how long does it take to START a background?

[kickstand]

I applied to Sacramento Sheriff for the position of Deputy Sheriff Trainee back in the beginning of the year. I turned in my Personal History Statement at the end of April, and we were all told to not call regarding the PHS' because "they'd never be off the phones and actually doing the background checks." Does it really take that long to just START the background check? I had talked to a recruiter for SSD, who in turn talked to someone in the dept that does the background checks, and was told that my file was "just sitting there" waiting to be started, and that I'd receive a call later that day or the next. That was at least a month and a half ago. I don't want to call and be a pain in the ***, but I'd like to see things get at least started. I was thinkin my only choice would be to befriend somebody in SSD and have them check on it for me :D I was going to take the physical test for Santa Cruz Sheriff but got hit by a truck while on my motorcycle the week prior to the test :rolleyes: Since I've already taken and passed the physical for SSD I was hoping they'd continue with the hiring process, since I know the background takes months to complete. I don't have anything in my background to worry about, I smoked pot back in 8th/9th grade a couple times (I'm almost 21 now), and that's it. Never been arrested, only have 2 traffic tickets on my record (3 if you count the one covered by traffic school). So really, it's just a matter of time, and I'm getting anxious doing the hurry up and wait game. Any advice is welcome and appreciated.

[leadslinger11b]

Go to an Army recruiter and join up as Light Infantry, Airborne or not, it dosent matter, volunteer for any unit deploying for OIF, and you will get there. finish yer 6 year enlistment, then go apply to any department you want to, fed or local. Yer best chances are here.

[kickstand]

I'm not interested in any armed forces right now. Especially having to go to Iraq. Not something for which I'm willing to risk my life. I'd rather do it here at home. Just not something I want to do, but thanks though.

[Sag22]

Since moving to northern CA in Aug '05 I have learned one important lesson about CA. They never do anything in a timely fashion. If they say they will take 2 weeks, count on 3-4 months. Coming from the midwest I guess I was expecting people to live up to their word and be responsible. I really haven't seen that since I have been here :rolleyes:

[tgmoore]

I'm not interested in any armed forces right now. Especially having to go to Iraq. Not something for which I'm willing to risk my life. I'd rather do it here at home. Just not something I want to do, but thanks though.


You are not willing to risk your life but you are willing to risk it as a police officer? Lets all be honest here. Hand in your man card you wuss. I wouldn't want you on patrol with me, ever. Your honest and selfish response is far too common among young people today.

[kickstand]

You are not willing to risk your life but you are willing to risk it as a police officer? Lets all be honest here. Hand in your man card you wuss. I wouldn't want you on patrol with me, ever. Your honest and selfish response is far too common among young people today.
wait, wait, wait, you're telling me, on a LE forum, that being an officer is being a "wuss" and is "selfish?" :confused: that's got to be the most asinine thing I've read on here yet!

Just because I disagree with the war and don't feel like risking my life for no reason whatsoever (IMO) doesn't mean I'm "selfish" or a "wuss". It means I'd rather protect my own community against bad guys I can actually see and actually pose a danger to myself and those around me. Excuse the hell out of me for wanting to help my own city/county/neighborhood and not that of a country I'll never otherwise see and doesn't pose an immediate threat to myself or my community. You can call me selfish all you want for it, it really doesn't change my mind and, in fact, just enforces my beliefs.

I'm trying to get help and advice here. If you don't agree with my personal beliefs, well that's just too damned bad. Take your personal attacks elsewhere.

[irishlad2nv]

Kickstand...ignore the military comments..obviously some are bitter and are either having flashbacks or have never actually faught in a war!

A background can take days up to months to start. There are never enough BI's for all of the applicants. Keep applying and don't stop at just 1 or 2 departments. Broaden your chances by applying everywhere if you truely want a job in LE. Just by going into the military doesn't exaclty "enhance" your chances of getting in LE. In that time frame things could happen, you could go to war, you could get in trouble, etc.

Apply, apply and apply. Best of luck to you.

"tgmoore" try and stay on topic. What advice did you exactly give here? Insults don't count my man.

[sbraz334]

I am experiencing something similar from a different department. I got a call that my paperwork would be passed on to the chief. Thats a great sign but it was 3 1/2 weeks ago. Its all a hurry up and wait thing lol. Being patient is a very hard thing to do especially if it will have a major impact on your career/life.

good luck and let us know how you make out. :)