General Forums >> Law Enforcement Careers >> Need some advice
Need some advice
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Posted 11 months ago I've recently applied at 5 local agencies and it has always been a dream of mine to work at one particular agency at which I have applied (Let's call this agency JPD). Here's the problem I face and need some advice on:If I get called to work for an agency and work there for a month or 2 then get the call from JPD to work for them is it considered disrespectful to leave the initial agency so soon? I feel as though it would be disrespectful if I were to work for such a short time then leave for the agency I've always dreamed of working for. I would appreciate some insight from people who have been in this situation and could help me out. Thank you. |
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| Posted 11 months ago In this economy, I'd take the position that is offered first. You're getting real world experience while you're there. Who knows, you may enjoy it there so much that you decide to stay. I took a job back in 2008 and left in 2008 due to issues with the chief. I enjoyed the community, but got fed up with the antics of the chief. I sometimes wish I had stayed but I am convinced that I did the right thing and am sure that eventually a better opportunity will present itself. "Niether fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." Buddha |
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| Posted 11 months ago Whichever presents itself first is the one I'll take. I can't afford to just sit around for the one that I want. At JPD I know a few officers, I've lived in the area since '96, and it's just an agency with a very good track record in the area. And anywhere I end up, I will be sure to soak up any knowledge they have to offer and then some. |
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| Posted 11 months ago If the opportunity presents itself, you should take it because it might be awhile until the next one comes around. Depending on the agency and position, some will require you to sign a contract promising you'd stay with them for number of years. If you leave, you'd have to pay back some $$$$. http://www.iamsorryivotedforobama.com/ How's that HOPE and CHANGE working out for you? What would you do for a Klondike bar? |
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| Posted 11 months ago IowaNinersFan says ...
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| Posted 11 months ago Stauffy says ...
I would imagine so. I've never worked for a department that has issued more than uniforms, ticket books and written warning books. "Niether fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." Buddha |
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| Posted 11 months ago rypete says ...
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| Posted 11 months ago It varies from department to department. I have never worked for a department that issues things like duty belt, gun, taser, etc. I have the duty belt, handgun and ammunition so I've been able to keep all that with me. The uniforms, ticket books and written warning books I've had to return. I have also never worked for a department that gives signing bonuses for working with them for a set amount of time. I think the best thing to do would be to ask the department you're applying with and see what their policy is. "Niether fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." Buddha |
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| Posted 11 months ago I have an interview lined up with one and I'll ask them when that time comes. As far as the other 4 I'm asking them tomorrow. Thank you for the help. |
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| Posted 11 months ago My opinion it would be a little disrespectful. Is the first department paying for you to go to the academy? If so they just forked a whole lot of money on you. Next they just put another few thousand dollars for you to get uniforms and equipment. When you add up everything on your duty belt, plus a couple uniforms, plus special equipment it gets into the high thousands of dollars. Also in that short period of time its most likely that you probably will not have completed FTO training or your probation time. Not sure a department would let you go if your not even out of FTO yet. Just remember the first department is putting a lot into you and if you leave they have to go through the whole process again just to find someone to take your spot which means more money.
You wouldn't go in there for a million bucks...A Cop does it for less...A Reserve does it for free.... |
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| Posted 11 months ago I am curious as it sounds like to this point, that you are only in the interview phase. Have you been given an actual job offer with any of the 5 agencies? |
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| Posted 11 months ago rypete says ...
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| Posted 11 months ago And it's because of all the money they would invest in me is why I think it'd be disrespectful. Well that and I just think when someone offers you the opportunity you shouldn't just do that to them. As far as where I am in the application process with all of the agencies, here's a brief breakdown of where I stand: At JPD (my goal agency and the largest of the five) I have currently passed the agility test, written test, background investigation, and polygraph test. I was told that I would be contact by either a detective or their human resources department to schedule an interview, which will probably be in early July seeing as how they have around 35 other applicants. I had gotten word today that I was turned down at one county agency, and the other county agency is currently looking over my application and references. As far as the rest go, I haven't heard anything as of yet. I'm so far along in the process at my goal agency that by the time another place gives me a call I think I would've already heard their decision as to hire me or not. |
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| Posted 11 months ago TreeHugger719 says ...
http://www.iamsorryivotedforobama.com/ How's that HOPE and CHANGE working out for you? What would you do for a Klondike bar? |
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| Posted 11 months ago BUMP StrykerBrig21, You may have to give the agency that sends you to your basic training a minimum time. In my state it's two years, otherwise you may liable to pay the agency back for the money they invested in your training. Food for thought and research. |
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| Posted 11 months ago csiguy says ... BUMP StrykerBrig21, You may have to give the agency that sends you to your basic training a minimum time. In my state it's two years, otherwise you may liable to pay the agency back for the money they invested in your training. Food for thought and research. Often the agency that hires your pays the agency that sent you to the academy for your acadeny training, as csiguy noted, if you change agenices withing 2 years the agency that trained you can get your salary back while you were in the academy (usually from the agency that hired you), in KS the academy is basically free, but you get paid a salary ( and if lucky OT) while in the academy. I have worked for agencies that furnish everything but your underwear and others that just furnished a uniform and i had to purchase all my equipment, duty belt, gun , cuffs, ect., this varies widely from agency to agency. |
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| Posted 11 months ago Yes it would be direspectful. In my area there is a clause in the app. that states once hired and trained you must sign a commitment for X number of years or repay the dept. That is a lot of money. Also most apps have the question "have you applied to any other dept. in the last 12 months". Sooner or later the different depts will talk to each other. Also, if my dept. found out at any time before your field training graduation that you were going to leave they would let you go immediately. ""Life is a storm.. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"
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| Posted 11 months ago As a show of respect i would recommend staying for one year. even if they did not send you to the academy. i know with my agency even if they did not send you. you still sign a one year contract due to them purchasing uniforms and duty gear for you to use at work. |
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| Posted 11 months ago I've done some research and looked into it. Most of the agencies that I applied at have a probation period of 1 year for non certified officers and 6 months for certified officers. At this point in time, I'm just going to go with whoever offers me the job first, gain some experience, then maybe someday work for my goal agency in the future. |
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| Posted 11 months ago Stauffy says ...
Excellent attitude! ""Life is a storm.. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"
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| Posted 11 months ago What Sgt405 said. |
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| Posted 11 months ago good way to go. good luck. |
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| Posted 11 months ago Wise decision. Good lick, |
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| Posted 11 months ago Thanks for the help everyone. If all goes right, I'm hoping to go to the police academy this August. |
