Finally...

[Badkharma]

Finally, after an agonizing wait, I will be eligible to apply to (most) PD's in the area in less than a few months. I've been on a green card and can now apply for citizenship, which allows me, in most cases, to apply to a PD. Now, the question is where? (In case you were wondering, the average wait time for citizenship is currently about 9 months).

Presently, I live in SW Riverside County area and work in Newport Beach. I was fortunate enough to be able to buy a home in the area in early 2003 when prices were "cheap". Since my mortgage payment is less than what many people pay for rent nowadays, I'm not really keen on moving. That said, I don't mind commuting much - I do it every day now and have for years.

I'd like some insight on the following "dream sheet" of PD's I'd like to join. If anyone can offer any advice/facts not listed on the websites about the following depts (or make other suggestions) that would be great. Here is the list, not in any particular order:

Long Beach PD
Ontario PD
Anaheim PD
Irvine PD
Newport Beach PD
Huntington Beach PD
OC Sheriff
Riverside Sheriff

I'd be interested in the Deputy positions, but to be honest I do not want to spend years in the courts/jails. I understand the advantage the jails give when transferring to the street, but that is a whole 'nother topic.

Any insight/comments anyone? Other dept. suggestions? I look forward to leaving cubicle city in the near future. :)

[nobody33]

Long Beach PD
Ontario PD
Anaheim PD
Irvine PD
Newport Beach PD
Huntington Beach PD
OC Sheriff
Riverside Sheriff

I'd be interested in the Deputy positions, but to be honest I do not want to spend years in the courts/jails.

You should take off OCSD then. I talked to their recruiter 3 months ago and it sounded like patrol was like getting a special detail.... 8 years. Ontario PD used to be paid good... not anymore. Anaheim, RSO, and HBPD are all good agencies I have heard, and pay well. HBPD and APD especially. Maybe check out Brea. If hemet is hiring trainees look at them too. Lots of SDPD guys are going there. Maybe Santa Ana also, but they usually only hire laterals. They have taken a lot of CHP guys recently. Anyone who is stealing away CHP officers has to be pretty good.

[Bully]

Unless you have a degree, forget about the Orange County agencies. They pay great though. The best agency in the O.C. is Santa Ana. Ontario PD is really good but you also need a degree there although it's not listed in the requirements. The chief likes to recruit out of the college classes he teaches. O.C. Sheriff has the longest jail time. They call it "life without patrol". Currently, the Riverside SO jail time is 1.5 yrs. The dept supports it's deputies and give them a lot of discretion. Some say that Long Beach PD is a sinking ship.

Basically apply to all of them and see which one hires you first. Go there and build up your package. You can then lateral out.

[Badkharma]

Thanks for the tips guys. I could've given a bit more info if it would've helped: I do have a "B.S." (hahaha, cliche, but still funny) degree in Finance and currently work in the investment management industry. I graduated in 2003.

[Badkharma]

Basically apply to all of them and see which one hires you first. Go there and build up your package. You can then lateral out.

This may seem like a stupid question, but is it "easy" to lateral out? To clarify, if another agency is hiring and say you have a few years under your belt, is it pretty much a given to be hired by said agency?

[Rogerthump]

This may seem like a stupid question, but is it "easy" to lateral out? To clarify, if another agency is hiring and say you have a few years under your belt, is it pretty much a given to be hired by said agency?

No. It is best to have at least two years at your agency before trying to jump ship. And although you most likely won't have to take a written again, you will still have to go though another backround, poly, and crazy test. Expect to explain every itch of your prior employment and you better let your SGT know your on the way out.

It may go smooth, but you still have some effort to put into it to be considered seriously. Remember, you may have had a backround done at some point which is ok, but your only really bypassing the training aspect.

[hbliam]

Long Beach PD
Ontario PD
Anaheim PD
Irvine PD
Newport Beach PD
Huntington Beach PD
OC Sheriff
Riverside Sheriff



Long Beach: is not a sinking ship and just obtained longevity pay for 10 (5%) and 15 (5% more) year Officers and an additional 5% pay raise for all Officers even though they already had a contract until 2009. Morale is back up and many of the guys that were considering leaving have pulled their apps. Long Beach will be taking apps again in March.

RSO: Low pay ($6-700 less a month per their website) and you pay your PERS (retirement) for several years in the beginning. Not to mention that custody time.

OSSD: Long custody time.

Anaheim, Irvine, HBPD, and Newport Beach: Similar with HB the best paid. You do NOT have to have a degree with NB or HB or most other OC agencies.

Taking CHP guys is easy when they are still working 5-8's.

I agree with the guy that said just apply at all of them though. Take what you can get.