Post by jqdill@hotmail.com on Apr 1, 2002 4:34:45 GMT -5
I just wanted to ask anyone who is or has been a police officer for some advice on making ends meet.
I am in the application process for the metropolitan police department of a major U.S. city. The city pays DECENT while in their academy and after graduation. Of course, they require their recruits and officers to live in the city limits.
I have created a budget (an extremely SLIM AND TRIM budget at that) in the event that I am invited to attend the academy. I would have to pay rent, a car payment, car insurance, electricity, $100 - $150 per month toward credit cards, a BASIC phone bill, etc... My point is simply that I will be paying for the basics of living; nothing extra. These are all things that I HAVE to pay. I am married and my wife and I have a 4-month-old daughter. Based on the budget I will be around $200 - $300 short on cash every month during the academy and $100 - $200 short after graduating. It would be real bummer if they accepted me into the academy, but I couldn't do it just because I couldn't afford it.
Do any of you know of any ways that officers can save money?? For example, are there any grocery store chains that provide discounts for officers? Are there many apartment complexes that provide discounts? Is there an advantage to buying a home as an officer? Stuff like that. I just wanted an officer or a former officer to give me some advice and let me know ways that THEY have scraped by throughout the first few years of LE work. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!
---Justin
P.S. I know it is the policy of this agency that officers NOT accept gratuities of any kind. Would any of the above "discounts" that I mentioned be considered a gratuity? Just curious...
I am in the application process for the metropolitan police department of a major U.S. city. The city pays DECENT while in their academy and after graduation. Of course, they require their recruits and officers to live in the city limits.
I have created a budget (an extremely SLIM AND TRIM budget at that) in the event that I am invited to attend the academy. I would have to pay rent, a car payment, car insurance, electricity, $100 - $150 per month toward credit cards, a BASIC phone bill, etc... My point is simply that I will be paying for the basics of living; nothing extra. These are all things that I HAVE to pay. I am married and my wife and I have a 4-month-old daughter. Based on the budget I will be around $200 - $300 short on cash every month during the academy and $100 - $200 short after graduating. It would be real bummer if they accepted me into the academy, but I couldn't do it just because I couldn't afford it.
Do any of you know of any ways that officers can save money?? For example, are there any grocery store chains that provide discounts for officers? Are there many apartment complexes that provide discounts? Is there an advantage to buying a home as an officer? Stuff like that. I just wanted an officer or a former officer to give me some advice and let me know ways that THEY have scraped by throughout the first few years of LE work. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!
---Justin
P.S. I know it is the policy of this agency that officers NOT accept gratuities of any kind. Would any of the above "discounts" that I mentioned be considered a gratuity? Just curious...
Toughone , Justin.Does the City you are applying for offer a sign up bonus or relocation fees(check with their personnel/human resources) L.A. officers relocation fees,silent seconds for housing,etc but the first 1-3 yrs is a little tough on the wallet and it usually gets better toward or after 5 yrs(although you tend to "break even" at about 3yrs) Although my Dept. starts you off at base starting pay,I've seen that many local agencies pay significantly less to their recruits until they pass the academy-then they get the Depts starting pay(example is Inglewood ,CA PD ,where recruits make 3,000.00 /mo, then upon graduation move up to around $3,900/mo) I can't tell you to "gut" it out,cause the impact on family life will be obvious and strain will show, but if this is what you really want and the Missus' is behind you-slowly start to tighten the belt a little(i.e. buying whole sale a smart and final for some groceries,trade in the car for a less expensive one,decrease any and all discretionary spending at shopping malls.etc).By no way am I advocating living in a box and if this agency you are a candidate /recruit for has a credit union, I'm sure they'll approve small loans for you when you need them most( but don't rely or push that option either) focus on the basics-The baby's needs , transport(wife and baby need it more than you) and housing .Do like I did when I started the academy-call up your creditors and advise them of the job change -continue to pay, but pay the min. required and pay it on time!(unless you can pay things off before you start the academy).Keep the wife politely and constant informed of everything, and spend every moment you are not studying or training with her and the baby(you'll not only lose the pay you are currently used to, but the free time as well) during probation I'm sure overtime cash opportunities will come up, but STAY away from off duty jobs-hazardous and not worth your free time. If you can and feel comfortable about buying a home over renting- check the Officer/Teacher next door program(only caveat-watch where the homes are for sale at-could be in a less than desireable area)Does the agency you are in the process for allow immediate medical coverage for you and your family?This job has always been a sacrifice , in one form or another ,but it has its rewards- tlak to your recruiter or Backgrounds investigator- they can help steer you through it all.I'll check my areas options(So.Calif) and see if your area has similar options -hope to hear from you later.....