POST not sponsored question

[rusty57]

I have the opportunity to apply for a local college police academy. It is POST certified training and is not sponsored by any police department. It is offered in the evenings, making it possible to attend while still serving in the military. What are any pros-and cons of accomplishing training this way? It is three evenings a week and full Saturdays. Thanks in advance and stay safe out there.

[ejay]

Judging by the area you live, I imagine you are talking about Palomar College.

The pros are obvious in that you can attend the academy in an extended form, giving you the chance to have the time to do other things. Once completed or even prior to completion, you can apply to agencies with the advantage of not having to be sponsored. That is a plus for some places. And others may just pay for your expenses if you get a conditional offer while still in the academy.

Cons are that you have to pay for it yourself. Extended academies are not cheap, but the only real up front costs are usually only the class cost, the Class A and B, as well as your PT gear. Most of these academies will not make you pay for your Sam Browns or gun because they have throw backs that you can use. I think Palomar has a good EVOC so you won't have to shell out money to take it somewhere else.

Keep your nose clean and I am sure with your military history, Marines I'm guessing, you will get picked up quick. And thanks for your service.

[rusty57]

Oops, I updated my profile. I am actually stationed in San Diego now. I was considering attending the academy at SouthWestern college.

[SgtCHP]

If your choice is to be in Law Enforcement when your commitment is through and you can work the program into your schedule, go for it! Many agencies will be willing to entertain hiring you based on your successful completion of the program. Bear in mind that all agencies do not accept the training and may require you to attend their academy - i.e., LAPD, CHP, LASD, SBSD, RSD, etc. Good luck to you. And, as previously mentioned, Thank You for your service!!!

[Biz_mikee]

Bear in mind that all agencies do not accept the training and may require you to attend their academy - i.e., LAPD, CHP, LASD, SBSD, RSD, etc. Good luck to you. And, as previously mentioned, Thank You for your service!!!

I was under the impression that RSD took preservice recruits :confused:

[ateamer]

Everyone is so desperate for qualified applicants right now, so there isn't that much need to sponsor yourself. Almost every agency will pay you to go through the academy.

[SoCalSheriff]

I was under the impression that RSD took preservice recruits :confused:

For what its worth, I know that there have been some RSD recruits who were within 1 month of completing the extendended academy TAUGHT BY RSO that still had to complete the 5 1/2 mo. academy rather than just finish the extended.

[ask80]

RSD and LASD do take southwestern academy training. I graduated from class 42 at southwestern academy... june 2006. any questions about the academy, email me. I was in the process with riverside sheriff and it was going quick before I had to withdraw since I received a quicker offer. We've had couple southwestern recruits that were hired by RSD and pinned on graduation from class 41. but if i were you, i'd tried to get sponsored. I was fortunate to have been picked up by an agency and sponsored 2nd half of the academy (uniforms / equipments reimbursed, and hourly pay of $20 while at the academy)... Southwestern College is a tue/wed/thurs and sat all day...did you already interview for a spot? we had quite a few military guys. so that helps with cadence...good luck.

[hbliam]

For what its worth, I know that there have been some RSD recruits who were within 1 month of completing the extendended academy TAUGHT BY RSO that still had to complete the 5 1/2 mo. academy rather than just finish the extended.

RSO hired several recruits from my Level I class at COD (put on by RSO) and they went straight to work at the jails. 18 months later they were in patrol.

[eagleI]

It is ideal to get hired & have your dept. put you thru the academy. While many agencies are hiring laterals or academy grads, a lot hire out of the Basic academy. If you get hired during the extended, then you will have to start over again in a Basic academy. An agency won't pay you part time to finish up, & you can't join a Basic academy mid way thru.
I know it is more practical for some people, but it seems like a long, rough way to do it. (And they don't seem to have the same intensity that the Basics have. Much more laid back (at least up North).

[willowdared]

A friend of mine put himself thru academy at night, while working days...he got picked up in the Courts.

Go for it, and good luck!!!

And thank-you for your service. :)

[rusty57]

After some thought and conversation with my spouse, we have decided that it would be best to continue with the Master's degree instead of joining the academy. I have made it to the background phase of the CHP and have submitted a waiver to complete my military obligation. I truly value your opinions and respect what you are doing/trying to do, so thank you very much for your inputs and advice. Stay safe out there.