Job search frustrations

[LifeX2]

I am currently and have been looking for employment with ANY police department within the Oklahoma City metro area for the last year. Obviously, I haven't had any luck finding anything. I was wondering if anyone knew of any current openings in this area. If not, I am considering moving to the Dallas, TX area in search of employment. Is this a smart move or should I stick it out here in Oklahoma City? Keep in mind, Texas pays more, about 6,000 - 8,000 dollars more a year for the same size town. What do you think, move or stay?

[Delta_V]

Why haven't you been able to find employment? Are the departments in your area just not hiring or are you being disqualified for certain reasons? If the agencies aren't hiring and you want a job, it's pretty logical to start looking at other places (if there are other places you want to live). With most agencies, the hiring process is very similar no matter where they are located.

If you're being DQ'd, you need to look at the reason why. If it's because you had a DUI a year ago, you're probably not going to have better luck in TX than you've had in OK. If it's because you do poorly on a written or physical test, that's something you can train to improve.

I don't think anyone can tell you whether or not to move or stay; that's just a personal decision. If you like living in OKC, stay there until you can find a job. If you want to live in Texas, move. Just because there are jobs in another state doesn't mean that you'll be happy living there.

Go to the agency link section at the o.com homepage and look at the websites for agencies in your area. Most of them will have a section regarding employment. Good luck.

[LifeX2]

There are no jobs avaliable, and there hasn't been any for a while. I've been searching the paper and all of the websites I can get my eyes on, but no one is hiring right now because of the economy. I have one department in mind, and they are 7 officers short, but they don't have plans on hiring in the near future because of their money problems. This is the same delima in almost all of the departments I look at and would consider employment. I fell like my only option is to move. Other agencies are hiring, but they are in the surrounding states. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and no light at the end of the tunnel.

[hooahmedic]

Life,
In Texas you can find openings, nearly every week. Just depends on where you want to go and what kind of agency you are looking for.
They come in all walks and colors.

In the DFW Metroplex, let me warn you. Competition is stiff! It's not uncommon to have an opening at any one of the midsize agencies and have a hundered or more applicants test for it. It can be done
and there are some really fine agenices in the area but be prepared to
work at it for awhile.

At the mid size agenices, most want you to be Certified (TCLEOSE).
There a several really good college area academies, so keep this in
mind.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

[LifeX2]

Does Texas agencies pay for police academy or is the academy open to everyone? In your post you said, "At the mid size agenices, most want you to be Certified (TCLEOSE). There a several really good college area academies, so keep this in mind." What I am trying to say is, does this mean I would pay for the academy? I appreciate all your help.

[hooahmedic]

There are several ways. You can pay for it yourself but most
want you to be sponsored by an agency. Not that you are required
to work for them but most smaller agenices do this so that they
can attract non paid officers.

You can go unsponsored but you will be put on the bottom of the
priority list. All academies have differing rules on acceptance.
You can go, of course, if you are hired by an agency.

So it is possiable. If you are going to the Metroplex. I encourage
to check into the Council of Goverments Academy (Arlington, Grand Praire and couple other departments), Tarranct County College, and their are a couple of good acadamies in the Dallas area. When I was
there Dallas Baptist Universtity and Weatherford College had bad reputations. That could have changed by now.

So yes, it's feasible to pay for yourself.

[LifeX2]

I appreciate all the valuable information. I have discussed this moving issue with my wife, now the ball is in her court. I will show her the information you have given me. I really appreciate it and thanks for the fast replies.

[phantom1mp]

Hey how bad do ya want to be a cop, If you really want a job the NYPD will hire you no problem ther's a test comming up, trust me you will get hired if you apply.

[LifeX2]

Why do you say that I would get hired with no problem? Are they in desprite need of officers? When it the test?

[phantom1mp]

I'm not exactly sure when the test is but it's soon though and yes they are in desprite need of officer's they hire just about 3,000 officer per year and all your training is paid for if you wanted to know you can apply online.;)

[LifeX2]

Excellent, thanks for the information...