Should I go Federal or Local?

[sonny]

Hello all,

I just graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles. Now that I have a lot more options, which should I go for?

Federal agencies that I have looked into start at GS-5 (around $30,000) plus 25% overtime pay. Local agencies around here start at $48,000, some have overtime, some don't. Looks like the Feds will always pay less.

I could use some advice, great board by the way!

[Cpl Mike]

Hey, Sonny-I'm local and I'll tell you that,unless you like travel,I'd go local- El Monte,LAPD,Arcadia PD, Inglewood PD ( Which is hosting a job fair at Inglewoods'station this saturday-Sept 21st-from 11am-4pm),CHP and a host of other local and state agencies are hiring.Not that the federal gov't(like ATF,Customs,DEA,FBI,Tresury Dept) aren't good, but I think most candidates have a better opportunity with local agencies,particularly here in Calif. where community growth and the 3%@50/55 retirement has began to decimate most agencies senior officer pool( the retirement equation works like this-3% x yrs of duty,for a max. of 90% of your salary if you work 30 yrs + 2=3% adjusted COLA yrly).It all comes down to what you want to do-Federal Agents ,or Investigators DON'T go to 415 FAMILY CALLS,PURSUE STOLEN CARS,OR GO IN FOOT PURSUIT OF ARMED GANGBANGERS regularly!!(unless of course they are Border Patrol, but then that problem of LOW PAY comes up as you've already seen ),but then again if you are into high tech crimes,interstate smuggling/kidnapping, busting mafiaso ,etc, then the white collar work of a "FED" is the move (one advantage is that they don't pick up drunken,puke-bums at 2AM!!!FEDS are usually at home sleeping soundly-LOLOLOLOL!) Do your research,go on ride alongs,most FED/Local/State LEOS will talk to you if you are ernest and show genuine desire.Also visit some of the local police Academies (LAPD in Dtwn L.A. and Westchester,LA Sheriffs and Rio Hondo regional in Whittier ) to get a taste of what you'll be going through.Good Luck, the choice is what you think will fit your lifestyle and what you think you can adapt to.Try my place, www.LAWA.org/police/-disregard the old bulletin,starting pay in the academy for our officers is 49,000-51,000/yr to 68,000/yr(plus horrendous amounts of cash O.T. which beats that federal 25%)-whatever you do,be sure its what you want, and don't just chase the$$$(its important,but a good work environment,high morale, and desire for the job should come first) GOOD LUCK......

[Cpl Mike]

oops!!! on that site I added an exrta word-try www.lawa.org/police/. Also try www.officer.com....
good luck to all. ;D

[Sonny]

Hi Cpl Mike,

Thanks for the informative response. Hey, what a small world! I am actually in the hiring process for Airport Police (passed the written, and PFT). The only drawback is the wait. It seems to take around 3 months for each step in the process. There must be a LOT of applicants. That is the reason I was looking at other agencies. By the way, thanks for giving me a heads up on the pay. The starting pay at $42,000 had me thinking twice about willing to wait around. Also, why Special Officer instead of Police Officer?

In regards to rolling to a 415 and such, does that happen often with Airport Police? Also, how diverse are the assignments? Actually, can I contact you for a ride-along if at all possible? I haven't had any contact with anyone yet from Airport Police (all the exams were given by city employees) and I would sure like to talk to someone in the department. Email me at [e-mail]

Thanks,
Sonny

[Charlie]

Snny--Cp. Mike is offering, once again, some great food for thought with his usual flair. BUT, really, it amounts to what do you want to do? There are pro's and con's on both sides of this issue.

Personally, I would recommend something more local. Then, at a later time if you decide to do something more at the federal level, (after getting a little LE experience somewhere) I think it would possibly improve your chance of going federal. I have often heard that.

Bottom line: It's all about what YOU want to do.

Charlie

[Cpl mike]

And as usual,Charlie- your advice is the icing on the cake!!!! ;D Federal agencies will often pick up veteran officers/dets from local and state agencies(I met a former Det from LAPD, that now works the Bank robbery Detail for FBI)Hey, hang tough if you are in the backgrounds for LAXPD!!! it usually takes 6-8 mos from testing to academy, and I'm sorry about the "old" info on the website-it needs to be updated!!!! Starting is CURRENTLY $49,000- 68,000/yr with an add'l 10-12.5% of a 25.5% raise still coming(contact ends 2004)-plenty of criminal activity on patrol here to keep you busy!!!come on out for a ridealong!!! Also, smart move on applying elsewhere(just in case) I always advise that an applicant apply for at least 5 different agencies that are local.whether local/county/state/federal( keeps the applicant in a familiar area )Also try Inglewood PD,El Segundo PD, Torrance PD, L.A. Unif.Schools PD, and federally,Secret Service (Treasury Dept)... Good luck.I'll email you later for that ridealong info.....