Awesome News

[TWH]

Just got, "the letter" today from RSD. DQ'd.

I think I was "too honest" and perhaps read into the questions too much. Oh well, 2008 wasn't a good year anyways. Oh and I don't know why, but this December has been nothing but bad news.

Man, If RSD DQ'd me, I'm almost positive the other agencies I've applied to will...

Hopefully 2009 will be better, just gotta keep going...

[jewhitney85]

What were you DQ for exactly?

[TWH]

RSD doesn't give feedback; you sign a, "no feedback" waiver.

[COJO2]

You don't live with a felon or probationer, do you bro?

I've heard that can be bad for your LE career. ;)

My good buddy applied at 2 dozen (no joke) depts before being hired by san jose PD. Keep at it. I'm not one of the "lucky" ones that gets picked up on first try either. :D

[jewhitney85]

You can try somewhere in Texas like Dallas or Houston. They are more lenient in the background investigation. Are you willing to make the move?

[COJO2]

You can try somewhere in Texas like Dallas or Houston. They are more lenient in the background investigation. Are you willing to make the move?

what about transferring back to cali thougH/

[TWH]

Haha, no bro, nothing like that at all. I had a lot of "yes" answers to questions, but what human hasn't? "Have you ever lost your temper with your family, friends, co-workers, supervisors or a stranger?" Of course! I didn't flip out and stab someone though. People get angry, and sometimes words are said.

That's like asking, "have you ever deliberately breathed in air, and then exhaled?"

2 Dozen? Yikes. I hope it doesn't take me that long. I don't want too many DQs because then I don't want it to snowball because of the, "Well if they don't want him, why do we?!" factor.

jewhitney85 - I've lived in California my whole life, and I'd really like to stay in the area.

I am going to test with San Bernardino County and LAPD in a few weeks. I'm really not having a good feeling about it though... I still have some time to decide though.

[jewhitney85]

THW I applied to like 10 departments in California will all "No" because of a DUI back in 2004 that was dropped. Then I applied to Dallas with no problems whatsoever.

[TWH]

So, you are currently employed with Dallas? How do you like it?

I had a speeding ticket 3 years ago come January and a few indiscretions that I admitted to when asked, but nothing too bad.

[TKDBlack]

did your BI mention anything to you that might affect your chances of getting hired?

[TWH]

did your BI mention anything to you that might affect your chances of getting hired?
I wasn't assigned a BI yet. I've spoken with a BI from another agency through a class I was taking about my concerns. He told me that my concerns won't prevent me from having a career in LE. But I suppose every agency is different.

[Stugotz]

Sucks, sorry to hear about it. So Cal agencies are being very picky now.

If they aren't giving feedback does that mean you can't appeal?

You've heard it before but I'll say again: KEEP APPLYING. Don't quit.

[avaand]

I wasn't assigned a BI yet. I've spoken with a BI from another agency through a class I was taking about my concerns. He told me that my concerns won't prevent me from having a career in LE. But I suppose every agency is different.

You got DQ'd from the packet alone? No investigator even started your BG? Yikes! I can only guess that you must have had an "auto-DQ" in there somewhere or they are starting to get really picky. Anyhow, keep plugging away and good luck.

[Garbage Man]

I dont know what held you up (PM me for honest info) but now that the economy has tigthened up hiring, there doesnt need to be anything wrong with you, the issue can be as simple as there wasnt anything right with you.

This is the time to prop yourself up and make yourself the better applicant. Look at Reserve experience or if if you have no academy then being a CSO or dispatcher, anything that would get you into the field where you can start learning. Take college courses related to Admin of Justice. And be honest with yourself, look for behavioral signals you might send off that might make you look weak or indicisive. Do you project command presence and confidence? Maybe you should take a speech class, join a debate team, anything to perfect your self presentation.

[Lah-dog]

Tough break TWH, I'm sorry to hear that.

If you are willing to disclose, when did you drop off your BI packet? I am also awaiting the response to the RSD background investigation, and I dropped my packet off on the 12/19. I am just trying to gauge what the turnaround is--I am just as anxious to hear back as I assume you were.

You can PM me if you like. Thank you!

[TWH]

You got DQ'd from the packet alone? No investigator even started your BG? Yikes! I can only guess that you must have had an "auto-DQ" in there somewhere or they are starting to get really picky. Anyhow, keep plugging away and good luck.

Possibly, or perhaps they didn't like the overall picture. They could be getting really picky, but since they do not give feedback, your guess is about as good as mine.

Garbage Man - Thanks, I will.

Lah-dog - my packet was turned in on the 1st and the letter was dated the 23rd (so it took 7 days to get here). Okay, we're looking at roughly 3 weeks. That seems awfully quick to me.

[Lah-dog]

That is real quick...though you were in an earlier batch than I. I had my PAT on December 10th, and a turn-in deadline of the 31st, but turned it in early (in person) on the 19th, so barring any changes in protocol, I'm estimating a mid-January/February response. Of course it will change depending on number of applicants, BI's on vacation/holiday, etc....oh well. Thank you for the response TWH. I hope you have better luck with other departments!

[LAschoolCop]

I applied to 9 depts :) 9th hired me and I have a spotless background :)

[Lah-dog]

LAschoolcop: How long ago was that?

[1tyme]

Riverside County is really tightening up now...When they sent out payroll stubs yesterday they included "golden handshake" retirement information. It looks like they're giving two years credit to anyone close. Moreover, they've kept all specialized units 10-7 during the holidays, save New Year's Eve. For each deputy kept at home they've saved several thousand dollars.

I'm not a rocket scientist but I think that looks bad for recruiting / new hires.

[LAschoolCop]

LAschoolcop: How long ago was that?

About 6 years ago...LASO was on a freeze and I had a misunderstanding with VCSO and didnt do so well on some orals :) And LAPD f'd me over on the poly...but it all worked out for the best because I work for the best dept!!

[Badkharma]

Lah-dog - my packet was turned in on the 1st and the letter was dated the 23rd (so it took 7 days to get here). Okay, we're looking at roughly 3 weeks. That seems awfully quick to me.

Wait, you turned in your packet on the first (Dec 1st?!?) and you already got a response?

I turned my packet in at the beginning of November - and I know they're going through it because they called me about it once, but I have yet to hear anything back regarding a letter or schedule for initial interview.

[TWH]

Wait, you turned in your packet on the first (Dec 1st?!?) and you already got a response?

I turned my packet in at the beginning of November - and I know they're going through it because they called me about it once, but I have yet to hear anything back regarding a letter or schedule for initial interview.

Yes, December 1st. Well, obviously they didn't like something. :confused:

Just gotta keep going.

[Pre-LEO]

THW-Maybe they saw your Avatar and just don't like guns pointed at them.(HEE HEE HEE)

I took the PAT on DEC 10th and turned in my packet today. It took me forever to track down some of the people I used to live with back in AZ. Not to beat a dead horse, but the economy really does have a lot to do with a lot of things right now. Counties and Cities are losing a lot of money right now and using the recession is a great smoke screen for them to try and re-negotiate contracts with unions along with get rid of some highly paid people. Not to mention the State of California is not in a position to back no one up financially. The way I see, I will not be wearing a badge in June, but I will be going back to school this semester and taking some classes towards law enforcement. I wish us Applicants could have a crystal ball, but we just have to be consistent and wait our turn.

[TWH]

What?! My Avatar? No way. Everyone loves Jack Bauer :cool:

Yes, because of the financial situation of most departments, the situation will not be favorable for people looking to get into LE for some time.

[Ricky_G]

TWH, I had the same thing happen to me last April with RSO.. Although I too signed a no feed back paper, I found out what caused my DQ. I was enrolled in the wellness program at Ben Clark and had a BI give me some tips on the reasoning behind the decision. Let me tell you, TIME heals majority of your background issues...

[kaphow]

i happen to think that there is just a "tightening up" when it comes to hiring. maybe there's more emphasis now on prior military exp., or pertinent educational background. just keep plugging because depts are slowly closing the gates and you want to get locked in ASAP.

i took me 4 agencies over 18 months before i got on so keep trying no matter how disheartening it gets. if it means enough to you, it's gonna happen for sure.

[avalon42]

Tough break TWH. I know how much a DQ sucks, because I got one as well. But you have to keep it positive. It's their loss in the end, right? :)

[bn6249]

Hey Question,

Whats worst thing that you did in your background and got hired? Just a brain teaser.

[GB0610]

Hey Question,

Whats worst thing that you did in your background and got hired? Just a brain teaser.

The reality is is that the "worst thing" is subjective, to the individual investigator, to the Department, to the regulating authority in the State, etc. One place may say that a certain error in judgement is no biggy, while another may put you on the life long DQ list.