Psp: Huge Test Turnout!!

[peter d]

Just thought some of you might be interested to know that there were 2,986 individuals that took the most recent PSP written test!!! I thought that was a lot. Test period before was only 1,658 last August. Why so many more this time?

Also, the PSP skipped over the oral stage of the exam, and instead suggested that anyone ranked 600 or better be prepared for the PFT. Just some info.. I know the PA portion of this forum gets slow sometimes...

Good luck to all, and stay safe..

PD

[tp2165]

Just thought some of you might be interested to know that there were 2,986 individuals that took the most recent PSP written test!!! I thought that was a lot. Test period before was only 1,658 last August. Why so many more this time?

That isn't many at all. There used to be 10,000-15,000 that took the written test, that's in one year.

[tua]

No oral board!! That is the most stressful part. Why did they do away with that??

[tp2165]

They couldn't find qualified raters to rate the qualified applicants :)

[peter d]

PA State Police process

yes, I've since learned about the multitude of past applicants. I just completed my BI following a final interview with my investigator Saturday, and when I told him of the most recent written-test turnout, he stated the same thing...when he was tested roughly 15 years ago, he was among some 14,000 applicants!! This blew my mind!!! He attributed much of the decline in applicants to perhaps some of the relatively recent higher standards, particularly college prerequisites.

Anyway, he was quite satisfied with the results of my investigation, and has submitted the final product to the ultimate decision makers with his recommendation that I continue on. He stated that my investigation was one of the easier ones that he's done. There were a couple of small "no big deal" issues on my application/poly booklet, but they were minor enough to be easily explained. For example, I had 2 speeding tickets 14 years ago (less than 15 MPH over), one bounced check, and the "had a couple of beers and drove" admissions.

I guess it's time to wait once again with the hope that I get a call to meet with the doc for the medical eval.

Wish me luck!! Thank you all for your assistance and support!!!

Pete

[tp2165]

yes, I've since learned about the multitude of past applicants.

And still present.

his recommendation that I continue on.

Your almost there. Good luck.

[tua]

[QUOTE=peter d]PA State Police process

yes, I've since learned about the multitude of past applicants. I just completed my BI following a final interview with my investigator Saturday,


Congratulations! I am waiting on BI to be finished, maybe I'll see you in the academy in June. I hope you've been runnin hills!

[peter d]

thanks, guys.. I'll keep you updated on my situation, and would love to share any info that may be acquired along the way. Once again, thanks for your support..

PD

[PaRoadDawg]

I hope you've been runnin hills!

Run them until you drop. Wait until you leap frog up the back hill. Hahahaha.

[tua]

Run them until you drop. Wait until you leap frog up the back hill. Hahahaha.

You Troopers sure do get a kick out of knowing that we hopefuls have no idea what we are getting ourselves into, don't you? lol

[BlueLineBrad]

Run them until you drop. Wait until you leap frog up the back hill. Hahahaha.

Oh thats sounds fun! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[LancNupe]

Hey how you doing Peter and Tau. I am currently in the psp cadet selection process as well. My background investigation was initiated in the beginning of March. It was completed and now I am waiting like you guys are for the Psychological and Medical Evaluation. I talked to a woman in the human resources department and told me at this time the panel to review the background packets will be conducted March 27 and April 2. So everyone should receive something in the mail a week later from those dates. She also told me that after the polygraph was conducted there were only 200 potential psp cadet candidates for the academy. So we don't even know who will be disqualified after the background panel reviews the packets. She also told me that they have 25 spots already reserved for the June 2007 class from the previous testings. They only need 60 for the June class which will be conducted at the Southwest Academy in Greensburg, (near Pittsburg). Then next class is tenatively scheduled for September or October which will hold 150 or more cadets. So guys here is a little enlightenment that may help us in our pursuit of greatness with the PSP. Also to any other troopers here, I want to know what are my chances of being stationed somewhere in Lancaster County?? At the end of the academy do put down 3 specific barricks or county or troops?? I know PSP really need guys out east, so if i would put down Lancaster County, Chester County, and Dauphin County what are my chances of me getting any of my top 3 selections?? I am so glad I found this website. It is good to know that I can talk to people who are aspiring psp troopers and individuals how are currently troopers. Thanks and have a blessed day guys.

[tp2165]

At the end of the academy do put down 3 specific barricks or county or troops?? I know PSP really need guys out east, so if i would put down Lancaster County, Chester County, and Dauphin County what are my chances of me getting any of my top 3 selections??

Three troops of your choosing. Dauphin is in Troop H, however, there are 7 barracks (as opposed to barricks)in this troop so you could go to Franklin Co. Your profile lists you residing in Lancaster, if so, your probability of getting Troop J is slim, my speculation only. You get to list the troops you desire, but not the barrack.

[LancNupe]

tp2165
I know PSP Troopers typically work 8 hour shifts. Are the 8 hours on a set shift or a rotating shift? How many days do troopers work straight before they typically get their 2 or 3 days off? Do all PSP barracks have the same rotating or permanent shift schedule? Also, is there always overtime available? TP2165, how long have you been employed by the PSP. What is you current position? Is there more pros than cons in your experience with the agency? One of the things that really sold me on the Pennsylvania State Police agency is its history and its longevity of its troopers. I was offered a position with the CIA (Security Protective Officer) and I turned it down because I am currently a Armed Security Officer for a Nuclear Plant and it is a very boring job that doesn't challenge me intellectually. I feel like my brain cells are wasting away. I am so pleased with everything I've heard about the Pennsylvania State Police from the opportunity for advancement to the benefits and job security. After a Cadet graduates from the academy,typically how long does he do on the job orientation with another trooper before he is able to be on the road by himself? Also, how long does a trooper have to be on the road before he/she may pursure advancement?? Any advice in preparing for the academy? I have been consistently running at least 3 miles a day for the past month and have been doing push-ups and sit-ups as well. Thanks and have a bless day.
-LancNupe

[peter d]

tp2165
I know PSP Troopers typically work 8 hour shifts. Are the 8 hours on a set shift or a rotating shift? How many days do troopers work straight before they typically get their 2 or 3 days off? Do all PSP barracks have the same rotating or permanent shift schedule? Also, is there always overtime available? TP2165, how long have you been employed by the PSP. What is you current position? Is there more pros than cons in your experience with the agency? One of the things that really sold me on the Pennsylvania State Police agency is its history and its longevity of its troopers. I was offered a position with the CIA (Security Protective Officer) and I turned it down because I am currently a Armed Security Officer for a Nuclear Plant and it is a very boring job that doesn't challenge me intellectually. I feel like my brain cells are wasting away. I am so pleased with everything I've heard about the Pennsylvania State Police from the opportunity for advancement to the benefits and job security. After a Cadet graduates from the academy,typically how long does he do on the job orientation with another trooper before he is able to be on the road by himself? Also, how long does a trooper have to be on the road before he/she may pursure advancement?? Any advice in preparing for the academy? I have been consistently running at least 3 miles a day for the past month and have been doing push-ups and sit-ups as well. Thanks and have a bless day.
-LancNupe

LanceNupe.

Hi...nice to see another potential cadet out here.. I thought I'd share with you a couple of things I've HEARD. I DO NOT WANT THIS INFO TO APPEAR AS IF I THINK I'M AN AUTHORITY. THIS IS PURELY WHAT HAS BEEN TOLD TO ME. I DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY OF THE BELOW, THOUGH FEEL CONFIDENT WITH MOST, AS I TRUST MY SOURCES. ALL INFO COMES FROM VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS WITH THE PSP.

1) job orientation with another Trooper - 6 months.
2) after 1 year you could begin testing for specific areas of interest within the dept., and assignments are on a competitive basis/# of positions available. (check bulletin boards).
3) You CAN be placed in your home troop area. Wherever you get stationed, plan on being there for 3 years minimum. However, you can transfer within the same troop/different barrack after 1 year (or before, I'm not cerain, depending on departmental needs).
4) Philly remains the hot spot due to high transfer rates and expanded jurisdiction among PSP Troopers. If you request it, you got it. If you don't, you still may get it, particularly if you reside anywhere near the East,. regardless of what you desire.
5) Overtime is certainly not unlimited, though often available.. Apparently Rendell and his people have a budget in place, and overtime is being monitored more closely than it has in the past (perhaps due to increased troopers on the road).
6) Read the book Between Good and Evil, by Roger L. Depue, particularly if you're considering ever getting into criminal investigation.
7) Don't just run....run on hilly terrains.

If I gather any other info, I'd be happy to share!! Please do the same.. I look forward to conferring with you guys as we await some news about the next step. Hopefully we all have appointments with the state Dr.!!!

Be safe,
Pete

[tp2165]

LancNupe
Are the 8 hours on a set shift or a rotating shift? How many days do troopers work straight before they typically get their 2 or 3 days off? Do all PSP barracks have the same rotating or permanent shift schedule?
Rotating shift. Some troops are on permanent midnighters. Troops usually work 7-8 days straight, then 2 days off or 10 days straight for 4 days off. One weekend off a month. Most barracks operate this way.
Also, is there always overtime available?
Usually
how long have you been employed by the PSP. What is you current position?
A long while. Position-refer to profile.
Is there more pros than cons in your experience with the agency?
Not right now.
After a Cadet graduates from the academy,typically how long does he do on the job orientation with another trooper before he is able to be on the road by himself? Also, how long does a trooper have to be on the road before he/she may pursure advancement?? Any advice in preparing for the academy?
Job orientation? 60 days on FTO, or longer if you are ate up or ate out. Advancement into rank has changed, I believe you have to have 4 yrs to compete for corporal. If you don't pursue rank(which isn't based on merit) you make TFC if you have at least 12 yrs, there is no other non supervisory rank after the 12th year. As far as specialty jobs, it depends. Some require 3 years of FIELD service, others don't specify. Keep in mind, you could have troops with 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years on putting in for the same job you are, or have 100 troops putting in for 1 position vacancy. I have no advice for the academy, you either want it or you don't.

[tp2165]

peter d,
1) job orientation with another Trooper - 6 months.
refer to above post
2) after 1 year you could begin testing for specific areas of interest within the dept., and assignments are on a competitive basis/# of positions available. (check bulletin boards).
You can put in before a years time, again job specific. Doubtful a probationary troop would get a specialty job but not unheard of.
3) You CAN be placed in your home troop area. Wherever you get stationed, plan on being there for 3 years minimum. However, you can transfer within the same troop/different barrack after 1 year (or before, I'm not cerain, depending on departmental needs).
I have not heard of anyone recently being assigned to their home troop. As soon as you are off FTO you can request assignment to another barrack in your troop.
4) Philly remains the hot spot due to high transfer rates and expanded jurisdiction among PSP Troopers. If you request it, you got it. If you don't, you still may get it, particularly if you reside anywhere near the East,. regardless of what you desire.
Particularly if you graduate the academy.
5) Overtime is certainly not unlimited, though often available.. Apparently Rendell and his people have a budget in place, and overtime is being monitored more closely than it has in the past (perhaps due to increased troopers on the road).
Most OT is federally funded or comes from oversize loads, construction zones.

[peter d]

thanks for the update...as far as getting home troop, my BI said he contacted Harrisburg, and home troop assingments are happening..Check this out...

http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?Q=458993&A=11

What are your thoughts??

Thanks,
Pete

[tua]

thanks for the update...as far as getting home troop, my BI said he contacted Harrisburg, and home troop assingments are happening..Check this out...

http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?Q=458993&A=11

What are your thoughts??

Thanks,
Pete


Troop K got a boatload. Thats were I wanna go, hope they have room still!

[tp2165]

peter d
What are your thoughts??
Who are you asking?

[peter d]

tp 2165 - sorry. I was asking you, since you made the latest comments regarding the "home troop" situation.. Sorry, I shoud have specified. I was hoping you could take a look at the article with the Dec. graduating class and comment on what the BI had told me the other day. He said he spoke directly with Harrisburg (who he spoke with, I don't know) regarding this issue, and apparently he was told that the possibility of remaining in your home-troop area exists. What are your thoughts.. Thanks in advance.

Pete

[tp2165]

peter d,

I stand by my original post.
I have not heard of anyone recently being assigned to their home troop.
However, according to the article.......now I have heard of this.

To everyone-My thoughts are everybody knows you can get stationed anywhere in the state. With that everybody should commit themselves to that fact and stop concerning themselves if they get their home troop or not. If not getting your home troop is a problem due to personal reasons, financial, family issues or ego of not having people you know possibly see you driving around in a state car, than look somewhere else.

[peter d]

I agree...I wouln't necessarily even want my home troop area at this point..

[LancNupe]

I agree as well Peter, being stationed at my home troop is not a priority but it would be nice. My number one priority is to get a start date in the academy and graduating. I was talking to a trooper that told me Troop J of Lancaster has a high turnover, is that right?

[KBB]

I agree. I dont want to be stationed near my area. If you happen to pull that car over and the driver is your best friend and drunk you have to do your job. They would expect you to let them go, cause of the whole were best friends.
but you cant.. so I have no plans on asking for my home area right off the bat.

This is assuming I get in and pass everything. Thats the first step of the whole process. And isnt it for everyone else in here? So being stationed means nothing until we are in and graduation day is upon us. Then I will worry about it.

[peter d]

I agree. I dont want to be stationed near my area. If you happen to pull that car over and the driver is your best friend and drunk you have to do your job. They would expect you to let them go, cause of the whole were best friends.
but you cant.. so I have no plans on asking for my home area right off the bat.

This is assuming I get in and pass everything. Thats the first step of the whole process. And isnt it for everyone else in here? So being stationed means nothing until we are in and graduation day is upon us. Then I will worry about it.

Very well stated, and since you're likely to NOT get your home station, you've already increased the chances of getting what you do want.. BUT, as you said, there are other priorities right now..Good luck to you all!!!

PD

[PaRoadDawg]

Needs of the department will dictate where you are assigned. You can be assigned to you home Troop, but don't expect the Troop Commander to assign you to your home station.

As for all the other questions or beliefs, I believe tp2165 has answered them already.

tp2165, you have a PM.

[peter d]

Just thought some of you might be interested in some specifics among the last graduating class of 43. Take a look..

http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?Q=461233&A=11

[PaRoadDawg]

And already down to 42. One dummy graduated, decided he didn't want to go to PSP York and quit. There's a waste of 6 months and a bunch of money. Oh well, we are better off without him.

[peter d]

That's right...I heard about that. Yes, perhaps the early withdrawal was an opportunity to rid the dept. of what may have otherwise been a hidden trait that could have potenially amounted to a disaster. Shall we say "a blessing in disguise?"

[LancNupe]

Hey Peter I talked to someone in human resource today and she basically gave me an update of the class in june and the one in october. I am under the impression you and I were the group who took their written exam back in August of 2006. As of now for the june class there are only 20 spots available of 60 cadets. The first 40 are perspective cadets that started the process back in January of 2006. I was told that 100 were notifed to appear for the medical and psychological evaluation in May like myself. So basically out of the that 100 only 20 will be invited to start the academy in June. If you want you could give her a call to see where your current rank is on the cadet eligibility list. I know after the written and oral exam I was ranked at 159 but now that the backgroud was completed I am now ranked 28 so I have a chance of being invited to the June class. Hopefully I will be in the June class.

[peter d]

LancNupe,
PM sent.


Pete

[PaRoadDawg]

As with every class that starts, there are a couple that will drop out with the first 3 days or so. Sometimes they will call the next one on the list and tell you to report the next day. So just be ready if you don't have a June start date.

[YOUNGBUCK]

What is the normal class size? How long does the BI normally take? I am very interested in the PSP, do you have any pointers.

[LancNupe]

Youngbuc,

My background investigation took a week and a half. My best advice to you if you didn't take the written exam yet is to buy a police officer exam book. I bought 2 of them and study my behind off. I earned a 97 on my written portion without preference points. Treat this process like your life depended on it because it does. I had my oral and written exam in 2005 and didn't well enough to be invited to the physical agility. This really discouraged me so the next I took the exam I was serious. I have been pursuing psp for the past 3 years ever since I was in college. So good luck in your journey because I am getting closer to actually starting a academy class and I am getting excited.

[YOUNGBUCK]

I did take the test in 07' I did not score real high. But I am under 1000's, do not think I have a shot. According to Cpl. Nelson, the day of the test he stated that if you are 1200 or lower you should get called. I really appreciate your in put.. Thanks again.

[PaRoadDawg]

Here's another guy that will probably just **** some of you guys off.

We had a Trooper trainee, just graduated earlier this month and was only on his 6th day, quit yesterday. Just decided not to show up for his shift.

[Zims]

where can i get a police exam book?

[tua]

Here's another guy that will probably just **** some of you guys off.

We had a Trooper trainee, just graduated earlier this month and was only on his 6th day, quit yesterday. Just decided not to show up for his shift.


He should have to pay the commonwealth back the money they spent on him.

[LancNupe]

where can i get a police exam book?

You can get a police exam study guide from Borders or Barnes & Nobles.

[LancNupe]

Here's another guy that will probably just **** some of you guys off.

We had a Trooper trainee, just graduated earlier this month and was only on his 6th day, quit yesterday. Just decided not to show up for his shift.

Yeah that does **** me off. You have guys like myself and Peter who are dying to start the academy and someone can easily **** away a dream that many want to achieve.

[peter d]

where can i get a police exam book?

For the PSP exam: practice and study material directly relating to the sample questions on the practice exam, which is provided to you after you register to take the exam.

[tua]

Yeah that does **** me off. You have guys like myself and Peter who are dying to start the academy and someone can easily **** away a dream that many want to achieve.

Don't forget me too!

[peter d]

Here's another guy that will probably just **** some of you guys off.

We had a Trooper trainee, just graduated earlier this month and was only on his 6th day, quit yesterday. Just decided not to show up for his shift.

I wonder what this guy's reasoning was behind that decision. Do you have any idea where he was stationed?

[PaRoadDawg]

Chambersburg. I was supposed to be his second coach. I haven't heard what his reasoning was, I'm currently on my long weekend.

[KBB]

wow. what is wrong with people. They are taking spots from people that really want in and want the job.

but i guess its better that they quit now for reasons of what would happen down the line with them. I know i wouldnt want them to be my partner in a life or death situation.

I agree 100% that if the commonwealth spends all the money you should have to sign a contract for a couple years if you fail out or quit like that you should have to pay every penny back and not allowed to try ever again.

[peter d]

Hi all..Just an update: I spoke with a woman in human resources for the PSP. Since I've completed and passed my BI, I thought it would be worthwhile to see where I stand as far as when I might expect to be attending the academy. Contrary to what I believed, there are only 17 spots left to be filled for the 60 total postions for the June class. This class will be held in Greensburg (near Pitt).
Though I've been sent a packet which includes info relating to the physical, dental, chest x ray, vision, etc., to be completed and received by May 8th, and scheduled for a physical on May 11th, human resources was very confident that I'd be waiting until October's class!! I think I'm currently ranked in the 30's (began at 104). Oh well....I'm slightly disappointed because I've really become quite prepared mentally and physically for June, but the reality is that October presents me with many advantages as well. Good luck to all...I know there are quite a few out here in the process; LancNupe and Tua, to name a couple.
I know that some of the experienced troopers out here are also interested in how the process transgresses as well. Good luck to all of you, and please continue to share info. I'm always interested in hearing how all of you are doing, particularly with the PSP process.

[LancNupe]

Peter ,
It seems like these inconsistencies from the human resource department is the only accurate answers we can get,lol. I am also frustrated as well but I will try to look at this situation as a opportunity to prepare myself physically and mentally to the tenth power.

[tua]

It is definitely going to be an advantage, physically speaking, to get three more months to get in tip top shape. By october no one in that academy will have any excuses not being able to make runs or what not.

[Zims]

what rank should you be aiming for to be able to get into the next class?
Top 30?
top 60?

and when they "rank" you is that all your tests averaged into one rank
?

[tua]

After you complete the oral/written test you want to be in the top 600. As long as you get a Tentative offer and pass the rest of the steps (Fit test, BI, Poly, etc.) you'll get a spot in an academy class. That number is thinned down bc people fail the poly and BI normally.

[Zims]

Obviously this is generally speaking and i know the answer would be a huge assumption, but if i apply in jan 08, and all goes well with my testing and i place in the 600, should when would you assume (obviously big assumption) that i would be placed in the academy?

[tua]

I can't give you answer on that but I can give you my timeline in the process so you can have a baseline. I tested in Aug 2006, i'viewd in oct, fit test dec, poly jan, BI finished on April 5, and I prob wont be going in until October.

[tp2165]

By october no one in that academy will have any excuses not being able to make runs or what not.
Yeah they will.