PoliceLink

Although the central valley gets pretty hot in the summer, you can't beat the pay scale and the cost of living. If you go to the SF bay area you get paid better but unless you want to live in a locker at the bus station, housing is outrageous.

I worked in LA, and would not recommend it. Santa Cruz (or Monterrey) weather is perfect, but too expensive to live in that area. The Bay Area is also too expensive, even though the pay is extremely high. Tahoe is out...since you don't like snow. Grew up in the Central Valley.....but many 100+ degree days. Went to school in Chico (North CA), but again the summers are hot like the Central Valley. Your perfect weather conditions would mean the San Diego Area. I am sure you could find a good Dept. in the vicinity of San Diego that would suit your tastes. I don't know how expensive it is to live down there, but the weather is great. Personally, I would recommend somewhere up north, like the Redding area (still hot though), but housing is affordable. Don't limit yourself on your opportunities just cause of weather or so-called bad cities. If you hook up with the right Dept., then you won't really notice those things. In the end it is better to work for a good Dept. in a crappy location, than a good location for a crappy Dept. Just something to think about.

Thats why I left the LEFT coast but our summers are really bad here in Virginia..... 98 degree with 95% humidity and no wind... Riding a motorcycle is like sticking a fan in front of a heater..... You break a sweat just sitting on the porch......

There is hardly an area within California that does not experience heat, snow, fog, rain, etc. Many agencies are currently recruiting for qualified candidates. Few, that I am aware of, accept lateral transfers from out-of-state. You must obtain a California P.O.S.T. qualification and attend their local academies - even if it is just to indoctrinate you to local policies and procedures.. Here is a site that can assist you in your search for an agency:

http://www.post.ca.gov/

You can click on "Job Opportunities" and find cities throughout the state that are hiring.

JIMROC said:

viking76 said:

So im looking to relocate in a few years after i finish getting my police officer career started (in my home town in nor cal). I will be about 22 years old at the time. I want to transfer to a reputable department that offers good pay/benefits as a lateral officer (would be looking to eventually become a detective). I wouldn't want to live somewhere with real bad crime like LA. I like medium sized cities that don't get to 100 degrees but dont snow either. Any recommendations? thanks

Not to hot, not to cold, not a lot of crime, sounds like you want to work in Heaven, but I'm not sure they are hiring right now.