conversation with the coworker to understand
their perspective and clarify the correct procedure.
Rationale: The most mature and effective first step is direct communication. This approach
respects the coworker and provides an opportunity to resolve the conflict at the lowest
possible level. Involving a supervisor should be the next step if direct communication fails.
Question 8
In the scenario of a conflict with a school custodian, what was the most critical action taken to
ensure a professional resolution?
A) Telling other school staff about what the custodian did.
B) Immediately demanding the items be returned.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERSWITH RATIONALES (REAL DEAL)
Question 1
When asked how you prepared for the LEST position, which of the following answers best
demonstrates proactive and relevant preparation?
A) "I have several family members in law enforcement, so I am familiar with the lifestyle."
B) "I reviewed the job description online and felt my skills were a good match for the duties
listed."
C) "I downloaded and studied the department's study guide, participated in ride-alongs to
understand the role, and familiarized myself with police codes."
D) "I have always been interested in law enforcement and watch many crime-related TV shows."
E) "I focused on my physical fitness and practiced my typing skills to meet the minimum
requirements."
Correct Answer: C) "I downloaded and studied the department's study guide, participated in
ride-alongs to understand the role, and familiarized myself with police codes."
Rationale: This answer shows the most initiative and dedication. It details specific, relevant
actions taken to understand the department and the role of a LEST, such as studying official
materials, gaining firsthand experience through ride-alongs, and learning practical
terminology.
Question 2
What is the most professional motivation for wanting to become a Law Enforcement Support
Technician?
A) The position offers good pay, stable hours, and government benefits.
B) It seems like a less dangerous way to be involved in law enforcement than being an officer.
C) The ultimate goal is to assist officers in serving the community and enhancing public safety.
D) It is a good entry-level position to gain experience before applying to be a police officer.
E) I enjoy administrative work and the fast-paced environment of a police department.
Correct Answer: C) The ultimate goal is to assist officers in serving the community and
enhancing public safety.
,Rationale: This answer aligns with the mission of a law enforcement agency. It demonstrates a
service-oriented mindset and a clear understanding that the LEST role is a crucial part of the
larger goal of community safety, which is a primary value for the department.
Question 3
When discussing your customer service background, which statement shows the most relevant
and extensive experience?
A) "I worked in retail for a summer and handled customer transactions at the cash register."
B) "Yes, I have a background in customer service that has been a key part of my duties since I
began working, dealing with diverse age groups and situations."
C) "I don't have direct customer service experience, but I am a people person and learn quickly."
D) "I once helped a customer find a lost item, and they were very grateful."
E) "My previous jobs required me to answer the phone, which is a form of customer service."
Correct Answer: B) "Yes, I have a background in customer service that has been a key part of
my duties since I began working, dealing with diverse age groups and situations."
Rationale: This answer is strong because it frames customer service not as a single task, but as
an integral and continuous part of their work history. It also highlights adaptability by
mentioning experience with diverse age groups, which is highly relevant to a public-facing
role.
Question 4
What do the department's ICARE values (Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect, Excellence)
primarily represent to an employee?
A) A set of rules that must be memorized for a test.
B) A guideline for professional conduct that fosters a positive work environment and community
trust.
C) A marketing tool used to improve the department's public image.
D) A list of goals that are desirable but not required for daily work.
E) A system for ranking employees during annual performance reviews.
,Correct Answer: B) A guideline for professional conduct that fosters a positive work
environment and community trust.
Rationale: This answer shows a deep understanding of the purpose of core values. They are
not just words to be memorized, but principles to live by that guide behavior, promote a
healthy workplace culture, and build a positive relationship between the department and the
community it serves.
Question 5
When asked about your ultimate goal, what is the most appropriate response for a LEST
candidate?
A) "My ultimate goal is to find a stable job with a good pension that I can stay at until
retirement."
B) "My goal is to eventually become a police officer, and this is the first step."
C) "My ultimate goal is to support police officers in their mission to better the community and
ensure its safety."
D) "My goal is to become the best LEST in the department and win employee of the year."
E) "I want to learn as much as possible so I can transfer to a different government agency."
Correct Answer: C) "My ultimate goal is to support police officers in their mission to better the
community and ensure its safety."
Rationale: This response is service-oriented and aligned with the department's mission. It
demonstrates a clear understanding of the LEST's supportive role and a commitment to the
greater goal of public safety, which is highly valued in a law enforcement agency.
Question 6
When an interviewer asks, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?", what is the best type of
answer?
A) One that shows you plan to leave the department for a higher-paying job in the private
sector.
B) One that shows you have researched the career path and are ambitious for growth within the
department.
, C) One that is non-committal, such as "I haven't thought that far ahead."
D) One that focuses only on personal life goals, such as buying a house.
E) One that suggests you will be happy doing the same exact job with no desire for change.
Correct Answer: B) One that shows you have researched the career path and are ambitious for
growth within the department.
Rationale: This answer demonstrates foresight, ambition, and a commitment to the
department. Mentioning specific upward-mobility positions like Senior LEST or LEST
Supervisor shows that you have done your research and are viewing this as a long-term
career, not just a job.
Question 7
You have a disagreement with a coworker over a workplace procedure. What is the best first
step to resolve the situation?
A) Immediately report the coworker to your supervisor for not following the rules.
B) Ask other coworkers to take your side in the disagreement.
C) Have a professional, private conversation with the coworker to understand their perspective
and clarify the correct procedure.
D) Ignore the disagreement and hope it resolves itself over time.
E) Send an email to the coworker and copy your supervisor to document the issue.
Correct Answer: C) Have a professional, private conversation with the coworker to understand
their perspective and clarify the correct procedure.
Rationale: The most mature and effective first step is direct communication. This approach
respects the coworker and provides an opportunity to resolve the conflict at the lowest
possible level. Involving a supervisor should be the next step if direct communication fails.
Question 8
In the scenario of a conflict with a school custodian, what was the most critical action taken to
ensure a professional resolution?
A) Telling other school staff about what the custodian did.
B) Immediately demanding the items be returned.
