Academy

[skatr5435]

Would you reccomend putting yourself through Police Acacdemy or find a department that would put you through it?

Any input?

[pdc]

skatr5435,

I put myself through the academy and it was the best thing I could have done. At the time that was what most departments in Florida preferred.

[FutureLE]

I thought about this before and searched the subject..

From what I have seen, you should find a dept. to put you through it.. There is no guarantee if you put yourself through it you will get hired, and then your out X amount of dollars.

[SCREWED]

I guess it can be looked at both ways.

Some departments may give you no option but to sponsor you or require you to go through their academy.

On the other hand, some departments may look at someone willing to pay their own way through school as one who is serious about getting into the field.

I put myself through the academy but there's not really any other choice where I live.

[SWH]

NY is one of the few states where a department has to sponsor you, you can not go to a NYS police academy without being a member of a department.

[normy0]

skatr5435,

Since you are in PA and Pittsburgh you are very limited on your options. If you want to stay here there are only a few departments that will put you through the academy. (State, City of Pittsburgh, County Police, County Sheriff, Bethel Park, and Mount Lebanon are the only ones that come to mind off the top of my head maybe a few more) The city and state both make you go though their own academies so if you were seriously interested about making either of these your career choice I would recommend against it. If you do put yourself through ACT 120 and I know a few people who have, it just lets you apply at more departments no job guarantees. Most people who put themselves through the academy will have to work part time for years before getting a full time gig. I dont think that it would be that bad to work part time but the pay is terrible at around $7 or $8/hour to patrol the worst parts of Allegheny County. Also, when applying for full time jobs hundreds of people test for one opening but if you are intent on staying here and not working for the city or state then you almost have no option but to do it. If the city doesn't pan out for me I am considering putting myself through and then just working in somethingelse full time until a good police job comes around. Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps.

PS- As an afterthought I dont know what your educational status is but most of the police jobs in Allegheny County that pay well require at least 60 credits and some a Bachlor's Degree. Just somethingelse to think about.

[ftlaudcop]

in florida....just about all the police and sheriff's will pay for you to go
to the academy.....central fla and north florida....very few......will pay for the police academy but will pay for the corrections academy.

nationwide....depends where ya live and the economics......

if ya live in a depressed, stagnated area....the got a 1000 people
applying for 1 job

if ya apply where the economy is rolling good....different way of doing things

all i can say....if ya apply yer self in any professional job....
and get yr license or certification no matter what it is....
at least you can work in that field...seems like the north and mid west
of rife with...who ya know...and graft.....

[skatr5435]

I appreciate all of the input from you guys. I think I might just wait a little. I applied to Pittsburgh so Im gonna see how that goes.