non-LE questions in AZ

[jayhawk]

Hello all,

My wife and I just moved to Tucson (Marana, actually) from Lawrence, KS. This is my first time living outside of Kansas, and I have to say I'll take 110° at 15% humidity over 90° at 40% any day! I'm learning all the rules (staying hydrated, "stupid motorist" laws) but would appreciate advice/suggestions on any of the following topics:

- driving: I notice more cars with engine problems or flats, and alot more flats than what I was used to. If I were driving on I-10 between Tucson & Phoenix a few days a week, what should I prepare myself (more specifically my car) for?

- Spanish lessons: I'm looking into UA and Pima CC about some evening classes. I'm also looking to see if there are any groups that focus more specifically on colloquial/conversational Spanish.

- running times: I'm trying to keep to early morning or evenings when it cools off, however I was wondering if ALEA, Mesa, or SALETC do any PT during the afternoon. If so I would probably want to get used to the occasional mid-afternoon jog.

[Jessyca]

Welcome to Arizona, I'm so sorry :D (I'm a northern girl at heart)

Don't just love the fact that we have a stupid motorist law?

Not being in that part of the state, can't offer much help with your questions. However, while it may be necessary to run in the afternoons, work up to it. Its a lot easier to get dehydrated and overheated then people seem to think.

[AzDogs]

Hello all,
- driving: I notice more cars with engine problems or flats, and alot more flats than what I was used to. If I were driving on I-10 between Tucson & Phoenix a few days a week, what should I prepare myself (more specifically my car) for?

- Spanish lessons: I'm looking into UA and Pima CC about some evening classes. I'm also looking to see if there are any groups that focus more specifically on colloquial/conversational Spanish.

- running times: I'm trying to keep to early morning or evenings when it cools off, however I was wondering if ALEA, Mesa, or SALETC do any PT during the afternoon. If so I would probably want to get used to the occasional mid-afternoon jog.

I wouldn't worry too much about breaking down. It's a very well traveled area and someone will stop. If you are that concerned then a cell phone, gallon of water and a can of fix-a-flat would cover most issues.

Cannot help on the spanish other than to say that I know there are conversational spanish classes out there somewhere.

Most running would be done before eight am. They actually do take the heat into consideration.

[hemicop]

WElcome to Hell! As far as driving,believe it or not, have some drinkable water in your car at all times--you don't know how long help will take to arrive. Get/make shields forall your windows to block out the sun. If you're in the small minority that doesn't have one, get a cell phone.When you break down, pull over much further or get off I-10 completely. Between the high speeds & motorists sight-seeing or not paying attention they often drift onto the shoulder. If you're planning a career in LE you may want to hold off on the Spanish classes & let the Dept. foot the bill for them. As far as running----0430 'til about 0830 is your best time.

[jayhawk]

I have most of the things you guys recommended, as well as good ideas for some others such as the window blockers.

I was thinking that the heat, dust, debris, or whatever down here made cars more likely to break down more frequently than what I had seen before, but I was also wondering if this was all in my head - in the densest parts of Kansas there is a lot less highway traffic compared to around Tucson & Phoenix (more traffic = more breakdowns...

[blustar]

I see more flat tires than anything else, Over heating etc. can usually pull off the freeway.

[cityblusuit]

Welcome to the AZ....yes you are correct about the drivers. My take on it is that AZ is something of an Ellis Island...people are moving here from all oevr the country...and with that they bring their driving habits and when you put a bunch of people together in one place from everywhere...chaos. Quite Ironic to be a state that attracts people from all over the country to have such an issue with people wanting to come over and bus the tables and maintain the lawn. But alas, I digress. Make water your friend, make it a personal goal to drink enuff water to make your urine clear, it indicates that you are hydrate. Wanting to take spanish is good, but like hemicop said let your PD pay for it. As far as breakdowns maintain your car, buy a new battery that battery that lasted 3-5 years in Kansas usually goes in 2 in an AZ summer.As for the academy, condition your self to be able to do 3-5 miles with minimal effort, as the academy progresses so will you. Also pay attention to what agility standard is used for the agency that you want to work for...POPAT of Cooper. Everything else is mind over matter. Good Luck

[Revelation]

Welcome to A.Z jayhawk! I am right behind you. I will be returning to Tucson next month after being away for 16 years. I cannot wait! I am still kind of undecided on the new career. DPS/TSA/DOC? I just want to get home first.

[armoredman]

Marana? I am right next door, neighbor.
Have your car A/C, belts and hoses checked ASAP. Double check your tire heat rating - most people don't know tires have a heat rating, and come here with tires from Minnesota, and wonder why they blow out. Triple check you car's entire cooling system, have a radiator flush and fill. Then make sure you have a water jug in the truck at ALL times. Make that part of your road hazard kit. Saved me a few times. I grew up here...Ever wonder why people drive funny here? See, in London, people drive on the left side of the road. In New York, they drive on the right...in AZ, we drive in the shade. You can always tell newcomers - beautiful tans. We natives are pastier, as we learned to stay inside, out of the heat!
The humidity will go away after a while, and the wonderful dry heat will be back. Gah. Every summer I wonder why I stay, every winter I remember why.
I don't know about the PD academies, but COTA runs PT in the early AM during hot months, and late PM in cold, (relatively speaking), months. We're hiring, too....
Mid afternnon jogs? During the single hottest time of the day? Nope, not unless you're at an air conditioned indoor gym! Learn to run with a CamelBak - drive to Sportsman's Warehouse, down on Costco drive, (Orange Grove off I-10, east to Thornydale, north to Costco Dr, left to SW), and snag one. About 5 AM is best, really.
Welcome to Free AZ, home of the best firearms laws in the Lower 48!

[Revelation]

armoredman

If you do not mind me asking, how often do the training cycles run at the COTA academy? I read for example, that the Pima County Sherrifs Dept Corrections only has one class left starting this year and the next in January 2007. I do not like the direct supervision approach program they have. I do not think I would feel comfortable in that enviroment. Anyways, when I return in August what would be the next possibility for me to go through CO training at COTA, if I pass all the requirements?

[armoredman]

RUSH starts the hiring process on Monday, and if you pass everything, start the Academy the following Monday. We run classes all the time. Hiring all the time, got a total of over $4,500 in raises this year.
PCSO Corrections does run fewer classes - many fewer officers needed - we are the largest uniformed state agency in AZ, with alomost 10,000. State bennies are nice, as well as our 20 year retirement. Some units/complexs are doing 12 hour shifts now, working 4 days one week, and three the next...nothing like working only half the year.
If you are interested, look here - http://www.adcprisoninfo.az.gov/HRD/hrdjobs.htm

We can certainly use all the good people we can get. :cool:

[Revelation]

armoredman

Thanks for the info! I have been doing a lot of research on AZ's DOC and I like what I have found. I think I would fit in. I have another question, I have already asked the recruiter in Tucson he said, "No problem", but I would like to hear your advice, since you are on the front lines. Is it okay if I pm you with my question?

[armoredman]

Of course, go right ahead.

[Revelation]

Of course, go right ahead.

pm is sent!