Greetings

[WSmith]

Hi, everyone. I finally got around to registering. I am a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but I would really like to get back to the road someday. Right now I am in NJ, but will be transfering to Northern Califonia in a few months, (Atwater, Merced, Modesto area). Any info or tips for getting into LE in CA, or "the real deal" info on the area I am moving to would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks

[WCall]

Hi WSmith,
I was born and raised in Stockton and am currently trying to get on with Stockton PD. I don't know a whole about the Modesto/Merced area other than they are just a couple more valley cities. I haven't lived there since 1989. As for Stockton, it is a short commute (20-30 min) from those areas and the city is hiring. Take a look at their website--www.ci.stockton.ca.us---for the pay and benefits. To give you some idea as to how badly they need LEOs, they had 400 sworn but just lost about 25 to retirement and are going to lose about 20 more this month to retirement. The city sweetened the retirement plan last year. The city used to have a bad rep, but since they went to C.O./P.O. policing, crime has dropped pretty significantly. When I left in '89, I said I would never come back. Well, I'm coming back--due in large part to the drastic improvements in the city. I also have friends in the PD and have talked to others who I don't know, and every one of them says they love working there. No sign of low morale that I can see--believe me, I have looked. I hope this helps.
Will

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Contrary to popular belief, knowledge is not power. Without wisdom, knowledge is useless.

[WSmith]

WCall, thanks for the info and the welcome. I will check out the website. The morale issue is always something to look for.

Bill

[Don]

Welcome Bill,

Jump right in and enjoy it!

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Don't tell me I look good for my age. That is like saying "Hey, you are pretty smart for someone so stupid!" 6P1 (retired)