Stanislaus County Sheriff interview questions

The agency was quite fast at responding. The position was obviously in Modesto, CA, and I was located on the east coast. The Sheriff's Office allowed me to conduct an over-the-phone interview. The interview was only about 5-7 questions pertaining to the position and past experience. After the interview, I was contacted after approximately 2 weeks, notifying me of my scores from the interview and which place I was in for the position. I was then asked to come in for an in-person interview. However, I was given less than a week notice, and the Backgrounds/Recruitment Office was aware I was located on the east coast. Since flights were over $600 for that short notice, and this interview served the purpose of just "remaining" in the pool of applicants, not even to further advancement, I again requested a phone or Skype interview. I was declined, even when after explaining my situation in a detailed way.