Copied from Meet & Greet
Hello All,
First and foremost, I'm delighted to say I've gained a tremendous amount of insight from many of the contributors to this board. I've been perusing the forums here for some time and sincerely thank those who have shared their experience and knowledge.
I presume it's a good idea to share some things about myself and what I would like to accomplish. If roles were reversed, I personally would want some background on the civilian asking for advice.
I'm stepping into the textbook definition of a career change. My professional career thus far (I use the term career lightly) has been in project management for specialty trades. For the better part of the last decade, I've been hopping around the country from project to project continuously being chased by the feeling I've missed my calling.
Having an A type, being in my mid 30's, and maintaining good physical health assures me I don't have to entirely miss my calling. I'm just a little late answering the call. Yet, I know my professional and life experience gives me an advantage over a 21 year old with little to none.
As the title suggests, I'm actively looking for your opinions about Bay Area agencies. Presently, I am subscribing to the philosophy of "take the first offer" that comes along. With a wife and 3 small children, this is a cancel anytime subscription.
Regardless, I'm committed to a career in Law Enforcement. I've gained the support of my wife, friends in local, and have always held the profession in high regard.
I am currently in the preliminary hiring process with 3 East Bay agencies. As of today, I've taken 2 PATs, the PELLETB, and expect to be scheduled for orals with one agency very soon. Two of these agencies are large and one is a great medium size department. I've also been considering applying in the Peninsula as well as the South Bay.
I've heard a lot of reasons to steer clear of certain agencies from more than one officer. Not so much because of the job, but because of administrative issues that boil down to a lack of support for cops.
Setting the bureaucracy and politics aside, I believe the more important thing is the camaraderie among those who will inherently have to cover me and me cover them. I'm not so naive to think there is an agency comprised of human beings where it's all one big happy family. However, I do want to be a part of one that is functionally healthy and supportive. After all, I don't plan on leaving an agency until I retire. That's at least 25 years away.
To encourage as much participation as possible, I've created a pole to tally the best overall rating for agencies. With that, I kindly ask that as many people as possible chime in with comments as well. Please name agencies, their strengths, and why you feel it's an ideal place for someone like myself or any prospective recruit, lateral, etc.
Again, thanks to all!
j
Hello All,
First and foremost, I'm delighted to say I've gained a tremendous amount of insight from many of the contributors to this board. I've been perusing the forums here for some time and sincerely thank those who have shared their experience and knowledge.
I presume it's a good idea to share some things about myself and what I would like to accomplish. If roles were reversed, I personally would want some background on the civilian asking for advice.
I'm stepping into the textbook definition of a career change. My professional career thus far (I use the term career lightly) has been in project management for specialty trades. For the better part of the last decade, I've been hopping around the country from project to project continuously being chased by the feeling I've missed my calling.
Having an A type, being in my mid 30's, and maintaining good physical health assures me I don't have to entirely miss my calling. I'm just a little late answering the call. Yet, I know my professional and life experience gives me an advantage over a 21 year old with little to none.
As the title suggests, I'm actively looking for your opinions about Bay Area agencies. Presently, I am subscribing to the philosophy of "take the first offer" that comes along. With a wife and 3 small children, this is a cancel anytime subscription.
Regardless, I'm committed to a career in Law Enforcement. I've gained the support of my wife, friends in local, and have always held the profession in high regard.
I am currently in the preliminary hiring process with 3 East Bay agencies. As of today, I've taken 2 PATs, the PELLETB, and expect to be scheduled for orals with one agency very soon. Two of these agencies are large and one is a great medium size department. I've also been considering applying in the Peninsula as well as the South Bay.
I've heard a lot of reasons to steer clear of certain agencies from more than one officer. Not so much because of the job, but because of administrative issues that boil down to a lack of support for cops.
Setting the bureaucracy and politics aside, I believe the more important thing is the camaraderie among those who will inherently have to cover me and me cover them. I'm not so naive to think there is an agency comprised of human beings where it's all one big happy family. However, I do want to be a part of one that is functionally healthy and supportive. After all, I don't plan on leaving an agency until I retire. That's at least 25 years away.
To encourage as much participation as possible, I've created a pole to tally the best overall rating for agencies. With that, I kindly ask that as many people as possible chime in with comments as well. Please name agencies, their strengths, and why you feel it's an ideal place for someone like myself or any prospective recruit, lateral, etc.
Again, thanks to all!
j
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