Got a Call From LASD

[serenade84]

So as my signature says, I took my Poly on 12/22/2008 and Passed. Since that date I've been waiting for my BI to call me and tell me whats next. So after 3 months and in this state of our economy, I just figured they weren't going to call. So I pretty much gave up on LASD until things get better.

Anyways, my BI calls me and tells me to take my ride along so she can submit my paperwork for approval. Obviously this is great news, BUT...

I'm still pretty sure that LASD is barley hiring, and there is a huge list of approved for academy candidates. So EVEN if I pass everything and get approved, I don't think I would be in a academy anytime this year if ever.

So I want opinions. Do I continue with the process, or just tell my BI that I will try again later in the year? I don't live in LA, so it's a good 2 hours to do things for the dept. And honestly money is very very tight right now.

Thanks everyone.

[FJDave]

Seriously, what do you have to lose? Go through the process. Why do you even need to ask this question? With the state of the economy and departments facing layoffs, go for whoever calls you first.

[pappabacon]

I have to agree with FJDave, even if you only get on an eligible list, that is better than nothing. What will you gain by stopping the process, only to restart it later? You have to consider that many people who make it through all of the process will drop out of the academy, they have to hire enough people to account for the attrition. I know that the drive might hurt your pocketbook today, but it may be worth it in the long run if you make it onto the eligible list.

[serenade84]

Alright. Just needed a second opinion. I'll schedule a ride along, and get it going.

[pulicords]

If you're really serious about getting into LE, you've got to show some determination. Regardless of how many people are being hired (by whatever agency you applied for), the only way you'll be one of them is if you provide 100% effort.

[Copp'rPenny]

Well, as my husband says: "If you don't have a job, keep going."

Also, a ride-along will be a good experience for you no matter where you end up. :)

[serenade84]

Ya, it's my third ride along. Plus I'm a Patrol Officer by profession (not LE) so I'm already familiar with radio codes and the basics. I do enjoy going on ride alongs, I think they are really exciting and they always show me how easy my job is, and the differences between an LE Patrol officer and a non- LE PO.

[avalon42]

Go on the ride-along, get on the list. Maybe when they're playing darts with the hiring list, one will hit your name and you're in.

[LA DEP]

Do the ride and get on the 'approved for hire' list......

Our hiring comes in waves....we cant seem to keep a happy medium, either we are hiring like gangbusters, or we are in a major slowdown or freeze....

Also, for your ridealong, see if you can ride at Lancaster or Palmdale.....little closer for you than the LA Basin

[serenade84]

Thanks everyone. I'll schedule the ride along tomorrow morning after I get home from work.

[Fatdome]

So as my signature says, I took my Poly on 12/22/2008 and Passed. Since that date I've been waiting for my BI to call me and tell me whats next. So after 3 months and in this state of our economy, I just figured they weren't going to call. So I pretty much gave up on LASD until things get better.

Anyways, my BI calls me and tells me to take my ride along so she can submit my paperwork for approval. Obviously this is great news, BUT...

I'm still pretty sure that LASD is barley hiring, and there is a huge list of approved for academy candidates. So EVEN if I pass everything and get approved, I don't think I would be in a academy anytime this year if ever.

So I want opinions. Do I continue with the process, or just tell my BI that I will try again later in the year? I don't live in LA, so it's a good 2 hours to do things for the dept. And honestly money is very very tight right now.

Thanks everyone.

just keep your options open. i was cleared for hire december 4th. still waiting. good luck.

[Stugotz]

Stick with it. I was on the cert list for 7 months before getting the call for the next class.

[serenade84]

I'm having issues setting up my ride along with Lancaster. I can't get through on the phone. I might call Santa Clarita and try there.