Just applied for Gainesville

[leesrt]

Anyone have any info on Gainesville PD and living in that area? I just finished the online app. for lateral/certified hires.

[Gringe]

I live in Gainesville, and I know GPD is hiring - They just hired 6, and they have three more sponsored in my academy class. Not too sure on their process with lateral certified hires.

Gainesville is a nice college town, and depending on what you like there can or can't be lots of things to do. What info in specific are you looking for?

[five0h]

They love their football there...that much I know for sure.

[mbpdhopeful]

and they love traffic...i lived there for over two years never got a ticket but boy do they love to pull people over.

[leesrt]

What is their general LE philosophy/reputation? Are they more into the citizen satisfaction/community policing thing or are they known for law enforcement.

I'll give you an example. Our local PD is very politically correct and very concerned about public image. They don't like looking aggressive.
The Sheriffs Office in the same area is known for enforcing the law. The PD could be on scene with a bunch of gang bangers and everything is like yeah whatever. When the S.O. shows up at the same scene they run and hide because they know someone is going to jail.

I don't like working for agencies that are overtly liability conscious and more concerned about their hiring brochure than they are about actual law enforcement.

[The SSheriff]

I went to the academy in Gainesville, and they are a fantastic agency. GPD, UFPD, and the Alachua County SO not only have good equipment and lots of opportunities for OT, but they CONSTANTLY train, and the skills I learned from the officers of all 3 agencies is above the bar.

[lawman733]

I moved to the area in 2005 and have been working for GPD since then. I was a cop in South Florida prior to coming up here. I love working for this agency and I have very little complaints-wish we had more staffing. There is no such thing as a perfect department; however, GPD has been good to me.

Most of the guys who work here are 10-8, we have alot of new Officer's who seem to want to hit the streets and get the job done. Someone mentioned that we are a nice college town. Don't let that fool you; we are extremely busy-we have it all. College students, suburbs, hard working people, lower income areas, burglaries, robberies, and plenty of dope.

What you see in the big city, you will see here. Good luck and if you get hired, be prepared to work. Our FTO program is tough..and our patrol division is very busy.

[valsgoal01]

Does the Gainesville PD require that you live in Alachua County to work for them ? I live in Marion County and was just wondering. Also, do they have many female officers, just curious ?

[valsgoal01]

Does the Gainesville PD require that you live in Alachua County to work for them ? I live in Marion County and was just wondering. Also, do they have many female officers, just curious ?

Sorry leesrt, I did not mean to post the above questions to your thread. I'm new to the forum.

[lawman733]

Yes, you can live in Marion County. We have several female Officers at GPD.

[leesrt]

I would like to arrange a ride along. Can one of you pm me with what I would need to do to arrange that over the next week.

[FtrLaw002]

Great department. I'm not LEO, but I am graduating from UF this semester and did a ride along with them a few months ago. Aside from the massive headache I had from my stupid contact lenses, it was great. Professional guys, down to earth, no elevated meatheads or roid users. They know how to handle situations and I felt like it would be a good dept to work for.

Go for it, Alachua county is a great place to live, really. Plus I heard they are swapping out all cars for Chargers now, as I'm seeing alot more pop up around here lately.

[leesrt]

I hate the waiting period to take the test and orals.

After riding with them I really like the area and the agency so I'm mentally already there.

Last time I did this with another agency they pulled the rug out by going into a state wide hiring freeze in the middle of the process. What a deflating experience.

[FtrLaw002]

Hope you get it leesrt! I might be applying as a non-cert either by the Oct 11 deadline, or latest the Jan 10 one. I'm a 5th year here at UF, so I'll be "cut loose" (lol) by the college after this fall.

Glad to hear your app is in and now its just the waiting game... Gainesville is a very great town to work for... best in the area, my opinion.

[leesrt]

Hope you get it leesrt! I might be applying as a non-cert either by the Oct 11 deadline, or latest the Jan 10 one. I'm a 5th year here at UF, so I'll be "cut loose" (lol) by the college after this fall.

Glad to hear your app is in and now its just the waiting game... Gainesville is a very great town to work for... best in the area, my opinion.


Thanks
I read your last post again and didn't get to excited about the Chagers. I drive them where I'm at but GPD is getting V6's. I'd rather have the Vic.

[phatm1ke]

Scheduled for testing Nov 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Anyone else?

[Gringe]

GPD is testing State and Out of State Certified next week on the 5, 6, and 7th. Are you testing those days leesrt?

[FtrLaw002]

Thanks
I read your last post again and didn't get to excited about the Chagers. I drive them where I'm at but GPD is getting V6's. I'd rather have the Vic.


Yeah I didn't know they were V6s until someone else chimed in about that... I wonder if thats truly confirmed with someone actually at GPD, maybe it is. I still see tons of Vics around, so maybe there's an option for what you would like to drive.

[FtrLaw002]

Scheduled for testing Nov 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Anyone else?

And HOW BOUT THAT!! They just changed the testdates within the last day or something...because it used to be Oct 11 app deadline for those test dates you mentioned.. now its Sept 29, which has passed.

I guess I'm a Jan 10th'er then.

[Hisrighteousnes]

their physical test is quite fun...much more than the others...

[leesrt]

GPD is testing State and Out of State Certified next week on the 5, 6, and 7th. Are you testing those days leesrt?


Yes I am

[leesrt]

Yeah I didn't know they were V6s until someone else chimed in about that... I wonder if thats truly confirmed with someone actually at GPD, maybe it is. I still see tons of Vics around, so maybe there's an option for what you would like to drive.


It's confirmed, I went there, they are all V6's. I hope they are serving them well but I worked for Chrysler for 2 years and the V6's in the Chargers are weak and not very durable. Our service department was fixing them all the time.

[fleetguy]

The 3.5 Charger has more pickup than the Vic. GPD dose not work I-75 so the 3.5 charger does more for them asfar as a fast patrol car than Ford ever did. I drive a V8 Vic at work and if I did not work a rural area I would be happy to take a charger with the 3.5. Asfar as officer comfort the charger is the best (if it breaks the fleet shop or dealer fixes it). I worked as a police fleet tech and am now a deputy. Durability has nothing to do with the argument, any car can make it to 100,000 miles if the recomended service is kept up. I went on a rant, but GPD's Chargers were a good move for the city.

I hate to think what is going to happend in a year for us rural guys when Ford moves the Vic to a FDW Ford 500 platform. That will happend and I know from a very reliable source.

[fleetguy]

BTW hold back on the O-course till you clear the last fence then go all out :)

[leesrt]

The 3.5 Charger has more pickup than the Vic. GPD dose not work I-75 so the 3.5 charger does more for them asfar as a fast patrol car than Ford ever did. I drive a V8 Vic at work and if I did not work a rural area I would be happy to take a charger with the 3.5. Asfar as officer comfort the charger is the best (if it breaks the fleet shop or dealer fixes it). I worked as a police fleet tech and am now a deputy. Durability has nothing to do with the argument, any car can make it to 100,000 miles if the recomended service is kept up. I went on a rant, but GPD's Chargers were a good move for the city.

I hate to think what is going to happend in a year for us rural guys when Ford moves the Vic to a FDW Ford 500 platform. That will happend and I know from a very reliable source.

I'm not downing them for the V6's because on paper they have good power. I'm just saying I watched them for 2 years and there was always one or two of them with engine problems in our service dept.

[stangspeed302]

damn that suck that they change the app deadline I was planing on applying today. I guess I can still do it

[leesrt]

What would be appropriate dress for the test? I have a jacket and tie for the orals so would slacks and a dress shirt be good for the test?

[JLee]

Great place to live - I was there for about six years. I rode with GPD twice when I was down there -- good luck!

and they love traffic...i lived there for over two years never got a ticket but boy do they love to pull people over.

I did. By a Lt. from the traffic (motor) division. :o

[leesrt]

Well, I passed the written test, didn't have to take FBAT. Tomorrow is the O course and then the board.

[FtrLaw002]

So are they hiring any more? Online application site has no listing for officer and I haven't gotten a call back from my voicemails to the recruitment office there or my email.

:(

[leesrt]

They are processing the ones from the last test date plus the ones I'm in. They also lost staff that they had to put on the road due to shortages so they may be delayed.

At least that's what they said.

[leesrt]

Finished the O course today and now wait for my interview tomorrow. I think I'll ride along tonight to help the time go by.

[Gringe]

They are processing the ones from the last test date plus the ones I'm in. They also lost staff that they had to put on the road due to shortages so they may be delayed.

At least that's what they said.

True Story.

Good to see everything is going good for you as well. Have you met Commander Wagoner yet?

[leesrt]

True Story.

Good to see everything is going good for you as well. Have you met Commander Wagoner yet?

No not yet. I don't feel comfortable doing that while I'm in the process. I don't want to come off like I'm seeking an in to a job offer. Its just the way I am. I want to get selected on my own merits.
Now if I run into him or others I will introduce myself.

Even after the interview tomorow there's the medical, background, poly, etc...
Still have a long way to go.

[leesrt]

In the lobby waiting for interview now. Nervouse but trying to stay confident. I ended up being the last person they interview which made me stay an extra day.
It did give a chance to ride again last night till about 10pm.
The more I get to know this department the more I like what I see.
I hope things turn out well.

[FtrLaw002]

Cool! Thanks for keeping us posted...well thanks for keeping me posted , lol. I'm still going to hound that recruitment officer so I can get into academy come spring! Hope you get on and enjoy it!

[leesrt]

Well, The interview went well I think.
There wasn't much room for elaboration without sounding like your rambling. There were 6 multiple choice questions that you chose A, B, or C. After you answer you can explain why you chose that answer.

Then they ask a general question about you that you have to explain. In my case they asked "what are 3 characteristics about yourself that would make you desirable for GPD to hire", or something like that.

I expected more probing questions but I guess those will come during the psych.

Now I have to wait a week or two to know if I move forward.

[futureLEO87]

I was surprised by the questions also lee, I figured there would be more questions for them to get to know you as an applicant, but o well. Glad it went well for you, I felt I did pretty well. It was my first board interview I've done so I was obviously nervous, but I still think I did well. Hope we both hear good news.

[leesrt]

I just got the call.

I scored a 94 on my written and passed the O course but didn't pass the board. They stated I answered the questions correctly but didn't give enough explanation on my answers.
I actually thought I was rambling to much so I kept my answers short and to the point of answering the question.

Oh well, very discouraging but in 6 months all I have to do is the O course and board. Guess I'll have to just wait till April. Sigh.

[FtrLaw002]

Sorry to hear that leesrt..

Looks like I'm out of the running too, before I even ran. They aren't hiring non-certifieds for the upcoming January academy, I've deduced. So that means no sponsorship, no nothing. Sad and aggravating day... hopefully I can contact another person at headquarters to get more info.

[Gringe]

Sorry to hear that leesrt..

Looks like I'm out of the running too, before I even ran. They aren't hiring non-certifieds for the upcoming January academy, I've deduced. So that means no sponsorship, no nothing. Sad and aggravating day... hopefully I can contact another person at headquarters to get more info.

As far as I know at the moment, they haven't been hiring non-certified for the last three announcements.

[FtrLaw002]

As far as I know at the moment, they haven't been hiring non-certified for the last three announcements.

Good info!!! Thanks Gringe!

You wouldn't know any places taking in non-certs? I'm ready to apply and am looking for a FL department, got any ideas?

[Gringe]

Good info!!! Thanks Gringe!

You wouldn't know any places taking in non-certs? I'm ready to apply and am looking for a FL department, got any ideas?

Around Gainesville? Not sure. There are so many recruits at Santa Fe College IPS, these agencies don't really need to look for non-cert. Have you looked into self-sponsorship?

BRC 109 starts in January.

[FtrLaw002]

Around Gainesville? Not sure. There are so many recruits at Santa Fe College IPS, these agencies don't really need to look for non-cert. Have you looked into self-sponsorship?

BRC 109 starts in January.

Yeah I would, but I don't know how I'll be able to pay my bills and go to academy. I always wondered who are those who do self-sponsorship AND live on their own without being in a parents house when they're 25 and mooching off them. I get by with scholarships now, but that'll be toast once this semester is over.

Thanks Gringe , any advice you can give me to send me in the right direction would be greatly obliged. If I could somehow take a bunch of gov't loans for living AND academy tuition, then I could possibly do it, but paying that back would suck unless that Federal Loan Forgiveness program applies to criminal justice academies.

[sencless]

I just got the call.

I scored a 94 on my written and passed the O course but didn't pass the board. They stated I answered the questions correctly but didn't give enough explanation on my answers.
I actually thought I was rambling to much so I kept my answers short and to the point of answering the question.

Oh well, very discouraging but in 6 months all I have to do is the O course and board. Guess I'll have to just wait till April. Sigh.

Same thing happened to me. I wish they would at least give a hint as to what it is they are looking for. I went through the process earlier this year myself.

[leesrt]

Same thing happened to me. I wish they would at least give a hint as to what it is they are looking for. I went through the process earlier this year myself.


I agree. I understand they have to have some type of standard to seperate us or they'd have to hire all of us but I know I could have done well at the interview had I known.

I'm very comfortable speaking in front of a board because I did it a lot in the military. I had to give briefings to all the base commanders and received a good bit of training on public speaking.

I could have elaborated in great detail on each of my answers but the general feeling I got was to keep it to the point and answer the question.

Every department has their satndard and I respect their decision. I'll do better next go around.

[sencless]

I agree. I understand they have to have some type of standard to separate us or they'd have to hire all of us but I know I could have done well at the interview had I known.

I'm very comfortable speaking in front of a board because I did it a lot in the military. I had to give briefings to all the base commanders and received a good bit of training on public speaking.

I could have elaborated in great detail on each of my answers but the general feeling I got was to keep it to the point and answer the question.

Every department has their satndard and I respect their decision. I'll do better next go around.

I respect their opinion as well, and understand that they do have standards, but I wish they would provide a bit more information on what it is they are looking for. All they say is that you have to articulate your answer, which I felt I did. I wasn't and still am not certified but I do have a Bachelor's degree and know how to articulate a position. We've all been doing this since grade school. "Write a topic sentence and then give details that support your topic sentence..." :p
I'm in the process to start an academy through self sponsorship early next year, I will try again once I am certified.

[Hisrighteousnes]

No not yet. I don't feel comfortable doing that while I'm in the process. I don't want to come off like I'm seeking an in to a job offer. Its just the way I am. I want to get selected on my own merits.
Now if I run into him or others I will introduce myself.

Even after the interview tomorow there's the medical, background, poly, etc...
Still have a long way to go.

i feel the same way and live by my integrity also...but networking like that basically puts you on a fast track....its like fat albert racing a bald eagle up a hill...but dont compromise your principals sir...thats who you are