Hey Just wondering if there are any law enforcement officers on here or guys that have been through the process of becoming a police officer or law enforcement officer. I've been contemplating the idea of becoming a cop since high school but made the choice of being an automotive technician. I'm currently a tech a chevy dealer but it just not what I thought it was gonna be like. Now I want to pursue a different career one that's fulfilling and pays very well. Something that the automotive industry doesn't do if your young and new in the business. So my question is where do I start? There's a police academy here in Napa but I just don't have the money available to make that happen of like to get an agency to sponsor me first. Any kind of advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

Find an agency that will pay for you go to POST. It's hard to find these days, but does exist.

 

Sacramento PD is hiring, and sponsoring those who are good enough to go through their academy. Other agencies are also hiring, but I'm not certain about sponsoring. You can also look into community colleges for their academies, but generally most agencies will hire from a PD academy before a CC academy.

Biggest thing is make sure you clean up your act (if it was dirty to begin with). Tickets, arrests, or any time you've been contacted by PD can be scrutinized. Don't lie, as it's an automatic disqualifier. If you did something stupid, or illegal, be honest and explain it. Nobody is perfect but it better be minor. If you do ANY kind of illegal drugs, stop. Yes, marijuana is illegal. Also if you are currently doing any, don't expect to get hired by ANY PD for 2-3 years (forever if it's a hard drug). If you're on prescription medication that can be considered addictive or abused, see if there is a way to function without it. Don't have any parties, **** off your neighbors, and make sure you have good friends who can vouch for you and also have clean records. Make sure your finances are well in order, and you haven't filed bankruptcy or are behind on any bills. They will run a credit check on you. Make sure you can complete sentences, and spell. Also work on your handwriting and begin getting in shape. Being able to run 2 miles going INTO the academy will help, but make sure you're not just working endurance, but also strength training.

Today there are hundreds putting in for a couple available jobs, so anything that makes you look like you could be a liability to the dept, can make you less desirable.

 

Those are the only ones I'm applying too but ultimately I may have to pay my way through. Thanks dude appreciate the input.

 

My record is spotless, that's the one of the main reasons I believe I have a decent chance. But I will definitely look into Sac PD. thanks for the advice that's the kind of info I'm looking for.

 

SFPD may be taking applications in November. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

officer.com has a great forum and lots of info

 

It is a very hard. Long. And difficult process.

Law enforcement got FLOODED with returning vets and guys looking for solid jobs when the economy took a dump. They are pretty much only taking the best of the best right now. Many places have closed recruiting or limited it. When I did the santa cruz test I was forced to do it while I had the swine flu because it was the last test. They've since reopened recruiting but only have 1-3 openings a year on average. Some times you'll see a department release... oh 9 openings. But what they don't tell you is that 7 of them are going to get filled with lateral transfers and people coming from other departments.

You can't do it the way you used to be able to... get a job with a department and have them put you through the academy. There's just too many people already through the academy. So plan on putting yourself through the academy. That means no work and about $12k. Then when you're done with that you need to apply EVERYWHERE!

My buddy has applied as far away as San Diego, Redding and Hawaii. He nearly got in over in Hawaii but I think he was 3rd and they took 2 or something like that.

San Diego had something like 900 applicants when I went through it.

I failed out on the agility... swine flu... not easy to climb ****ing walls with no strength at all and a 104 temp.

And I got a job offer when I was looking at other departments. My written was pretty solid.

It's not one of those things you mess around with anymore. YOu have to be 100% committed and you're gonna need some help from your family.

If you do it here's my advice.

1. Get in shape.
2. Do the practice test websites for the written.
3. Talk to cops.
4. Do as many ride alongs as you can. It will help the department remember your face and let them know you're serious.
5. Go though a side arm course. Get familiar with them. Learn to shoot correctly.
6. Save as much money as you can.
7. Once you get in the academy live and breath it.
8. When you get out. Apply EVERYWHERE. Get your foot in the door. You can always try and transfer later.

 

CHP is opening their applications for one weekend. Sept. 12-14. You get paid Cadet salary during the academy, then get a raise upon graduation to Officer. But half of the class fails out of the academy.

And hopefully you're good with English, half of the applicants fail out on the written exam.

CHP-Recruiting

 

I hear ads on the radio saying that Fremont pd is actively hiring

 

I hadn't realized they closed recruiting. They were still active when the agencies I was talking to shut down. It's a good paying gig. Just be ready to move. I would actually advise getting out of your place and moving in with your folks. That way when they tell you were to report you're ready to go. You have a very small amount of time to report and they can send you anywhere in california.

I thought about it but then decided I just couldn't handle doing what they do. You're paid to be a dick. I'd probably be pretty good at it but I'd hate myself. LOL! But it's a really good job and if you're good enough they do have some task forces that can be pretty fun to work on.

 

I hear Oakland PD hires with no need for college credits..My buddy has been going through the process for some time now as stated get in shape and def go over any grammar test you can do before hand

 

Just an update guys, I got an invitation to do a physical agility test and written exam for Stainslaus County sheriff. Wish me luck! We will see where this takes me.

 

I know someone who went through POST. Didn't work of course, got in shape, and first hire was BART. Seems like he's living a pretty good gig, paid to monitor even when BART was on strike. Lots of OT, hard work to get in shape, he was already good due to previous air softing, strong enough to compete with military when going through firing drills.

Over 30 years old, got in, now it's just a smooth ride thus far.

 

Alright it's game time tomorrow guys, got my first PAT with stainslaus county. Then a written with Sacramento PD on the 18th. Hope all goes well! I'm nervous outta my damn mind! Lol