Roswell Police Department?

[miked6]

Anybody know much about/work for the City of Roswell Police Department? I am moving back to the Atlanta area and am thinking about apllying with them and the Cobb County Police? I know a few guys at Cobb, and it sounds real good, but I would like to know the pros and cons with Roswell PD. I grew up in that area, but never had any contact with them. Thanks for any input.

Also, feel free to PM me if you are uncomfortable with an open post.

[sling]

Hey Man,
I live in Alpharetta Ga. I'm currently going through the hiring process with them. Anyhow, I don't know much about Roswell, But Sandy Springs has become it's own city. They are hiring for Officers right now. I'm hearing they're pay is $9000.00 more than everyone else. That's a lot. These guys will be starting from the bottom with a fresh new police department. It sounds like a great opportunity. I'm to far into my process to consider it. Besides, I love Alpharetta, and the cops are really great guys. All I hear about Roswell cops is there rude as hell. However, I think I can find out some info on the department for you. I let you know dude.
Damion

[miked6]

Thanks, I would appreciate it. Some questions about Alpharetta if you don't mind...How long is Alpharetta's process? What is the pay with experience and a degree? Take home cars? Other notable benefits? Still hiring? How many spots? What does their physical test consist of?

I have already sent in a resume for Sandy Springs, but they will not be up and running until July. I need a job in the next couple of months.

Anyway, let me know what you here about Roswell and thanks again.

[sling]

I've been in this process since Dec.3. That was the day I took the test. Both tests are on the same day written/physical agility. Starts at 8:00am. We jump a 6 foot wooden wall.(SOOOOOO easy......We ran around a asphalt track, leap over a imaginary line and pull the dummy. It felt like about 140lbs. That's it! then we came back at noon for the written (1:45min). I did the oral interview on th Dec 12th. Got a call to pick up the background packet on JAN.15. I'm turning it in tomorrow. MAN! It's a lengthy procress. but all certified's go first if there isn't any flaws. The chief told us he need 15 officers total during the meet with him. They use Clayton county for police training its' para-military. it's 10 weeks. If you live within 30 miles of Alpharetta, everyone takes home a car. 12 hour shifts, choice of 6am-6pm or 6pm-6am and off every other weekend. $29,000 for uncertified and $33,000 for certified. You probably will top that with a degree I'm sure. I will check to see if they are still hiring. It's not on the website anymore. Marta Transit Police officers are hiring. Pays well with a degree too, (itsmarta.com) and you get all the overtime you want. I have a buddy who is in that hiring process. All they want you to do is show up on time and looking sharp. Very easy cop job. One of my buddies was canned for showing up late all the time. 7 years down the drain. I'll definitely keep you posted with any info. I have a good cop friend at dekalb too. They are the highest paid but the department sucks A lot of cops there are trying to go to Gwinnett. Oh! Gwinnett County is doing a massive hiring process. It was on the news today. There expanding there facility and need help badly. Check it out online. This would have been my second choice. No sweat on the questions, keep em comin :D

[RedDog4]

APD is hurtin for officers big time! Were about to loose 100+ to our new retirement system...

http://atlantapd.org/

Hiring process is about 3 months, academy is 19 weeks, (6 if you can lateral over) and 12 weeks of FT. Pay isnt great, but its decient and gettin better.(Mayor signed off on another 8% for us this year, 4% in Feb, and 4% in Sept.) Plus all the EJ's you can handle, so that makes up for it...

[miked6]

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like Roswell might be a better fit for me, but Alpharetta is an option. From what I understand Roswell works 8hr shifts, with take home cars, and with a degree and experience pay about 35-37k. There equipment is pretty top notch as well. I will still throw in an app with Alpharetta and see what they have to say. You never know until you get into the process and talk with an agency. For me it is really about how I am treated. You can tell alot about an agency in how they treat their recruits. Thanks again for all input. Anything else you hear about Alpharetta or Roswell would always be appreciated.

[sling]

Hey Mike,
I just looked at the Alpharetta Website. They are hiring for police again. www.alpharetta.ga.us click on city hall,then employment. It gives you the salaries and all.

[miked6]

Thanks, I also saw that yesterday. I filled out an app last night and mailed it in today! I also called there office of prof. standards and talked to them a little. They said that since I am certified they will schedule me to take their tests on Feb 11th. They also said it would move pretty fast from there as they are looking to quickly fill vacancies with certified officers. I will let you know how it goes, and thanks for all the input.

[FutureLE]

Roswell and Alpharetta are the same- Moving violations, car wrecks and false alarms in restaurants, car dealerships and way to many rich people. LOL But if that is what you like then go for it..
I heard Alpharetta pulled their retirement, so maybe you should look into that first..

[irishnut]

The only nagative thing that I have heard is the when you start you will get the crappiest shifts. If you start with a Mon, Tues off, then thats what you will have for a year or more. That is the only thing I have heard. But who know? Mike, check out SandySprings. Their starting pay is unbelivable.

[miked6]

Working crap shifts with crap off days is how it is everywhere early on, but thanks for the input. I wouldn't be a cop if I wanted nights and weekends off ;)

[irishnut]

Working crap shifts with crap off days is how it is everywhere early on, but thanks for the input. I wouldn't be a cop if I wanted nights and weekends off ;)

I was talking about rotating shifts. They never change.
Totally agree about the nights ang weekends! :D

[miked6]

I have heard good things about 12's. You work 2 on 2 off, 3 on 3 off. That way you get every other weekend off. That is pretty nice and leaves quite abit of free time. I would love that, and so would my wife ;)

[FutureLE]

I have heard good things about 12's. You work 2 on 2 off, 3 on 3 off. That way you get every other weekend off. That is pretty nice and leaves quite abit of free time. I would love that, and so would my wife ;)


My buddy is a corporal with them and he LOVES his shift. He work the 6pm -6am and says he wouldnt change it for anything. Definetly nice to have every other weekend off..

[miked6]

Future:
If you dopn't mind asking your friend, would he recommend Roswell or Alpharetta and why?

Sling:
Alpharetta & Roswell share a training center off of Alpharetta Hwy. That is where their academy is located. I don't think either one uses Clayton's training center. From what I have heard the Roswell Alpharetta training center is pretty good and not too physical. The link below is to the joint training center.

http://roswellgov.com/Departments.asp?Page=570

[FutureLE]

Future:
If you dopn't mind asking your friend, would he recommend Roswell or Alpharetta and why?

Sling:
Alpharetta & Roswell share a training center off of Alpharetta Hwy. That is where their academy is located. I don't think either one uses Clayton's training center. From what I have heard the Roswell Alpharetta training center is pretty good and not too physical. The link below is to the joint training center.

http://roswellgov.com/Departments.asp?Page=570


I will ask him what he thinks.

BTW--I know Alpharetta use the Clayton training center. The link you have is for keeping your certification current, its not a Police Academy where new recruits go.

[miked6]

That makes sense, b/c Roswell told me that I would have to do their lateral academy at the Ros/Alph training center, but it is not listed as a regional academy on the POST site. I guess is b/c I m already certified. I am glad I don't have to go through any military style academy.

[stealth600]

I know that Chief George mentioned something about a new development in Alpharetta that would cause him to need about 20 extra officers. Does anyone know if this is what this hiring session is for?

[FutureLE]

I know that Chief George mentioned something about a new development in Alpharetta that would cause him to need about 20 extra officers. Does anyone know if this is what this hiring session is for?


I would imagine they are hiring because the Alpharetta city limits are about to get bigger.

[sling]

Yeah, when I was in the testing room. Chief George told us that he needed 15 at that time. Needs street cops badly. This was Dec 3, but I spoke with one of my cop bud's on Tuesday here in Alpharetta. He said that they are trying to get all the certifieds in. This is whats taken ME so long. I keep getting put on hold because all the certifieds are having problems passing the background part. DUI's. 5 of them didn't make it. So they are still going through the certified's. Man! they need those certified's on the street badly. So co'mon Mike! The sooner you get in, thats one step I get closer :D. The way things are going I'm looking at June :( But I'm being very patient because this is what I want to do

[miked6]

Good for you, sling. I know the process is long and arduous, but it is worth the wait. Policing is definitely a subculture. I would say that attitude and integrity are the most important factors in the application process. Anything else can be learned. Hang in there.

[miked6]

Well, I got a conditional offer from Roswell and have my poly Monday. Now I am just waiting on Alpharetta. I took the written and PFA (you were right Sling, very easy) with Alpharetta and I have an interview on the 22nd. They are talking about making a conditional offer by the end of month if all goes well. I guess it is just about decision time :eek:

I also asked about the retirement at Alpharetta, for all of those who are interested. They did not cut their retirement program. Furthermore, they are improving it. It is actually quite a good system. The benefits are both top notch with both departments. Everything is actually pretty similar ( bot have good pay, good retirement, take home cars, and nice areas) except Roswell does 8 hour shifts and Alpharetta runs on 12's.

[miked6]

Well, I passed the poly today, and I am good to go! I should receive a start date any day now.

I can't believe how fast the process actually was. I took the written and physical Jan 20th, interviewed twice (with a panel & the Chief) and received a conditional offer Feb 9th, polygraphed Feb 13th. Some of the other departments I applied with havn't even processed my test results or even in some cases my application yet. I think this one was meant to be.

Good luck to all that are still looking.

[clovera]

Mike6,
Good luck. I submitted my application yesterday for Alpharetta. Hope to hear from them soon.

Take care

[miked6]

You actually just missed the last open test with Alpharetta until June. It was this past Saturday. You can call Sgt Mechler, or Cpl Porter in the office professional standards (678-297-6334) and talk to them about the process though. They seem pretty cool.

[RBrodowski]

I've had training with a few people from Roswell. According to him and a few others here's what I gather from Roswell:

1. Your closest backup is easily over 10 minutes away usually.
2. In the past you'll be going to a fight in progress with 5+ people, by yourself, because your backup gets pulled off to go handle a traffic complaint in a richer part of town.
3. Sure they start off higher than anyone else, but what's their attitudes about OT and court time? I believe you get $25 for going to court when some departments pay you regular time (even on your days off).

I've heard bad things about Atlanta, from actual officers who worked there, but atleast you'll get some street crime experience. Atlanta tends to hire a lot of less desirable canidates (not saying there aren't good officers there, because I have met a lot of good ones from ATL).

If you want to stick with that side of town, Sandy Springs should be hiring a new police department soon (if not already begun).

[clovera]

Mike6,

Thank you for the information and telephone number. Good luck

[miked6]

Thanks for the input Brodowski. I am still going to my interview with alpharetta next Weds. and will continue through the process with them. It is just nice to already have an offer on the table.

[RBrodowski]

Also if you don't get in with Alpharetta, Sandy Springs is hiring for their new police department.

[miked6]

I have submitted a resume, but from what I hear they will not be hiring until July or so. I am also in the process with Cobb Co. PD. I am sure something will work out.