Tbta 2065

[John2008]

John, I'm still hearing September.
If September fails then 99.9% it will be october. Classes have gone in Dec. too so its pretty definite the class will start prior to 2009.

I hope so for your sake. lol

[gbotj]

me too! lol.

[gbotj]

if it is going to be a sept class, calls should be made real soon.

[PlainSilverTin]

well lets hope...if its end of sept may be another few weeks...

[gbotj]

Well, we are in September. Hopefully it will be this month

The 60 day MTA hiring freeze ends on sunday the 7th. I dont think they are allowed to make calls prior to that date since that would count as hiring.

[gbotj]

hey guys, got word that as of right now the class is slated for Oct. most like middle of the month.

[CJ212]

Don't hold your breath.

[gbotj]

what makes you say that?

[gbotj]

I've heard more for October than I have for any other month so far.

[PlainSilverTin]

well sept or oct, if it doesn't happen within this month or the next, we can look forward to going in the new year....gotta call HR monday just moved, with my luck they send out packets and mine get lost in usps forwarding limbo...

[John2008]

I've heard more for October than I have for any other month so far.

I have a feeling that I will graduate before you guys and gals get called. lol

[vab1978]

PlainSilver,

Congrats on your move, hopefully some place with an easy commute in the near future.

We would love to hear any info, so please post after you speak with personnel.

Have you checked the tbtarant recently? Some jokester posted a new thread that the BTO class was cancelled until Spring 2010. His first post said it was a joke but it gave me a start.

http://www.tbtarant.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=115

At least we don't have to stare at our phones over the weekend.

Have a good hurricane.

[gbotj]

lol yeah, I almost passed out when I read that.
Everyones a comedian.

October 21/October 28 ----- I think thats our period, from what I'm told.

[NYCTNT]

I would have applied and gotten hired by 5 different departments while waiting for this one.

If you already know its a giant monkey circus, why wait so long?

[gbotj]

there was a few things that happened over the course of a few months.
It was originally set for may but they didnt have any spots open for us at any of the facilities. Then the Sgt class went in which opened bto spots so the class was set for July 29th, then TBTA got a new contract which starts recruits at 32k for the academy but the new pay scales didnt start until August 27th, and then they went into a 60 day hiring freeze from July 10th - Sept 7th. Ms. Wells told a few of us that the class will go in this month (Sept) back in July/August. I believe it was set for end of Sept, but then it was changed to mid-late Oct ( I think because of the hiring freeze, they wanted to wait a few weeks).
It was just a series of unfortunate events, but it looks like we got through them.
From what I'm told on a few different occasions its going to be October.

[SCPS PO]

Buddy of mine who processed in May told me that he was told by HR that the last class that processed before him (the one the majority of the posters here were in, including me) were scheduled for a Jan 09 start while his class is a March 09 tentative start.

[gbotj]

SCPS, our group didnt have enough candidates to make a full class. HR took a number of may 2nd group to process to go in with us. TBTA sent out packets for another orientation but then cancled it.

I think whats going to happen is our class will start in Oct, and the next class will be Jan, and then one in march.

[gbotj]

SCPS, I just realized something

They could never do a Jan & March class, there would only be 2 months between the 2 start dates and the classes are 3+ months long. Not to mention, they went 6+months without hiring, then they are going to hire 2 classes in 2 months. I cant see that happening.

I was told by someone in the May 2nd group that they were told it will be either Jan OR march 09 for their class. If its either of those months we will have to go in prior to 2009.

[NYCTNT]

I thought their "academy" was like 11 weeks or something like that?

How long is it REALLY?

[gbotj]

It flip flops lol (I think thats the best I could explain it)

sometimes they do wrecker and Desk officer training in the academy, or they wait for you to graduate, and do it at your facility.

[SCPS PO]

gb,

I am surprised they didn't have enough candidates. I remember there being close to 80 people in my orientation class.

TNT,

My training at SC was 3 weeks, lol.

[gbotj]

I know alot of people were waiting for NYPD to fix the pay thing, like I said the class was originally set for July 29th. But NYPD fixed the pay, and called first.

all together there was 105 processing, at the psych I think there was only 60ish. From there people were DQ'd on the BI, medical, and alot on the psych. Then people pulled out from processing for NYPD.


The training at TBTA is actually very very good. Between state of the art firearms training, defensive tactics, and all the law/classroom training. They also do a good deal of WMD training, radiation training, FDNY training, driver training, field trips to MCB and alot of other things.


pssst get some PT gear together, we may be doing some sweating in our class. lol.

[John2008]

I know alot of people were waiting for NYPD to fix the pay thing, like I said the class was originally set for July 29th. But NYPD fixed the pay, and called first.

all together there was 105 processing, at the psych I think there was only 60ish. From there people were DQ'd on the BI, medical, and alot on the psych. Then people pulled out from processing for NYPD.


The training at TBTA is actually very very good. Between state of the art firearms training, defensive tactics, and all the law/classroom training. They also do a good deal of WMD training, radiation training, FDNY training, driver training, field trips to MCB and alot of other things.


pssst get some PT gear together, we may be doing some sweating in our class. lol.

I know, I joined in at the perfect time. It was 25k when I was doing the paper work, soon as I got the call it went up to 36k and two months into it we get another contract which I will see the money next year in a retro check after I get raped in taxes.

[vab1978]

Hey gbotj,

Are you kidding about PT? I would love to do PT as part of our training but heard that the TBTA didn't do PT.

[gbotj]

yea, I heard that we will be getting PT gear, and have a PT class.
the last class put down on the suggestion forms PT for the next class too.

I believe they did warmups and stuff when doing DT.

[gbotj]

this is just from the BTO level, not from management or any bosses. So take it for what its worth.

[NYCTNT]

I heard the same thing, BTO's dont do any PT during training.

[gbotj]

well, right now there is only basic stuff.

I know stretches, and I think pushups before DT.

[PlainSilverTin]

lol looks like i have to start running again, i think i would drop dead if we had to do the physical agility again...my coffee guy has been good to me these past months since that day...

[gbotj]

hahahaha, bring it on baby.

I'd love it if we did weight training! (wouldnt have to find time during the day then lol).

[gbotj]

Its OCTOBER!!!!

[PlainSilverTin]

hey did anyone else here get a call from Mrs. Wells today? she would not confirm a start date but informed me of the new ratified contract incomming rate (which lasts only the duration of academy then it goes back up to the original rate) check gbotj's post a few pages back which details the new contract because i don't rememebr to the dollar what the numbers are...

ok i guess it was my return call as i had called earlier and had a couple of questions concerning my move which she was not terribly worried about she told me once i had everything settled to let them know and i would just have to get my new license to them at some point. now here is the other part, she told me to report for urine testing again, something about it had been 6 months and they want to get another test. she told me that they are trying to move things along for all of us but still would not confirm a start date for the next class... i smell october/november kids...according to the timing... makes sense to retest since our group was so delayed....this and a few other things i have heard over the grape vine...

[gbotj]

I got that call too PST

Check you inbox.

[vab1978]

I got the same call. We all need to have our urine tested again because it has been over 6 months.

Ms. Wells couldn't say for sure but it sounds like they are trying for October!

[gbotj]

The paperwork just came down to facilities. The start date is Monday October 27.

Once our urinalysis results comeback phone calls will be made.

[FDMEDIC84]

I also got the call. Are you sure that is the date????

[gbotj]

yes. thats the date

[FDMEDIC84]

Wow that is awsome. All the waiting paid off!

[gbotj]

yess sir.
I think they may give more than 2 weeks notice. They have the date set more than 1 month early, for June 07' class they gave 18 days.
Stick by the phones everyone.


today was definately a good day.

[Jayc6018]

Wow thats great to hear fellas good luck. You guys waiting a while too

[gbotj]

yea lol. Thank god we are only 1 month away from being in greys, and doing what we wanted to do for the past year and a half since taking the test.

Jayc, we'll see you on the other side of the bridge (patrolling PA's bridges & tunnels) lol.

[PlainSilverTin]

lol when she called i nearly laid an egg, i was balancing my 2 year old, a pitcher of water, and i was in the basement so i wasn't getting reception. I couldn't hear anything, i had to ask her to hold while i made my way up to the ground floor... all i heard was goo..aft..this is.ms. wel...ls...lol

[tnelly711]

man my internet was down yesterday!!!...i got the call 2...gunna go tuesday!!!i almost had a heartattack!!! oct 27 is a good start day...its my b-day so i guess that would be a nice present!!!

[gbotj]

yea, I was driving my car. lol I had to pull into a parking lot and then couldnt find a pen.

It was soooo nice hearing from Ms. Wells.

[gbotj]

I was just going through the pages on this thread (for the 1000th time lol) and I'm surprised that no one from the Feb 12th class posts on here anymore.
This thread was very active between Nov to Feb time period, and then once the class went in it was only us in the next group who kept it going.

Since there is will be no group being processed until probably march 2009 I hope this thread doesnt just die.
There was alot of good info on here, and I know there are alot of people who are on this board who is further down the list. It would be a shame if they were left in the dark.

[gbotj]

I wonder how they are all doing - LEismylife, cadet2020, LP13, Viper2007 etc. Been a while.

[Miro1118]

We are all busy working overtime. I read up here fom time to time.
Best of luck to all. I hope all on here make it. We can use some seniority to save us from getting stuck.

[John2008]

I heard the academy is getting pushed back until Jan 2009

Just kidding

[gbotj]

I heard the academy is getting pushed back until Jan 2009

Just kidding


lol, I know you john. I highlighted everything. lol.


drug test is done.

[PlainSilverTin]

well i took the exam and was feeling pretty good, went to bed like normal when i got home, and woke up with a 101 fever go figure.....i hate going to work sick...

[John2008]

lol, I know you john. I highlighted everything. lol.


drug test is done.

lol
Damn, it didn't work.

[gbotj]

PlainSilver -

I was sick all last week, no fever just a regular cold/sore throat....It sucked....lol

[tnelly711]

i peed in a cup today.....i might pee in a cup tomorrow............

[gbotj]

Tnelly, what do you mean? Was there a problem today and they need you to do it again?

drug testing will wrap up this thursday. All the results will be in by monday the latest.
Hopefully we get more than 2 weeks notice since the date is already set and we're all done with processing.

[tnelly711]

nope no problems...i just kinda liked peeing in a cup...didnt have to aim that hard for the bowl!!!! lol

[gbotj]

hahahahahaha


yea.....its sort of like a portable pocket size bathroom. lol

[BigHouseStyles]

Is there any chance that they'll be another class after the one you guys are mentioning in '09?

[gbotj]

Big, who the heck knows.

We have been guessing about this class since march. Each month we were told or heard it will be the next month.

What I can tell you, is that the May 2nd group was told they will enter the academy in March 2009. I also was told that TBTA sent out packets for another group a few months ago, but sent out cancellation letters soon after.
Just by averaging the waiting period for the past couple classes I'd say after our class, and the march 2009 class they may not have another class until maybe September 2009.

[gbotj]

does anyone else feel like the days since friday have just dragged on? Geeze it feels like its april again and we just finished processing! lol.

I havent heard anything further on the PT in the academy, but just in case I'm continuing my running, and I'm laying a little off the weightlifting (only very little...still gotta work out) and doing more pushups/situps.
PT might be a long shot for our class, but I did hear its a possiblility.

[CJ212]

April lol at least you guys made it. I called D. Wells and she said that they haven’t reached my number yet (way down in the 420's). It looks like it’s going to be a full 12+ months from orientation for me. It looks like it’s going to be a single class and unfortunately my list number just isn’t low enough for this single class or even the honor of peeing in a cup with this group. Hahaha. I’ve waited this long what’s another 6 months.

[tnelly711]

man that stinks!!!...u can always pee in a cup at home

[gbotj]

hey man. Keep your head up bro. Well be here to show you the ropes and I'll definately be on here giving you a heads up on anything I hear about the next class.

Light at the end of the tunnel bro.

[John2008]

nope no problems...i just kinda liked peeing in a cup...didnt have to aim that hard for the bowl!!!! lol

that actually made me laugh.

[CJ212]

I’m not reading this blog anymore LOL, just kidding. First off, gbotj don’t attack me for what I’m about to tell you hahaha, it’s just what D. Wells told me today. I called HR and when I asked her if I was going to be in this class or the next one she replied no. I asked her if there was a problem, she said no it’s because there is no class scheduled yet. She has no idea when the class is or who’s going to be in it. I said that there are a lot of rumors flying around, she laughed saying she knows she keeps getting calls from everyone. I said the one rumor going around is a start date of Oct 27, she laughed again, saying they have a start date now, that’s funny because there isn’t one. I suggested sending a letter to all the candidates to keep them in the loop and dispel all the rumors. Anyway, this is coming from HR saying that the MTA has not scheduled a class yet. If you don’t believe me you can call them for yourself.

[gbotj]

I'm not saying shes wrong, or your wrong, or anyones wrong. But I got word from a BTO who was in block training, and said that the instructors announced that they got paperwork that a class will enter the academy Oct 27 and will be 11 weeks.

Thats just what I heard.
Also, Im not sure if they would be allowed to tell us a start date. Whenever the last group called (my friend called a few days before calls were made) they were told the same about no date being set.

When I spoke to ms. wells, I was told it is going to be october.

Also whats going on with your drug test? Why werent you scheduled for one?

[CJ212]

She said that she hasn’t got to my number yet. Whatever that means, well I know what it means it means that the class starts Oct 27 and my list number wasn’t low enough to be included in this group for the academy:D

[FDMEDIC84]

Yea well oct cant come soon enough. We have been waiting all this time and hopefully the waiting paid off. I think that they wont tell us what day it starts until they are allowed till even though we found out.

[gbotj]

yea thats what I was thinking man. Cause I remember my friend was calling HR up all month in Jan, and the last time he called was 2-3 days prior to calls being made and they said they couldnt say anything.

Either way, its gonna be October. CJ - I hope they call you this week for you drug test so you can make it.

[gw35]

If you guys do get the call, you'll love the new cafeteria over at Randalls. Saw pics today and it looks great compare to what we had back this past Feb.

Enjoy the Academy, because once you're out there that is when reality will hit you hard. ;)

[gbotj]

I dont think the old cafe was bad. Looked clean, & had soda fridges, food counter etc.

[tnelly711]

dont worry i got everbody covered for lunch ....im gunna bring a 50 gallon drum of deep fried pig knuckles and some pickle juice!!!!

[gbotj]

hold onto mine for me, I'll stick to bologna and cheese.....thanks for the offer though hahaha.


you sick SOB. thats gross. lol.

[PlainSilverTin]

hahaha tnell is on a roll, the p in a cup thing had me rolling and now pig knuckles and pickle juice, fantastic!!!!! throw in a deep friend peanut butter bannana bacon and jelly sammy and i'm good to go.

CJ, as said, we do not know what is fact, despite what may or may not be the start date. it may very well be a double class for all we know and you might get called for a drug test this week. lets keep hope going, we certainly have been for so long...

i was pretty misreable all week, bad fevers, needed iv fluids for dehydration but i'm back at work as we type wondering why the heck i didn't ask the doc to give me one more day.....only good thing about being sick is that i lost almost 10 pounds and i'm back to weight from when we took the pat., ok in reality not good, but hey atleast i'm not bulemic...

[LEIsMyLife21]

just wanted to pop my head in and say i hope all goes well for you new guys that are waiting for the new class! i cant waaait till you all start so i can get some sort of seniority!! lol...im enjoing myself...just working alot so thats why ive been pretty MIA...i check up on you guys every now and then tho to know whats going on!!! Good luck to you allllllllllllllll...ill b seeing you soon!! if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!!

[gbotj]

its good to see you again LE, hope your doing good and having a good time at work. Thanks for popping in to say hello, its good to see some of the "oldtimers" (lol) posting again.

[PlainSilverTin]

ah an old face good to hear things are going well LE.

[gbotj]

Coming close to the 1 month mark. Another 2 1/2 weeks and we should have the call.

[Stackit02]

Just a heads up, word around my facility is that the class got pushed back again. I know the waiting is tough, but don't let it get to you guys. It'll come!

[gbotj]

Stackit, I really hope that isnt true.
They arent even acknowledging that there is a date for the academy. I dont see how facilities would know if it was pushed back.
We still have over a month before the *rumored start date. Cant see why it would get pushed back again.

[gw35]

Stackit, I really hope that isnt true.
They arent even acknowledging that there is a date for the academy. I dont see how facilities would know if it was pushed back.
We still have over a month before the *rumored start date. Cant see why it would get pushed back again.

gbot,

Remember there are BTOs, SGTs and/or LTs that are close to some of the trainers in the academy or are close to people in the "know". Like Stackit, I've heard and been told the same thing and, unfortunately, you don't necessarily need to have a firm start date for a class to be push back.

I hope the calls come soon for all of you because I know how bad the wait is but also so that I would no longer be "junior scum" at my fac. ;):D

[Stackit02]

Stackit, I really hope that isnt true.
They arent even acknowledging that there is a date for the academy. I dont see how facilities would know if it was pushed back.
We still have over a month before the *rumored start date. Cant see why it would get pushed back again.

Hopefully for your guys sake it isn't true, but the people that I hear from knew every other time that it got pushed back, I don't see why they would be starting a rumor this time around when they were correct every other time.

[Stackit02]

gbot,

I hope the calls come soon for all of you because I know how bad the wait is but also so that I would no longer be "junior scum" at my fac. ;):D

GW, we will always be junior scum! haha jk

[John2008]

Stackit, I really hope that isnt true.
They arent even acknowledging that there is a date for the academy. I dont see how facilities would know if it was pushed back.
We still have over a month before the *rumored start date. Cant see why it would get pushed back again.

Recruit, give me a card.

[gbotj]

lol. I shall give you nothing of the kind. Good sir.

[PlainSilverTin]

unfortunately i heard the same "rumor" if it's true then we probobly won"t go in until 09' let"s see what happens the next two weeks

[gbotj]

why do you say 09'? If anything I could see a month wait or so. Not 3 more. But who the heck knows anymore....

[gbotj]

sorry, double post.

[PlainSilverTin]

ehh just seems likely... but like you said who knows...it just seems like all the smaller LE agencies put off hiring during fiscal unrest, i know LE aren't supposed to be affected by freezes but i can tell you first hand from my own dept. that they certainly don't push to hire. Gbo you know me,i want this as much as the next guy but if it doesn't happen, i think the powers that be will look at it as "well they waited this long..."

[gw35]

GW, we will always be junior scum! haha jk

haha - Sarge! Permission to do my job, sir. ;)

[gbotj]

I dont know man, I know they went into a hiring freeze and it ended September 7th (thats also about the time calls were made for the drug tests), from the time they finished up drug tests, get the results and a list together for the academy it could be a few weeks. That would put them on track for October. A few of us who spoke to Mrs. Wells were told to "sit and wait for the call for the academy" and when I spoke to Ms. Wells I was told it still looks like an October academy.

So far from the guys I've talked to otj, no one heard of it being pushed back and still say October. I hope they are right.

Also, based on past classes, it looks like it could be october. The last class of 2006 was an October 30th class, and they also had a December class in 2005 so I dont think the holidays would have any affect on it.

And, I dont see the point in them waiting so long for us. Arent they wasting more money to pay overtime/doubletime to existing BTO's to cover posts/tours? I know my buddy who was in the last class works OT like crazy and from what we've read from LEisMyLife, Miro, and the others they are always working OT. Now in Feb they jump to the next pay step (45k I think) and the OT for them will be even higher!. It would be cheaper to pay us straight time.

This waiting is just taking a "toll" (lol) on me. I (and I know everyone else here) wanted this job since the day we took the test. Everything was going great too, between february and april everything was done and we were told the academy was going to be in april. Then the hiring freeze started 2 weeks before we were supposed to start in july, and just ended 2 weeks ago....

[gbotj]

Just to let you guys know, I'm still hearing october.

[tnelly711]

i heard that they are no longer doing the training on randalls island !!!!....there gunna move it to las vegas and there gunna fly us out there first class also we get credited 10 grand in chips to use at the tables when we arrive!!! whooo hoooo nobody tell them pesky reporters at the n.y post!!!!!........ <----(i think i need some sleep now to much o.t)

[PlainSilverTin]

tnelly is officially on the sauce again.....we know who to borrow money from when the tab is due...lol

[tnelly711]

almost time now...should be the end of this week or early next week!!!! silvertin do u still have those cardboard cutouts???? im planning on throwing myself a suprise birthday party the end of the month..i could real use them for a large turnout!!!

[gbotj]

hahaha, nelly, me and PST will show up.

[PlainSilverTin]

hahaha they're in the shed ready to go!

[gw35]

The word this week at my facility is that its 98% definite that the class will go in by the end of this month. Keep your fingers cross.

[gbotj]

GW I LOVE YOU!!!

Look out for us man, we'll be looking to YOU for guidance. Again, I (and I know the rest of us) appreciate you always making the time to let us know whats going on.

[vab1978]

GW – you are the best!

There are at least 28 people with two hands each – that means a lot of fingers crossed.

Keep posting. We appreciate it and are desperate for any word: hearsay, rumors, gossip . . . anything.

[SCPS PO]

Just checking in on this thread. Once again, good luck to all those that are waiting. It's going to come one way or another!

[gbotj]

Really comming close now! I can almost taste it! lol.

[vab1978]

I must have the most beautiful phone in the world because . . .
all I do lately is stare at it waiting for it to ring.

[gbotj]

I'm right there with you Vab, it feels like april/may again. Constantly staring at my phone.

[tnelly711]

actually i have the most beautiful phone in the world!!!! its an lg shine and i use it to peek around corners to avoid sniper fire......so i guess its gunna come down to monday or tuesday thats 14 days notice....in case u guys aint counting!!.....................but what happens if they dont call??

[gbotj]

then we wait some more.

But as I've heard, and as GW said its pretty much definite that the class will be by end of the month. I keep hearing the 27th, I suppose if HR is off on monday for columbus day they may call on tuesday and give 13 days notice, or they will push it back 1 day to the 28th and give 14 days notice.

I dont think HR is off on monday though. I noticed banks are open for columbus day.

[tnelly711]

yeah my friend is going nypd and he has to meet with the psych on monday!! so i guess theres a good chance there gunna be there!
on a side note GO JETSSSSSSS!!!

[John2008]

I told you, the academy won't start until sometime in Jan-Feb of 2009.

[LEIsMyLife21]

keeping my fingers crossed for you guys!!

[gbotj]

thanks LE, we need it. no call today.

[PBXTech]

Theres always tomorrow. Fingers crossed for you guys.

[gbotj]

thanks man. Hopefully it does come tomorrow. As others said, the class is going in by end of month....I dont know if they are just going to give 13 days notice for the 27th, or 14 days notice for the 28th. I've been told on a few different occasions the class is the 27th though.

[Miro1118]

I think we started on a Tuesday. 2/12/08. Keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow.

[gbotj]

yea, it felt like today was really going to be the day.
Anyways thanks again guys. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

[tnelly711]

i got a 12 o clock dentist app 2morrow ....that phone better not ring when im in the chair!!!...i might not be able to say yess with all that novacaine

[gbotj]

Tnelly, luckily for you 12:00 should be lunchtime for them??? I guess.
good luck with the dentist.

[PlainSilverTin]

This is my blackberry. There are many like it but this one is mine. My blackberry is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my blackberry is useless. Without my blackberry I am useless. I must answer my blackberry true. I must answer quicker than my enemy, who is trying to keep me from answering it. I must answer my blackberry before i miss the call. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my blackberry and myself are staring at each other patiently, we are the masters of "the missed call", we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but only human resources on the other end... Amen.


watched full metal jacket today...lets see what happens tomorrow

[John2008]

I heard the academy is being pushed back to November of 2020.

[tnelly711]

nobody....nothing....im confused upset and dissapointed ....but thats from the dentist visit...lol....hear we go again!!

[gbotj]

haha, I heard things are still good for october.

[gw35]

haha, I heard things are still good for october.

John2008 may have the wrong year in his post but the month is correct.

Sorry bot, but I was told by an instructor in the training department, and also by a Sgt who knows one of the instructors, that the class has been pushed to sometime in November; if that.

I'll keep my ear out, but thats the latest.

[John2008]

John2008 may have the wrong year in his post but the month is correct.

Sorry bot, but I was told by an instructor in the training department, and also by a Sgt who knows one of the instructors, that the class has been pushed to sometime in November; if that.

I'll keep my ear out, but thats the latest.

oh, I'm sorry.
I meant November of 2021.

[DOAcop38]

I hate to say it fellah's but you all would have BEEN in the academy (Ahmanson recruit training center) by now and i would have split that bounty,errrrr "recruit incentive" bonus with you all 50/50 had you just come west LIKE I SAID - starting pay would have been $60K/yr and the christmas weather would be a "freezing" 60 degrees in the morning -LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!

[gbotj]

gw, if you hear anything on a possible week or day, let us know.

[CJ212]

http://tbtarant.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80&start=130

[gbotj]

anything new???

[John2008]

anything new???

I heard November 2050

[NYCTNT]

You guys are still waiting?

I saw Officer Tommy on the Whitestone today, he looks oh so miserable and wishes that you guys will get into training already.

[jpnycPA]

..........

[gbotj]

jpnyc, I wouldnt post names (for your sake, and romans). Send him a PM.

Also, Roman hasnt been on in a loonngg time.


Also guys, I'm hearing November for the class. If not November then definately by January.

[John2008]

jpnyc, I wouldnt post names (for your sake, and romans). Send him a PM.

Also, Roman hasnt been on in a loonngg time.


Also guys, I'm hearing November for the class. If not November then definately by January.

If not by January def March of 2015, I feel sorry for you guys. I would hate to be waiting without knowing.

[gw35]

jpnyc, I wouldnt post names (for your sake, and romans). Send him a PM.

Also, Roman hasnt been on in a loonngg time.


Also guys, I'm hearing November for the class. If not November then definately by January.

Sorry to disappoint you bot, but i got this straight from an instructor that the November class is definitely canceled, mind you this was the October class that was canceled previously.

There won't be another class going in for 2008. The next class, if any, will be a few months into 2009.

Sorry to disappoint. :(

[Jayc6018]

Man what's going on with TBTA? Why do they have you guys waiting so long?

With my list number being in the 900's I know for sure they won't call me for another 4 yrs. Not like it matters but I mean gees.

Do they need the man power or are they blowing smoke?

[NorwichCadet]

You guys are still waiting?

I saw Officer Tommy on the Whitestone today, he looks oh so miserable and wishes that you guys will get into training already.



same thing with the MTA POLICE guys i know that are workin those fri-sat-sun shifts every week

[gbotj]

I dont know whats going on, I believe fiscal year 09 started first quarter either October 1, or November 1, and according to the budget for FY09 they recieved/have 3.5 million dollars for Bridge and Tunnel Officer, and Sergeant Vacancies.

With this list I'd be surprised if they reach 700 list number!

[gbotj]

and from what I'm told by current BTO's, they need alot of bodies and alot of guys are getting stuck on mandatory OT.

[vab1978]

Hey GW,

Thanks for the info. It may not be what we wanted to hear but at least it helps us plan the rest of our lives.

A few months into 2009. Drat!

[CJ212]

I'd be surprised if they reach 300.

[NYCTNT]

:cool:and from what I'm told by current BTO's, they need alot of bodies and alot of guys are getting stuck on mandatory OT.


Not for nothing, even if its TBTA or Nassau County PD, its just plain crappy when you are an officer and a supervisor calls you a "body".

Its either OFFICER, COPS,POLICE OFFICER's, BTO's... whatever.

You are not just a sheep with a pulse and go do whatever just because. You are a living and breathing person, who should be treated as such.

Sorry for the mini-rant.:mad:

Let the discussion for the non-existant class resume.:cool:

[gbotj]

your right TNT, but after all this waiting...Im pretty sure we all just feel like bodies right now lol.
It sucks, I just got word that theres a strong push for January 2009 class. I dont think Jan is going to fall through because of new budget for recruits that is specifically highlighted in the FY09 budget.

If it is Jan 09' (which Im pretty sure its going to be) then whats another 2 months of waiting. It will probably be early part of January since they are waiting for the new year, and budget. So looks like we wait a little bit longer.

[PlainSilverTin]

the cardboard cutouts are starting to talk to me again....not holding my breath till 09 and looking forward to the one good thing for me about not being called for tbta acedemy...having some seniority in my dept means a very decent chance of landing thanksgiving and christmas off.

We have waited this long, and i've mentioned it before in PM's and on the board, what's a few more weeks/months 08/09 as long as we get in...i want nothing more than to move on with my career, but not at the expense of my sanity. enjoy the holidays especially since there is a very very good chance we won't go in until 09. this may be your last opportunity for a while to enjoy your family on major holidays. once we get in we may be junior scum for a very VERY long time considering how they've processed us. be easy fellas.

[gbotj]

yepp. Thats how I look at it! whats another 2 months. We've waited this long, and waiting a few more weeks isnt going to kill me since this is a great job, and WELL WORTH the wait.

At least we know we're in ya know. We finished all processing and passed everything. I also look at this little wait as if it were still april (when we finished processing) and are told its a june class (2 months away) doesnt sound like much of a wait.....lol..... I think I lost myself on that one.

Happy late birthday Tnelly.

[gbotj]

also keep this in mind.
If you think we have it bad, think about the poor guys who were in the may 2nd group. I dont think they did everything yet, and at the rate its taking to put our class in, the earliest possible time they could go in would be april/may 2009. And thats if TBTA puts them in within 2-3 weeks after we graduate. With the separation between the Feb '08 class, and our class, they might not even be in until fall of 2009. For their sake I hope I'm wrong. I hope our class is first week of Jan. and Theirs is as soon as possible.

[rtmcqueen]

Bad news TBTA will no longer have civil service title in 2009 - 6. No later than September 22, 2009, DCAS will report on its progress with regard to the
transfer of the TA and TBTA from its jurisdiction.

[gbotj]

where did you find this out?

I doubt you can just go from civil service to private like that. I guess it will go to state civil service.

[gbotj]

rtmc, the file you got that from was from a report on reducing provisional staff. I believe section 6 is just about transferring hiring of TA and TBTA provisionals out of DCJS jurisdiction.

[gbotj]

also, in order to lose civil service status legislation needs to be approved and civil service law needs to be ammended. I'm sure if TBTA was losing civil service status there would be ALOT of buzz about it.

[rtmcqueen]

i will pm you

[vab1978]

Whoa, there seems to be a lot of information flying around. Here is my two cents and understanding of the issue:

TBTA is NOT losing civil service status.

Instead, DCAS and the MTA are proposing legislation to transfer responsibility of administering civil service for the TBTA from DCAS to another commission. The Plan, (transmitted by Martha Hirst on March 28, 2008 to the President of the NYS Civil Service Commission) at Section 2.5.0 suggests that responsibility could be transferred to “a newly constituted commission under the control of the MTA.”

This is being done, in part, to reduce the number of provisional employees under DCAS’s responsibility in order to bring NYC into “substantial compliance” with Civil Service Law § 65(5).

DCAS is still administering two exams for the TBTA in fiscal year 2009. Furthermore, DCAS anticipates a transition period during the transfer of authority.

For more information including a copy of the entire 139 page report, put the following into Google: Department of Citywide Administrative Services Provisional Reduction Plan, Commissioner Martha K. Hirst, March 28, 2008

Furthermore, the NYS Civil Service Commission approved the Hirst Plan with recommended changes. See http://www.cs.state.ny.us/commission/

I don’t think this should effect people in the next class. Longer term effects are that there will be an effort to reduce the number of provisional BTO’s which should only help us get hired sooner.

[gbotj]

yea, no one is losing CS status, TBTA will either create its own commission or NYS CS Department will take over hiring.

[rtmcqueen]

Read The Fine Print, Ta Cs

[gbotj]

IF and thats a huge if, they take TBTA civil service status it would only affect those hired after a certain time. They can not take CS status away from those who already have it, and this isnt even in its beginning stages this was a reccomendation for legislation to transfer CS processing from DCAS (a city agency) to State CS, or TBTA's own CS processing (TBTA is a State agency).

[NYCTNT]

I think the trick here is that MTA is not a complete state agency. They are a public benefit corporation.

Basically, they can set their own rules and limits as they see fit. IE: MTA PD.

They might think its costing them way to much to abide by the strict civil service rules/regs.

When it comes to politics and their motives behind it, anything is possible.

For you guys sake, I hope it isnt true.

[rtmcqueen]

finally, somebody figured it out. its a done deal already DCAS is just waiting for a date to transfer TBTA and TA back to MTA, i'e no civil service. remember you do not work for the city, your check does not come from the city, it comes from TA. "city council passed it already".

[gbotj]

noooo. No one passed anything. I asked around. It doesnt matter what city council passes, its not a city agency or has anything to go with the TA except they fall under MTA as affiliates. In order to lose CS status State legislation needs to be passed to ammend CS law. All this does is request the transfer to ANOTHER CS agency.

Now, lets forget about this until we get information from TBTA directly about whats going on and lets return to topic.

[rtmcqueen]

wow, as usual you don't want to see it. OK i give it to you OK. http://www.cs.state.ny.us/commission/dcas-cscdetermination.pdf

see what happened this was for provisional appointments but most of them were from the TA, so to save money the city said lets get rid of TBTA & MTA and give it back to TA. Just like MTA Police. the city does only the background and the test for BTO, TA hires you, not NYC.

[gbotj]

ok, whatever. Your right. Lets wait for TBTA to tell us about this. Either way it doesnt affect this class or the next one or probably any class prior to 2010.

[NYCTNT]

I really never understood why on earth did DCAS ever put BTO exams on their list. It just does not make sense in my book. No offense, it was always just a little brain tickler for myself.

RTM, the city in no way does the backround for TBTA. Is that right gbotj, or anyone else that went through the process?

[gbotj]

they do. We have 2 agencies do the BI.

DCAS, and some place called Yale something.

DCAS gives the test, establishes the list, and oversees processing and makes sure TBTA follows civil service law in hiring/processing.

[gbotj]

nothing new on my part.
hows everyone doing?

[PlainSilverTin]

bought a PS3 yesterday, i have squirrels in the roof of my house that are driving me nuts...aside from that, nothing new...

[gbotj]

lol. well good luck with all of that. My PS3 broke a while ago....never got it fixed.

[Cadet2020]

Heard you guys waiting to go in the next class are still waiting....but as much as it seems hopeless...other agencies are doing the same with a hiring freeze...MTAPD and now NYPD...do not know how long its going to last... wish you guys n gals luck...

[gbotj]

thanks cadet. Im hoping its January now. It will be 11 months since the last class, and for the past 3 or 4 months we heard Jan is the start month a couple times.

[gbotj]

MTA is changing the name of the Triborough Bridge to the Robert F Kennedy Bridge next week.....coulda put a class in with that money.....

[NYCTNT]

Maybe 2 and have enough left over to pay them for 5 years.

[gbotj]

TNT...your probably right.

[tnelly711]

whats up fellas....internet been down for a bit so i havent been on for awhile!.....whats new with everybody?...i see thats silvertin has really lost it and hes been imaging squirells in his roof...i guess thats okay as long as he doesnt start shooting at em! anybody got any news???..does anyone really think where going in jan ...the way it looks with the budget i got a feeling they might just scrap the whole thing!!

[gbotj]

Taken from MTA's website for B&T

Payroll : In 2009, there is an increase of $5.8 million over 2008 due to CPIU ($3.5 million), salary adjustments including contractual step-up increases and the ability to fill vacancies for Bridge and Tunnel Officers (BTOs) and Sergeants (SGTs) from a newly certified civil service list ($2.3 million).
Overtime : In 2009, there is a $2.8 million decrease from 2008 in overtime expenses largely due to being able to fill vacancies for BTOs and SGTs from newly certified civil service lists.


Just some more waiting guys. Lets all hang in there, and stay positive.

[NorwichCadet]

MTA PD can't hire unless NYPD is havin a class. Makes me wonder that MTAPD already knew a few months back that NYPD wasn't going to have a class this jan.

[gbotj]

Norwich, I wouldnt be surprised if thats how it was.

[PlainSilverTin]

just got rid of the squirrels 300 bucks to trap and get rid of the 4 critters that were destroying the insulation in my attic...not happy...now i have fix the insulation, patch the 3000 holes they made under the soffits and roof line...this thing is going to run me close to a grand i bet...all this damage in less than a month, just crappy to have to spend all this money near the holidays.

sit tight january/february will be here in no time, hopefully they put in another double class and get a few more of us in. it's been so long it probobly wouldn't be out of the question. i just hope we get called before we have to re-do any other portions over. we may have to do another drug screen, but i would hate if the psych's become invalid. does anyone know how long the psych"s are good for with tbta? i know they do become invalid after some time....

[gbotj]

The psychs are good for a minimum of 1 year. I heard they might be good for 2 though. Medicals are a minimum of 1 year. Physical is a minimum of 1 year. Drug test is 6 months.

As long as we get the call prior to March 28th we wont have to re-do anything at all.

I doubt TBTA will want to make us go in for anything else. It would cost more money to bring us in, and do the steps.

It sucks that everything was a hurry up and wait. I cant believe they can find all this money for stuff like name changes, and new signs but cant hire 28 people.

[gbotj]

In todays post, it says MTA is budgeted to hire 818 employess by the end of THIS year. For some reason I have a feeling that out of that 818 jobs, 28 of which are not BTO positions.....looks like we are going to rely on 2009s budget.

[soon2retire]

I hate when they do that. I refuse to call the Interboro the Jackie Robinson parkway. Hell, I still call the airport Idlewild. Don't worry, a few years down the road the GWB will be called the BO Bridge lol and the toll will be 5 times as costly MTA is changing the name of the Triborough Bridge to the Robert F Kennedy Bridge next week.....coulda put a class in with that money.....

[gbotj]

I actually liked the triborough name. I think it should have been changed like the marine parkway bridge. Marine Parkway - Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge.

Triborough - RFK Memorial Bridge.

Or they could have just saved the money and put it to better use.

[DEcop989]

GBOTJ, you're up on all the BTO stuff - I'm relatively interested in the spot. When's the next test? Whats the ratio of hired-test? Is it something ridiculous like 200 people for every one spot open??? You can PM me if its easier

[gbotj]

next test is 2011. Gotta score high to get called. Lists are usually between 7,000 and 10,000 people on it and about 12,000-14,000 usually take the test. Usually top 1000-2000 will get called.

Classes are of 28 recruits, sometimes they do a double class of 56. They usually call 100+ people for 28 spots.

For the Double class in Feb 2008 of 56 recruits they called 240 people
At my orientation the had about 100 people between 2 dates for this single class which has been pushed back so many times.
They are 1 year into the list and only in the mid 400's on the list.

[DEcop989]

So - this isnt a practical dept for me, then.

[gbotj]

sure it is, if your willing to wait......believe me.....waiting is the toughest part of getting on. Gotta have the patience of a saint lol.

[DEcop989]

2 years to test?

[gbotj]

Should be around may/june 2011.

So far they are 1 1/2 years into the test, and hired 1 class (double class) of 56 recruits. We were in the second group of processing and have been waiting for the academy since may when the last class graduated (april 29).

[vab1978]

The latest info from the tbtarant forum says April 2009 for the next BTO class:

http://www.tbtarant.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80

Drat.

[gbotj]

ahhhhh. This is crazy. What the hell is going on!
a year and 2 months after the last class is hired!!
Well, I guess we will just have to hang in there.

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Lets hope its still jan/feb/march. But prepare if it is april.

[NYCTNT]

Why not just come on to the NYPD and become a Police officer, so then you can transfer to a host of other police agencies for MORE money and a BETTER retirement system?

I am in NO WAY knocking a PEACE OFFICER job, but for the most part a POLICE OFFICER job has a little bit of a better edge for employment opportunities with $$$.

It just sucks for you guys to keep waiting and waiting.

[gbotj]

it does suck, but even April is sooner than almost ANY other academy class.

[BMAC8411]

What I'm about to write comes with true sincerity. If you are truly interested in a LE job do not waste your time on the TBTA. Go get your 60 credits and join either the NYPD or another Police Dept. If you have no desire to get the credits the Court Officer test is coming up in the new year. The TBTA instructors at the "Training Academy" make you believe it is all LE work but the truth is you will mostly be collecting tolls if your at a bridge and standing around shuffling E-Z Passes if your at a Tunnel. I was in the April 2005 class, worked one month at the facility and saw the writing on the wall as did several others in my class and other classes. The OT is good and you really only work 6 hours a day because you get to 55 minute breaks but standing all day collecting tolls is ridiculous. I respect the job of a BTO and there is a lot of other duties they perform like plowing snow and driving the wreckers (Full time at tunnels only weekends at bridge) Sadly all of the other duties usually go to the senior guys and I can tell you a fact that people that have seniority don't leave because they get all the good assignments.

Just my 2 cents and good luck to those of you that do get called.

PS NYPD new salary is about 40% more than TBTA

[NYCTNT]

it does suck, but even April is sooner than almost ANY other academy class.


That is still a big maybe.

[gbotj]

Wow things must have really changed ALOT since 2005.
My buddy doesnt even THINK about leaving TBTA for NYPD. Tolls?? He's at a bridge. I think he took tolls maybe twice in the whole month of November.
He mainly works the radio car (cort) or plaza and collars up.

[gbotj]

That is still a big maybe.

Ehh, I dont want to post too much about this, but things are in the works to get this class in as soon as possible (by the btoba). And I got word (dont wanna say who, but in the 'know' so to say) that the latest official news they got is for January, but he heard rumors of march.

[NYCTNT]

I wish you guys the best of luck to get on with TBTA.

I said it before and I will say it again... I would NEVER wait this long for that job. No resteraunts to eat in, no friends made on your post/sector, no lost time/chart days, no variable supplement when you retire at a sum of $12k/yr for life post retirement, no real advancement(detective..etc), no details(counterterrorism, narcotics...etc), no real action/excitement. Worst of all, CIVILIAN BOSSES!.

Not for nothing but I did take a BTO exam years ago and was also interested to get on board. I thought it through and it didnt make sense to me.

Although I do know you have your heart dead set on being a BTO and I truly hope this is what you really want, as you been waiting a longgggg time.

[CJ212]

What a ****ing waste of time!!!!!!!!!!

[gbotj]

I wish you guys the best of luck to get on with TBTA.

I said it before and I will say it again... I would NEVER wait this long for that job. No resteraunts to eat in, no friends made on your post/sector, no lost time/chart days, no variable supplement when you retire at a sum of $12k/yr for life post retirement, no real advancement(detective..etc), no details(counterterrorism, narcotics...etc), no real action/excitement. Worst of all, CIVILIAN BOSSES!.

Not for nothing but I did take a BTO exam years ago and was also interested to get on board. I thought it through and it didnt make sense to me.

Although I do know you have your heart dead set on being a BTO and I truly hope this is what you really want, as you been waiting a longgggg time.


The job isnt just standing on a bridge. Each facility has sector posts down at the anchorages/vent buildings, at throgs neck bridge they have posts that patrol part of SUNY Maritime, at the Verrazano they have posts that patrol fort wadsworth, and fort hamilton, the triborough bridge patrols randalls island, plus all the pickup jobs just to name a few. This is the first I'm hearing of the no lost time for BTOs. When BTOs retire they get the cash out of unused sick days like NCPD and SCPD get. Advancement is alot better than at alot of PD's in the state. Theres Sgt, & Lt tests. Advancement is good, theres Special Operations Highway Unit, Truck Enforcement Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, Operations Central Command and Control.
Excitement, I've heard PLENTY of stories just from the past 6 months that Im surprised didnt make the newspapers. Not to mention the 4 officers who were involved in the shootings in 2007 alone, starting from car chases.
Civilian bosses, same for PAPD, MTAPD etc. The Op Sups and GMs for TBTA must have a LE background, and alot come from within the ranks.

The wait really stinks, but I definately think its worth it. Its definately a good job, and 11/12/13 months waiting is better then nothing. Whats waiting another 2-4 months when we all have the next 20 years of working.

Alot of people dont know exactly how much a BTO does, its not your fault, I didnt know any of this until I asked about it.

[gbotj]

look guys heres how I look at it.

Sure the wait stinks, I hate it, I really want the job, I cant believe its taking this long to put a class in.
BUT
They put 2 classes in, in 2008. The 1 class was a double class, if they would have done it normally they would've had the Feb class of 28 and then a July class of 28. In 2007 they only put 2 classes in for the year. Usually they hire roughly 84 recruits a year. 3 classes of 28. in 2007 & 2008 they only hired 56 each. Obviously they already cut down, and can atleast afford 1 or even 2 classes for 2009. We waited this long, I dont think 2-4 months extra is going to kill us.
NYPD is on a hiring freeze until July 2009, MTAPD canceled their Jan class (prior to NYPD canceling it), NYSPP canceled their class, NCPD...geeze, they had orientation in May 2008 and havent done anything since. The first recruit class was supposed to be October 2008, but they pushed that back to spring '09. Same for almost everyother LE agency in the state with the exception of NYSP. We are not alone in this.

[NYCAPO]

Good luck to anyone waiting for the TBTA.

With the shape of our economy, I would take any LE job. Already the NYPD and a few other agencies have either canceled or postponed their academy. I think that shows how bad things really are. In addition, alot of agencies gave their exam in 2008, and won't be giving another one for a few years. In 2009, I only see a handful of agencies in the NYC area giving an exam. At this point, I say take whatever job you can get.

About TBTA, according to Wikipedia, they have numerous specialized units and a few ranks, although I don't know how reliable Wikipedia is, or how often they give promotional exams.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triborough_Bridge_and_Tunnel_Authority_Police

[NYCTNT]

Wikipedia is as reliable as a Yugo.

I am very familiar with TBTA and am familiar with their activities, but most of the guys I run into are always complaining(as with my job, so nothing new here). Especially when the Highway Sgts(special ops) bring in a collar and screws 2 guys/girls with the collar. This in turn screws the Sgt at the facility and then screws the lower end with collection posts. Im no expert but this is what guys tell me.

Not for nothing but 53's and EDP's are always called into NYPD, which in turn, we always handle the job anyway due to TBTA GM's not allowing their BTO's to do their jobs.

GBO,

As I said before, I am in NO WAY knocking the job at all. I was there once and decided against it as the benefits do not outweigh the job and pay in my book. Not for nothing, as PAC said, during these troubled times.. jump on ANYTHING you can to get the job.

[BMAC8411]

The job isnt just standing on a bridge. Each facility has sector posts down at the anchorages/vent buildings, at throgs neck bridge they have posts that patrol part of SUNY Maritime, at the Verrazano they have posts that patrol fort wadsworth, and fort hamilton, the triborough bridge patrols randalls island, plus all the pickup jobs just to name a few. This is the first I'm hearing of the no lost time for BTOs. When BTOs retire they get the cash out of unused sick days like NCPD and SCPD get. Advancement is alot better than at alot of PD's in the state. Theres Sgt, & Lt tests. Advancement is good, theres Special Operations Highway Unit, Truck Enforcement Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, Operations Central Command and Control.
Excitement, I've heard PLENTY of stories just from the past 6 months that Im surprised didnt make the newspapers. Not to mention the 4 officers who were involved in the shootings in 2007 alone, starting from car chases.
Civilian bosses, same for PAPD, MTAPD etc. The Op Sups and GMs for TBTA must have a LE background, and alot come from within the ranks.

The wait really stinks, but I definately think its worth it. Its definately a good job, and 11/12/13 months waiting is better then nothing. Whats waiting another 2-4 months when we all have the next 20 years of working.

Alot of people dont know exactly how much a BTO does, its not your fault, I didnt know any of this until I asked about it.


Not sure where your getting all of your info from but the TBTA does not patrol Maritime, Randall’s, or Ft Wadsworth. Ft Wadsworth is patrolled by the US Coast Guard, Maritime is patrolled by SUNY Police and Randall’s is actually patrolled by DEP, Parks, and NYPD. TBTA only goes to their anchors on these sights! As for the EDP's etc they call NYPD so they don't have to loose an officer. If your buddy is driving "CORT" then he has some time on the job. Shootings aren't everything and believe me; at a facility there is plenty of toll collecting. Actually even officers assigned to E-Z Pass have to take out a cash bag just in case the cash lanes get busy. They will actually make you then open up an additional lane. As for the sick time, yes they pay you out but doesn't unlimited sick sound so much better? And by the way, they ops sup and GM'S do not, REPEAT DO NOT have to have LE experience! Some were BTO's that moved up through the ranks but I can tell you the Ops Sup at the TBX was not a LEO ever. Believe me it is definitely a good job with plenty of OT and some opportunities but nothing like the NYPD. Forget about HWY or CRU or whatever they are calling it now. It is mostly Sgt's with only a few BTO's that went above and beyond. OCCC is Sgt's only. They don't have a Counter Terrorism unit like NYPD and whoever told you that is wrong. They rely on the NYPD and MTAPD for that.
Oh yea did I mention a really ****ty schedule. There is absolutely no rime or reason to it. At least with NYPD there are some steady days off (Then you get chart days), a 5 on 2 off 5 on 3 off schedule and some others. Not in the TBTA.

Good luck if this is what you really want but you have a better chance of getting into the NYPD quicker and enjoying it more. I am personally to smart to stand in a booth, counting axles, and handing out receipts all day. Even the occasional collar isn't worth wasting my brain cells.

PS Get a good life insurance policy, the smog and dust around the plazas are horrendous. Lung cancer awaits most!

[BMAC8411]

Good luck to anyone waiting for the TBTA.

With the shape of our economy, I would take any LE job. Already the NYPD and a few other agencies have either canceled or postponed their academy. I think that shows how bad things really are. In addition, alot of agencies gave their exam in 2008, and won't be giving another one for a few years. In 2009, I only see a handful of agencies in the NYC area giving an exam. At this point, I say take whatever job you can get.

About TBTA, according to Wikipedia, they have numerous specialized units and a few ranks, although I don't know how reliable Wikipedia is, or how often they give promotional exams.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triborough_Bridge_and_Tunnel_Authority_Police

Wikipedia is a site that gets its information from the public. The TBTA is not a police agency. The officers have Peace Officer status. The main responsibility of the BTO is to collect revenue and keep traffic moving. In the words of TBTA Lt and Academy instructor John Gaudet "The TBTA wants their money and it's your job to collect it"!

[gbotj]

well, whatever. I dont really care. I just want the job.
I also dont think its wise to posts names on here.

Alot of things you said have changed since '05. I can tell you that though.

[BMAC8411]

Whatever you say and I didn't post anything bad about John, he is actually a good guy! Good luck with your endeavor!

[rtmcqueen1]

hey whats up

[rtmcqueen]

gbotj, your still trying to get into LE, with 1,670 post ??? what happend

[moonpatrol]

The job isnt just standing on a bridge. Each facility has sector posts down at the anchorages/vent buildings, at throgs neck bridge they have posts that patrol part of SUNY Maritime, at the Verrazano they have posts that patrol fort wadsworth, and fort hamilton, the triborough bridge patrols randalls island, plus all the pickup jobs just to name a few. This is the first I'm hearing of the no lost time for BTOs. When BTOs retire they get the cash out of unused sick days like NCPD and SCPD get. Advancement is alot better than at alot of PD's in the state. Theres Sgt, & Lt tests. Advancement is good, theres Special Operations Highway Unit, Truck Enforcement Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, Operations Central Command and Control.
Excitement, I've heard PLENTY of stories just from the past 6 months that Im surprised didnt make the newspapers. Not to mention the 4 officers who were involved in the shootings in 2007 alone, starting from car chases.
Civilian bosses, same for PAPD, MTAPD etc. The Op Sups and GMs for TBTA must have a LE background, and alot come from within the ranks.

The wait really stinks, but I definately think its worth it. Its definately a good job, and 11/12/13 months waiting is better then nothing. Whats waiting another 2-4 months when we all have the next 20 years of working.

Alot of people dont know exactly how much a BTO does, its not your fault, I didnt know any of this until I asked about it.

Advancement WAS a lot better. There were so many Sgt. and Lt. tests in the past six years, that basically every spot is filled by a person who has 15+ years to go or has 21 years to go until 50- remember no 20 and out on this gig.

As was pointed out- our main function is collecting money and moving traffic. Collars usually (the emphasis is on usually- we do have some LE minded superiors) only happen when there is no other way out.

Guess how most of our collars happen- while attempting to collect the TBTA's money. Can't pay the toll- give me your license- and then the 511 shuffle starts....usually at this point most of your fellow officers will figure a way out to prevent the collar, so they don't get stuck.

We don't do "pickup jobs"- we don't even use the same radio frequencies as NYPD. Citywide is monitored by the facility- but we only respond if it is in fact ON TBTA property OR WILL AFFECT TRAFFIC at one of our facilities.

Our "specialized units" account for a mere handful of officers. CRU/Truck Enforcement/Central Command is staffed mainly with Sgts. and falls under the SOD umbrella, so most people assigned to SOD do all three.

Counter Terrorism is a two man office. By "two man" I do mean two man, not two men per shift.

We get to do LE, but it gets old fast- you write the same summonses over and over (and over) again, and you almost never get any other collars other than a 511 or an 1192- sometimes a GLA will fall into your lap, but that is about it.

It is a good job, OT is plentiful, and the work carried out to money paid ratio is very good. We wear a lot of hats- toll collection, arrests, driving tow trucks and snow plows. But it is not the job for someone who wants to be a cop full time. We get to be one sometimes, and there is some satisfaction on the job (we do put away a lot of DWI's)- but you really do get reminded EVERY day that your main function is to ask people if they want a receipt.

Nothing wrong with that- but if you want to be Eddie Egan you will slowly start hating yourself if you stay at this job.

Also- when we do make the newspapers- we are usually mis-identified as "MTA POLICE", except when the article is a bad one- then we seem to always be correctly identified.

[gw35]

. Guess how most of our collars happen- while attempting to collect the TBTA's money. Can't pay the toll- give me your license- and then the 511 shuffle starts....usually at this point most of your fellow officers will figure a way out to prevent the collar, so they don't get stuck.

Especially if one or few officers decide to put in for a second half. You'll make enemies real fast if you want play "hero" meanwhile you ****ed a fellow officers second half.

[SCPS PO]

I wish you guys the best of luck to get on with TBTA.

I said it before and I will say it again... I would NEVER wait this long for that job. No resteraunts to eat in, no friends made on your post/sector, no lost time/chart days, no variable supplement when you retire at a sum of $12k/yr for life post retirement, no real advancement(detective..etc), no details(counterterrorism, narcotics...etc), no real action/excitement. Worst of all, CIVILIAN BOSSES!.

Not for nothing but I did take a BTO exam years ago and was also interested to get on board. I thought it through and it didnt make sense to me.

Although I do know you have your heart dead set on being a BTO and I truly hope this is what you really want, as you been waiting a longgggg time.

Agreed. When I withdrew my name of the list I was thinking a lot of the same things. Not knocking the job, but the thought of banging out B's and bosses that discourage you from making a collar was not appealing. Not saying my job is all gravy, but being able to be autonomous and being in a department which functions like a police department on a day to day basis brings a better sense of personal satisfaction.

[jerry40]

gbotj, your still trying to get into LE, with 1,670 post ??? what happend

He needs to turn 21 first, as of now TBTA's all he can get hired by.

[tnelly711]

on another note....anyone play socom for ps3????....im hooked havent slept in a few days now ..lol

[gbotj]

Socom 1, & 2 were 2 of the best games ever made!

[John2008]

maybe one day I can afford a ps3. I might get a 360 because its 199.99

[vab1978]

All I want for Christmas is a . . . BTO job!

I've been really good this year so hopefully early 2009.

[gbotj]

lol. I think thats what we all want for Christmas.

[DOAcop38]

He needs to turn 21 first, as of now TBTA's all he can get hired by.

NOT going to stop until I convince him to "come west" ( CA. where the sun sets, beaches galore, and the armed crack heads tool around in mercedes and BMWs while discussing their next movie or record deal !!!) got a feelint this job person will do a good job ,NO MATTER what badge he wears.:D

I hear alot of negative comments on what the TBTOs "aren't" when folks should realize,no matter what coast they are on- that all the "hardcore,REAL cop" stuff tends to cut down on your health,family life, and mental outlook on life !!!! when you get out of the major depts or in depts/agencies that have busy jursidictions, you'll find the basic "police 101" work that almost 90 % of the L.E. agencies do- answer that granny complaining about noises in her back yard( which will almost always turn out to be a cat scrounging in the trashcans), 415 kids hanging out in fron to of "stop and rob"( 7-11, circle K), joe/jane ctzn broken down on the road, traffic control at a traf.collision,etc.

Nobody here that works in a small agency in the suburbs or towns is whining about how they want a shot at the big time (ala "copland"),especially IF the pay is decent and the worst they have to deal with is the local "otis " compared to a bloodbath domestic violence call where the kids are crackbabies, mom is high and attacks the officers, and daddy is ready to run 'cause he's a wanted suspect in a 211 in your area ! Call it what you want, EVERYBODIES job is important !!! If the TBTO's were all that much crap, NYPD would be sitting in the booths ,and I can guarantee you this- you'd hear less grumbling as they would suck up that OT $$$$ details like bread in the rain storm !!!!

If the job of BTO isn't putting its "officers" in serious safety issues(alone in high crime locations,poor back up administratively and operationally,totally non functioning equip like cars and radios) then I see no reason to continually compare them to NYPD.they clearly are not ,anymore than the NY State police is to NYPD. As long as they have the basic training,authority, and equip to handle the job of a state certified police officer/ peace officer ,then every other issue is "moot".( here on my side of the country everyone is trained and certified as a "peace officer", whether county sheriff,police officer, park ranger, etc)

sounds like the MTA and the TBTO officers work a specialized ,or "district" L.E. agency. doesn't make them "less cop", other than they have a more limited jurisdiction, and if revenue collection and protection is a main part of it- roll with it. I bet that NYPD isn't breaking any of their necks to handle a potential arrest,,eerrr "collar" that a TBTO comes across( and they shouldn't) so don't worry about "what they are doing compared to us".

I work a 500 officer ( soon to be 700) specialized PD for the city of L.A. the 4th largest police agency in L.A. county !!!!(LAPD,LASD,Long Beach PD are the "main 3")After more than 20 yrs i've heard all the " real cop" crap also from our "big brother" and immature or bitter officers.this has never stopped or helped me when it came down to the numerous vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, gun calls,robberies,burglaries, sex assaults, fights,drug hooks,down officer calls.I have HUNDREDS of arrests -more than the area smaller PD officers.and to anyone one "dumb enough" to claim they are more police officer than I am,I have YET to see them interfere or try and take over my arrests or investigations( they can't);at the end of the day its all about pay,good work conditions, and having a job you can take pride in.

In 2001, I understand that many of the BTOs were unarmed and mainly working toll booths; today they have more authority, are armed and better trained- just think about where they will be in another 5-10 yrs if they continue and do a good job. GBOTJ ,may soon be on the ground floor of that.

[gbotj]

Thanks DOAcop. Always like reading your posts. Very informative.

Listen, everyone here knows that what TBTA handles is different than NYPD. TBTA handles the exact same stuff PAPD handles at their bridges and tunnels except BTOs also collect tolls.
Everyone talks about who has the most exciting job, and all the different things you can do with NYPD, and things with TBTA may be the same old thing. ***** can hit the fan at anytime on any job.

TBTA has been patrolling the facilities for only 10 years. In 1998 the authority purchased 6 SUVs to patrol the bridges and tunnels and enforce the laws on property. Prior to that NYPD handled all enforcement. As DOAcop said, a job needs time to grow. It may get stagnant at times, but the agency is moving forward. The complainers are always the loudest, as I said time and time again, the posts/answers I get from the internet are FARRR different than I get from people.

As far as the agency as a whole, yes collection is a main priority. But collecting tolls is 1 post, theres still a lot of other LE assignments. On an individual level, its what you make of it. As I've said before, my friend took tolls 1 time in the past 6 weeks.


Now, I'm sure someones going to come on here and say 'your post is all wrong' and '99.99% of the job is toll collection' but oh well.

[NYJets44288]

yeah well... 'your post is all wrong' and '99.99% of the job is toll collection'



lol
i just had to be that guy even though i know its untrue.

[tnelly711]

well said doacop!!!!

[NYJets44288]

hey, i was wondering, do the BTOs on the triboro have RFK on their collars now?

[John2008]

hey, i was wondering, do the BTOs on the triboro have RFK on their collars now?

Didn't they renamed the bridge.
I think that's why
RFK=Robert F Kennedy

[gbotj]

yes they all have RFK collar brass, when it was called the "Triborough Bridge" officers who were assigned to Triborough Bridge Bronx had TBX collar brass, and officers assigned to Triborough Bridge Manhattan had TBM collar brass. Now they all just wear RFK.

[NYJets44288]

interesting, i knew the city spend 4 million dollars on the renaming at a time when they can't scramble money together for public safety. i can't ever imagine calling it anything but the triboro, but i bet people said the same about the jackie robinson (interboro)

[moonpatrol]

Tolls/Revenue Collection (IE EZ PASS) is about 90% of the job.

Tolls is what causes about 8% of the rest of the job.

There are NO collars or summonses written at a security spot (which is a square badge assignment anyway), and the rarity of grabbing a collar when driving around in circles at a bridge is exactly that- a rarity.

90% of the collars come from either:

1. Cannot pay the toll.

2. Observe someone DWI while collecting the toll.

3. Invalid EZ PASS, cannot pay the toll.

4. DWI meant to go into cash lane, drove into EZ PASS lane or vice versa.

Take away the tolls/EZ PASS gates- there goes your collars.

To give you more of an idea of the limited scope we work under 998 out of a 1000 TBTA collars are for either 1192 or 511.

We patrol- not in the "cop on patrol" sense- we patrol in the "make sure traffic moves" sense. They can tell you whatever you want to hear- but the purpose of driving around in circles is to make sure there are no accidents or disables- if it was to enforce laws we would have 8 cars on the road at every facility. Yes we have a "Highway Unit", but the more you see it the more you think it is just for show. Not knocking the unit or the guys in it- but you need to see it up close to get the feel for it.

TBTA = Good Job

TBTA does not = satisfying LE Job

We go through this time and time again whenever a new class comes out- 5% of the FNG's are gung ho and quickly get deflated and either quit and go to a real agency or just become toll collectors making lots of OT.

Guys who actually work this job post here- and their comments usually fall on deaf ears because it is not what people on a forum such as this one want to hear. Yes the complainers are the loudest- but there is a difference between telling it like it is and complaining.

The major hurdle has been already been pointed out by NYCTNT- CIVILIAN BOSSES.

[gbotj]

whats wrong with a 511? NCPD has a whole unit dedicated to collaring 511s. Alot of times 511 is in connection with warrants, drugs, guns etc. Most of the 511s I've heard of from friends/family were usually guys who did time for some other crime, or has associations with gangs/criminals.

But whatever you say guy. We'll see how it is when we get on.

[moonpatrol]

I never said there is anything wrong with a 511 collar- what I said is that if you look at our numbers we usually ONLY collar 511's and 1192's- it was said to make a point about our limited scope. On top of that they have to be at least 3 on 3 by TBTA policy (used to be 10 on 10) for it to be a collar- under that and you watch them drive away with a C summons.

Also- 511's can turn in to much bigger collars- but they usually don't. Usually they are just some idiot who just thought that by ignoring everything it would just go away. Or that a "toll collector" could not arrest them.

Thats always fun. What is also fun is dealing with other TBTA policies.

A good example- if you stop someone for whatever reason and the car comes back 512 you are ONLY allowed to run the driver through NYSPIN IF their name matches the name on the registration.

All everyone is trying to say is that sound like you are a gung ho, smart young guy who wants to do law enforcement....so you should be putting your efforts into getting into an agency that will let you do that. Not with an agency that refers to a perp on arrest paperwork as a "customer".

[gbotj]

usually ONLY collar 511's and 1192's

Of course thats how it is, your working on basically a highway. 90% of the collars made by State Troopers in Troop L are 511, or DWIs and when its for another crime its only because of a car stop for a violation.

MTA Police deals with the 'customer' stuff, and so does PAPD. At the PAs bridges and tunnels, do you know what the majority of their collars are? 511s and 1192s....although from what I heard about PAPDs operations is that they dont have plaza posts and only have 2 cars on patrol at a time. The others sit in the admin building and wait for something to happen.

Every job has its BS, and stupid policies. This doesnt bother me, its a good job, good pay, good benefits, secure, option of doing LE if you want, or if you want a quiet night you can have it.

[BMAC8411]

Dude if you want a LE job get one....TBTA is not what you think as I have said before. Finally there is someone that works there telling you what I already did. I hope you like it but its not the way they make it sound in training. And god forbid you get in the way of the TBTA getting their money....your out!

[falcon]

Some really valuable information is being given out concerning the duties of a TBTA officer. You have to ask yourself why do you want the job. If you want the job so you can run around tossing and collaring people then it certainly sounds like this is not the job for you based on what current or past TBTA officers are saying. TBTA sounds just like the PAPD and MTA PD. If you ask any of those officers who were former NYPD they will all tell you that all they do is play security guard all day. There is very little enforcment action to be taken and if any action does occur it is usually because it fell in your lap.

The reasons why guys flock to these jobs is for fiscal reasons. TBTA sounds like a very good job when it comes to O/T and other benefits but if I was looking for a LE career TBTA wouldnt be on the list and it's not a knock against TBTA.

If I was looking at TBTA I would take a close hard look at what BMAC8411 and moonpatrol have to say. From reading there posts I defintely don't get the impression that they have an axe to grind with the agency. Their trying to give you a heads up about what the job really is like both the pro's and con's.

On a side note 99.9% of 511 collars in NYC lead to nothing. 511 collar guys in the NYPD are considered scammers because all they do is take a car out of service and screw their fellow sector cars with more work.

[gbotj]

all I'm saying is that some points on here are decieving. And that the answers I get in person rather than online are far different. The things about collars falling in your lap, and the majority of them being 511 or DWI, and other things are the same but the general outlook is that there is a decent amount of enforcement and your not just monitoring ezpass or taking tolls. The way moonpatrol and BMAC talk they make it sound like you will do NO LE except once in a blue moon, and the rest of the time your just standing there.

Im sorry, Im going to listen to what Im told in person by people I know rather than some anonymous posters.

[gbotj]

now lets give this bickering up and get back on subject of hiring.

[falcon]

Well you got to do what you got to do but just remember just because your told something in person doesnt make it true. Just hearing some guys talk about the NYPD I cant believe I'm on the same job as them the way they describe things.

I've had a chance to talk to a few TBTA officers all young guys with under 10 years on the job and what they described was the exact same thing I hear from former co-workers who are now PAPD and MTA. The job is not a pro-active one.

Also be very careful about those who like to tell war stories and pump up what they do. Usually it's just to stoke there own ego's and theres very little truth in what their telling you.

[NYCTNT]

MAYBE just MAYBE the person you are getting your information from TBTA is just making the job sound more "cool" than it is. Maybe they are exagerating the circumstances so they can keep up an image of being a "great officer". We all have these guys on all jobs... nothing new.

I said it before and I said it again, I respect TBTA for what they do and give them full courtesy and will give a helping hand whenever they need one. So please dont take it the wrong way.

[gbotj]

BELIEVE me, he tells me the bad with the good, he holds nothing back about the job, but he also doesnt down play things.

[tnelly711]

any news on the hirings????....i dont really care if i stand on a bridge all day throwing rock salt and my gun gets rusted into the holster!!!!

[moonpatrol]

all I'm saying is that some points on here are decieving. And that the answers I get in person rather than online are far different. The things about collars falling in your lap, and the majority of them being 511 or DWI, and other things are the same but the general outlook is that there is a decent amount of enforcement and your not just monitoring ezpass or taking tolls. The way moonpatrol and BMAC talk they make it sound like you will do NO LE except once in a blue moon, and the rest of the time your just standing there.

Im sorry, Im going to listen to what Im told in person by people I know rather than some anonymous posters.

You have to take the answers you get in perspective- we have guys on the job who actually think that our training was the equivalent of West Point- and if someone like that is telling you about the job, than you need to take it with a grain of salt.

Also what other "enforcement" are you talking about? Summonses? I'll let BMAC tell you why most people write summonses on this job, and when you get on wait till the first time your Sgt. makes you look like a dick by denying you the right to write someone who basically told you your not a "cop" and you can't write him a summons.

With exceptions- you are NOT expected to be proactive. You can have every indication that something is wrong (ie- G.L.A) but unless there is a TBTA reason (ie- involves their money) you will not be given the green light to run said vehicle- short of the driver basically telling you the car is stolen- and even then they have been let go.

Again there are exceptions- we do have some proactive supervisors- but they are rare.

Just remember almost EVERY "exciting" TBTA collar story you hear starts with "So the perp couldn't pay the toll...."

[gbotj]

I DO NOT CARE. I dont understand how many times I need to post this. I'll be just as happy standing on the plaza for 8 hours.

Now this is overwith.

[jerry40]

but gbot, I'm telling you your gonna hate the job. Jus don't do it. :D

[NYSJAILER2008]

I DO NOT CARE. I dont understand how many times I need to post this. I'll be just as happy standing on the plaza for 8 hours.

Now this is overwith.
To hell with those guys GBOTJ. All the guys that are telling you not to go for your dreams are wrong and haters because nobody stopped then from getting on with a LEO dept and getting their Badge and Gun and prestige of being in LE. I dont see any of then turning in the shield./ID and duty and off-duty firearms and Bullet-proof vests and handing in all un-used summonses and giving up on great benefits and cashing out 401K plans . You are young and you want to do something good with your life and if TBTA is the only dept that will hire you at yout age I say go for it and stop replying to the hater-ation....LOL I for one cannot wait until you get sworn in because you are the TBTA postchild on this forum...LOL

[gbotj]

haha thanks NYSJailer, I appreciate it and feel the same way.

[falcon]

Guys arent trashing the TBTA. Guys who are current and former TBTA are just trying to give him a heads up on the realities of the duties performed by the TBTA. Personally I think the job is a very good one but it's not a job if you want LE experience or looking to run around as a proactive cop. Sometimes in life you have to see things for yourself in order to believe it and sometimes you take into consideration opposing points of view in order to avoid learning a hard lesson and time wasted. It all depends what your looking for in a job.

[NYSJAILER2008]

Guys arent trashing the TBTA. Guys who are current and former TBTA are just trying to give him a heads up on the realities of the duties performed by the TBTA. Personally I think the job is a very good one but it's not a job if you want LE experience or looking to run around as a proactive cop. Sometimes in life you have to see things for yourself in order to believe it and sometimes you take into consideration opposing points of view in order to avoid learning a hard lesson and time wasted. It all depends what your looking for in a job.
Well GBOTJ has told poster on this forum 1000 of times that he dosent care and that he know guys on the job as do I and many other people. Its not a secret society we all know about the job and if he wants to be sworn in as a peace officer for TBTA that I am happy for him as people were happy for the same guys telling him to not take the job. There is bullcrap with every LE job and there will always be a better career choice if you choice to go for it. Let him get on with TBTA and if he wants to fight crime futher when he turns 21 he came become a police officer somewhere, but at least he will have LE experience and already be employed by the city/state. He is looking to be on the job that is what he is looking for. I hate when current officers talk negative about the agency they work for and stop future recruits from sigining on just becasuse they had a bad experience of didnt want to move up. That man could get on and becasue SGT,LT CPT,,,Commish anything,,,His sky is your limit.

[NYSJAILER2008]

haha thanks NYSJailer, I appreciate it and feel the same way.
No problemo ...You know how many people took the test everybody feels the way you feel. They just want to get on the job be it a stepping stone or life long career.

[BMAC8411]

I was collecting tolls once at the TBX, which is what most of the BTO's there do, and a guy pulled in to my lane with an open 40 oz beer in between his knees. I kindly collected his money then advised him to turn off his vehicle and hand me the bottle. I buzzed the Sgt and he came over immediately yelling at me for holding up traffic. I explained the situation and he had the person pull off to the side so I could continue to collect the TBTA's money. Needless to say the Sgt simply poured the beer out and let the guy go with no further investigation. The plates were from one state and his license was from another. I am willing to bet there was something fishy there but it was more important that I got the guys money first and continued to collect revenue.
GBOTJ, do what you want, the TBTA is a good JOB but thats really what it is, just a job. No offense to those guys as they are all really good people but from what I gather of you you seem proactive and into the LE aspect which is a rarity. You'll think that your gonna save the world during the training but when you standing in that booth night after night saying $5.00 and here's you receipt you'll remember me and probably do what I did as soon as you can.
Good luck in whatever you do...we aren't bashing just looking out!

BMAC

[gbotj]

No problemo ...You know how many people took the test everybody feels the way you feel. They just want to get on the job be it a stepping stone or life long career.

exactly, since I was a little kid I was told 'take as many tests as you can, and get on with the first job that calls. Then worry about transferring'

This thread used to be great for us candidates to talk about processing THE WAIT, and just general discussion regarding getting hired. Not what you will be doing on a daily basis...or should I say what you WONT be doing on a daily basis. When we get hired we will decide if the job is the right fit. If it is, then great, if not theres other options. Im not entering a career with a negative outlook on things. As I and the others on here have said, we dont care if we stand around and throw rock salt all day. Its a job that we want, and we're going to take it.

[gbotj]

now since we got all of this out there, can we PLEASE get back on subject NOT DUTIES, just TBTA exam 6091.

[Neurotoxinx@hot]

I would love for the TBTA to start hiring again I haven't even started my process yet and with the way its looking I'm sad to say that with an 88 it's starting to look like they might never get to me lol.:confused:

[moonpatrol]

Well...he may have to wait until after he is 21- hate to break it to you guys but take a look at the NEWLY posted MTA budget for 2009

http://www.mta.info/mta/budget/nov2008.htm

The have eliminated a few key points from the july 2008 version the one that concerns us is in the July version there was a budget allowance for filling BTO vacancies- that has now been eliminated in the nov 2008 version.

Both versions are included at the above link so you can compare.

[moonpatrol]

Well GBOTJ has told poster on this forum 1000 of times that he dosent care and that he know guys on the job as do I and many other people. Its not a secret society we all know about the job and if he wants to be sworn in as a peace officer for TBTA that I am happy for him as people were happy for the same guys telling him to not take the job. There is bullcrap with every LE job and there will always be a better career choice if you choice to go for it. Let him get on with TBTA and if he wants to fight crime futher when he turns 21 he came become a police officer somewhere, but at least he will have LE experience and already be employed by the city/state. He is looking to be on the job that is what he is looking for. I hate when current officers talk negative about the agency they work for and stop future recruits from sigining on just becasuse they had a bad experience of didnt want to move up. That man could get on and becasue SGT,LT CPT,,,Commish anything,,,His sky is your limit.

If you know guys on with the TBTA- you would know what we are talking about.

The key with being a BTO is realizing that you are someone who collects revenue that also happens to have law enforcement powers, not someone who has law enforcement powers who also happens to collect revenue.

This small manner of semantics goes a LONG way to explain the job.

Personally, I look forward to having someone like GBOTJ on, but at the same time want prospective BTO's to have the proper outlook on the job in order to make an informed decision- most of us were unable to because nobody told us how it is.

Lots of us used to look at TBTA RANT, and think that it was just a few disgruntled officers, and then once we were on realized that although exaggerated the core of it was rather true.

Nothing "negative" is being said about the job- all that is being said is that it is not a LE oriented gig, and any amount of wishing it was or speculating what it might be no matter who you talk to is not going to change it.

[gbotj]

The have eliminated a few key points from the july 2008 version the one that concerns us is in the July version there was a budget allowance for filling BTO vacancies- that has now been eliminated in the nov 2008 version


Actually its still in there, just not as much money, You have to click on 4, then scroll down a bunch of pages. It says 'hiring vacancies for BTO from newly certified civil service lists' The only thing that was cut out from the July preliminary plan is Sgt promotions. You can compare both plans.
This plan was uploaded December 5th, as the final proposed (now adopted) 2009 agency budget.

Neuro, its good to see you on here again. How have you been? I think you still have a really good shot at being called. Theres 3 years left on the list.

[moonpatrol]

Let me know what page number in the pdf you are seeing this on- I see nothing listing "hiring vacancies for BTO from newly certified civil service lists" in the plan. Possibly we are looking at different documents.

In the version I am looking at the only mention of BTO's in the Nov. Budget is that fringe benefit costs have gone up due to the new contract.

[gbotj]

Ohhh ok, miscommunication there. I see what your talking about. On your link BOTH parts are of the final budget, part 1 lists authority updates, and part 2 lists agency budgets. Theres the preliminary 2009 budget from July that stated 'In 2009 there is an increase of 5.8 million dollars over 2008 due to contractual step ups, and hiring bridge and tunnel officers and sergeants from newly certified civil service lists' and in the final budget it says 'In 2009 there is an increase of 6.4 million dollars in contractual step ups (CPIU) and hiring Bridge and Tunnel Officers from newly certified civil service lists ($2.3 million)

[vab1978]

I am not good at this budget stuff but I think the November Financial Plan was still a proposed budget. The final budget was passed on December 17 but I haven't seen anything indicating if any changes were made before the plan was approved. There are other variables like the Ravitch Commission report came out in early December plus the MTA has been saying that it is asking for state and federal aid which won't be resovled until next year.

Do they even need a line item in the budget to hire new BTO's? Maybe there are vacancies from attrition or retirements.

Is anyone on the job hearing anything? Are there any trainings (new hires or otherwise) at the academy in January and February?

[gbotj]

Vab, from the November 20th MTA Board meeting they said the final proposed budget for 2009 will be voted on and adopted on December 5. The final proposed is the actual budget for 2009. If it wasnt passed, they would have to ratify it, then vote again.

Right now I believe they have about 50+ vacancies for BTOs. VNB, and BBT is hurting for officers, I believe each has open spots in the double digits, should be the same for the RFK. The others have anywhere from 2 or 3 to 5 and 6 open spots. From what I hear, over 100 are expected to retire over the next year and a half.

Also, about the academy so far nothing has changed from that PM I sent you guys a few weeks ago.

[gbotj]

also, just an add on with that. Theres no need for new lines for hiring BTOs, hiring is budgeted through a headcount and vacancies. If they were planning on going above headcount they would need the line, and give the amount of officers.

In the budgets, its not really talking about how much money is allocated to hiring (although it does say 2.3 million dollars for BTO hiring) its more of just where the money is going, and why there are increases over previous years.