Getting Hired

[Anthony M]

okay, I live in california.... I took my POST exam and

scored a t-48 which basically lets me apply to every PD

in my area. What i want to know is, say i get hired by a

PD condiotionall. My next Police academy for me attend

does not start untill MARCH of next year, that is 6

months..... if i get hired conditionally do they get me

started right away doing things around the stations,

starting to learn the ropes before its my time to go to

the academy, or am i just Jobless untill the academy

starts... I want to know because 6 months is a long

time to go without a job.... I hope PD lets you work for

them even if just for min wage anyone know

anything about this?

Thanks!
Anthony M.

[T.COTE]

hey,

In Maine , if you get hired and have not attended the academy they will put you to work anyway.

I know of a couple officers in my department in the same situation, and they actually worked the road with a F.T.O.


I guess it is like everything else, it depends on what department you work for. But I think if you get hired ( conditionally or not ) that they would put you to work untill your time at the academy came up.

Best of luck


T.COTE

[Charlie]

Anthony M--This is a question you'll have to ask each individual department about. Each department differs when it comes to their hiring process and I am certain California is no different in this regard. Some departments MAY hire individuals before putting them through the academy to perform other duties or functions in the department but again, it all depends uon the department. And yes, it is a possibility that one may essentially be hired for a department BUT may not start working until the academy starts.....even six months or whatever later on.

Your questions would best be answered by the agency(s) you've applied with for a position. The recruiter should be able to fill you in on what they do at their department with new people. ;D

Charlie

[Drakor]

;DMost departments will put you to work doing something like filing criminal reports. They will most likely place you in a position similar to that of a cadet. They realize that it is easier to do this then to lose you to another Pd. It just depends on the PD.... Also understand that they may also farm you out to another academy. It just depends..... Good Luck K.U.P.

[Anthony M]

Thanks for the info guys, I go on my ride along this sat, I have already been on one before, but I guess the SGT. just wants me to see if i like the city, so i expect i shoudl be setting up a oral board test asap after ride along.. hopefully everything works out

[Cpl Mike]

Anthony M, are you "pre-service"?sounds like it. I know that some academies here in California are run through
local community colleges and that non-agency sponsored candidates (cadets,recruits) sign up throught the college as a admin. justice major .part of that requirement is that you fill out an application for a B.I. once that is completed,and know criminal or questionable info is found, you must pass a POST entrance exam(once again, for non-agency sponsored candidates).As pre-service, you basically have to fend for yourself!push those applications,visit your local agencies ,and check for temp or part time positions(community services officer,part time dispatcher,parking enforcement officer).Pre service candidates usually get an academy orientation with their agency sponsored classmates and, unless you have tested and are hired before,during,or at graduation, you won't be receiving any compensation(i.e. money).Emergency medical costs will be provided through student association fees paid at time of academy registration(some have optional insurance), but you have to have money saved to ake it on regular bills and academy needs. READ MY LIPS(LOL!)- YOU CAN NOT WORK WHILE IN THE ACADEMY!!!Your avg day will be 12 hrs and you'll have to do extensive studying and catch up sleeping to rest and recuperate from the regimen and intense P.T. Don't let yourself be fooled .You'll see pre service guys/girls trying to hold down a night job and go to the academy fall by the way side and ultimately drop out.Best to start working whatever job(s) you can find now(including temp jobs),save as much money as you can now- eating home made sandwiches/brown bagging is a way of life for pre-service types!Usually during the 1/2 way point in the academy,agencies will come up and look over the pre service candidates as potential hires so hard work and diligence are the watch words for you while in the academy.Remember that ,although you'll make lots of friends in the academy, your classmates are also your competition for the job you want! And if you are hired in the pre service capacity, you'll be sworn in by that agency and will start on their payroll( don't expect the "big bucks" yet-some agencies only pay their recruits/cadets only 1/2 of the starting pay until they graduate!).Whew! I got long winded again, but I hope it helps you. And if the Academy you are attending is Rio Hondo Regional (Whittier,CA) , maybe I'll see you when I do mentoring of cadets and role playing during scenario training!! ;D

[Anthony M]

thanks for the info. I am sure i Will not be trying to hold a job while at the academy. As for pay... right now I am just trying to find a PD to put me threw the academy... the stations around here put you on the pay roll right hwen you start the academy, but the question i was wondering is if they would pay you even before that by having you do things around the station. I already talked to a station around here and they said that they try to get you in a month before your academy to start working and get you on the payroll. Thanks for all the responses. Right now my next step is the oral board so wish me luck!!!