Collier County SO

[Starsky53]

LEO from Omaha Nebraska area here, just wanted to let others out there in on a good place to apply. The Collier County Sheriff's Office in Naples Florida is where I went to go through the selection process. It has been a very pleasant process if there is such a thing when getting recruited. I went down to Fort Myers Beach for a family reunion, and ended up interviewing and testing there as an afterthought, since originally went in for application to write the trip off for tax purposes. The staff and others really treated me well, making sure that each step didn't take much of my vacation time.

No written test garbage, and the fact that I breezed through everything with relative ease made it great for the first time ever that I can remember testing. They treat current LEO's with a degree of respect that I have not seen in any other testing phase.

I have received a conditional offer, and hope to join them soon, and retire there after that. Great benefit package for families and retirement is not to shabby either.

Hope I didn't bore anyone, just wanted to let others know about a place to check out.

[SilentEnforcer]

Originally posted by Starsky53
I have received a conditional offer, and hope to join them soon, and retire there after that.

Shouldn't you at least work a few years there before rushing into retirement?:p :p :p

[sflcop]

Collier is good to current LEO's that have a minimum of 3 years on the road. If you have less than that and you are trying to transfer... they will tell you that you have to work in the jail for 2 years first. Not to mention their gray/black uniforms. I still think that the best bang for the buck out there is PBSO.

[Starsky53]

Originally posted by SilentEnforcer
Shouldn't you at least work a few years there before rushing into retirement?:p :p :p


Got ahead of myself there.....caught up in the moment of being Collier spokesperson...haha

[Starsky53]

Originally posted by sflcop
Collier is good to current LEO's that have a minimum of 3 years on the road. If you have less than that and you are trying to transfer... they will tell you that you have to work in the jail for 2 years first. Not to mention their gray/black uniforms. I still think that the best bang for the buck out there is PBSO.

I thought about PBC, but didn't I read somewhere, (don't quote me), that you had to PAY for your background work that gets done on you?
Someon told me that was on the website.

[thepowerhouse]

yeah i second that motion about Collier Co. I went through the hiring process there to and it was a good experiance. Naples is a BEAUTIFUL town too. I did not finish the process only because i needed a job soon and the background investigation was taking a good while (after 4 weeks, they called and said it would be another 2-3 weeks), and Leon County was waiting on me to tell them if I was going to work for them or not....so i went with Leon County, which I am also happy about.
But I would suggest Collier to anyone who is considering them, and Leon County for that matter!

[Airforcop]

I'm glad to hear positive comments about Collier County. I have been looking at them for some time and have been in contact with one of their recruiters. I'm currently a cop in the Air Force and get out next summer with 9 1/2 years in. Grew up in S. Florida and really wanted to go back, even though the pay isn't that great. I should hopefully be starting the process early next year.

[sflcop]

You do not have to pay for anything with PBSO, not sure where you heard that.

[Airforcop]

Only thing I don't like about PBSO is their tobacco policy. I have absolutely no problem with not using tobacco products, but they require you to be tobacco free for 1 year prior to applying, which kind of screw my time line up.

[Jelly Donuts]

CCSO is a fairly good department except low pay. It is an election year and Sheriff Hunter's budget proposal already got denied. Cost of living and the cost of real estate is ridiculous - things to consider.

[3587]

What is the process for the CCSO? What is the hardest/easiest step(s)? Looking to apply there... Would like more information on the department and their process... Thanks.

[ufresdave]

PBSO tobacco free? haha, I remember my last traffic stop they did on me, the deputy spitin dip while conducting the traffic stop. Cut me loose though, so no problems from me. PBC is a great place (grew up there, still growin up tho ;)) Just pray pray pray that Bradshaw gets elected here in nov, NOT Eggleston. Ok, dont want to upset anyone by changin the thread, just my 2 cents. (o, and you do have to purchase your own duty weapon/rifle/shotgun, if the policies have not changed)

[Airforcop]

That's interesting. Their application packet is very specific as pertaining to their tobacco policy. I'll have to give a recruiter or one of the HR people an email and double check on their standards.

[ufresdave]

im not sayin their policy does not dicate a "no tobacco" standard (im sure it does), Im just saying there is a diff between policy and what really goes on. I guess once u r hired tho, its just a matter of getting caught? not sure.

[rmv168]

Does anyone know how this department is to work for? I am a LE officer in another state looking to change departments and am interested in this department, but not sure if it is worth the pay cut. Any input on this agecny is appreciated.

[Jelly Donuts]

Low pay. Start at 33K. May give you an additional 5% for experience. Huge department, lots of room for advancement and movement within the organization. Huge county, but very expensive to live here. Collier County has the highest cost of living as well as the most expensive real estate in the state of Florida. Hiring process is quick and streamlined - if you are serious about moving here and taking a position, 3-4 weeks start to finish is not out of the question. It is nice to live here but you definitely pay for the sunshine.

[Airforcop]

Are you serious, 3-4 weeks from start to finish? I too have been thinking about them. The only draw back is the cost of living. I hear a lot of people live outside the county? Do you happen to know what the restrictions are as far as living outside the county and having a take home car?

[Sgt. Friday]

You have to PAY for your weapon(s)????
I havn't heard of that in a long time. At least can you carry what ever type (make, model) of handgun you wish or is that dictated by the department?

[rmv168]

According to what I was told, the car cannot be taken out of the county. If you live outside the county , you need to leave the vehicle at the closet sub-station.

I understand about the cost of living and that you need to purchase your own weapons, etc.

My question is how is the department as a place to work? We all know that some departments are great and others are problem filled. Is this a department to start out in and move on, or is this the place you want to do the majority of your career and retire? Just curious where the CCSO falls.

[Jelly Donuts]

Many are attracted to CCSO because of the many opportunites it has for advancement and the many different specialty positions available. They get applicants from all over the country - you will find that almost EVERY department in Florida is shorthanded, so the hiring process is quick.

As far as working environment, it is okay. Many struggle to get by with the high cost of living. One benefit is the 4 day work week and many deputies work in the jail for OT. Take home cars must stay in the county - you are correct about leaving it at a substation. To me that is the best benefit the department has and it doesn't make much sense to drive an hour to work each way by living in Lee County.

Don Hunter is a very proactive Sheriff - stands behind his guys and provides them with the best equipment and training available, another plus. If you are really looking to move to Florida, I would definitely stay on the west coast, but you may find Pinellas County, Sarasota County, or Lee County more to your liking. Just my two cents. If I can help you out any further, let me know.