The Police Applicant Podcast
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!
Episodes
Ep. 128: The Current State of Recruitment w/Inv. Jesse Cohen
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…
Special Ep: Social Media Fallout
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…
Ep. 127 - Officer Jill: Veteran Officer & Life Coach
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 subscrib…
Ep. 126 - Sebastian: The Corrections Officer
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…
Ep. 125 - Donovan Talks The Latest Reddits!
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 cal…
Ep. 124 - TN Background Inv. David Harrell
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 are…
Ep. 123 - Oscar's Journey: The Ups and Downs of Getting Hired
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…
Ep. 122 - Julio - Former LASD BI, Moved Out of State, and Came Back!
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 g…
Ep. 121 - Legacy Podcast: The Sweeney/Brenton Ambush
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 …
Ep. 120 - Tyler's Journey: From DQ to Hire!
In this episode, we interview Tyler from Missouri. Tyler tells us about his family history in law enforcement, applying and being DQ'd, and then getting hired a few years later. This is a great episode!!----For those who aren't subscribers:…
Ep. 119 - Online PHS's: Pro's & Cons
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,…
Special Update: LAPD Cuts Hiring by 50%
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.
Ep. 118 - Trevor's Journey: Not Quitting
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 achi…
AI and The Podcast: Your Consultation
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 subsc…
Ep. 117 - Michael - Indiana Officer : A Difficult Journey
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.)Yo…
May 2025 - News for YOU!
Here's your podcast updates and news for May 2025!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:…
LAPD Special: Budget Crisis - Is LAPD Hiring Shutting Down?
The City of Los Angeles is $1 billion dollars in the hole. How will this affect LAPD hiring? Let's find out.
Ep. 116 - Jen L.: Why I left California Policing for Tennessee!
In this episode we reinterview Jen. L. from episode 20! She's been on the job for four years now and has since lateralled to Tennessee!! Let's catch up on her journey and why she left California!Bonus: Our books are discounted 50% for podca…
Ep. 79 - The Poly! (Redux)
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 Backgro…
Ep. 115 - Marie: Ohio Candidate to Hire
This is a SUBSCRIBER PRE-RELEASE. The episode will be released to the public on Friday-April 4th, 2025.In this episode we interview Marie, who started out as a podcast listener and is a recent hire from Ohio. Her application process was not…
Ep. 114: Ken Strange - Federal Agent, FBI, Global Assignments
In this episode we interview well-known retired federal agent and author Ken Strange. Ken spent time with the FBI and other federal agencies traveling the globe and fighting terrorism. This is a compelling story! He is the author of "A Cop'…
Ep. 113 - Academy Fails
This is a Subscriber Pre-Release. The public episode will be published on Friday - March 7, 2025.In this episode we discuss common reasons why recruits fail the academy. You need to be locked on for the entire academy. Find out in this epis…
Ep. 112 - Inner Circle Protection: The Police Recruit and Firearms
This is a subscriber pre-release. The public episode will be available in Friday-February 21, 2025._____In this episode we interview Julian and Nate from Inner Circle Protection in Arizona. They teach tactical firearms training to police an…
Exciting News! Our New Books Are Available!
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 Intervi…
Ep. 111 - Scott Medlin: The Journey
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 m…
Special Episode: Cmdr. Eric Tung has a New Hiring Guide!
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
Season 5 Opener: The Future of Police Recruitment
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…
Ep. 109 - Jared : Central Texas Candidate
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 t…
Ep. 108 - Trooper Bryan V - Adversity to Success!
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, …
Ep. 107 - Maryland Deputy Three Years In
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 …
Ep. 106 - Capt. Robin Petillo - LAPD Hiring & Recruitment
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 u…
Ep. 105 - Sgt. Chris Littrell: Triumph & Tragedy
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 wh…
Ep. 104 - Ken & Donovan Share Their Favorite Reddit's!!
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
Officer Needs Help w/Fmr. LA Co. Sheriff Alex Villanueva
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 famil…
Ep. 103 - Portland Police Bureau
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 dono…
Ep. 102 - Recruiters Corner: Seattle PD
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 …
Announcements - September 2024
Let's catch on what's happening on the podcast!!
Ep. 101- WA State Patrol Trooper Heather Axtman
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[atsi…
Sept. 12, 2024: BIG LAPD News!
The LAPD poly is out! LAPD is taking over Backgrounds from the Personnel Department. Let's talk about it!
Our 100th Episode!! Christine, Minerva, Donovan, and Ken Reunite!
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 w…