Posted: 7/19/2015 12:30:20 AM EDT
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Hi, I don't post one here much, but I do read a lot. Guess now's as good a time as any to become active.
A little about myself: I'm 23 years old. I served 6 years in the Army Reserve. I have worked security for a couple years, I worked as a cash-in-transit messenger (armored trucks) at Brink's for two years, and I'm currently working for Garda. I have a clean background. I have applied to several local agencies. My city, a neighboring city(my preference at this point) and another nearby municipality. Well call them APD, BPD, and CPD. I made it to the oral board on each one, and failed. I reapplied for BPD, and passed the oral board this time. Some info on these departments: APD has 200ish officers, BPD 70, CPD 120. BPD is one of the highest paid in the area, and they are very selective about who they hire. APD wanted to hire around 15, CPD 12, and BPD 4. Everyone wants to work for BPD. They can afford to be selective because there is virtually no turnover. So, I did my oral board for BPD, and waited. I waited some more. I heard they were starting a new pool in a couple months, and I still had heard nothing. Now, I won't call them, I'm not "that guy." I can be patient. They were going to start testing again in April. Well, I get a phone call in April, and I'm told that I am an outstanding applicant, that the board liked me, but that they had a couple of applicants with more experience. Bummer. Well, anyway, she tells me that I'm not out yet. They're gonna push me into the next pool, and run my background when everyone else gets there. Awesome. I'm feeling great, because my preferred department noticed me. I'm a good applicant! They did this for me, and one other guy. |
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Well, a few more months pass by, and I get another call from BPD. They have hired two more officers, but they still really liked me! She said that the recruiter from our county jail had called and asked if there was anyone in their last pool that they didn't hire, but would be a good candidate for corrections. My name was mentioned, along with the other guy they bumped. She asked if I was interested in that, and if she could give my number to County. I of course said yes. She said that I needed something else to separate myself from the pack. She told me if I got 6 to 12 months at the jail, they'd love to see me back again. This is amazing.
I had already filled out an application for County, but I really don't want to work in a jail. I never submitted it. The next day, the County recruiter calls me. She asks if she can send me an application. I tell her I have it filled out, and I'll drop it off on my way home from work. She says since I passed B's written exam and physical agility test, I would not have to take them with them. I went in the following week for my oral board, passed easily. The polygraph was a few hours after that. This was three weeks ago. Still haven't heard back... |
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Okay, so now, a few months ago, before I applied to County, I applied to a very small department, DPD. They have 8 full timers, and 12 reserve spots, with 4 open. The reserve position is unpaid, but it's experience. I need to get in somewhere, right? The Corporal who interviewed me said that it's a good start, but if I wanted a paying job,that County B just got a pay raise... Okay, I'll think about it.
So I pass my interview with DPD, pass my background, and I took my poly last Thursday. The poly was conducted by County B. The Captain that did my poly asked me if I ever thought about applying to their County. I told him I had, but that I had not applied yet. We talked about the job for a while, I would of course start in the jail, but the pay is good, hours are good, and overtime is available. I live in my county, so I would have to move if I wanted to go to the patrol division. That's a year or so off, if I get hired, so I'm not worried about that. He gave me his card, and told me to call him if I apply. He said I already passed the poly, so we won't do it again. One step down. Awesome. I applied that night. I called him the next day (Friday). I got a call a few hours later from a different Captain, and we talked about the job. He told me that I could not serve as a reserve officer within the county. Bummer. Well, County will pay me, so, yeah, why not? I tell him I'm interested. He says that their next pool starts in early August, but he's willing to fast track me. He asks if I can come in Monday for the written and interview. I say I already have Thursday off (for a physical for DPD) and that I can do it then. He says that is fine, and we'll do it Thursday morning. Wow. That was quick. I cancelled the doctor's appointment. |
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So I call the Corporal at DPD, and I'm a little bummed out. I was supposed to start pre-basic with them on the 28th. I told him what was going on with County B, and he says, "That's great!! I'm happy for you!!" Awesome. Here I felt like I was letting them down... I feel better. He says that I have to take the pre-basic no matter where I go, so I can still come train with them. Also, we all know how long hiring can take, and he said if it takes a while for County B to hire me, or should I not be hired for whatever reason, that I'm welcome to work for them.
I feel great right now. Kind of. Well, my County still hasn't called, but I'd take their County over mine. Better department. Not concerned with that. Now, for that advice I requested, it was necessary to provide all that info. What I'm thinking about now is this: 1. I love my job where I'm at now. 2. County B pays about $3/hr better than what I make now. 3. With DPD, I could be patrolling on my own within a couple months, albeit unpaid... 4. If I take a job with the County B, I can't work for DPD... 5. I don't know if I will like the jail... So, I was pretty certain that I would accept a job with County. I'm still pretty sure, but I could use some reinforcement or other suggestions. What looks better to a department? Corrections experience or being a cop in a small town for no pay? After all, if I'm willing to do it for free, they know I won't wash out on them! What do you think? Thank you for reading this. I tried to make it as easy to read as possible. Edit: Names have been omitted |
| I'm slightly confused, but I am pretty sure I've got it. The county you can work for (not volunteer for) will make you work the jail for a year. Do it. Once you are in the door and have DCJS certs it is far easier to transfer to where you want to be. Go work 3 years there, if you love it, stay, if you don't, go to another department. You will have all the required training and 3 years of experience making you an easy choice. |
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Quoted:
I'm slightly confused, but I am pretty sure I've got it. The county you can work for (not volunteer for) will make you work the jail for a year. Do it. Once you are in the door and have DCJS certs it is far easier to transfer to where you want to be. Go work 3 years there, if you love it, stay, if you don't, go to another department. You will have all the required training and 3 years of experience making you an easy choice. Very valid point. A big part of me wants to patrol with the reserve department, but I know I'll get farther with the County. I just hope the County takes a few months to hire me so I can be a reserve officer in the meantime. Thank you for your input. |