CDCR Hiring process!

[want to be offi]

Can anybody comment on what's the process for CDCR? Like how hard is thier written test, do they do poly or cvsa? Where is their academy and is it alot 'easier' to get in than regular PD? Are current CO's happy working here than if they had gone to a regular PD and can they carrie off duty? Is the pay good and how about overtime too? Do they have special units like K9 or investigations? Do they have peace officer status too? ANY info you guys can give me, would be greatly appreciated! All the best.....:cool:

[Garbage Man]

Can anybody comment on what's the process for CDCR? Like how hard is thier written test, do they do poly or cvsa? Where is their academy and is it alot 'easier' to get in than regular PD? Are current CO's happy working here than if they had gone to a regular PD and can they carrie off duty? Is the pay good and how about overtime too? Do they have special units like K9 or investigations? Do they have peace officer status too? ANY info you guys can give me, would be greatly appreciated! All the best.....:cool:

I tested a while ago but they failed me because, like an idiot, I took the wrong transcript with me. It had to be sealed and I could not read the postage date, it was years old and did not show my degree. They failed me because bringing that transcript is part of the written test. Here is what I know about them.

The initial test is a situational exam that is like a puzzle. You are given a scenario then you elect from a list of option. Each option gives you another page to go to where you are given an update and new options. If you make the right choices then you pass. In the example I chose to confront the parolee with the knife after telling my Sgt and the Police and according to them I got stabbed. That was as far as I got before they threw me out for my transcript idiocy.

They pay very well (I think about 90K),they have only one day a week where they have to be in the office the rest of the time they are on their own schedule. The academy is just a class, I am sure its academically challenging but there is really no PT or stress.

[FPD GUY]

Can anybody comment on what's the process for CDCR? Like how hard is thier written test, do they do poly or cvsa? Where is their academy and is it alot 'easier' to get in than regular PD? Are current CO's happy working here than if they had gone to a regular PD and can they carrie off duty? Is the pay good and how about overtime too? Do they have special units like K9 or investigations? Do they have peace officer status too? ANY info you guys can give me, would be greatly appreciated! All the best.....:cool:

The process and testing is easier than a PD. They have been shuffling their feet and it could take you up to a year to get hired. No poly or cvsa. Academy is a joke and you will never run more than 1.5 miles. Lots of disgruntled CO's that stay because the pay is good, but some prisons are run much better than others, which contributes to better working conditions. They can carry off duty and have Peace Officer status. Most prisons have near unlimited overtime, as long as you don't get picky on what spot you choose. Also lots of forced overtime. Special assignments are few and far between and most go their whole career without a special assignment.

[FPD GUY]

Also, I think Garbage Man probably took the Parole Agent exam, which is a little different.

[WannaBeSheriff]

Just go to thier site and take the application/test and go from there. If your scw?? score is high enough 80 or 85 now, you will be invited to the next step. Its a long process I turned in my background packet Sept/07 and my B.I. hasnt even started on mine yet

[want to be offi]

Thanks for the reply people. My other question is that since they don't do poly or cvsa; how can they have peace officer status? I belive POST requires it right? Also, if CO's witness an arm robbery on progress, do they have police officer arrest powers or is it a citizens arrest? Lastly, where is their Academy? I live in San Diego county. Thanks...:cool:

[want to be offi]

WannaBeSheriff, thanks for the info. I have already done their scw test but don't remeber how high I score!! Anyways, the only thing I do remember was that it said I was going to get an invite through the mail to test with them...

[ask80]

polygraph,CVSA is not required by POST, hence the reason why some agencies don't adminster them ,like University of California Police. if they have peace officer status 24/7 then they can arrest as a peace officer. most people will tell you when you're off duty you're best weapon is your eyes, memory, and cell phone. but that's a whole different topic. is the starting base 90k? how does one go about to be a parole agent? is that a promotion from CO or a seperate exam and training?

[ten-ninetyseven]

polygraph,CVSA is not required by POST, hence the reason why some agencies don't adminster them ,like University of California Police. if they have peace officer status 24/7 then they can arrest as a peace officer. most people will tell you when you're off duty you're best weapon is your eyes, memory, and cell phone. but that's a whole different topic. is the starting base 90k? how does one go about to be a parole agent? is that a promotion from CO or a seperate exam and training?

Many C.O.'s promote from within after taking the exam to be parole agents. An exam that is open to the public only happens every few years, and right now it is apparent they're going to open the exam to the public. Those that meet the qualifications can apply beginning in late Feb. or March sometime this year. No definite dates for taking apps yet. Testing apparently is supposed to take place in April throughout the state. The qualifications require possesion of a bachelor's degree if you don't have investigative or custody experience. If you do have a bachelor's degree I'm pretty sure they want you to have a handful of years experience in either case mangement, custody or investigations. Like I said C.O.'s do go for it but the process is long just to promote. The academy for both C.O's and P.A.'s is up in Northern California. I'd apply for P.A. after I graduate in May if the training academy was located down in So Cal, but I'm not willing to haul up there as of this time. There is a proposition in the works to perhaps establish a training academy in So Cal in the high desert, but it is just a proposal right now.

[JSL0506]

Can anyone explain the SCW? I guess 85 is their cut-off. Is that out of 100 or scored versus other candidates?

[WannaBeSheriff]

Can anyone explain the SCW? I guess 85 is their cut-off. Is that out of 100 or scored versus other candidates?

Its just based on your own mini bg/ app you do online.

I did mine in 07/07 and passed was finally in backgrounds. I just got my letter today that its no on hold because of my scw score.


It was fine and passing when I took it, 6 months later they decide to raise the scw scores..so basically I'm cut.

Bunch of wasted money, trips and time off from work.


I can take being DQ'ed. But to change the standards on thr very first part of the process, when your 7 months in, after you did 3 or more steps is just wrong.
Maybe I'm wrong but to me it would be like passing the abilitys test with a 9min 30sec mile. Then spread out throughout the next several months you do your livescan,written pope, test, eye test turn in your history packet wait a few 3 more months..then get told that they lowered the min mile time to 9min. and your cut.

[FPD GUY]

polygraph,CVSA is not required by POST, hence the reason why some agencies don't adminster them ,like University of California Police. if they have peace officer status 24/7 then they can arrest as a peace officer. most people will tell you when you're off duty you're best weapon is your eyes, memory, and cell phone. but that's a whole different topic. is the starting base 90k? how does one go about to be a parole agent? is that a promotion from CO or a seperate exam and training?

You need a BA and atleast two years Peace Officer experience or a AA and atleast four years experience. The kicker is you don't even need a degree, just 60 or more, which equals an AA. 120 units equals a BA. It's hard to get anywhere in Region 4 (IE and OC) without a BA. If you don't mind going to LA, 60 units will do. Pay tops out near $90K. starts closer to $65k or so, plus other stuff (physical fitness and holiday pay). Not the position it used to be. Agents are a the mercy of their supervisors and can't make decisions like they used to.

[want to be offi]

Sorry to hear that WannaBeSheriff. Funny thing is that I also going through the process with SDSO. Looks like I tested the same month you tested. I am in the backgrounds phase at the moment, have you done your CVSA or LT. interview yet?

[WannaBeSheriff]

Sorry to hear that WannaBeSheriff. Funny thing is that I also going through the process with SDSO. Looks like I tested the same month you tested. I am in the backgrounds phase at the moment, have you done your CVSA or LT. interview yet?


I wish, I put RSO and SDSO on hold for cdcr. My fault. I did finish up both background packets. I'll see if they will still let me turn them in.

[mugu07taco]

http://www.pacovilla.com/

Check this site out. It is nothing but CDCR.

[want to be offi]

Wow, keep us posted man...:cool:

[WannaBeSheriff]

Wow, keep us posted man...:cool:

Well I sent both packets out today by way of Fed-Ex. Almost feel Like I should apply at a few more. But not sure which ones????

[cachief]

Its just based on your own mini bg/ app you do online.

I did mine in 07/07 and passed was finally in backgrounds. I just got my letter today that its no on hold because of my scw score.


It was fine and passing when I took it, 6 months later they decide to raise the scw scores..so basically I'm cut.

Bunch of wasted money, trips and time off from work.


I can take being DQ'ed. But to change the standards on thr very first part of the process, when your 7 months in, after you did 3 or more steps is just wrong.
Maybe I'm wrong but to me it would be like passing the abilitys test with a 9min 30sec mile. Then spread out throughout the next several months you do your livescan,written pope, test, eye test turn in your history packet wait a few 3 more months..then get told that they lowered the min mile time to 9min. and your cut.

What was your original SCW score?

I just got mine back and received an 80 for YCC position (cut-off 85). I still have a year left in school before I get my BA though.

Since I'm not reachable now is very slim that I will not be contacted to continue the appointment process after I graduate?