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Post by JohnSt on Feb 14, 2003 17:43:06 GMT -5
I am applying to Oakland, CA police dept. and Contra Costa Conta County, CA Sheriff's Department. The are both approx. the same size (800 officers).
As a long term career choice, how much difference does it make between these two sorts of departments? Are there important differences in terms of opportunities for advancement etc.? I'm interested in going somewhere where there is much room to grow.
Any info. appreciated,
John
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Post by mikegee on Feb 16, 2003 18:22:57 GMT -5
That question, bud is best answered by each agencies recruiter! Check the financial stability of each community before you apply.Why? although it is very unlikely that police or sheriffs' deputies are laid off- a poor economy means long periods w/out a raise,little or no overtime pay and slow promotional opportunities.Oakland,with its latest contract , is one of the highest paid agencies in CA (up to $90,000./yr for an officer) as well as the MOST dangerous as far as officer safety-very high per capita officer death rate(ROUGH TOWN-will make folks from Jersey,NYC,Newark,Detroit,Houston,Chicago, and New Orleans CRINGE!!!).But consider this -Contra Costa Co. SD is very progressive and I don't think they have a long custody time( check to see if the have correctional Deputies as most people shift away from Sheriffs Depts to avoid working the jails) a ride along or two with both, as well as the issue of quality of life for an officer or Deputy (i.e, can you live where you work?) and fast track recruitment time should be your deciding factors-Both are good Depts for what they deal with.....  |
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Post by Jon on Feb 18, 2003 20:59:53 GMT -5
Just remember theres a lot more politics involved in working with a sheriff's dept. and you work at his pleasure.
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