How many times were you turned down for a job?

[Don951]

I would like to ask all LEO's and applicants on the CA forum how many times were you turned down for a LE job? Your responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[deputy1999]

I have been turned down twice before I was hired. Been in LE for about eight years since.

[edt]

I been turned down ones, but it did not put me down, I know most people were turned down more then ones. I just have to keep on applying.

[Saname81]

Since late 2005 I have been turned down a total of seven times and counting, mostly because of my bankruptcy back in late 2005 which has been cleared and in re-building status. I have failed four physiological exams each time for different reasons the last being "stress" I have been placed on waiting list and never called back for further processing. My family and friends tell me that LEO is not for me, sometimes they laugh, sometimes they joke, its even harder having to watch your younger brother along with close friends become LEO's while I stay behind at the age of 25 married with two boys. People ask me why I continued to apply and I respond "to me its not a job, its my life my blood, my sweat and tears and I WILL NEVER GIVE UP till the day comes when I am pined with that badge or star" For the one's being DQ NEVER EVER give up use the fire inside of you.....I hang all of my DQ letters on the frig, every morning I read them pray to god and continue my fight!!!!
Sorry for the long post guys I got emotional on this one:(

[SgtCHP]

When I started out in 1963, I applied at twelve different agencies and tested at six within two weeks. I accepted the first offer I was given and was never rejected by any of the others. Once accepted by the agency that made the offer, I called all of the others and canceled my applications. Four of them were in the process of preparing backgrounds.

[UH60RAT]

I was lucky....I chose the department that I felt had everything I was looking for. I applied and was hired. I remember people telling me I was a fool for putting all my eggs in one basket. I figured if I didn't get hired, then I would reassess and apply with other departments. Luckily, I didn't have to throw plan B into action.

[WannaBeSheriff]

I been turned down ones, but it did not put me down, I know most people were turned down more then ones. I just have to keep on applying.


Looks like were both doing the 29th for RSD, see you there and good luck

[Ritchie]

I am not in CA.
I am in AZ.
But I figured I would answer.

Failed one
DQ from one
NOt chosen from three


But I will continue to apply

[Stugotz]

Currently applying with LASD...Prior to this, I was DQ'd (which I got overturned) by a large So Cal PD. A few years later I was "non-selected" by two district PDs. Non-select is essentially a "soft DQ" saying "reapply next year because we didn't like someting in your BG."

[DPS55]

Since late 2005 I have been turned down a total of seven times and counting, mostly because of my bankruptcy back in late 2005 which has been cleared and in re-building status. I have failed four physiological exams each time for different reasons the last being "stress" I have been placed on waiting list and never called back for further processing. My family and friends tell me that LEO is not for me, sometimes they laugh, sometimes they joke, its even harder having to watch your younger brother along with close friends become LEO's while I stay behind at the age of 25 married with two boys. People ask me why I continued to apply and I respond "to me its not a job, its my life my blood, my sweat and tears and I WILL NEVER GIVE UP till the day comes when I am pined with that badge or star" For the one's being DQ NEVER EVER give up use the fire inside of you.....I hang all of my DQ letters on the frig, every morning I read them pray to god and continue my fight!!!!
Sorry for the long post guys I got emotional on this one:(
wow thats was very inspirational. I think every applicant on here should read this

[andy5746]

Applied for 3 around the same time, first one that offered me a job got me - got offers from the other 2 when I was in the Academy for the first.... Guess I was fortunate :) !

[Saname81]

DPS55, thanks for the comment but I forgot to mention that the agencies I apply to were all in Florida. I'm currently in the process in moving back west to the bay area and start fresh, I have my goals set on a couple of agencies there. My wife tell's me maybe all of this happen for a reason, no matter what my turn will come............keep training, learning, and praying yeeahhh

[nobody33]

I went through the process with two agencies. CHP and the one I work for now. Got academy offers from both.

[edt]

Looks like were both doing the 29th for RSD, see you there and good luck

since im in the academy im not going to take it that day, im going to wait for the oct. one in Ben Clark.

[DOAcop38]

I would like to ask all LEO's and applicants on the CA forum how many times were you turned down for a LE job? Your responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

(3) times- CHP (1989- scored low) ,LAC MTAPD(1989-now defunct,so I lost NOTHING) ,Santa Monica PD( 1991 ,failed the poly-offered chance to re-apply,but didn't) thought it was the end of the world ,but at the same time I had passed the following agencies

1) LASD -scored in band I( in back grounds ,started 9/1990)
2) L.A.Comm.college dist PD ( 1989,completed backgrounds ,waited for academy assignment ;defunct now- part of LASD )
3) LAPD(1989-passed backgrounds,waited for class assignment)
4) L.A. Airport PD (1989-"dark horse" dept,offered class in Nov. 90 at LAPD academy)

Don't think you don't have options- you just have to be "honest" with yourself.If you have the background that allows you to apply,do EVERYTHING possible to make it happen!

[Berlioz]

1 time, OCSD about 5 yrs ago. I got to through all the steps and then nothing. Just expired from their list.

Last yr I applied with LAPD and got picked up rather fast, considering all the LAPD process horror story thread that were popping up at the time.

[pulicords]

In the mid-70's (when there were many more applicants than jobs) I was found to have an asymptomatic back condition during a pre-employment physical x-ray. Although I was hired by a college police department, I continued working as a reserve officer with a municipal agency with the intent of going full-time there. That department and approximately ten others officially or unofficially rejected me for full time employment due to my "perceived disability", even though I proved I could perform the duties, "without being an immediate threat to my safety or the safety of others."

I continued working as a reserve officer and ultimately filed a private civil action and a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing against two agencies alleging discrimination on the basis of my "hidden handicap." After three years, both departments offered me employment if I dropped my complaints and requirement for retroactive pay and seniority. I did and was hired full time at the agency I worked for as a reserve officer. I now have more than 28 years of full time law enforcement experience and (still) no back problems.

[Rogerthump]

I continued working as a reserve officer and ultimately filed a private civil action and a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing against two agencies alleging discrimination on the basis of my "hidden handicap." After three years, both departments offered me employment if I dropped my complaints and requirement for retroactive pay and seniority. I did and was hired full time at the agency I worked for as a reserve officer. I now have more than 28 years of full time law enforcement experience and (still) no back problems.


I understand why you filed but on the same token, wouldn't that cause bad blood? I mean why would you want to work for a department that you just sued? In my experience it would be grounds for some POed administrators looking to find a legitimate reason to oust you from their sight.

I am glad it worked out for you though and that you gained full time employment.

[Garbage Man]

I honestly cant remmeber, all of them, I think. I failed every step there is to fail. First I was a dumb kid who couldn't pass an oral to save my life, that wiped out about 5 or 6. Then I went to work as a security guard to get "life experience" Man that was a huge mistake. I should have joined the military. When I put myself through the first of two academy's my security guard employer (Bel-Air Patrol) made up all kinds of disciplinary stuff and filled my background package to stop me from being hired away (real common practise in that field by the way) so no one would pass me through backgrounds even as a reserve. they wouldn't even talk to me anymore, my BI would just disapear. I remember seeing one of my academy mates at a recruitment expo she had been hired by Inglewood and told me I should apply. (I was actually fairly popular with my academy classmates in both academy's) I told her I had applied but my BI stopped calling me. She asked her recruiter SGT about it, he asked for my name, then just walked away from me (I got the hint). So I went to work for a specialty PD in the city of LB to clear out my background but stayed way too long (7 -years) by then my academy had expired and only my current agency would talk to me. They sent me to the module D and now I sit here and sometimes people ask me if I ever thought of lateraling. I say "Are you kidding? I was lucky to be hired as a cop once."

[Saname81]

Wow what a story garbageman nice name by the way, I guess for some it was an easy process just apply, test, and become a cop all in one shot. For the others it takes dedication and time DOAcop38 said this "Don't think you don't have options- you just have to be "honest" with yourself.If you have the background that allows you to apply,do EVERYTHING possible to make it happen!" It made me think about myself and honesty I do have a background that allows me to apply but I have had my share of bad luck............

[exComptonCop]

Back when I started the job hunting process, I applied to the four agencies I was interested in: LAPD, CPC, LASD, and Glendale PD. Failed the oral interview miserably for GPD. :o Went into backgrounds with LAPD and CPD at the same time. CPD's background process was faster, so I was hired and was sent to the LASD academy.

NOTE: The LAPD process was so slow at the time, I had graduated from the academy, and been on FTO for two months, by the time LAPD completed my background, and asked if I would be interested in going back through their academy. :eek: I said no!

[Retired96]

I tested for LASD in April 1969 while on emergency leave from Vietnam due to death in family. I took the written, oral, physical and all paper work in one day. Left downtown LA at 1600 hrs and was on a plane back to Vietnam at 2100 hrs.

I discharged from the Army on a Thursday, the next day I was called by the Sheriff's Dept to report for hiring on Monday morning, and that same night was working graveyard shift in the jail. Total time was less than 5 months from testing to being hired..

[exComptonCop]

I tested for LASD in April 1969 while on emergency leave from Vietnam

What a coincidence, I tested for kindergarten that same year. ;)

[Garbage Man]

I tested for LASD in April 1969 while on emergency leave from Vietnam due to death in family. I took the written, oral, physical and all paper work in one day. Left downtown LA at 1600 hrs and was on a plane back to Vietnam at 2100 hrs.

I discharged from the Army on a Thursday, the next day I was called by the Sheriff's Dept to report for hiring on Monday morning, and that same night was working graveyard shift in the jail. Total time was less than 5 months from testing to being hired..

Over the years I have learned from many Viet vets and have come to see that era in Law Enfrocement as one of our best. I think that some of the best cops we ever had came from that group. They are our own greatest generation.

[IMachU]

You got that right Garbageman!! I see that era retiring FAST, and leaving a huge void in the ranks. They will be missed!!

As Garbageman did, I have failed about every step there ever was, and a few that I never heard of along the way. First was the orals. I started applying to agencies as a reserve when I was 19. I was in the reserve academy, and the hiring age was 18 (this was 1984). I had NO IDEA how to take orals. After the academy, I (just like Garbageman...this is getting freaky!!) became a security guard for several OC patrol companies. They hate to lose peeps, so they talked crap to every BI that came in. So, I got hired at my current agency as a reserve. When I found out they were testing for full-time, I jumped on it. Well, 18 years later, here I am as a sergeant. I think my BG from my guard days have been gone a while. Now lemme see...who's hiring around here....:D

[pulicords]

I understand why you filed but on the same token, wouldn't that cause bad blood? I mean why would you want to work for a department that you just sued? In my experience it would be grounds for some POed administrators looking to find a legitimate reason to oust you from their sight.

I am glad it worked out for you though and that you gained full time employment.

The reason I filed was because there was no alternative. If my own department wouldn't hire me for pay (although the chief was still "kind enough" to let me continue as a reserve), why should any other agency take the "risk?" The decision to fight (legally) was like the decision to fight with a suspect who decides he isn't going to jail peacefully. Sometimes, there is no alternative but to go "hands on." In my case, after numerous attempts to get hired elsewhere proved fruitless, I knew that my last, best hope was to fight where I had the best chance of winning- my own agency.

I joined as a reserve after being disqualified (same reason as stated) elsewhere, but my department's chief didn't consider the condition disqualifying as long as the city physician approved the applicant (he did) and he told me that if I could do the job as a reserve, I could do it as a full time officer. Unfortunately, prior to applying as a full time officer (two years later) we got a new chief. He wouldn't hire me, but out of the kindness of his heart (?) let me continue as a reserve (without pay). After being disqualified for the full-time position, a sergeant on our department, (with a great deal of integrity and trust) told me the chief's actions were unlawful and gave me some excellent resources to follow-up on. Per his advice, I documented my case and presented it to the chief through chain of command. He couldn't have cared less. My next and only avenue was litigation. Over the next three years, I had encounters with the chief. None were pleasant and (mysteriously) anyone within earshot quickly "fled the scene." But I did have support. Just prior to the settlement offer (and hearing), I had obtained a list of 30 officers, sergeants and even a couple of Lts who were willing to testify on my behalf even if it placed their own careers at risk. Very brave people (IMO) who I will forever be in debt to. The city caved in when it was revealed that even their own medical experts agreed with mine!

I was hired after working as a reserve there for five years and although the chief hated my presence through the next eight years of his tenure, I stayed. With the exception of a single captain, there wasn't much support to "get" me and I didn't give the chief any ammunition. In fact, prior to his retirement an incident occurred which resulted in my being awarded a significant commendation. It was pretty "high profile" and I know he hated awarding me (at a formal ceremony), but it was probably one of the highest points of my life. During the eight years under the old chief, I made it known that I aspired to work detectives. For some reason (?), I never made it during his administration. Six months after the arrival of the new chief, I was assigned to detectives and was there for the next twelve years, until I promoted to sergeant.

I'm sorry for going on about "my story", but I've always believed that through it, I've learned much about people in this field, the willingness to stick with something if you really believe in it and life in general. If anyone reading this really has it in them to get into law enforcement, has the ability to do the job and is willing to prove it, I urge them not to quit. ;)

By the way, that sergeant who backed me up received a brand new S&W Model 469 9mm the day I got off probation. The level of his support I kept a secret, until he let me talk about it, at his retirement party 20 years later. He had rose to the rank of Captain, just below chief on our agency of 225 sworn.

[Garbage Man]

You got that right Garbageman!! I see that era retiring FAST, and leaving a huge void in the ranks. They will be missed!!

As Garbageman did, I have failed about every step there ever was, and a few that I never heard of along the way. First was the orals. I started applying to agencies as a reserve when I was 19. I was in the reserve academy, and the hiring age was 18 (this was 1984). I had NO IDEA how to take orals. After the academy, I (just like Garbageman...this is getting freaky!!) became a security guard for several OC patrol companies. They hate to lose peeps, so they talked crap to every BI that came in. So, I got hired at my current agency as a reserve. When I found out they were testing for full-time, I jumped on it. Well, 18 years later, here I am as a sergeant. I think my BG from my guard days have been gone a while. Now lemme see...who's hiring around here....:D

Dont be too freaked out, its not a coincidence security companies are infamous for that crap.

[Kenv366]

Come to MN. You will go though years of turn downs. It sucks thats why I'm thinking about moving.



I would like to ask all LEO's and applicants on the CA forum how many times were you turned down for a LE job? Your responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Don951]

Come to MN. You will go though years of turn downs. It sucks thats why I'm thinking about moving.

Do you have any issues on your background that would prevent you from becoming a LEO in MN?

[x2D5C]

I have recently finished my college education and have been applying with many nearby departments. I've got around 10 or so applications out, and am going through the process with each department. Two orals have gone well, and other apps are in the early stages of their process.

But the thought of possibly taking several YEARS to obtain a cop job is somewhat frightening to me.

Does anyone suggest paying for an academy yourself, and then applying while you are enrolled? As of right now I'm applying for entry level positions which sponsor you through the academy if you are chosen.

[pulicords]

Does anyone suggest paying for an academy yourself, and then applying while you are enrolled? As of right now I'm applying for entry level positions which sponsor you through the academy if you are chosen.

See how the processing goes, before checking out the self-sponsor route. If all goes well, it's better attending the academy on their dime.

[InlandEmpire]

What a coincidence, I tested for kindergarten that same year. ;)

WOW..what even more of a coincidence..I was Zero years old!!..Just under one!

[InlandEmpire]

I have recently finished my college education and have been applying with many nearby departments. I've got around 10 or so applications out, and am going through the process with each department. Two orals have gone well, and other apps are in the early stages of their process.

But the thought of possibly taking several YEARS to obtain a cop job is somewhat frightening to me.

Does anyone suggest paying for an academy yourself, and then applying while you are enrolled? As of right now I'm applying for entry level positions which sponsor you through the academy if you are chosen.

Several years?? No way!...there are a whole bunch of departments hiring in California. The big ones especially,,LAPD..ect... If you have a college degree, your WAY AHEAD of the game..you need to start applying and have a department foot the bill. Paying your way isn't a bad idea either,,but why do that when you don't have to? It won't take several years. Good luck.

[DOAcop38]

I honestly cant remmeber, all of them, I think. I failed every step there is to fail. First I was a dumb kid who couldn't pass an oral to save my life, that wiped out about 5 or 6. Then I went to work as a security guard to get "life experience" Man that was a huge mistake. I should have joined the military. When I put myself through the first of two academy's my security guard employer (Bel-Air Patrol) made up all kinds of disciplinary stuff and filled my background package to stop me from being hired away (real common practise in that field by the way) so no one would pass me through backgrounds even as a reserve.

Sounds JUST LIKE my church brother"- he listened to me-went thru the PC 832 (both arrest and firearms) so as to be "better trained" as well as know liability, then got a job with WESTEC-Edison security out of Santa monica ,CA ( they now control bel air patrol too)-when he was a happy "westec-er" and playing rent a cop,he got all praises from supvs and the company(he'd tell me horror stories of former cops,wannabes,guys kicked out of an academy or grads who failed to be picked up by a dept, beating up bums, patrol officers making up their authority to unknowing citizens,guys sticking their noses into L.E. matters by carrying scanners and racing to get into unrelated calls on or near contract properites,and guys too quick to pull out their .38s or 9mms !!!)

Well he made the MISTAKE of telling folks he wanted to leave the company so "see whats out there", and applied for Santa monica Park Rangers ( unarmed ),Long Beach Park Rangers(full peace officers),and the CA. State DMH Hospital Police-all of a sudden his Westec supervisors-who had offered him a "promotion" in the company, began to tell his backgrounds investigators what a rotten employee" he was-jamming him up on the B.Is-ONE so-called Security Sgt ( a former Pasadena School PD officer who medically retired) honestly told him to quit,and find a BETTER job, as the "inside track was simply jealous of him". bro know works for Mc Donnell douglas as a locksmith with the companies aero space security dept,and is in backgrounds for L.A.s Gen Services PD There is a silverf lining to this story- his L.A. backgrounds investigator happened to have one day asked him about a fromer Westec-Edison Security supv,and Bro told the Investigator "all about the wannabe"- the B.I.officer agreed and told my Bro this guy was NOT going to "make it"..........

[DOAcop38]

I honestly cant remmeber, all of them, I think. I failed every step there is to fail. First I was a dumb kid who couldn't pass an oral to save my life, that wiped out about 5 or 6. Then I went to work as a security guard to get "life experience" Man that was a huge mistake. I should have joined the military. When I put myself through the first of two academy's my security guard employer (Bel-Air Patrol) made up all kinds of disciplinary stuff and filled my background package to stop me from being hired away (real common practise in that field by the way) so no one would pass me through backgrounds even as a reserve.

Sounds JUST LIKE my church brother"- he listened to me-went thru the PC 832 (both arrest and firearms) so as to be "better trained" as well as know liability, then got a job with WESTEC-Edison security out of Santa monica ,CA ( they now control bel air patrol too)-when he was a happy "westec-er" and playing rent a cop,he got all praises from supvs and the company(he'd tell me horror stories of former cops,wannabes,guys kicked out of an academy or grads who failed to be picked up by a dept, beating up bums, patrol officers making up their authority to unknowing citizens,guys sticking their noses into L.E. matters by carrying scanners and racing to get into unrelated calls on or near contract properites,and guys too quick to pull out their .38s or 9mms !!!)

Well he made the MISTAKE of telling folks he wanted to leave the company so "see whats out there", and applied for Santa monica Park Rangers ( unarmed ),Long Beach Park Rangers(full peace officers),and the CA. State DMH Hospital Police-all of a sudden his Westec supervisors-who had offered him a "promotion" in the company, began to tell his backgrounds investigators what a rotten employee" he was-jamming him up on the B.Is-ONE so-called Security Sgt ( a former Pasadena School PD officer who medically retired) honestly told him to quit,and find a BETTER job, as the "inside track was simply jealous of him". bro know works for Mc Donnell douglas as a locksmith with the companies aero space security dept,and is in backgrounds for L.A.s Gen Services PD There is a silverf lining to this story- his L.A. backgrounds investigator happened to have one day asked him about a fromer Westec-Edison Security supv,and Bro told the Investigator "all about the wannabe"- the B.I.officer agreed and told my Bro this guy was NOT going to "make it"..........