A very effective way to develop a winning answer is to break it down into parts. Not only does this make it easier to remember, but it also ensures that the content has the right depth. These radical responses help distinguish between the average and the amazing. The following is a model response on ethics and is divided into five simple parts.
THE HOOK:
(Gets the panel’s attention; a unique start to a response)
“Ethics encompasses good and correct behavior and, as the foundation of our integrity, principles and values, I personally believe that ethics is a key component of police professionalism.
THE NUCLEUS:
(The main body of the response; defines and describes the information needed)
Ethics is made up of a combination of personal and professional standards. These standards consist of morals, values, honesty, integrity, courage, principles, character, and honor. It is these standards or the lack of them that allow officers, through their decisions and behavior, to be highly successful or unsuccessful. A common byproduct of strong ethical standards is great leadership. As a supervisor, my ethical standards will be closely watched and modeled. My goal as a supervisor is to ensure that through my standards, my actions are integrally integrated with those of my organization and as a leader, I will engender these same qualities and successes in those who report to me.
CAUTION PRAYER:
(Draws full panel focus to what you’re about to say next)
As lieutenants, I’m sure you’d agree that…
DERIVATION:
(Expands his answer; brings up collateral problems; represents seeing the big picture)
Supervisors who maintain and model strong ethics will serve to decrease mediocrity while increasing performance. Part of the value of my supervision will be in my ability to transform the concept of ethics into reality and to train my officers to make good decisions. By doing this, my actions will help protect my staff members from internal or external complaints, enhance their professional image in the public perception, and protect my organization from exposure to potential liability.
CLOSURE:
(Avoids an abrupt stop; provides a smooth transition at the end of your response)
Finally, having learned many lessons from the last fifteen years, perhaps one of the most difficult periods for law enforcement in recent history, ethics has never been as critical as it is today and will always be at the center of my leadership. “.
This answer is 261 words long and would take 60-90 seconds to render. Compare this answer to its competitors, most of whom generally start and end their answer with just the middle part of the answer shown above. The difference, especially when expressed verbally, is like night and day. taste good!!