Only applying with Nationally Accredited Agencies. Good Idea?

[BlueLineBrad]

Im living back up here in Western Pennsylvania. I served here with 2 agencies back in 2001-2003. Wonderful agencies, great officers. I got the grass is greener syndrome and up and left my agency and went to Florida, Transferred my certification down there and got on with a small agency just outside of Orlando. Had an absolutely horrible experience with that agency after they found I was gay right around Christmas time. Before that i was constantly given praise for the work I did, I was proactive, making a lotta arrests, foiled a couple car and home burglaries. Supervisors approached me talking about wanting to make me FTO. The things turned ugly, day and night difference when they found out I was gay. Few months later I make the largest drug bust in that towns history (only 4 pounds of marijuana), for a brief moment the chief lightened up around me, talked about giving me an award ect, well that lasted only a few days, then the dark cloud over my head came back. Other things happened but I wont go into those since I m getting off topic here. Anyways I was left with a bad taste in my mouth, I looked down upon small agencies, I had fellow officers trying to talk me into Joining the county, which was a large agency, it was accredited but the pay was not good at all, other friends of mine from a small agency just east of Orlando wanted me to come to work there, the new chief was expected to be the next Sheriff, But I just couldnt bring myself to joining another small agency. Well today I found out that agency just got Accredited, and thats a big deal I think. That agency only had a new chief for about a year and already look at the progression.. speaks volumes about the kind of leadership and the type of Officers that agency has.. so not ALL small agencies are like the hell that I left.

So I was thinking, since I will be going back into Law Enforcement here shortly, should I only apply with agencies who are nationally accredited? Does that mean the agency is progressive and has good leadership and good open minded officers? While im actually not concerned about a close-minded agency here in PA like there might be in the south, would a nationally accredited agency be less likely like the hell of a department I left down in Florida? But again, my old agency here in PA isnt nationally accredited and it has great leadership and awesome officers, I never had a problem here with social issues such as sexual orientation, they knew about me and it was a non-issue. We all joked about it, hell us cops are all perverts and foul mouthed and love to pick on eachother.

Anyways, what are ya'lls thoughts on only applying for accredited agencies, maybe its time potential officers actually do their own background checks on agencies to make sure that is a place they want to be affiliated with and trust?

[MikeUD]

I personally don't see the big deal about CALEA.

You take cops away from actual jobs to make sure that the department meets their standards, and you get a nice sticker on your car and an extra line of text on your web page. Then you get to do it again after three years. All after spending thousands of dollars that could have gone towards equipment or officer's salaries.

A CALEA agency, IMHO, isn't necessarily more squared away in any area than a non-CALEA one; they just are concerned about public image.

I wouldn't draw any correlation between stances on sexuality and accreditation.

[BlueLineBrad]

I personally don't see the big deal about CALEA.

You take cops away from actual jobs to make sure that the department meets their standards, and you get a nice sticker on your car and an extra line of text on your web page. Then you get to do it again after three years. All after spending thousands of dollars that could have gone towards equipment or officer's salaries.

A CALEA agency, IMHO, isn't necessarily more squared away in any area than a non-CALEA one; they just are concerned about public image.

I wouldn't draw any correlation between stances on sexuality and accreditation.

Hmm, good points. And Im not just talking about sexuality, im talking more about progressive agencies, top notch equipment, the correct equipment, an administration who doe not get in the way of officers doing their jobs, you made some great points though. How much does an agency pay for this CALEA? Are you saying that a CALEA agency is more likely to listen to 'special interest' groups bitch and moan and therefore put unnecessary, unethical pressure on its officers? Are CALEA agencies more likely to have officers who arent pro-active?

[ElDiabloJoe]

Never heard of CALEA. Maybe it isn't on the west coast, or maybe I'm not progressive enough.

As for your sexuality, I can't imagine it being very easy with any agency in this industry.

However, in the greater L.A. area, there are two VERY large agencies that have all kinds of people, so you will find others who share your issues. Also, LASD has a predominantly gay city (West Hollywood) who would welcome your presence. Also, there's a very small independent city with their own agency that is also a very gay friendly city and agency. You might have heard of them in recent TV shows, it is Laguna Beach, CA.

If you are willing to relocate, and with your background, you might find yourself very comfortable in a city and agency like Laguna Beach. FWIW.

HTH,

EDJ

[BlueLineBrad]

uhm.. im not looking to move to a area just for a predominantly gay atmosphere, I just want the area to be civilized. Im happy here in PA, its civilized and great law enforcement here, although its lacking in a few lame areas but it will get better. Im suprised you arent familiar with CALEA though...........

[MikeUD]

How much does an agency pay for this CALEA?

Thousand, possibly in the ten thousands (depends on department size), of dollars to the CALEA group itself for their cost of coming to assess your department. Plus, the cost of new equipment, materials, and raw man-hours to ensure compliance before the assesments.

Are you saying that a CALEA agency is more likely to listen to 'special interest' groups bitch and moan and therefore put unnecessary, unethical pressure on its officers?

In my entierly un-scientific, off-the-record, personal opinion...yes. They're going for CALEA because they are concerned with public image.

Are CALEA agencies more likely to have officers who arent pro-active?

I can't imagine there being any sort of correlation there.

http://www.calea.org/ is the site for the for agency. You can read about what they require to gain accreditation, the process, the benefits, etc.

Any good agency worth working for will have most of the things they require, so it does serve as somewhat of a standard. But you can't make the assumption that just because Department ABC is accredited that it is a great place to work, nor that just becausse Department XYZ is not accredited that it is a bad place to work.

It does a lot for administration, but really doesn't mean jack to officers other than what rules or restrictions may be put in to place because of it.

[brownj21]

I am surprised that the Orlando area is that way. I have been there many times and they seem very liberal. Perhaps the police department is different. I am sorry this happened to you and good luck. Your abilities and resume should speak for itself wherever you go.

[BlueLineBrad]

I am surprised that the Orlando area is that way. I have been there many times and they seem very liberal. Perhaps the police department is different. I am sorry this happened to you and good luck. Your abilities and resume should speak for itself wherever you go.

Oh this didnt happen with OPD, this happened with a small 16 man department just west of the city. It was just of those 'freak' things that happened to me with a small department that, as I later found out, was filled with officers (mostly the ones in administrative positions) were former problem officers of other larger departments so they were stuck there at that small department because no one else would touch them. I called them the Department of Misfit Toys. But no, the situation with me would have never in a million years happened had I been with OPD or the County or the other agencies in the area.

[PhilipCal]

In looking for an agency to apply to, it's accreditation, or lack of it, would be the least of my concerns. What I'd be looking for is pay and benefits. What's the starting pay? Good health and hospitalization? How about uniforms, equipment, and cars? Take home cars? What are the prospects for promotion? What's the housing market like etc? Money spent on initial accreditation, and it's maintenance over a period of years, is money that can go toward the pay and benefit items I mentioned above. On a professional level, your sexual orientation should have no bearing on how you're evaluated on job performance etc. However, if you flaunt your orientation,( not saying you did) you could be opening the door to some of the same problems you've experienced. Bottom line: Accreditation shouldn't be an issue, or an enticement in any department you apply to.

[toughjerseyguy]

edit: didnt see he was banned

[rook21]

edit: didnt see he was banned