Norfolk Southern

[JohnnyV]

They are hiring in my area and I checked the old threads about salary but nobody gives figure. Thye just say that NS pays well or is comparable to local agencies. Does anyone know what the pay ranges (i.e. 35-40k, 50-60k) are for a special agent position with NS? Thanks.

[TBauer24]

As for the starting pay, Ive spoken with some guys who work out of Chicago and stated that the starting pay is around $52,000.

[StudChris]

Just went to their page and they're hiring in about 6 different cities. Isn't railroad retirement 30 years?

[ManoloQ]

Yes, it is 30 years and 60 years of age. You contribute to federal RR Retirement instead of Social Security. The retired guys I talk to say that it is well worth the wait. I still have about 31 years to go, so I don't know if I can wait that long. I will have about 35 years on when I hit 60!!!

[ManoloQ]

I believe that all the class 1 railroads start off their officers at least $50K a year, depending on experience.

[Asp1214]

For those of you that applied have you heard anything?

[Bearcat357]

For those of you that applied have you heard anything?

I applied for two and got canned from both of them because I wasn't state certified in the states I applied for. Got the emails pretty quickly.....

I was hoping that they would take me because I was state certified and experienced....and let me do the lateral with the state.....but they only wanted folks from that state......

[Asp1214]

Im guessing its because of the economic times everyone is currently in. Why pay to certify someone when they can easily find qualified applicants in that particular state. Just my .02.

[Voodoo18b]

they will certify you, you really shouldn't go through they're website. it's better to go through that department directly. i've been seeing NS hiring non certified applicants a lot lately.

[Bearcat357]

Well....I applied on line like I was supposed to for the PA and VA areas.....and got an email saying thanks but they are looking for State Certified Officers already and that even though I am MO Certified....they weren't going to bother with it this time around..... Thanks for playing ditty....and apply again if you see something that you are quailified for in MO.....

So.....

[orlandofed5-0]

they will certify you, you really shouldn't go through they're website. it's better to go through that department directly. i've been seeing NS hiring non certified applicants a lot lately.

NS is not hiring uncertified officers.

[Voodoo18b]

NS does hire uncertified applicants, i've never heard of a uncertified officer. Bearcat if you are interested in chicago let me know. NS has taken out of state certification. it doesn't matter what state you are certified in since you work on private property (i.e. rail line) and under Section 1704 of the U.S. Crime Control Act of 1990 it clearly states that, why do you think it's possible for RR police to go to different states where there is an indecent on their track or in the yard. contact the department directly.

[TBauer24]

Job Description:

Norfolk Southern Corporation, a multi-billion dollar transportation company, is currently seeking a Police Officer to work in the Chicago, Illinois area.

POLICE OFFICER

Candidates are required to be certified in the state of Illinois or possess other transferable certification. You must be at least 21 years of age, willing to work various shifts (both inside & out), have good vision, be in good health, have own means of transportation and phone, and willing to reside in the area. Candidates who have public police officer experience are preferred, as well as those who possess an Associate or Bachelor degree in Police Science or Criminal Justice.

As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a salary commensurate with education and experience. The successful candidate will be eligible for a bonus and an excellent benefits package which includes medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k), retirement and tuition reimbursement.

For immediate consideration, apply online today. Special Agent- Chicago

Norfolk Southern
EOE

The job posting says it all. You must be certified to be considered. They take certified applicants from other states, but when you transfer from another state you must be able to meet the state standards that you work and reside in. You will then be required to take that states exam to get that states certification. Once you work for the railroad you can work anywhere in the system because of the way federal law works.

[Bearcat357]

NS does hire uncertified applicants, i've never heard of a uncertified officer. Bearcat if you are interested in chicago let me know. NS has taken out of state certification. it doesn't matter what state you are certified in since you work on private property (i.e. rail line) and under Section 1704 of the U.S. Crime Control Act of 1990 it clearly states that, why do you think it's possible for RR police to go to different states where there is an indecent on their track or in the yard. contact the department directly.

Dude...no offense....but....

A. The annoucement clearly states they aren't wanting to hire folks that are certified out of state....

B. I don't want IL....

C. Unless you are in HR with NSCorp....or a VP....I seriously doubt you can get folks jobs....

It is what it is. Why would they say one thing....then do the exact opposite...?? :rolleyes:

[SCDEPUTY]

This seems like an interesting position. Are the duties primarily investigative or patrol? Do Norfolk’s SA’s wear plain clothes or a uniform? Are you issued a take home vehicle? If so is it unmarked or marked? Does anyone have a better idea of what the salaries are other than what has already been posted? I have a good LE job right now and I don't want to get involved in an application process without having all the details first.

[NJRRCOP01]

You have to be commissioned in the state you work in...there for it is up to that state as to weather they accept an out of state cert.

In most states you dont just work on private property, you can have authority off property. For example in NJ a commissioned railroad police officer has the full authority...incuding motor vhicle

[orlandofed5-0]

bearcat i like the fact that if someone is willing to help you, you act like a child. first off, you are in no position to question my capabilities. instead you should take it as a sign of good faith and if you really wanted to work for them than you had a source. so yeah i do take it as an offense. SC, the duties involve both, but depends on what happens day by day. uniforms are worn, marked cars are used, no take home. pay depends on area, chicago starts in the 50's. if there is anything else you would like to know pm me. so my advice would be if you have doubts keep them to yourself, if you want help ask. you shouldn't burn your bridges.

NS has not hired uncertified officers (non academy trained) in almost 5 years. If I remember from the NS guy who I work with, ex conrail guy, there was a lawsuit in regards to it by UTU when they had conducters who had police certs (part timers) get passed over.

[orlandofed5-0]

I maybe outta here soon. Got an offer to go be a GS-08 at NNMC. If the money is right, I may take it.

The only RR pd besides Amtrak that sends folks to the academy was conrail and they were the last of the freight boys to still be considered craft (hourly employees) until their FOP sold them out. Wow. Sounds like Amtrak.

PS--NS police in Chicago are not even issued tickets books from what talking to the NS officer I work with.

[NJRRCOP01]

NS does hire uncertified applicants, i've never heard of a uncertified officer. Bearcat if you are interested in chicago let me know. NS has taken out of state certification. it doesn't matter what state you are certified in since you work on private property (i.e. rail line) and under Section 1704 of the U.S. Crime Control Act of 1990 it clearly states that, why do you think it's possible for RR police to go to different states where there is an indecent on their track or in the yard. contact the department directly.

Just for the record. This allows RR police who are commissioned in one state to work in another. Example... If Chicago was getting hit real hard (which we all know would never happen)... A Special agent who is a commissioned RR police in NJ could go out to Chicago and work....temporarily...

If that same NJ agent was to transfer his duty station to Chicago...then he would need to complete the Il. 2 week coure, take the test and get a Il RR commission

[NJRRCOP01]

It varies state to state.....The laws in the state of Il have recently changed.

Weather you know some one or not...doesnt matter to me..now, you need to pass the state test to work in Chicago if you are an out of state cert.

I was using that as an example......

[DDixon1000]

Hey guys,
I called HR today and they told me they accept out of state applicants. They said you have to be a certified police officer in the current state in which you are working. They said your certification has to meet or exceed that in the state in which you are applying. They said they can hire you and apply for a out of state certified waiver. They said you then take the out of state cert test and do a 40 hours firearms course and if you pass you are then certified in that state. I am currently certified in Missouri and they said I could apply to Chicago and encourage me to do so. They said I would have to carry my certification over. Missouri exceeds IL in training with IL being 400 and my MO being 600 hours. Not sure what the argument is on this board but thats what HR told me about the chicago position.

[orlandofed5-0]

It varies state to state.....The laws in the state of Il have recently changed.

Weather you know some one or not...doesnt matter to me..now, you need to pass the state test to work in Chicago if you are an out of state cert.

I was using that as an example......

If only NJ would take my training for a PTC... :D Im sure your guys in Camden can use some help.

[Bearcat357]

Hey guys,
I called HR today and they told me they accept out of state applicants. They said you have to be a certified police officer in the current state in which you are working. They said your certification has to meet or exceed that in the state in which you are applying. They said they can hire you and apply for a out of state certified waiver. They said you then take the out of state cert test and do a 40 hours firearms course and if you pass you are then certified in that state. I am currently certified in Missouri and they said I could apply to Chicago and encourage me to do so. They said I would have to carry my certification over. Missouri exceeds IL in training with IL being 400 and my MO being 600 hours. Not sure what the argument is on this board but thats what HR told me about the chicago position.

Could you please PM me who you talked to...?

I talked to them for 30 mins the other day and the lady I talked to swore that they were not taking out of state folks at this time.... :rolleyes:

Did she just specifically say the Chicago area....or all NSCorp open positions...?? As I have no desire to go to Chicago.....I had applied for 3 other places.....and she said no to them.....

Thanks...

[Asp1214]

Bearcat

After reading ALL of the job postings, it does not appear that PA or VA take out of state certifications. I think IL does, and maybe a couple Northern States. Thats just the information that I have gathered. If I remember correctly those were the two states you applied for.

[NJRRCOP01]

If only NJ would take my training for a PTC... :D Im sure your guys in Camden can use some help.

Believe it or not PTC has nothing to do with a Railroad Police Commission in NJ... you could get one with an out of state cert. I know this for a FACT...

[Bearcat357]

Bearcat

After reading ALL of the job postings, it does not appear that PA or VA take out of state certifications. I think IL does, and maybe a couple Northern States. Thats just the information that I have gathered. If I remember correctly those were the two states you applied for.

Yeah....applied for NJ/VA/PA.....and was crap canned from all 3 because HR said they were not taking laterals from there.....regardless of what was being spewed on her by others....

As I stated, I have no desire to go to Chicago for personal reasons....so.....

Oh well.....

[orlandofed5-0]

Believe it or not PTC has nothing to do with a Railroad Police Commission in NJ... you could get one with an out of state cert. I know this for a FACT...

Who gives you your commission then? Would be intresting then if my agency takes back newark and/or trenton.

[NJRRCOP01]

Who gives you your commission then? Would be intresting then if my agency takes back newark and/or trenton.

You commission is from the sec. of state, and the state police does the background. NS has a posting for Elizabeth.

[orlandofed5-0]

You commission is from the sec. of state, and the state police does the background. NS has a posting for Elizabeth.

I put in for the Elizabeth slot and several times for Croxton. Morrisville is closer and its a former conrail slot. It will be intresting. Im waiting to see if Penn Regional Lines (PRL) ever gets cops.

[Hammer1708]

Kinda tough to get a word in with all the bull s*** on this thread, but if anyone has a question about RR policing, shoot me a pm.

[BuffordTJustice]

All I know is the RR police will not hire you unless you have mad skills like computer hacking skills, nun-chuck skills, etc.
;)

[NV_13]

I maybe outta here soon. Got an offer to go be a GS-08 at NNMC. If the money is right, I may take it.

The only RR pd besides Amtrak that sends folks to the academy was conrail and they were the last of the freight boys to still be considered craft (hourly employees) until their FOP sold them out. Wow. Sounds like Amtrak.

PS--NS police in Chicago are not even issued tickets books from what talking to the NS officer I work with.

Well you got some things wrong! First off I used to be a S/A for a large RR in the Chicago area (Not NS). One in Illinois you have FULL police authority on and off of your property. We WERE issued ticket books and I DID write tickets and arrest people for NON RR related things that I on-viewed! Does the RR like you arresting people with no nexus, it depends on what the crime was and how that would help build bridges with the local PD or town the arrest was made. In Chicago you work a lot in neighborhoods were the tracks ran adjacent to these areas. So 80% of my time I was in Fu**ed up neighborhoods. Shootings, robberies, car-jackings happen around you, and often you are hand-waived by a citizen about this. We carried Chicago Police radios and we had awesome relationships with them. As far as the certification goes Illinois most likely will take any out-of-state certifications as long as it was a certified police academy. You go through a quick waiver (two classes) and take the test and you become certified. Once certified you are bound by federal authority ONLY when traveling out of state to another state to work a detail. So in essence you will have police authority in that state so you can work. We worked a combo of plain-clothes and uniform assignments and marked/unmarked cars. Tons, and tons of burglaries, trailer thefts/hi-jackings in Chicago. It is very busy and you won't even make a dent in the guys/crews with the people you arrest. Not mentioning internal thefts/burglaries.

And for the record it DOES help if you know someone to get in! So the NS cop is telling the truth Anytime we had openings we had like 1 opening and 300 applicants. My captain said look at these resumes and pull some people for interviews. If you know someone in that department it helps big time. And you most certainly have to have police or police academy to get hired.

[NV_13]

Folks, I want to apoligzie from derailing this thread.

The person in question that is mouthing he has inside help, is full of crap!

I have talked to NSCorp HR several times and YOU MUST BE State Certified in the State you are trying to work in. End of Question. They will knock you from the list if you are not.

If you are lucky and get through for some reason, you will be soon dismissed. That came straight from the head HR Ladies mouth.......

Good luck....and please don't listen to this guy. He is a poser....a wannabe....and will only get you in trouble with HR if you listen to him....

Maybe in NS, but I know a few RR's that will hire you, swear you in and send all of your training for a waiver to the state board. Then you will have to take two classes (at least in Illinois) and a test. We had quite a few guys from out-of-state that did this. It all depends on the RR, and the state in which you apply. It seems that NY, PA, IL, and a few others will take lateral transfers. But SC, and VA won't. So it depends on the state and the RR. I also think it depends on that particular SAC/Chief Special Agent. If he wants you, and it's a lateral state, you will get the job. So again it is one of these things (in my experience) about who you know.

[Bearcat357]

Maybe in NS, but I know a few RR's that will hire you, swear you in and send all of your training for a waiver to the state board.

I've talked to BNSF and UP and they will (depending on the State) hire you as long as you are a certified LEO and get you up to speed so you are certified in the state you are working in.....

So...just looking for one of those is what I am doing now....

Thanks....

[NV_13]

Not knocking the NS, cause there are good police officers working for them, however the one I would recommend if you have a choice is the UP hands down.

[orlandofed5-0]

Well you got some things wrong! First off I used to be a S/A for a large RR in the Chicago area (Not NS).

Iam a railroad police officer and I work with NS on a pretty regular basis since it is there trains running on my lines. And as you have stated, you DO NOT work for NS. Im going off the info the NS SA told me. They do not issue there guys ticket books in the chicago area and Im pretty sure I know why. It does not take the fact they have good guys working there including the officer who took down a murderer a few years ago while patrolling the yard.