North Chicago

[Chiguy27]

Based on the advice I've gotten on this forum and the advice I've seen on older threads, North Chicago is no longer on my list of places to test for thanks to some good members on here.

Also seeing that Waukegan and Skokie are testing the same day, either of those departments would be much better options to try for. I will be taking Waukegan's.

[383897]

I applied via their online app or whatever never got a response. What would be the next step if anyone knows?

Receiving a NIPSTA power card. Then orientation.

[duckies11b]

I applied via their online app or whatever never got a response. What would be the next step if anyone knows?

[383897]

Who has applied here. This thread is dead. Im torn between here, waukegan and skokie. All on the same day. WOWWZA!

[Chiguy27]

I appreciate the advice Chitowndet and Chgometro. What I said about a "job being a job" obviously came out wrong. I want this as a career, I have wanted it for a while. But in this economy, especially in Illinois, I feel like a job with any department would be pretty great to have and I would definitely take advantage of the opportunity to have a potential career at age 22.
Now as far as North Chicago goes, I know the area well enough to know that it's no Winnetka or Lake Forest. I guess I just went in with the mindset that if I do land a position with a department, my ultimate goal would be accomplished, without really thinking about what kind of policing I'd be doing as a career. Thanks for the eye opener.

[383897]

Anyone on here from North Chicago?

[383897]

I know everyone wants to get on a PD, but as I said before, sometimes the only thing the same about the job between these Dept's is the word "Police." Think of the type of policing you want to do, and test for those type of Dept's. A Police Dept. is not going to change to be what you want to do.

A neighbor of mine, many years ago, was on CPD. Worked Tc in a south side Dist, worked Task Force on the south side, did the "running' and gunning'" out there. He ended up taking a "hiatus" from CPD, went to a small west burb PD. Gets a call from his Sgt. and is told to go to a house (large, nice house) where they Were having a party. Go there and pick up their food at the caterers and grab them ice while you're at it.

Point is each of these places are different, the towns are different, racial and economic make ups are different, political animal in these towns are different. You won't be doing the same thing in Orland Pk as you do in Cicero. Same for Wilmette and Maywood. Only thing the same is "Police" on the car.

Also, there are some places that you can work, that when you want to get out, some Dept's won't touch you because of it (Called having a "brick" on you). Don't sell your soul to the devil.

Great post sir.

[ChiTownDet]

I know everyone wants to get on a PD, but as I said before, sometimes the only thing the same about the job between these Dept's is the word "Police." Think of the type of policing you want to do, and test for those type of Dept's. A Police Dept. is not going to change to be what you want to do.

A neighbor of mine, many years ago, was on CPD. Worked Tc in a south side Dist, worked Task Force on the south side, did the "running' and gunning'" out there. He ended up taking a "hiatus" from CPD, went to a small west burb PD. Gets a call from his Sgt. and is told to go to a house (large, nice house) where they Were having a party. Go there and pick up their food at the caterers and grab them ice while you're at it.

Point is each of these places are different, the towns are different, racial and economic make ups are different, political animal in these towns are different. You won't be doing the same thing in Orland Pk as you do in Cicero. Same for Wilmette and Maywood. Only thing the same is "Police" on the car.

Also, there are some places that you can work, that when you want to get out, some Dept's won't touch you because of it (Called having a "brick" on you). Don't sell your soul to the devil.

[ModerateLiberal]

Once you have the certification you are responsible to a department. It isn't as easy to move as you would think because the stakes get higher and the consequences more real. Apply to departments where think you will fit in. Chgometro and Item9 hit the nail on the head.

You will most likely be sent to Cook County's academy.

[ochave000]

Rightfully said

[Item9]

They had one at the CCSPD academy with me last year, but I don't know if that's where all their recruits go.

I'd also get the "a job is a job" mindset out of your head. I can tell you I'm a police officer, and so is someone working in a west side 'hood, and so is a Forest Preserve officer, and so is a Kenilworth officer. We're all police, but our jobs are way different. Apply places where you think you would be happy.

I border 4 departments that are all completely different and might as well be in different states even though we're all in the same 5 mile radius of the west suburbs.

[chgometro]

Thanks. I know they have their "share" (probably more than they need) of issues based on what I've read in the news the past few months. I was mainly interested in what the morale is (apparently low) regardless of what has been in the news. Pay doesn't look too bad though might as well give it a try, right now a job is a job.

Seriously, "a job is a job".....thats the problem with you kids coming out of school! This isn't just a job, it's a career. You want a job, go work in an office somewhere. How do you think morale is when the Chief gets fired, his replacement quits after just one week. I'm really not trying to be a jag, but this is one of the problems with L.E today...GENERATION ME!

[jeffIL]

Thanks. I know they have their "share" (probably more than they need) of issues based on what I've read in the news the past few months. I was mainly interested in what the morale is (apparently low) regardless of what has been in the news. Pay doesn't look too bad though might as well give it a try, right now a job is a job.

Depends what color you are.

[Chiguy27]

Just saw the mandatory orientation date is Wednesday April 25th. Can't really make the 5 hour drive home for that and then the written that following Saturday the 28th being a full time college student...a little ticked now.

[Mjaga]

Went there a night on my ISP internship and it was....one of the more interesting nights I had haha. It seemed like they had A LOT of regulars....more than other depts I've rode with anyway. Unfortunately, didn't have much interaction with the officer's, so I can't speak on the morale. They've been in the news A LOT, but like ochave said:

Illinois certification is Illinois certification