Tbta 2065

[Stackit02]

hey vab, the academy is run in 2 squads. 7am-3pm and 3pm-11pm.

This is not true. There are some nights (very few) where you will do a 3p-11p tour, but for the most part each class right now is on 7a-3p tours. It is always subject to change though.

[seveinsins]

From what i hear noone has received anything yet.. They say it should be anyday now considering that they're going to start CDL at FBF in April.. With my rank number i know im the first class off the list ... But if you want i will message you once i get it !

On the job we were hearing talk of an April class and I've seen some cdl training going on. By the way if you don't know already be prepared the trainers at FBF are some of the biggest J/O's on the job so be warned, most of them do not even know what the job is so take everything you hear there with a grain of salt
Good luck it is still one of the best jobs in the city and if you have any ?'s let me know.:confused:

[LEIsMyLife21]

hey LE, good to see you posting again. How have you been?


Heyy Thanks Gbotj...ive been good...just very busy with the academy and making sure i get through it with no problems

[LEIsMyLife21]

Hey LEI,

Long time no post! How is the academy? Are there two sessions? What hours is the academy?

Thanks for your good words. I have the PAT coming up on the 28th - will definately give it my all.


Hey Vab!! im sure you'll do fine on the 28th...the academy is goooood...lots to learn and lots to do!! im enjoying myself though!! there are kinda two sessions...but like stackit said, for the most part we're all there 7-3...but sometimes we do have to work 3-11, or the other group will work 3-11....i think out of our whole schedule, we have 7 or so 3-11's...its not bad at all...

[Ant61683]

Thank you seveinsins , I hear of layoffs, or freeze is this true ???

[RomanArts]

Good Luck to all that are taking their Physical Agility Test and to all that are waiting just be patient.

[gbotj]

thanks rome, hopefully it wont be raining when we take it.

[SCPS PO]

I actually prefer to run in the cold and rain. It's soothing.

[vab1978]

Can someone who has gone through the process tell us about the interview that the candidates will have on Friday at Randall's Island (the same day as our physical agility test)? How long is it? Is it true that we will be interviewed by a panel? If so, how many people? What type of questions are asked? Any information would be appreciated.

[tnelly711]

i dont know about running in the rain might slow you down a bit and soggy wet shoes for the stair climb might not be so good!!..anyone practing running yet...ive been doing it on a treadmill and got the .65 down to about 6 minutes..guessing its gunna be different on a track though cause the treadmill kinda sets ur pace for you

[gbotj]

I've been doing it out on roads since we do the run on a bike path on randalls island. I also ran a few times in the rain in the past two weeks. My times for dry ground is about 5:50 and wet ground is about 6:10.

[SCPS PO]

I've been doing it out on roads since we do the run on a bike path on randalls island. I also ran a few times in the rain in the past two weeks. My times for dry ground is about 5:50 and wet ground is about 6:10.

I thought we were running on a track at Randalls?

[RomanArts]

Vab why dont you take some time and go back in the post because these particular thread has been around sinc e4ht elast list and all of these questions have been aswered numerous times so go back and read up and good luck

[gbotj]

"I thought we were running on a track at Randalls"

last physical test was done on a bike path on randalls.

[RomanArts]

There is no track on Randall's island there is only the bike path

[gbotj]

actually there is a track now on randalls, it just opened up about 1 year ago. Its a pretty big stadium on the west side of the island just off the water. Not sure why we dont use it but oh well.

The path we use is right next to the robert moses building and is a straight line parallel to the road, we run to one point turn around and run back.

[PlainSilverTin]

not looking forward to running in the rain, my dry time is about 6:30, not in as good a shape as you other guys!!!!if you are completing the .65 in around 6 you guys should have no probs even if the rain slows you a bit, rain is definitely going to slow you down my times are always slower in rain.

anyone thats been running on a track or treadmill try running on the street it's a totally different experience, tracks and treadmills are alot more forgiving on your joints than asphalt.

good luck everyone, and don't underestimate the steps!!!!

as far as i know the interview goes over the packet in detail.. they will ask you to talk about work experience, tickets, arrests.....that kind of stuff pretty standard stuff. hopefully we will see each other in the next step...

[gbotj]

Well come tomorrow I think everyone will do alot better than in their practice runs. I know I will. When I was training for the run I'd take a few walk breaks then wait a couple seconds, and then pick it back up and I'd complete it in around 5:50, I know that tomorrow I'm not gonna stop until I reach the finish line or drop dead.....Hopefully the former comes first. lol.

[vab1978]

Hey Guys,

How did everyone do today at the PAT? I passed, have my medical tonight and then the psych on Wednesday. I hope everyone did well. In my group of 7 females, 3 did not pass.

One of the people in my group heard that the next class will be a Sgt.'s class and that the BTO class is after that. One of the interviewers said he heard the BTO class would be this summer. Did anyone hear anything about a start date?

[SCPS PO]

Out of my 7, we all passed. Didn't hear anything about a start date.

[MasterMason]

all 7 in my group passed.

[LEIsMyLife21]

Hope everyone did well today!! congrats to those who passed!! and good luck with the rest of processing!!!

[VACOP1]

not looking forward to running in the rain, my dry time is about 6:30, not in as good a shape as you other guys!!!!if you are completing the .65 in around 6 you guys should have no probs even if the rain slows you a bit, rain is definitely going to slow you down my times are always slower in rain.

anyone thats been running on a track or treadmill try running on the street it's a totally different experience, tracks and treadmills are alot more forgiving on your joints than asphalt.

good luck everyone, and don't underestimate the steps!!!!

as far as i know the interview goes over the packet in detail.. they will ask you to talk about work experience, tickets, arrests.....that kind of stuff pretty standard stuff. hopefully we will see each other in the next step...

I am going to play stupid here but what is the .65 and what is the standard

[PlainSilverTin]

I am going to play stupid here but what is the .65 and what is the standard

we are talking about part of the physical agility qualifier for tbta, we have to run .65 of 1 mile and set up 4 cones in less than 7 and a half minutes...


Hey guys , congrats to everyone who passed, the PAT was not as tough as i thought it would be, HELLA NERVE WRACKING...but not as bad as i thought it would be. the waiting was defintely teh worst part. i think getting hyped up here on the forum made me expect the worst. we had a large group we had 9 but we lost one guy right away to the steps. the remaining 8 of us all passed, me and gbotj were even in the same group small world huh?

it seems like it will move very quickly now, everyone's medicals were set up within the next 4 days and our written exam is on the 2nd...if they don't put through this sgt's class first (i have heard this rumor as well), hopefully we can keep our fingers crossed for a class soon.

ok kids time for my steak see yall soon.

[SCPS PO]

Did everyone here get the same date for the psych? I ended up with April 2nd.

[PlainSilverTin]

yeah i think we are all taking the written the same day. what i don't know is if they set up multiple tests at different times during the day, we may not be taking it all at the same time...

take a look at your medical questionaires, it's not a 123 thing, have to refill work history again....etc. defintely not as long as the orientation pack, but it'll eat half an hour of your life. maybe more....

[SCPS PO]

I'm curious to the number of candidates left. My letter for the psych testing says it is at the place where orientation was. As I recall, the room could only accommodate a number of persons. My appointment for testing is at 10 am. If everyone has the same time, I guess we can see how many viable candidates are in the running.

[gbotj]

So does anyone have an idea on when the oral psych may be held? I'm guessing about 1 week after the written.

uh be honest I really don't think they will put in a Sgt.'s class before another BTO's class. I'm hearing that right now they are short BTO's and they held off on creating the truck enforcement unit until they have enough BTO's to fill slots. They probably won't pull a class of Sgt.'s (and now be short both Sgt.'s and BTO's) and then put in a class of BTO's. Before this class in now they didn't hire BTO's since June and are pretty low on numbers now. So one more class should bring them back to normal officer numbers, then they can have a Sgt's class......mere speculation though.

So good luck to everyone and see you guys on the 2nd.

[gbotj]

also about the orientation room, I remember there were about 16 tables with 4 seats to each, so that's about 65 people and everyone is scheduled to take the psych at 10am. When i was setting up my dates I saw the list for the psych and there were about 30 people on it and I left at 11:00am. There will probably be about another 30 from the group after ours too.

[Cadet2020]

The room for the psych is the same room where you had the orientation....I remember it being really cramped up...but from what I noticed the oral part of the psych is where a good number of people got knocked off....so good luck...

[tnelly711]

hey congrats to everyone that passed on friday...i dont know about you guys but im still tired!...we had one guy from my group that just made the run then got dq-ed on the steps by 3 seconds!!...plainsilver i think i was the one sitting across from you when we where waiting for the interview...i remember you talking about going home and getting a steak...and i think gbotj was on my right...i got my med on monday...and same thing as you guys for the psych...im soo glad that part is over ...almost there guys!!!

[gbotj]

Yea tnelly I believe I was talking to you too.

I went out for a run again today, I just got so use to it that now I actually like doing it. For the guys who's waiting for the the next group, don't worry about the run at all I did it in 5 mins. I could have done it faster but felt like walking for a little while.


Well it was a pleasure talking to tnelly and plainsilver, both real nice guys.

[PlainSilverTin]

[QUOTE=gbotj;1165848]So does anyone have an idea on when the oral psych may be held? I'm guessing about 1 week after the written.

uh be honest I really don't think they will put in a Sgt.'s class before another BTO's class.QUOTE]

Hey bro, i hope you're right, the sooner they give the face to face the better, i should hope that the oral will get rid of some people like the edp in our pat group. There is no way that guy will go through once he starts talking...i mean i don't want to wish anyone bad luck but i really don't think i can trust that guy with a weapon...

as for the sgt's class i hope you're right about that too, we have a better chance of making it to an academy this year if they put an officer class after the april guys...i guess we will see what they deem is more necessary, supervision or manpower...

[PlainSilverTin]

plainsilver i think i was the one sitting across from you when we where waiting for the interview...i remember you talking about going home and getting a steak...and i think gbotj was on my right...i got my med on monday...and same thing as you guys for the psych...im soo glad that part is over ...almost there guys!!!

you know it's funny i had a feeling you might have been someone from the forum, gbotj told me who he was once we got back into manhatten. i honestly didn't say who i was or ask anyone who they were outright just in case we failed and had to take the walk of shame to the m35... honestly, last thing i needed was to fail and then come to the forum and read "yeah plainsilver nice guy, to bad he failed miserably..." well, i'm certainly glad we all made it through...congrats again guys...

and yes, my wife and i went to dinner and i had a fantastic medium rare steak which my body then paid for the next day, just not used to eating like that anymore considering i ate like a bird for the past month. and i'm still a little sore...lol i was joking around telling my wife i think i used lung cells that had been dormant since 1988 i'm still coughing a bit, is that normal?! lol

see you guys wed.

[vab1978]

After the medical, did the doctor give you any paperwork at the end?

[SCPS PO]

I wonder how many they are anticipating for this next class. The medical and psych is bound to knock some more candidates out. If it ends up being a double, I assume there are others that were passed over in the first two classes gearing up for this one.

[vab1978]

SCPS - check your private messages.

[tnelly711]

yeah i didnt want to say anything either in case i bombed out on one of the parts...taking the medical tomorrow...i just want to get the next few parts over with ...i still cant relax till everythings passed...how long did the medical take???...i hope i dont have top run for the ekg i still got shin splints!! see you guys at the psyc!!!

[gbotj]

So what are you guys wearing for the medical?

[SCPS PO]

I think casual clothing is fine for the medical. It's not like the PD medical from what I'm hearing.

[vab1978]

My medical was about 20 minutes and had 5 main parts:

1) questions about the health assessment form
2) eye exam
3) hearing exam
4) mobility/flexibility/balance exam
5) listening to lungs/heart/pulse/blood pressure

The eye exam had 3 parts testing peripheral vision, color blindness and visual acuity. For peripheral vision, you have to cover one eye at a time and the doctor places his hands to the sides of your sight and moves his fingers. You have to tell him if you see him waive his fingers to the right or left (or both). Color blindness you used two eyepieces to look into a machine and told him what numbers you saw. It was a standard red, green, yellow color blind test with the numbers written in one color on a circular background of another color. The third part you use the same machine as the color blind test and look into it using both eyes, then each eye alternatively. There are diamonds with 4 circles inside. Of the 4 circles, one (I think) is a full circle and the rest were not complete circles - having just a small portion that is missing. You have to tell him which was the complete circle. If you wear glasses or contacts, I think you do this last part with and without your corrective glasses/contacts.

Hearing exam. Standard hearing exam from elementary school. You put earphones on and he signals high and low tones in either your right or left ear and you signal to him when you hear a tone indicating which ear you hear it in.

Mobility/flexibility/balance - you stand on one foot at a time, kneel on one knee and then the other (several times apparently testing both flexibility and balance), squat down, stand and bend to your right and left (as if you dropped something and are picking it up), move your arms frontwards and then backwards in very large circles (shoulder mobility). All this seemed very easy unless you have a major physical issue. While waiting in the waiting room, we also heard other candidates doing something that sounding like they were jumping but I didn't have to do anything like that.

He used a stethoscope to listen to my lungs and maybe heart, took blood pressure and pulse.

I had no EKG or undressing. I hope this helps. Good luck to all.

[PlainSilverTin]

vab you're the best. i'm wearing khaki's and a dress shirt (no tie) i doubt we really need to be in a 3 piece for this....

[vab1978]

Nothing personal PlainSilver but I don't think there has been a reason to be in a 3 piece since 1974! (only playing with you).

So what are people hearing about the psych on Wednesday? Is it written only or will there be an oral component also? How many questions on the written? How long will it take? Any advise on what they are looking for? I have never taken one of these so any info would be appreciated.

[PlainSilverTin]

man, stop messing with my baby blue 3 piece joint with the frills...lol

man i think i had the longest medical on record...tnelly, i must have been in there with the doc for over half an hour right? medical went exactly like vab said but the doctor i had checked for hernia as well. for you future guys, any Major surgery get documentation from your doctor, they will probobly ask for it, and if your diabetic, get your last 2 A1c tests and a letter from your doctor documenting your diagnosis and management (letter saying your diabetes is under control, etc, that you've never passed out..etc...) my application is on hold until i get this stuff faxed over and they want it within a week, alot of crap can happen at a doctors office so make sure it gets done...i know they can't discriminate if you have diabetes, high blood pressure (as long as it's controlled) etc etc, but they certainly don't make it easy, i should have known and gotten this stuff ahead of time, my current department asked for this stuff also...

vab, as for the psych if it's like nypd psych, they will give you 5 hours for 1000+ questions, the majority of which will be the same question asked a bunch of different ways. over all it's not hard, alot of common sense stuff, just don't lose your concentration because consistency is what they are going to look for. if you answer a question that they re-hash 5 different times with 5 different answers or contradicting answers it will raise a flag, it's tedious so defintely don't party the night before and have 8 cups of coffee in the morning... this wed will only be the written, they will probobly schedual us for the face to face with a department shrink some time within the next 2 weeks.

good luck everyone were's almost through...

[tnelly711]

yeah you where in there for 30 minutes....i think mine took like 12 lol...i got checked for the hernia 2...but im lucky enough to where i never really had any major surgery...just make sure you get that paper work in!!...if what we heard is true and this is the last class before january you dont want to have to wait that long! gbotj i heard you where over there 2 ...how did everything go?

[SCPS PO]

I think I was at the medical the same time with some of you guys. If that was you PlainSilverTin, it was actually 33 minutes :).


vab1978, check your PM.

[gbotj]

i passed the medical. moving on to the psych and then will see you guys in greys. good luck tomorrow guys.

[SCPS PO]

Out of curiosity, did he tell you that you passed the medical?

[gbotj]

yeah, he signed off my paperwork and said I passed. I was only in their for about 5-10 minutes......... He also said I'm cleared for duty or something like that. Not sure on his exact words.

[SCPS PO]

What paperwork? The questionnaire?

[gbotj]

Yeah the questionaire. I think he also had another piece of paper to mark down if you passed, failed or put on review. I'm not sure though.. It all happened pretty fast and was just happy to pass.

[SCPS PO]

He didn't say anything to me other than the authority makes the ultimate decision on whether or not the candidate is hired. He said if there WERE any thing that he felt like he should tell me concerning my health he would tell me. At no point did he tell me pass, fail, or review. Did you receive anything from him?

[gbotj]

he handed me a piece of paper to fill out when I'm hired.
SCPS- check your inbox for more info

[tnelly711]

He didn't say anything to me other than the authority makes the ultimate decision on whether or not the candidate is hired. He said if there WERE any thing that he felt like he should tell me concerning my health he would tell me. At no point did he tell me pass, fail, or review. Did you receive anything from him?




he told me the same thing scps...i didnt get any paper afterwords!!

[vab1978]

I don't know about you guys, but I haven't gone out running since the PAT. Hopefully, we will get out early tomorrow and I can go for a run.

tnelly, I got the same advice from the doctor and no paperwork either. Maybe we can find out more tomorrow.

Good luck tomorrow to all.

[SCPS PO]

I received the same paper gbotj received. But I was given it before I even started testing.

[SCPS PO]

Everyone has a 10am psych correct?

[gbotj]

yep 10am 2 broadway.
Good luck tomorrow guys.

[SCPS PO]

Good luck to all today. Hopefully this and the oral psych is it and we can get ready to wait for that call!

[PlainSilverTin]

tnelly how the heck did you finish so darn quick!? that was brutal, i hope everything works out i'm sick of taking psych exams for the city, i hope this is the last one i have to take... i think i got out around 3...my doc faxed over the stuff that had my medical on review so i should be good to go now.

so what did you guys think of the psych? i don't remember having to do all that stuff for the pd psych the sentence completion, word association, that weird test that was a quasi IQ test with the numbers/letter completion...it wasn't terrible, just took so long, my hand is still cramped...

[SCPS PO]

People with a higher IQ are able to manipulate the test.

[vab1978]

Maybe I am sick, but I enjoyed the tests!

My guess is that the vocabulary and logic portion will be used as some sort of index for the remainder of the tests. For example, I don’t think they care if you didn’t know the vocabulary words, but they probably analyze the other tests differently if you got none wrong versus 5 wrong.

Did anyone hear anything (hearsay, rumor) concerning a start date?

[SCPS PO]

Hopefully soon after the current class graduates.

[tnelly711]

lol i dont know i just went into a zone i guess...some of them questions where so funny...especially the sentence fill in...i wanted to put weird stuff on purpose..like "I AM AFRAID OF_________ <---- ESKIMOS" dont think that would have gone over to well!!

[PlainSilverTin]

hahaha "i am afraid of_______"


cars, trucks and handling sums of money..........

[SCPS PO]

Anyone took their oral psych yet? I know some are scheduled for today.

[CJ212]

I went today. Not bad. The doc is a nice guy. As long as you didn’t put down that you were possessed or that you think someone is reading your thoughts I’m sure you’ll do fine.

[SCPS PO]

CJ212,

How long did the interview last?

[CJ212]

About 30 mins.

[CJ212]

Did anyone hear anything about a start date yet?

[gbotj]

Well, I don't know about you guys but I'm looking forward to starting the academy, and working you guys. I've already had the pleasure of meeting plainsilver and tnelly, I might have even talked to a few others without knowing it.

anyway, good luck to everyone again. Were almost done.

[CJ212]

I wish that they would announce a start date and say how many people they want for this class.

[SCPS PO]

I'm hoping for a double class and a June or May start date. I understand the first class is set to graduate at the end of this month.

[gbotj]

This class graduates April 29th, and as I understand it looks like a double class again and should start within the first two weeks of may.

[vab1978]

Great info, thanks gbotj.

I assume the calls are made in list number order so gbotj and tnelly would likely get the first calls.

[SCPS PO]

All the stages for me are completed and now the waiting begins. Good luck to all!

[gbotj]

Yup, I will let you guys know if/when I get the call. I'm thinking we'll go in around may 5th (first monday of may) so tbta usually gives 14-18 days notice before the class goes in. Looks like calls might be made within the next week or two. The last group took so long for calls because alot of peoples fingerprints were messed up and people were being refingerprinted up to the last week of jan.

SCPS, how long were you in there for?

[SCPS PO]

Total about an hour. The doctor was running behind. I waited for about 45 minutes but our interview was over in 15 minutes or less.

[SCPS PO]

Anyone know what the last eligible list number appointed was?

[bhavin115]

i think they called up to 450 or 470

[gbotj]

I believe the last number appointed was in the 270's.

[SCPS PO]

When does oral psychs wrap up this week?

[gbotj]

friday is the last day

[vab1978]

I think gbotj and bhavin are both right. For the two February classes the highest list number from people on this forum was around 270. For those of us waiting for the May class(es), the MTA called approximately 200 list numbers plus there were additional candidates processed this round who have list numbers below 100 so there were definitely hold overs from the prior classes.

[DavidDQ]

For those of you guys out there who in the waiting list, I recommend you guys to try out the Temp. BTO position first to get an idea what the job is like, since the job is mainly about toll collecting for newbies. I know some guys in the list about # 600-700 and looking forward to the job, tried the Temp. BTO job for the one day and quit. never seen them again. I guess BTO job is not for everyone.

[gbotj]

David, temp BTO is just collecting tolls. nothing else just collecting tolls. Many BTO's barely collect tolls now since they have temps collect them. Ive heard of guys not collecting a toll in over 2 to 3 months, and when collecting tolls I believe a BTO is only in the booth for an hour or so.

Temps are not assigned to a radio car, checkpoint, or the plaza. They do not write summonses or make arrests.

Temp BTO = Toll Collector
BTO = Cop

[DavidDQ]

David, temp BTO is just collecting tolls. nothing else just collecting tolls. Many BTO's barely collect tolls now since they have temps collect them. Ive heard of guys not collecting a toll in over 2 to 3 months, and when collecting tolls I believe a BTO is only in the booth for an hour or so.

Temps are not assigned to a radio car, checkpoint, or the plaza. They do not write summonses or make arrests.

Temp BTO = Toll Collector
BTO = Cop

All the new BTOs have to collect toll for a period of time before jump to other BTO assignments. A lot of BTOs have to collect toll throughout their shifts. 8 hours a shift and get 2 breaks that's it. All I'm saying is, even you become a BTO, you would be collecting tolls from time to time.

[Qnsguy718]

Hello all, all I can say is wow! I have been on many message boards before and have never seen a 44 page thread about nothing. WOW! I have a been a BTO for five years now, some of the info provided here is inaccurate. The job isnt that bad, it pays the bills. Like anything else you get out of it what you put into it. Depending on where you are placed you will be taking tolls pretty much all the time. I started off at a bridge and would try to collar up everyday just to get out of lanes. This kind of activity will bring you unwanted attention from the bosses. I transferred out and have been at a tunnel now for 3 years, I have taken tolls a total of 4 days since I've been there. I have some time on, new guys will pretty much get the ****ty assignments such as tolls to start.

The job has its dangers, your wearing blue. Its not as dangerous as walking a foot post in the 73 on 4 X 12's but it can turn hairy at anytime. At the checkpoints most of your time will be spent checking trucks and issuing summonses. These interactions can be 2nd nature for the most part but you never know. Good luck to all the are interested in the job but remember- there will always be a sgt or lt that will go out of there way to ****can a valid collar because they dont want to be bothered. Do not let this deter you from doing the job properly and do not let this discourage you for future action. The authority only cares about there money, they dont care about collars and summonses. Just money$$$

Good luck again.

[PlainSilverTin]

well it wouldn't be the first post to have inaccurate information...but it definitely has provided some good info and a place for us to chatter and vent...our time is coming soon (as i said before as long as they don't deem us crazy) and we'll find out what things are all about for ourselves. i'm sure nobody posting here is looking for absolute truths, this thread has become sort of like a kid's favorite blanket...it's just a comfortable place, especially for the guys that have been posting on it from page 1. does that sound CrAZy? lol

my time with the shrink is on friday, hopefully we will hear some good news shortly. good luck guys.

[gbotj]

Plain, good luck. My appointment is tomorrow.

Soooo happy to almost be done with this process, and right now the wait for the call doesnt look bad at all... Its good to have patience.

[vab1978]

I just finished my oral psych and all appeared to go well. I was in there for 30 minutes.

He asked me many of the same questions that were on the survey that we filled out last week. Asked about job history, disciplinary history, volunteer work, drug use, etc.

Other questions included how would you describe yourself, how would your friends describe you, what about yourself would you like to improve and biggest disappointment.

He had a report with my answers to selected questions but said none of my answers warranted further discussion.

[gbotj]

vab, check your inbox.

[CJ212]

Vab,

Sounds identical to my oral.

[CJ212]

Does anyone have an idea of how many people were left over from the first group?

[CJ212]

gbotj,

How did it go today?

[gbotj]

great, same as vab except I was in there for 15 minutes. Psychologist is very polite and asks just basic questions.

Everyone keep an eye on your phones.

[PlainSilverTin]

i'm getting ready, my time with the shrink is in a few hours. talk to you guys soon.

[gbotj]

good luck plain, as long as you didnt put any stupid answers on the written you'll be fine.

[DOCSatTheGunk]

Anyone know when there testing again?

[SCPS PO]

Every 4 years or so they give the exam.

[gbotj]

So, we're coming up on 2 days now since psychs were completed. Feels like the days are going by fast. Very happy the process is done, and nothing left to do but wait (easier said than done).

I'm guessing calls should be made around the 22nd, that will put the academy in the first to second week of may. This sounds about right since at orientation they said the class should start late april...

[PlainSilverTin]

man, it's going sooo sloooow....

i'm getting a bit worried, i'm still with my current department and if and when i get the go ahead i have to drop a bomb on them with my resignation...two weeks notice seems so corporate...lol

anyone else in the same boat? my lips have been sealed from the initial exam to avoid any possible backlash or jealous stupidity from anyone in my chain of command or fellow officers...sad but i'm not taking chances there are only 3 people in my unit that know and they are the ones i put down as references. i'm just glad i don't have to take any more days off...

[SCPS PO]

I been on my job for a bit and everyone knows that if the call comes, I'm gone. Every one of my bosses know, hell if they had given me more spaces for references I would have listed the entire command staff. Just explain to them that you don't know when the call is coming and apologize if you're not able to give them 2 weeks notice. Don't burn your bridges.

[PlainSilverTin]

yeah i don't want to burn bridges, it's the last thing you want to do with any job you leave, but my departments chain of command can be shady at times, well actually they are shady. i really can't take the chance on them finding out at all until it's a done deal...i just hope i get pulled for the next upcoming class. it's going to be hard if the 1 in 3 rule comes into play and i get passed over this time, and have to possibly wait until next year.

it's funny, i've written my resignation letter over and over again and i just can't seem to figure out what to write (i know, short concise to the point....thankyou for the opportunity...etc). i don't want to say anything that can be interpreted or looked at as disrespectful or mocking, but i know they will look at my resignation as that because my department is so small and is already shorthanded. one of the officers i work with resigned to go to another agency instead of waiting for a transfer from my dept because they purposely kept holding back the transfer papers from HR. i just don't want to deal with that.

[SCPS PO]

Check your PM PlainSilverTin.

[gbotj]

I dont think the 1 in 3 rule is gonna come into play. At the written psych there was only 70 people, and thats where the majority of candidates are disqualified. There were also people on med review who took the written, or failed the medical (without knowing it), so thats like 60 people right there and if you figure 15 people failed the psych were down to 45 and if another 5 got DQ'd or held up on the BI we're down to 40 + the others left over from the first group (I think its only like 10 people left over). With 45 people they cant 1 in 3 for a class of 28, and I think this class is going to be 56 again.

[PlainSilverTin]

I dont think the 1 in 3 rule is gonna come into play. At the written psych there was only 70 people, and thats where the majority of candidates are disqualified. There were also people on med review who took the written, or failed the medical (without knowing it), so thats like 60 people right there and if you figure 15 people failed the psych were down to 45 and if another 5 got DQ'd or held up on the BI we're down to 40 + the others left over from the first group (I think its only like 10 people left over). With 45 people they cant 1 in 3 for a class of 28, and I think this class is going to be 56 again.

man i hope you are right. i wonder if anyone who failed the medical got offical notice that they failed a part of the testing...i had surgeries and needed to give A1c results to the the examining doctor, but i never heard anything else after it was faxed over.

for any current BTO's if you left another city agency to go to tbta what did you have to do to carry your time and health insurance over? did you just have to go see someone from nycers and HR?

scps check your PM

[vab1978]

PlainSilver,

I am a current City employee and have many of the same issues.

My understanding is that transfering AL and sick leave is done administratively (one agency's personnel unit fills out a form and sends it to the other agency). I forget if you have to request your current agency to do this or if the request needs to originate with your new agency. If you like, I can ask my personnel division and get back to you.

I am a little confused about the health insurance. At the pre-employment orientation, I thought they said there would be no gap in insurance coverage for City employees (NYC OLA) but there might be for State employees (NYSID). But when I checked the BTO union website and linked onto the insurance page, the insurance coverage is through the state, not the city. There was someone at orientation who specifically asked about gaps in insurance. Perhaps I misunderstood and got it backwards? Does anyone remember this from orientation?

[gbotj]

Vab, I think I remember city employees have no break in insurance, and state employees have a gap.

At orientation they briefly went over the benefits, it was more like an outline of things. They said everything would be explained in greater detail, but so far that hasnt happened.

[FDMEDIC84]

I have been following these posts for about 2 weeks and have to say they are great and very helpful. I wish I would have found this site out when I first knew I was taking the test. I have gone through all the steps and have made it this far. My number is in the lower 300's and I am very nervous awaiting the phone call/letter to be sent. :)

[gbotj]

good luck medic. This wait is starting to get to me. lol.
The first couple days it was ok.....but now I'm checking my phone every 10 minutes.

[vab1978]

Hey Medic, welcome to the group (literally and figuratively).

In retrospect, the MTA didn't need to spend all that money for outside psych testing. They should have just locked us all up in a room and watched us go thought the hiring process. That would show them who is anxious, crazy, depressed, panic-stricken, etc.

[SCPS PO]

vab,

If they had locked us all into a room and watched us, I think we would've taken over an entire floor at 2 Broadway and effectively started our own department :).

[tnelly711]

i dont know about you guiys but this waiting is killing me...i just want to know either way!...im guessing there not gunna make any calls until next week...i figure they still go some procesing to do!

[gbotj]

"If they had locked us all into a room and watched us, I think we would've taken over an entire floor at 2 Broadway and effectively started our own department"

MTA Bridges and Tunnels, 2 Broadway Division Officers.
I think we'd find a way to make it happen. lol.

[PlainSilverTin]

heard a rumor they started calling yesterday. my mom has a friend who's husband is in our group but not online at officer and my mom called me this morning to ask if i got a call yet....apparently he has to go in this friday for one last thing. i think he was one of the guys that didn't get an orientation packet from the 1st group and had to test with us because of teh postal mistake, so his list number was pretty high so if they are going in order we should be getting calls any moment. but then again my mother is well...she's a mother and you know what happens when people play the phone game....if i hear anything else i'll let ya'll know.

[SCPS PO]

Can we get confirmation on whether or not the calls have gone out?

[gbotj]

he probably got called for refingerprinting. I doubt their going to hire someone before they are fingerprinted.

Im also supposed to be in the first group, and I recieved no phone call. Tnelly too.

[FDMEDIC84]

That's probably what happened. The wait is a killer but it will come soon!!!

[SCPS PO]

Well folks, it looks like TBTA is going to try for another class before the year is out. Coworker of mine just received his package for orientation scheduled for May 2nd. Not sure what his list number was. Looks like we should be getting calls soon.

[gbotj]

Some relatively good news. Another group is going to be processing May 2nd and TBTA starts one group when a class is in the academy.... I think may 5th is gonna be the start date for us. If it is they will have to make phone calls on monday the latest. That will be 14 days notice.

[FDMEDIC84]

Sounds good to me. They must really need BTO's to put through another class.

[SCPS PO]

We shall see. I'm RDO Sun/Mon/Tue. so they should have no trouble reaching me.

[gbotj]

"I'm RDO Sun/Mon/Tue"

what chart do you guys have out in SC? That doesnt sound too bad.
BTO's work 4/2's 4/1's and sometimes 4/3's

[SCPS PO]

My RDOs are actually Sun/Mon but I been burning up some of my time on the books so the entire month of April I'm on 3 day RDOs. We work a straight 8, 5 on 2 off steady chart. It sucks that I'm giving up a piece of the weekend and day tours but I figure money talks and you know what walks.

[gbotj]

ten four.

lol.

[CJ212]

No phone calls yet?

[SCPS PO]

Sure, I get a phone call every other hour asking me if I want to subscribe to the Times.

[gbotj]

nada thing.

gotta find something to pass the time...... I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10.

[Neurotoxinx@hot]

This makes me extremely sad to think that the majority of the posts here are from the same people, the fact is that after you guys go into the academy I believe this post might suffer tremendously, so please dont put this post through a blackout of info, keep the info streaming especially through the academy try and let us that are still waiting in the wings know how it is...

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't forget about us hopefuls lol

[SCPS PO]

Patience young grasshopper. Soon you will learn the ancient mystical arts related to all that is TBTA....

The first class before they were hired were fairly active in their postings but academy training takes up the majority of their time. I'm sure once they get out in a field for a few months they'll drift back, same as us. It's like that for all the guys posting in the PD thread.

[gbotj]

instructors check this site, and recruits arent allowed to post while in the academy.

[bhavin115]

i cant wait till they call you guys so i can get my packet. i heard that they started to send out the next batch any idea on the list number??

[gbotj]

I can only assume anywhere from list # 580- mid 600. I think my (our) class is gonna be a double so they called 200 for it. I really dont think they will have 3 back to back double classes. So it might only be 100 called for this group, then another 100 for the next one.

Also another reason why I think this is going to be a double group is because they have about 50 candidates or so, and if it was going to be a single class then they wouldnt start processing again for another class that would go in latest in sept.

So Bhavin, with your list number I'd say You'll be called in the summer.
They are hiring alot of bto's in a short amount of time. If you look back on this first page they were down to list 799 in 3 years. Here they are at 500 something in less than one year.

[Jayc6018]

I can only assume anywhere from list # 580- mid 600. I think my (our) class is gonna be a double so they called 200 for it. I really dont think they will have 3 back to back double classes. So it might only be 100 called for this group, then another 100 for the next one.

Also another reason why I think this is going to be a double group is because they have about 50 candidates or so, and if it was going to be a single class then they wouldnt start processing again for another class that would go in latest in sept.

So Bhavin, with your list number I'd say You'll be called in the summer.
They are hiring alot of bto's in a short amount of time. If you look back on this first page they were down to list 799 in 3 years. Here they are at 500 something in less than one year.

Damn bro your right, I'm in the 900's so it looks like they will get to me at the end of this yr or beginning of next yr.

I hope between PAPD and BTO I can get either one because I trying my damn hardest not to go NYPD unless its the last resort.

I just got my packet for papd and they need a whole lot of things before my first date in 2 weeks to meet with a BI.

[gbotj]

yea jayc I saw your post on the PAPD thread. I meant to post a congrats on there for you but I was in a rush. So congrats on that, and I think you guys will get called by the mid-end of this year.

Good luck with PAPD, VERY VERY tough job to get on. But Im sure you'll make it with no problems.

[Jayc6018]

yea jayc I saw your post on the PAPD thread. I meant to post a congrats on there for you but I was in a rush. So congrats on that, and I think you guys will get called by the mid-end of this year.

Good luck with PAPD, VERY VERY tough job to get on. But Im sure you'll make it with no problems.

Thanks man I appreciate it and I do really hope I get on the only thing I am concerned about is my stained credit. I don't want them to use that against me but then again I am sure they will want an explanation lol

[gbotj]

well TBTA doesnt even look at your credit history. They said that within the first 10 minutes of orientation. So you should be good for TBTA

[Jayc6018]

Really? wow I didn't know that, I thought most LE agency use your credit history as a measure to judge your character.

[gbotj]

not tbta, they said "we will not be looking at your credit history"

[Ant61683]

I know you guys are talking about new packets coming out.. Also you mentiond a double class this acedmy coming up and then probably a single academy next, in my opinion is i think they will slow down alot after this year.. epecially the amount of guys they are hiring now ... I dont want to put anyone down (including myself ) but that just my opinion...

[PlainSilverTin]

i've lucked out, my best friend has been in for the past few days from colorado keeping my mind off the waiting...any day now boys...

[CJ212]

Did any of you hear of anyone receiving any letters stating that they are disqualified yet?

[SCPS PO]

Everyone just relax and take a deep breath. Get out and get some air. The calls will be made soon!

[CJ212]

lol, everyone is on the edge of insanity. Good thing they’re not doing the psychological now.

[tnelly711]

i dont know about you guys but ive been jumping at every phone call...and wouldnt you know it but last week every person ive been avoiding for the last ten years some how got my number on top of that someone keeps calling my phone from different numbers asking for monica!!!...im going crazy hopefully well get the call 2 morrow or tuesday...i was wondering if anyone knows if they cant reach you do they leave a message????....i get no reception at my job its like a bomb shelter!!!!...also does anyone know if we get paid weekly or biweekly???....and one more question does our year probabtion start during the acadamy or after where assigned???....gbotj youve been elected out mta spokesman i expect a promt response..lol

[SCPS PO]

Probation starts from date of hire. You are paid bi-weekly. In regards to messages on your machine if they can't get in contact with you, no clue.

[gbotj]

well SCPS beat me to it.
I dont see why they wouldnt leave a message, but once you notice you missed a call and it starts with "646-..._...." then you know its TBTA and just give them a call back.

[PlainSilverTin]

hey monica lay of the redbull! LMFAO.....

me too bro...me too.....every call isn't the one i need...

[gbotj]

just went back like 25 pages and was reading the posts by the guys who were waiting for the call back in jan. Its actually a quite funny read, being so we are in the same boat as they were, and we all feel like this waiting is the end of the world.

No call today, hopefully tomorrow.

[tnelly711]

man i couldnt wait to get home today to check the board here!!!...i had this feeling like everyone got the call 2 day but me...i think im loosing it ..lol...its a good thing i got rdo 2 morrow then i can stay home all day and stare at my phone ...!!!

[SCPS PO]

Turn on call forwarding and get out into that nice weather! You're going to drive yourself nuts.

[gbotj]

lol. I only think about it when I sit at my computer in front of officer.com....or if Im away for a while, I'll start to think "maybe they made calls and I dont know about it" then jump on o.com

I've been hitting the gym hard, & washing my car (exterior today, interior tomorrow). Trying not to think too much about it.

[Jayc6018]

Damn you guys got me nervous now on when they will call me and going through that process

[gbotj]

haha, dont worry. The process is the easy part, its waiting for the call thats a killer (previously we knew what was next and when we were scheduled at all times....now we're in the dark).

[PlainSilverTin]

my mom's friend was missing a page from his BI, thats what he had to do when he got called (fingerprints were fine). still haven't talked to him but my mom said he's pulling his hair out too.

i re-read the whole post from start to finish tonight, long read but defintely worth it, it's funny how everything comes in circles. it wasn't that long ago that the current class which is about to graduate went through what we are going through now with the waiting. can't wait to see who the first one of our group reports the phone call....lol

it's been reported that the folks in academy aren't allowed to post and that the instructors visit the site to see if anyone is posting. i wish a few would start posting after they finish to let us know how their experience was. the class before this current one hasn't posted at all anymore except for here and there. i hope there isn't a ban on posting post academy as well... i think what i read here made me worry a bit more than i had to, but i sure did get alot of background info you wouldn't know from a packet.

like i said before i lucked out, my best friend flew in from CO where he's a sheriff, he filled me in about his job and is trying to recruit me to move there but most importantly he took my mind off of waiting for the past few days...gbotj has it right, go out there and detail the car, hey start running again because we all know you haven't run a lick since the PAT try no0t to stress, we will have more than enough time for that when it matters. right now we did everything right, it's just time..... lol i love colorado but i don't think my wife would appreciate me transplanting our lives because i love the mountains and want to play cops with my best bud....but it's funny to hear how it's the same all over the US, he's on the job and looking to move on to something better in LE just like alot of us...ok enough ranting my lunch is over....

[SCPS PO]

I'm just enjoying my time off now. I feel like I work part time now and the minute that call comes through I'll be on a 2 week vacation until it's time to go. We'll see if today is the day.

[bhavin115]

i didnt even get a packet yet and last nite i had a dream i was graduating from the academy so i know what you guys must be going thru

[gbotj]

beautiful day today. Lets enjoy it.

[PlainSilverTin]

hahaha lol ok let me throw a wrench in. talked to my old sgt. who's a bto now and he said that the tbta was looking to put guys through "block training" in may but he hasn't heard anything definitive about it either, only that it was mentioned a few weeks back to them. can n e 1 canfirm this? if this is so they may push our class back to june. (1 more month of waiting!!!) he said they are hearing next bto class is going to be a double as well...

ok kids with that nauseating piece of possibility i'm going to wash the car...

[gbotj]

yea but they are processing another group of bto's starting may 2nd. they'd be backed up like no tomorrow. If you figure the double class for us in june, we'd get out around late august/early sept. then this group would go in late sept/early oct. TBTA processes one group when another group goes into the academy. I cant see why they would begin processing this group may 2nd and have them wait until sept/oct to go into the academy. If the whole process takes a month, wouldnt they process in august?

I still think 2nd week of may.

[PlainSilverTin]

I still think 2nd week of may.

man i hope you're right, it's just tbta seems to like this last minute stuff. my old sgt got 1 week notice when he went to academy (just made it in, someone dropped out and he got the call) he barely had enough time to get the academy uniform from parks...

[gbotj]

from the people Ive talked to, and from hearing/reading on this thread and how they process, once one class goes in or is about to go in TBTA calls another group for processing.

Plus remember hal greenberg said the class is expected to go in late april, well from when he said that I said to myself "ok, looks like it will be 2nd week of may" lol.

[FDMEDIC84]

That sounds right. Plus your right june will be too long and they would be soo backed up. Our time is comming close.

[RomanArts]

Dont forget Officers need their block training as well plus the sergeants classs has to go in too, so there is limited time, because of this class being double they have stopped our block training and i think its resuming first week of may.

[RomanArts]

Ok well its confirmed that we are resuming the block training beginning of May and I dont think its going to be a double class again.

[tnelly711]

whats block training??

[vab1978]

Hey Roman,

What is block training? How many people have to take it, and how long is the training? Does this mean the next class doesn't go in until the Sgt. and block training is done?

[gbotj]

"Ok well its confirmed that we are resuming the block training beginning of May and I dont think its going to be a double class again"


Can you expand on this a little bit?

Why the hell would they process another group on may 2nd if they have more than 40 passed candidates from this group only to put in 28, then put in the other 28 in sept. then put in this new group in Dec. Im not saying your wrong or anything its just not that logical.

I just cannot see tbta process a group, before a group for a double or 2 single classes go in, AND before block training AND before a Sgts class.

Im not sure how long a supervisors class is, but figure 3 weeks and block training is what? 2 weeks? so thats into june already then they are going to put us in, thats another 11 weeks now we're into end of august. So the people processing on may 2nd will process until the first week of june and then WAIT 3 months for their class??? wow and we thought we have it bad.

Maybe they will do block training, then us, then Sgts, then next group.

[SCPS PO]

The Authority can do whatever they want. Just be patient and eventually the call will come.

[PlainSilverTin]

ahhhh, didn't i say wrench?

well regardless, if thats what tbta decides, then thats what goes. it would really be terrible to make us wait that long for a class especially because we have an estimated 50+ eligibles, but in the end whats a little more time, i'll lose some more hair, maybe gain back the rest of the weight i lost training for the PAT, but hey people wait up to 4 years to get called for this position, i can wait a few more months. i really don't want to, as we've gotten closer to possibly getting hired, I've really gotten sick of the people i work with and work for... but we do have it alot better than the guys with the list numbers in the 2 or 3 thousands....

[PlainSilverTin]

whats block training??


Roman, correct me if i'm wrong, but i think block training is like a refresher course? possible bits of new training if officers missed stuff in the past going over new regs, etc etc that kind of stuff.

[RomanArts]

Well we are going to resume block training starting may 1st, block training is atleast 1 week long every officer,sgt and liutenant in the authority have to attend block training once a year, every year until you retire. Now I dont think the double class will go on because the same intructors that will train you, will do the same for us and there are only so many of them. Hence a single class can be going on at the same time the block training class and those block training classes are about 30 people also. Sgts class is about 2-3 weeks and there you have it. GBOTJ Logical? ok I am just stating what I know now if you know better then me which is always possible then go by that. You guy are estimating a number of eligible but I gaurantee non of you know ho wmany were weede out during the psych and how many other people are not on this forum , so keep that in consideration. It is what it is and what the authority decides that what it will be. I have been in your shoes not too long ago and I know that everyone is anxious just be patient and stay positive. Good luck future recruits

[RomanArts]

Now in the meanwhile you can PM ME if you like while i am here and ill gladly answer all your questions

[gbotj]

Rome, I didn't mean you weren't logical, I was talking about the authorities thinking. Sorry if it came off disrespectful.

Do you think that there's only 28 people who passed everything? I know at the written psych there was 70. I figured (based solely on guessing and no fact) that about 20 people failed the psych, medical,BI. I know one guy got arrested 3 days before his oral psych so he's probably out. Then a few people probably failed the med, but still showed up to the written psych.

[CJ212]

http://tbtarant.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31&start=10

[PlainSilverTin]

lol tbtarant is funny that fuktbta guys is hilarious

[bklynbob]

A friend was supposed to get hired by nycta,a system safety position.!t's a no-go,Gov. Patterson has put a freeze on non-essential state hiring. If that job isn't essential,what is?

[SCPS PO]

NYCTA is a subsidiary of the MTA. Just as MTA Metro North and LIRR are essentially separate from one another but fall under the MTA umbrella. Each department has their own operating budget independent of one another. Not sure how this affects NYCTA as it is self funding.

[tnelly711]

any news???? is it still looking like june??..why is everyone so quiet???...ur making me nervous!!!!!

[gbotj]

just try to put it in the back of your mind. Try not to think about it.

Even if its first week of june, we will be called mid may.
I still think its going to be in may though. On the tbtarant you get 10 different answers to the class, and same for here. Basically no one knows, and its all rumors.

Just stay positive and hope for the best.

[PlainSilverTin]

if i'm not misteaken the freezes will not affect law enforcement to a great degree...

[gbotj]

freezes are exempt from public safety agencies.

[PlainSilverTin]

anyone going to shave their head or wear a high and tight for academy?, i did a high and tight for my last academy, but it's been a few years, my hair isn't crazy or anything, it's within guidelines for my department, but a shorter do' would be easier to keep than my current mop. i was pondering this today as i was having my food coma from a cloudy day BBQ...keep your heads up boys i'm sure we will hear something soon...

[SCPS PO]

I'm going to keep my mullet. Seriously, I haven't wore my hair long since years ago when I worked plainclothes. Nowadays I keep it completely shaved. Simple yet professional.

[PlainSilverTin]

Mullets rock!!! reminds me of riding in an exgirlfriends camaro listening to Journey..."Oh I...i just died in your arms tonight..it must have been something you said.."..Yes! AWESOME.

[gbotj]

wow, freakin old men.


I always keep my sides buzzed on 1 and the top on 1 1/2. And a shapeup.

[SCPS PO]

Plain, I think you're showing your age there. I was kidding about the mullet!

[gbotj]

Congratulations to all graduating tomorrow. Have a safe and happy career.
Make it home each and every night.

[PlainSilverTin]

Congratulations to all graduating tomorrow. Have a safe and happy career.
Make it home each and every night.


+1 congrats to all the graduates, always watch your 6.

SCPS. i'm not that old...lol but i guess if i remember journey i'm rounding the corner...lol ...hhmmm..now that i think of it....

[CJ212]

PlainSilverTin,

I got the same letter your mom’s friend got, requesting additional documents from my investigator at DCAS. They need them by May 8th. So this means that they are not even done with the BI's. So maybe the calls will go out a week or two after May 8th. That’s if May 8th is the last day for everyone’s paper work to be completed. I’m thinking the class will start June 2nd or later.

[PlainSilverTin]

CJ, just get those documents in, everything will be good to go, yeah like i said before i'm anxious, but if it's may, june, september, or 09' we waited this long, atleast we don't have to take any more days off to process...

as far as the BI's i think they are ongoing and will be left open for a while even after we get the goahead for academy. in my current department i got a letter from DCAS telling me there was a problem with my status as i did not submit proof of citizenship (which i did) this was after being on for over a year mind you...missing doc's are pretty common with all the hand exchanges your folder goes through. just re submit and find out who you are handing the documents to.

[PlainSilverTin]

hey guys, just to throw it out there, for any of us that are already with the city, look into buying back some time if you did not join your pension right away. i have a year or so i can buy back from NYCERS for my current dept. it's not a bad idea if it's reasonable to drop a few bucks to buy back, it can boost longevity or chance of earlier retirement...just double check with nycers about rolling over pension. i want to buy back this year that i am elligible, the thing is i am not sure is if NYCERS will let you buy back time for a previous agency if we move on to another. i'll double check on this and let you guys know what NYCERS says. if they say we can buy back even if we move on to tbta then you can decide to buy back once we get settled in...if your time rolls over i don't think you can loose on this.

[gbotj]

With the previous classes they held people over who did not have completed BI's. I believe people who did not make it in the class got a letter requestion additional information or a meet with someone. The BI's are started right away and its not the normal PD investigation. Usually if things are missing or you have problems in you background you will be held up.

I Think what they mean is if you do not bring those documents in by May 8th you are going to be DQ'd, not from this class but off the list.

[moresmogplease]

Anyone with any TBTA questions, fire away. I love having a chance to set the record straight. Im a bridge and tunnel officer for quite a few years now.

[vab1978]

Hey Moresmogplease – welcome to the wannabe forum and thanks for the offer. Here are my questions du jour:
Do we have a choice between only two health insurance plans (HIP and Empire)?
Which shifts and facilities are we likely to get assigned to?
Are you hearing anything about dates for us to start the academy?

For those who are going to the pre-employment orientation on Friday, May 2, please post what they tell you about possible start dates and anything you hear about those of us who just went through the screening process and are waiting to get hired and start the academy.

[moresmogplease]

Yes its HIP and Empire. Ive had both and they are fine, I go to the doc and they pay, every time. Now your scripts are managed by the union, and are getting better. See that plan here: http://btoba.tripod.com/id1.html Where you land and what tour is anyones guess, but you can rule out the hudson, cross bay and marine bridges. I will poke around about the next class, but be warned even the instructors dont seem to know whats going on. Im pretty friendly with the LT down there, I'll give her a call. come on, someone ask me about the JOB so you can all go :eek:
Run forest RUN!!
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a14/familyman9000/696s.gif

[SCPS PO]

moresmog,
I'm OTJ in a development in Brooklyn, just have a few questions for you. Are TBTA recruits trained on livescan? Let's say we take a collar, do we draw up the case down at ECAB if it's not a 511 or DWI or do you guys go back to command and wait for the paperwork via fax? If you're not comfortable answering these questions here, PM me.

[moresmogplease]

no this is pretty straight forward. I THINK they are now at least shown livescan (I know I wasnt, but we had horse and buggy back then). Lets face it though, once youve rolled 10 perps, you can roll 1000. Try shutting off the lights if they wont come up dark enough and you have none of that corn huskers crap (what IS that stuff REALLY used for, anyhow). We USED to draw up the cases live, but now its done via fax, at least its supposed to be done that way. Waiting for the fax can take eons, and its all ot.

[SCPS PO]

I was trained on ink and rollers years ago . Tried livescan once but it kept rejecting my prints and I had to get the Cell PO to help me out. From then on the cops rolled most of my prisoners. All OT sounds good to me. Let's say you wrap around and you're scheduled for the next tour, do you go home or does the Authority make you stay?

[gbotj]

They are taught ink and livescan

[Miro1118]

Congratulations to all the BTO's who graduated today. Be safe out there.

[PlainSilverTin]

Moresmog, any insight as to how bad breathing conditions are? i think alot of people take this for granted, in your experience do alot of guys go out for respiratory ailments? thanks

[SCPS PO]

It's taken me as long as 8 hours to draw up a case at ECAB. Add another hour for transport to get you and another hour to commute back to command afterwards, it was ridiculous. I would have preferred to do everything via fax.

[moresmogplease]

Moresmog, any insight as to how bad breathing conditions are? i think alot of people take this for granted, in your experience do alot of guys go out for respiratory ailments? thanks
not bad, the AM tour with all the traffic can be rough, otherwise at least at the Q the air usually isnt an issue.

[moresmogplease]

I was trained on ink and rollers years ago . Tried livescan once but it kept rejecting my prints and I had to get the Cell PO to help me out. From then on the cops rolled most of my prisoners. All OT sounds good to me. Let's say you wrap around and you're scheduled for the next tour, do you go home or does the Authority make you stay?
you can go home, but you will burn a vacation day. They are looking to advance your tour in the next contract.

[PlainSilverTin]

not bad, the AM tour with all the traffic can be rough, otherwise at least at the Q the air usually isnt an issue.


thanks for answering these questions by the way...

[SCPS PO]

Thanks for the answers moresmog. Looks like I'll be bringing a folding cot in my war bag :)

[moresmogplease]

doing triples doesnt happen all too often anymore, and it only happens to the guys locking up the whole world. Making arrests wears pretty thin pretty fast.

[SCPS PO]

I'm going to agree with you on that having put more than a handfull of people through myself. I'm just curious to the amount of time it takes to complete the process from beginning to end. Over here, it seems every collar wraps around. From time of arrest to the time the prisoner is lodged at CB can take an entire tour. Factor in medical treatment for an injured perp and time spent at ecab (must appear for us, no fax) and travel time, it's not unusual to go around the clock.

[ImportInvasion]

Just curious as to whether anyone knows what list number they are up to, or how I could check myself. Thanks and stay safe.

[gbotj]

Call DCAS. They should be able to tell you.
In the previous group I belive they went to list 480. And they have another orientation on the 2nd. Its probably around 580 now.

[moresmogplease]

I'm going to agree with you on that having put more than a handfull of people through myself. I'm just curious to the amount of time it takes to complete the process from beginning to end. Over here, it seems every collar wraps around. From time of arrest to the time the prisoner is lodged at CB can take an entire tour. Factor in medical treatment for an injured perp and time spent at ecab (must appear for us, no fax) and travel time, it's not unusual to go around the clock.
every collar is different, and each set of obsticles are unique. for example, your DWI just blew a .12, and now he is in some **** little holding cell in the 45 pct. He takes a seat on the floor because there are 5 REAL criminals sitting on the bench. your doing your paperwork, and the LT storms in. "why is that prisoner sitting on the floor?!!!" "Hes an EDP (emotionaly disturbed person) get him outta here!!!". so now that I ruined this guys life with a DWI arrest, he now has to go for a psyche evaluation at jacobi cause the REAL nutcase was calling the shots. My 6 hour collar turned into an 18 hour one. I can go on and on about this ****. All depends really how many overblown egos get in your way is the short answer.

[SCPS PO]

moresmog,

When they want to EDP your perp, it sucks! My shortest collar took 4 hours from beginning to end while my longest was longer than a damn Twilight Zone marathon. Quick question regarding a DWI collar. Do you guys voucher the vehicle if it's registered to the deft. at your facility or do you take it to the POA and voucher it there? Never made a DWI or 511 arrest, no clue on how it would go down. Vouchered vehicles a few times, (Attempted GLA of a vehicle, perps were driving a mystery car) PITA!

[moresmogplease]

thank god, no. Policy, which no one seems to care about unless it will generate a write up for a BTO, dictates the car is to go to authorized tow. They commonly release it to the owner or a licensed driver. Of all the DWI collars in a year(over 100 at my facility) maybe 5 of them really NEED to be arrested. The others had a few drinks. 511 is a complete waste of time. You take a guy who owes a few dollars to Bloomberg, and you throw him in jail, of course issuing more fines he/she cant pay. This is public "service", or is it doing the socialist regieme in powers DIRTY work?

[SCPS PO]

Thanks for the answers moresmog. Look forward to your insight about the job.

[NYCTNT]

TBTA and one other agency are the only 2 agencies I know of just writing a summons to a 511.(if 3 on 3 or less)

As far as that LT telling you to EDP him, I would have said umm I gotta go call MY boss as I do not work for YOU.

If he throws you out with the perp, let him know that if anything happens, you would be back with a multimillion dollar lawsuit in my hands.

[moresmogplease]

TBTA and one other agency are the only 2 agencies I know of just writing a summons to a 511.(if 3 on 3 or less)

As far as that LT telling you to EDP him, I would have said umm I gotta go call MY boss as I do not work for YOU.

If he throws you out with the perp, let him know that if anything happens, you would be back with a multimillion dollar lawsuit in my hands.
yea we summons for 511.1. That happened when I was new and green and didnt realize complete lunatics let a white shirt go to their heads. Today if it happened it would be pretty interesting. I really dont know how we get away with summonsing for 511, being its not a violation or a traffic infraction. It IS by definition a crime. Longest collar was around 30 hours or so. Come on people, questions.

[KayWhy]

511's are valid collars your simply bringing the defendant to the judge to ensure that he takes care of whatever is wrong, and it doesnt have to be 3 on 3 it could be 2 on 2 with a prior dwi, and despite what moresmog stated all dwi collars are valid yeah most only had a couple of drinks which is fine until that person kills a family, all collars are valid your doing a public service not for the perp but for all other on the road moresmog is a how you say "tbta hater" and always complains as you can see on the rant so i wouldnt take his opinions to heart, those ranters have a bad take on being a bto, and to correct him, 1 on 1 up to 2 on 2 is a violation 3 on 3 up to 9 on 9 is a misdemeanor and 10 on 10 or over is a felony the reason we issue a c summons for anything less then 3 on 3 is that it always gets bumped down a notch so there is no point most likely the person wont go to court and the next time around he'll be good to go , and also a criminal is a criminal dont matter if their a gla or a dwi, if you want to ask someone questions ask someone who does more then sits in a toll booth or reads a newspaper at c post

[SCPS PO]

In regards to issuing summonses, I've heard you need the approval of a boss before you can write someone. Is this baloney or fact?

[vab1978]

Can someone explain 2 on 2, 3 on 3, etc?

[SCPS PO]

Never enforced NYS VTL just to clarify. From my understanding, a 2 on 2 is 2 revocations/suspension of DL on 2 separate dates and so a 3 on 3 would be the same and so forth. Correct me if I'm wrong BTO's.

[moresmogplease]

Can someone explain 2 on 2, 3 on 3, etc?
first off, ignore the idiot behind the curtain. KY has been proved wrong on numerous occasions, and I will prove him wrong here AGAIN, for all of you right now. 511 is aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. you get a ticket and dont answer it, it says on the bottom "failure to answer this summons yada yada yada will result in suspension of your driving privelege". dont answer the ticket, and your suspended. 511 in the vtl has 3 major subsections. 511.1 (agg unlic oper of a MV in the 3rd deg) is a MISDOMEANOR YOU IDIOT, why do you think it goes to criminal court stupid? Now, getting back to vab's question, if you get 1 ticket on 1 date (I write you 1 ticket today), your now 511.1(providing you dont answer it of course). If I write you 2 today, your 2 on 1. Also, and I can bet dollars to donuts my own personal jackass doesnt know this, if your convicted for ANY offense in the PL sect 220 or 221, you can get suspended and be 511.1. Also failing to pay child support will generate suspensions, as well as what my knucklehead stated, getting a DWI.
now, 511.2, what we arrest for, is a little different. You need 3 suspensions on 3 seperate dates, or you can be 1 on 1 for a dwi related offense. Now here is the funny part. THEY ARE BOTH UNCLASSIFIED MISDOMEANORS in the VTL. 511.3 is 10 on 10, or already being suspended for DWI, your DWI again driving on that suspension. This is a felony, which, ladies and gents, makes 511 a CRIME. KY, can you define crime for these good folks? never mind, you'll screw that up, too. Crime, as defined in the NYSPL, is a misdomeanor or a felony in the penal law, a felony outside of the penal law, or an offense outside of the penal law that upon subsequent conviction will constitute a felony (which also makes DWI a CRIME).
Now, by definition yes, 511 is a valid arrest. my political views beg to differ however. Also, to effect a DWI arrest, you need EVIDENCE of intoxication. you have to be able to articulate BEFORE you put cuffs on a drunk WHY you thought he was drunk, and what tools you used to determine this. If he doesnt have at least some of the classic symptoms of a drunk, its not a lawful arrest. smelling alcohol isnt good enough, he has to display evidence of intoxication(bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, yada yada yada). If you march him into the admin building and he dont look drunk, smell drunk, guess what? He probably aint "drunk". he may squeeze in a 7 or 8 or so, but do you realize a persons BAC can actually RISE after the time of arrest?

[moresmogplease]

In regards to issuing summonses, I've heard you need the approval of a boss before you can write someone. Is this baloney or fact?
it depends. Some bosses want to know your writing. Specific contract language says they can deem a summons inappropriate, however an arbitrator said BTOs dont specifically need permission. so you have some guys who earned their bosses respect who just write, others who prove themselves to be knuckleheads have to run it by them. also, each facility is different, all it takes is one ego maniac cop hating lunatic in charge to put the kabosh on summons writing.

[gbotj]

how come facility RMP's do not have MDT's and need checks to be run by admin (OCCC I think it is)? Wouldnt it be easier and take less time to install the MDT's in all RMP's rather than just SOD's?


Also, I believe the access roads to facilities are owned by TBTA correct? If a resident calls 911 does a BTO respond along with PD or does the BTO working CORT/SP decide if he wants to assist/respond?

might be a dumb question.....but you asked for it.

[moresmogplease]

how come facility RMP's do not have MDT's and need checks to be run by admin (OCCC I think it is)? Wouldnt it be easier and take less time to install the MDT's in all RMP's rather than just SOD's?


Also, I believe the access roads to facilities are owned by TBTA correct? If a resident calls 911 does a BTO respond along with PD or does the BTO working CORT/SP decide if he wants to assist/respond?

might be a dumb question.....but you asked for it.

ding ding ding ding!!! A GREAT question. Now, installing these would generate more arrests, which they dont seem to want in the first place. furthermore, you cant run anything unless its been authorized by a sgt. A bto in a patrol car is obligated to respond, as long as its "on property".

[Jayc6018]

ding ding ding ding!!! A GREAT question. Now, installing these would generate more arrests, which they dont seem to want in the first place. furthermore, you cant run anything unless its been authorized by a sgt. A bto in a patrol car is obligated to respond, as long as its "on property".

Why would bto's seek out arrest in the first place? Unless it happens on tbta property did I agree that bto's should have it easy let nypd handle all the calls, they are the ones who are the end all be alls in the city correct? Lmao

Why bust your asses for miserable pay when you can take it easy for the next 20 with a good group of guys and decent morale lol

[moresmogplease]

Why would bto's seek out arrest in the first place? Unless it happens on tbta property did I agree that bto's should have it easy let nypd handle all the calls, they are the ones who are the end all be alls in the city correct? Lmao

Why bust your asses for miserable pay when you can take it easy for the next 20 with a good group of guys and decent morale lol
one word: glory.

[gbotj]

"Why would bto's seek out arrest in the first place? Unless it happens on tbta property did I agree that bto's should have it easy let nypd handle all the calls, they are the ones who are the end all be alls in the city correct? Lmao

Why bust your asses for miserable pay when you can take it easy for the next 20 with a good group of guys and decent morale lol"


Woah easy there. They dont need empty suits and do nothings just as much as buffs, and supercops.
Do your job, handle whats assigned to you, nothing more and nothing less.

[SCPS PO]

How much time in rank does one need to have before being eligible to take the promotional exam to Bridge and Tunnel Sergeant?

On another note, co-worker of mine came back to the job after orientation claims his class will have a possible January 09 or March 09 start date. He wasn't the most coherent person to speak with after making back to back collars this week. I'll try to speak with him after he's gotten some sleep. Not sure where that puts this next projected class.

[vab1978]

Wow, if they told the people at the pre-employment orientation today that they are possibly 2009 hires, that means that those of us who went through the screening process in March and April will be the last class(es) this year.

Did anyone else attend the orientation today and hear anything else about start dates (for today's orientation or the March orientation group)?

[gbotj]

Well I'm still banking on what they said at our orientation. They said late april so I knew it would be may. So I'm hearing may, and june. If they have 56 people from our group they might make 1 class end of may/early june of 28, and then that class will graduate and they will put in another class of 28 in sept. Then that will go along with the jan 09' date for the new group.

[moresmogplease]

How much time in rank does one need to have before being eligible to take the promotional exam to Bridge and Tunnel Sergeant?.
you only have to be off probation as a BTO to get made a sgt.

[SCPS PO]

moresmog,

I saw there was a position "Acting Sergeant" off the SOBA webpage. Could you elaborate on this position? Are they compensated with Sgt. money or just the duties and responsibilities and none of the pay?

[moresmogplease]

moresmog,

I saw there was a position "Acting Sergeant" off the SOBA webpage. Could you elaborate on this position? Are they compensated with Sgt. money or just the duties and responsibilities and none of the pay?
an acting sgt is a BTO who takes the sgts position but on a temporary basis. They recieve 10% on top of bto pay, hardly worth it. Hey, anyone see that guy kayWhy around?

[CJ212]

Well, I got called into my bosses’ office today for my yearly evaluation and before he started going over my review he let me know that he had received a letter from DCAS yesterday asking about my employment with the company. So I guess their moving right along.

[bklynbob]

Why would bto's seek out arrest in the first place? Unless it happens on tbta property did I agree that bto's should have it easy let nypd handle all the calls, they are the ones who are the end all be alls in the city correct? Lmao

Why bust your asses for miserable pay when you can take it easy for the next 20 with a good group of guys and decent morale lol

Bto's now have 20 year retirement? That's not bad,now ya gott to get the defined benefit.

[PlainSilverTin]

hey moresmog, i thought of 2 questions for you.

do bto's get placards? and if they do how are they being affected by the crackdown.

also, how often does the agency measure for vests?

[moresmogplease]

answer 1. not LEGAL ones, pretty much unaffected by the latest crybabies crackdown because "wwaaaa!! I didnt get my congestion pricing!! WAAAA!!" and
2. They JUST made wearing the damn things mandatory. I THINK the memo says every three years, but I could be wrong. At least now they issue them, before they threw you a few bucks for the 1st one and after that you were on your own.

[moresmogplease]

Bto's now have 20 year retirement? That's not bad,now ya gott to get the defined benefit.

20/50. We gotta get rid of the 50 now.

[PlainSilverTin]

Did anyone else attend the orientation today and hear anything else about start dates (for today's orientation or the March orientation group)?

hmm the new orientation group not as chatty as we are...

[gbotj]

I dont think anyone from the may orientation is on the board.

[vab1978]

But we all are still on board! At least I have stopped staring at my cell phone.

[PlainSilverTin]

I've been busy the last few weeks, (selling my place) and I'm about to go into contract so I've been back and forth with lawyers. man I'm going to have to change my license again.....damn DMV is making a killing on me.

[gbotj]

and here we start another week of waiting. Hopefully calls go out this week.....hopefully.

[PlainSilverTin]

yeah we are getting close to june hopefully we will get a decent amount of notice so we can leave our jobs without burning bridges too badly...

[gbotj]

the June 4 2007 class got 18 days notice. Hopefully we get about the same.

[ftdtetr]

20/50. We gotta get rid of the 50 now.


I got a friend who is on the list he has time from a non le city agency, would that count on the front end or the back end? are you guys police and fire or regular city retirement?

[moresmogplease]

AFAIK, any prior city time counts, but I'd check with NYCERS http://www.nycers.org/(kf2brcq1rtkja2ne00rihb45)/Index.aspx
its not a police and fire pension.

[moresmogplease]

BTW, for those of you who dont know about the pension. Its 20 years OTJ, age 50 to retire. 8 1/2% contribution, after 10 years 3% drops off. After 20 you pay nothing. 20 years you get 1/2 pay of the best 5 consecutive average years (which you cannot collect till age 50). Every year of service after 20 increases the benefit 1 1/2%, up to 30 years/65%