Hector Lopez sits in the lobby of the San Benito Police Department Tuesday awaiting an interview for a position at the station. (Staff photo by Heather Cathleen Cox)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
The San Benito Police Department, on Tuesday, began the two-day process of conducting final interviews to hire up to three officers.
What began as over 100 interested applicants has dwindled to just five, one of whom is 24-year-old Benisse Gomez. Gomez, currently an officer for the City of Combes, graduated from police academy this past July.
The only female to make it this far in the interview process, Gomez spoke candidly about her experiences along the way. “I feel very accomplished,” she said. “It’s very difficult for a woman to make it out here.”
Gomez shared that she has wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement since she was in high school. She said, “I took Criminal Justice courses in high school and admired my (female) teacher. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.”
Another candidate, Hector Lopez, has also finished police academy. When asked if he was nervous to start the interview, he laughed and said, “Very.”
Like Gomez, Lopez also said he has wanted to be a law enforcement official since a young age. “I’ve wanted to be an officer ever since I can remember,” he said.
Interviews went well, said Operations Chief Martin Morales. The chief said the rigorous interview process consists of a four on one interview with the chief, Assistant Chief Michael Galvan, Internal Affairs Detective Rogelio Banda, Jr. and Sergeant Milton Resendez. “We have a total of 25 questions that we shoot at them,” Morales said.
“The majority of questions are scenarios. We want to know their reaction; what would they do, covering conflicts like responding to emergencies.” Two sample questions fired at candidates include: What would you do if someone told you they were being sexually harassed on the job? What would you do if a friend wanted you to do a personal favor for them to go scare somebody?
The chief explained that candidates must show that “they are going to be able to treat everybody fairly regardless of who the person is, not favoring a person for one reason or another.”
Morales has hopes to hire the three most qualified candidates but explained the department will have to acquire budget approval from City Manager Manuel Lara before any decisions are made. Morales said, “The physical positions are open, but we need to confirm the financial part. It’s just a determination of whether we can (afford to hire) now or (must wait until) later, but it is going to get done.”
The department has advertised that preferential consideration may be given to candidates who are already certified officers; however, Morales said, “Everybody will be given fair and equal opportunities. In reality, having a certification doesn’t mean we will put aside more qualified candidates. It’s just a plus.”
Earlier in November, the department saw two recent hires. Morales said the two rookies are still in orientation but will be assigned shifts beginning next Monday. “Right now,” said the chief, “they are riding around, getting to know the city, becoming familiar with neighborhoods and getting used to radio traffic. By Monday, they will be starting their shift duties with their field training officers.”
There’s no exact word as to when the department will finalize its most recent officer selection.
Read this story in the Nov. 28 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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