LETI - Columbia MO

[b1234]

I am thinking of enrolling in LETI’s 600 Class A certification course. I was wondering if any other officers on this forum have gotten their academy training from LETI. If so, how did you find the training? Where did you end up working and how long did it take you to get hired with the department? If you don’t feel like posting publicly please send me a private message. Thanks.

[JKat]

I did graduate from LETI, back in 2006 December. It took me a year to find a job, I didn't look super hard, but I did keep my mind focused on ONE place. I worked UC with a department in Missouri first, just to get my commission and learn some stuff. I didn't do much with that department. I NOW work in Kansas in a suburb of Kansas City. I love my job. I was class president of the December 2006 class. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or message me back.

[Linkshinter]

I was a graduate of LETC... That said, I have a few good things to say about LETI


From what I've been told and who I've met, the instructors are very knowledgible and have a sense of duty in teaching new officers how to do their job and survive bad situations.

They also have good equipment and good facilities from what I'm told.

Their hiring rate is pretty good right out of the academy and it is recognized as a good academy in the area.


I'd still go to LETC in Moberly though :) That's a biased opinion though.

[shane0422]

I am starting LETI in May, so if anyone has anymore info on what to expect id sure appreciate it! Getting nervous since its getting so close, and also getting worried about gas prices since i will be driving 60 miles one way and 60 back to get there everyday!

From talking to them I am pretty impresses so far, they told us some of the scenarios and stuff, anyone know roughly how much PT? I also heard police departments will recruit you while in their? is this true?

[NBW791]

A friend of mine graduated from LETI a couple years ago. I went to his graduation, and from the videos/photos I saw and talking to him, it seems they did a lot of good training. He got hired a short while after graduating (maybe a couple months max) at a south-central MO agency.

[Bearcat357]

FYI....

Branson is hiring....they are taking both Certified and non-certified folks.....

Chief is a great guy. He's got pay raised up and they have brand new stuff.....

[NBW791]

I would go NUTS working in Branson. WAAAAYYY too many tourists. I'd probably have a use of force every day down there. :mad:

[Bearcat357]

I would go NUTS working in Branson. WAAAAYYY too many tourists. I'd probably have a use of force every day down there. :mad:

The tourists I wouldn't mind so much....as they are old farts......

The traffic would freaking kill me..... Ick....

[ray8285]

The tourists I wouldn't mind so much....as they are old farts......
....

HEY....I AIN'T THAT OLD!!!!!:D

[Bearcat357]

HEY....I AIN'T THAT OLD!!!!!:D

Hey, hey....

I have been to two (count them TWO) LECC Conferences down there.....

And last I knew, they were in the running for the one next year's.... (This year is at the Lake)...


And yes....I have heard the man, the myth, the legand....."The Voice Of Branson."

:D

[shane0422]

Thanks for the replies, so far i am loving it! Granted i am only a few weeks in, but i cant see why i would change my mind. The instructors are actually really good, which is something that is normally lacking in college. it could be cause i actually want to learn this stuff!

I appreciate the heads up on Branson, thank you. I would love to stay at the lake since i live here and the wife works at the hospital, but could move if needed. Let me know if you hear of anymore openings, thanks again!

[crashman94]

I actually live in Columbia and was looking into LETI. Someone that worked with my father left his job to go to LETI. He said that you're required to pay for it yourself and that Columbia PD won't consider you for a job unless you've already gone through it. Is this true? I'm actually graduating tomorrow with an A.A. in CJ and I'm starting at Columbia College in the fall to finish my last two years. I'm just wondering if what I've heard is true since I'm considering applying for Columbia PD in the next two years.

[shane0422]

crashman,

it is tough to get a job and get someone to pay for it for you, seems to be its all about who you know. I had to pay for mine, tuition and other stuff it will run you about 7,000.

Well worth it though, it is a very good academy

[Linkshinter]

Columbia, Missouri "COMO"


From what I've seen, COMO will not even consider you unless you have a Class A Certification through POST. At this time, they are also requiring a minimum of an associates through a college.

Tough to get into the department...but they take care of you if you work well and get your 20 years.

[ChRdy21799]

Anyone got some more info on Columbia PD...length of hiring process, type of shifts, Officer morale, etc?

Looking for same info on Boone County Sheriff's Department.

Not finding too much on the web sites.

Thanks to all.

[Linkshinter]

COMO has a rather long hiring process it seems. One guy I know has been in line for 4 and a half months, and he's one of the ones being considered for the position :p

Boone County is about 6 months total I'm told..but I can't back that up with anything.


Morale at Boone County is high from what I've heard/seen, however COMO "reportedly" has issues with it.



Again, mostly hearsay, but when you keep hearing it from multiple people, it's tough to ignore.

[ChRdy21799]

Hey thanks Linkshinter.

I know Columbia is booming...increasing businesses, residential areas, population, etc. I think they are starting to annex some portions of the county as well.

So I am to curious to know how many positions are available with CPD. Do they sponsor their Recruits in the Academy or do they (Recruits) have to pay their own way?

I'm from Florida...not too sure how it works in Missouri.

Thanks again.

[Bearcat357]

Hey thanks Linkshinter.

I know Columbia is booming...increasing businesses, residential areas, population, etc. I think they are starting to annex some portions of the county as well.

So I am to curious to know how many positions are available with CPD. Do they sponsor their Recruits in the Academy or do they (Recruits) have to pay their own way?

I'm from Florida...not too sure how it works in Missouri.

Thanks again.


If you haven't been here....

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Police/

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Police/About_Us/employ.php

[crashman94]

I don't know if anyone here doesn't know, or if it just hasn't been mentioned, but the Columbia chief of police left about two weeks ago to go work as the head of security for the University of Missouri's hospital. They are doing a nation-wide search for the next chief and unitl they find one, they will not be hiring any new officers according to what I've heard. Once they find a replacement though, they're going to start hiring again because they lost one of their captains and are going to promote someone from within for that spot. Just FYI.

[crashman94]

Sorry for the double post, but while I was looking throught the Columbia Daily Tribune this morning I saw that the Columbia Police Department is now accepting applications for police officers. The deadline for this round of applications is 5 PM June 27, 2008.

[Bearcat357]

FYI....The out-going Chief retired after 30 plus years of service.....all with CPD.....

Great guy.....real great guy....

He's going over to the MU Hospital System (as stated) to service as their Security Director....

Line Officers are requesting they look outside the PD for a new Chief and the City had agreed.....Estimated time to find one is going to be at least 5-6 months or so......

[ChRdy21799]

I saw that the Columbia Police Department is now accepting applications for police officers. The deadline for this round of applications is 5 PM June 27, 2008.

Yeah I was looking on the city's web site. Only one position available...looks like they want Certified only. Competition will be tough!

[Linkshinter]

Yea, something to add...

They do not sponser cadets through an academy from what I've been told. They prefer to "farm out" people from local acadmies such as LETI and LETC and the Sheriff's Association academies in the area. I would imagine it's more cost effective and they don't have to worry about their investment not making it through the academy.

[ChRdy21799]

CPD Chief had his going-away reception in downtown Columbia today. I believe his last day is next Tuesday.

I wish him the best. He's done real well with CPD.

[shane0422]

I just graduated there in august. It is an excellent school. I know i havent been around much, but i doubt you will find an Instructor as good as Bill Stephens anywhere else