Inland Empire Agencies

[AirWind23]

For those officers working for IE agencies what do you guys have to say about them? Pros, Cons?

The top departments I was looking into were: Fontana PD, SBSO, and Ontario PD

Anything would be great, thanks!

[nobody33]

For those officers working for IE agencies what do you guys have to say about them? Pros, Cons?

The top departments I was looking into were: Fontana PD, SBSO, and Ontario PD

Anything would be great, thanks!


SBSO has significant jail time... less so if you go to the desert. This as compared to RSO next door. SBSO historically does not pay well. Go RSO if you want a large agency.

Fontana PD pays much better and is a very busy agency. Of those 3 I think they are the best.

Ontario has lots of money, however had fallen way behind in pay. They have some nice equipment, and a fancy chopper/new station, but they are getting paid as much as 1000 a month less than others in the area now.

I'd avoid SBPD, Corona, and RPD. I've constantly heard bad things about all of them. I used to work in the area. Others you might want to check out are Hemet and Chino. I'd recomend RSO. I didn't work for them.

[SgtCHP]

Having lived in the Inland Empire since 1967 and worked with each of those agencies in an allied manner, I hold the deepest respect for all of them. I was also an instructor at the SBSD Academy for a term.

At times each has its problems and each reaches its pinnacle of respect. All are still in growth and expansion.

I would suggest you contact each and request data to compare.

Rialto PD has a new and progressive chief, but the workload is horrific. Fontana is expanding. Upland is hiriing. Ontario and Chino are still having growth spurts. SBSD has a minimum of one year jail time, but they are still growing - especially in the high desert communities. Montclair is boxed in and somewhat stagnant. San Bernardino is a powder keg. Colton is boxed in. All in all the area has great potential and is worthy of consideration. Riverside PD is similar to San Bernardino PD. Riverside SD is growing and getting better, but their retirement benefits do not kick in for a year or two after hire. The lower desert communities are expanding and the Temecula Valley agencies are growning as well.

[SOCALCOP]

I have first hand knowledge of SBPD, SBSD and Montclair PD. Second Hand info on RSD, Corona PD and Upland PD. First stay far away from SBPD. Don't even use it as an entry into law enforcement. Montclair PD is very small but a very close nit police family. They are getting a brand new police station that is being built now. RSD is hiring a ton right now, benefits are ok but are below most other agencies. Things there are done on a round table discussion with Sgt's. The shift you work weather you get promoted is all talked about by field supervisors first. It's an OK department though. Corona PD is good. They have there own helicopter and new shooting range with plans for a new building soon. A lot of officers live in the city so that says something. The pay is a little low though. Crime is low but enough to keep you going. Upland PD is pretty political. Not a lot of decisions on the street are yours to make (it may have changed). Sgt's dictate what you do such as tow all cars no exception. My choice is SBSD. The pay is a little low and you pay 4.5% of your earnings into your retirement but the benefits of the department outway (in my opinion) these things. Don't let jail time scare you. Once your out of the jail you will have 20 to 25 years of police work ahead of you outside of the jail. Most deputies are good guys and gals that are friendly and don't have the "I'm better than you" mentality. Promotions are based on your job performance (evals) and a written test. No orals (unless that has changed). All and all a great department in my opinion. My last 2 cents is stick with SB County law enforcement. You are allowed to arrest/book on misdemenor warrants where as in Riverside they usually don't and the flow of reports/arrest to trial seems smoother. That's all, lets hear from those I offended :)

[AirWind23]

Thanks so much for your replies, your information is vital for my department evaluations on who to apply for and who to stay away from, I really appreciate it!

Having lived in the IE for awhile now, Ive come to have a keen interest in the departments here. When I start applying, i'll be sure to refer back to this thread, thanks again.

[ask80]

i worked with a deputy who lateralled from fontana pd. he said nothing but good things about them. he said it's a busy station with good officers that kick butt.

[R1pilot]

From one future LEO to another, give Fontana a good look. A really great bunch of guys/gals. Seriously one of the best ride-a-longs yet. I went out on Swing shift on a Saturday. Very busy, but still lots of information/advice offered from everyone. (not just the officer I rode with)

Feel free to PM, I've got more details.

Good Luck!

[AirWind23]

Thanks for your reply ask80! Any details on why he lateralled out?

R1, sent ya a PM.

[ask80]

the deputy was from san diego and wanted to move back home with family. he was sending himeself to an academy in north san diego. got hired by the first dept, fontana, and they pulled him out of his academy to goto the san bernardino sheriffs academy ( i think that's the correct one). all i remember is he said the sheriffs academy was hell compared to the other one.

he said the area has a lot of stuff that can keep you busy and the officers and sgts were kick ***. as he described it.

[FPD GUY]

Fontana is the best agency in the Inland Empire hands down, but I'm a little biased. There are a few good places to work here though. SBSD is a good agency except the pay is a little lower. Upland is a good dept. but the retirement isn't as good. Redlands is a good alternative and the pay is great. San Berdoo PD has a few issues, but I wouldn't avoid it altogether. Ontario isn't what it used to be, I personally would avoid it. I would Go Fontana, Redlands, SBSD and Upland or San Bernardino PD.

[hbliam]

Upland's 2%@50 retirement should put it as a last resort choice IMO. That is just such a huge differeance when it comes time to retire.

[ask80]

holy cow. didn't know agencies still used 2%@50. that totally sucks... who cares if you get hired with that agency. get sponsored and do your year,get your basic and leave.