Discover
The Police Applicant Podcast
The Police Applicant Podcast
Author: Ken Roybal
Subscribed: 29Played: 843Subscribe
Share
© Ken Roybal
Description
Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pdbackgrounds/subscribe
Do you want to pass the background investigation? Retired veteran LAPD background investigator, Ken Roybal will help you navigate the hiring process for police departments in the US and Canada. Let's get you hired!
Do you want to pass the background investigation? Retired veteran LAPD background investigator, Ken Roybal will help you navigate the hiring process for police departments in the US and Canada. Let's get you hired!
167 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode we discuss everything police candidates need to know about just how dangerous and prevalent alcohol abuse is in police culture. Too many officers across the nation have been suspended, arrested, convicted, and fired due to alcohol abuse. Retired LAPD narcotics detective Mike Margolis is our guest. He came onto the job in 1990 with an alcohol problem, and worked for many years while abusing alcohol and getting into deep trouble with the department as a result. He finally got sober in 2001 and worked the rest of his career helping other struggling officers. This episode is important for police candidates to know about prior to joining.--------------------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
I gave AI the podcast link and this is what I got. Not too shabby, but AI will never replace us!!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode we interview Erik. He's from the East Coast and has an incredible story. He we from the USMC to a DQ with a local PD. His journey began in 2015 and was just hired!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
Jonathan didn't have a good childhood, and his parents were largely absent. His journey wasn't easy with 3 DQ's and one non-select. This is an episode you're sure to enjoy!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode we're joined by Investigator Jesse Cohen of the Westminster PD (CO). There are no notes--we're shooting from the hip in a raw conversation about the current state of recruitment and hiring across the nation. Three background investigators discussing the current trends as we see them!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
Social media and The Charlie Kirk Fallout: How this can affect your background investigation.---------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode we interview Officer Jill. She's a Southern California officer with 16-years of experience and a wealth of knowledge as an officer and a life coach. We hope you enjoy this great interview!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode, Ken interviewed Sebastian, who recently retired as a lieutenant from the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. With almost 30 years of experience, Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge about working in the prison system with some of the most hardened criminals in the nation.-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode Donovan talks about the latest at Reddit. More in & outs, curve balls, and fun facts. We're sure you'll enjoy this one!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode, Ken interviews Hendersonville, TN PD Detective David Harrell. David is currently assigned to Backgrounds and gives us the scoop on he conducts his investigations and why you should work in Tennessee!-------For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode we interview Oscar, a police candidate, now new hire from Southern California. Oscar applied at several agencies, had poly issues, and was finally hired by a So Cal department. He's got a great story!----For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
In this episode we interviewed Julio. Julio is a former LASD deputy sheriff, who was a background investigator and decided to leave California. He was gone a couple before returning to another Southern California agency in 2025. This is a great episode!!----For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netPolice candidate consultations: www.policebackground.net
This is a legacy podcast from the original Policebackground.net. It was originally recorded in 2012. On Halloween night, 2009, a gunman pulled alongside Seattle field training officer Tim Brenton and rookie Britt Sweeny who were on duty in the Leschi neighborhood. He opened fire. Sweeney survived, but Brenton was killed. We interviewed Sweeney about that night._____For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.netwww.policebackground.net
In this episode we discuss the pros & cons of online PHS's. Are they faster to complete or a real pain in the a#*? Let's find out what Ken and Donovan think.-----For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.net
May 25, 2025: This is an update on the recent L.A. City Council vote to slash LAPD hiring from 480 recruits per year to 240.
Trevor moved from the south to become a cop in Washington State. Unfortunately, he had some training issues after being hired. But he's not giving up. Hear his story to see what he's learned from his journey and how he's persevering to achieve his dream!-----For those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.net
AI joins the podcast! This episode is hosted by 100% not humans. :D What is the Policebackground.net consultation all about? Let's get into it with NotebookLM!_____Background Consultations: www.policebackground.netFor those who aren't subscribers: Have we helped you with our podcast content, or with a phone call or email advice? You can now show your love at buymeacoffee.com! Here are the links in the event you'd like to express your appreciation if we've made a difference:buymeacoffee.com/kenroybalbuymeacoffee.com/donovanheavenerBonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.net
In this episode we interview Mike, an officer from Indiana, who had a difficult time getting hired. His journey will help a lot of candidates.Bonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.net
The City of Los Angeles is $1 billion dollars in the hole. How will this affect LAPD hiring? Let's find out.
This is a republish of Donovan's interview about polygraphs. Donovan answers all your questions!______Great news!! Ken and Donovan's new eBooks are now available! 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: Our books are discounted 50% for podcast subscribers!! (Subscribers: Email us for your discount code.)You're going to love these great new podcast offerings!!Purchase your copies today:Ken's Book: https://payhip.com/b/BFYjgDonovan's Book: https://payhip.com/b/AVlRTContact us:ken[atsign]policebackground.netdonovan[atsign]policebackground.net




