Applicant Question ....

[gonzo1510]

I've been reading how many agencies are either freezing or slowing down the process due to the worsening economy.

My question is this : while putting yourself through the academy does not gaurantee a job, will agencies look at you or give you a priority before an entry level applicant ? My intention is to process with various agencies however, I have also decided to put myself through Rio or Fullerton late next year.

Thanks...

[the batman]

I wouldn't say that you'd be given priority.

It will, however, show that you have a true desire to be a police officer and that you're not one of these run-of-the-mill applicants looking for an "easy" paycheck.

If you have the time and money to put yourself through, it can only help your chances...

just know too, that if you do get picked up, they'll more than likely put you through their academy, regardless.

[avalon42]

I've been reading how many agencies are either freezing or slowing down the process due to the worsening economy.

My question is this : while putting yourself through the academy does not gaurantee a job, will agencies look at you or give you a priority before an entry level applicant ? My intention is to process with various agencies however, I have also decided to put myself through Rio or Fullerton late next year.

Thanks...

Oh heck yes! While paying your way through an academy does not guarantee your job, it is one more distinct qualification that gives you priority over an entry level candidate. When you get to that oral board interview, and they ask you, "What have you done to prepare for a law enforcement career?", you can launch into your academy certificate and any commendations/awards you were given while in there. At worse, if they send you back to their academy, you will have a leg-up on all the other recruits being familiar with the Learning Domains, drill, etc.

I used to work for an agency in SD, and one of the ranking officers there had put himself through an academy. He said he had the worst background ever and no agency would pick him up. He straightened out most of the correctable issues and his self-sponsorship proved that he was dedicated to an LE career. He is now a Sgt.

And this hiring freeze/recession is only going to get worse by the month. I won't be surprised if they are tight on hiring for next year as well.

[SDrecruitee]

What do you think are the chances of agencies in SD going beyond a hiring freeze into layoffs? I'd hate to go through the academy and then be "fired".

[avalon42]

What do you think are the chances of agencies in SD going beyond a hiring freeze into layoffs? I'd hate to go through the academy and then be "fired".

Remote. A new recruit reflects a combined investment of nearly $250K (screening, hiring, training, includes recruits salary and benefits). This is usually calculated from their operating budget so they know exactly how many positions they can fill.

It would be foolhardy to layoff police officers. With these rough economic times, officers should see their workload increase (211s, 10851s, etc).

[L-1]

Look carefully at the exam announcement for the agency you are applying with. It should spell out whether having the academy under your belt will help.

Many limit testing to laterals and post qualified (been through an academy) only. In this case, you won't even be admitted to the testing process without having attended the academy.

Other agencies open their testing to everyone, but maintain two eligible lists, one for laterals/post qualified and the other for entry level. Traditionally, they hire first from the lateral/post qualified list and once it has been exhausted, go to the entry level list.

These first two are most common in California.

The third type of agency opens testing up to everyone and may or may not award points for you having been through an academy. Often this is because they insist on sending you through their own academy, irrespective of your previous experience and training.

[EricDel]

Remote. A new recruit reflects a combined investment of nearly $250K (screening, hiring, training, includes recruits salary and benefits). This is usually calculated from their operating budget so they know exactly how many positions they can fill.

It would be foolhardy to layoff police officers. With these rough economic times, officers should see their workload increase (211s, 10851s, etc).

Do you think there are going to be many hiring freezes in the state? Also is the city of LA's budget seperate from the budget crisis supposedly occuring in CA now?

[sap123]

What do you think are the chances of agencies in SD going beyond a hiring freeze into layoffs? I'd hate to go through the academy and then be "fired".

I'm actually a little curious right now cause I have friends who are currently going through applications with some positions down in SD: What agencies are currently in a freeze down there? Is it everyone or just some?

[avalon42]

Do you think there are going to be many hiring freezes in the state? Also is the city of LA's budget seperate from the budget crisis supposedly occuring in CA now?

I think you will see more conservative estimates for headcount and far stricter guidelines for hiring police officers. It has already happened in San Diego County, and will continue to become more competitive and a closed system. So far, San Diego PD is the only agency that is still hiring entry-level. A recruiter visited our academy stated that while they have many open positions, they are being VERY selective of applicants. The recession has hit California pretty hard...a depression is on its way.

City of LA's budget is separate from that of the state, but some city-run programs are state-funded. To continue them, they would have to emphasize cuts.

All of my info is sourced from being where I am: self-sponsored in an academy but also looking to get hired full-time (by applying and asking agencies these questions).