Ankeny Community Resource Officer

[nyislesfan42]

So Ankeny is hiring for a community resource officer which from the looks of it is basically like an officer minus the ability to arrest people or conduct traffic stops. Does anyone know if they make it a regular habit of promoting those in that position to a full time officer or am I better off waiting for an officer position to open up? The pay isn't all that great, but I was thinking that if I don't make it through the hiring process of the other departments I'm trying for that it would be a way to get my foot in the door.

Also, just wanted to say happy new year to y'll and thanks for all the advice you've both given to me and that which I've read in other posts. Have a great 2015 and I hope this is the year I join your ranks.

[halfacop]

I'm a CSO in Indiana. Looking to move to Iowa and have applied.

I have seen some departments use these positions to "vet" officers for sworn positions. Generally though it's fairly obvious in the postings when this is the case...

It can be a very good way to get your foot in the door but I've also seen it backfire. It takes a special someone to work these positions as you are often dealing with irate individuals and or aggressive animals and have very limited defensive tools at your disposal.

And just an FYI - if you didn't already see it. Ankeny posted a opening for a police officer. Good luck on either front!

[nyislesfan42]

yeah, they just posted the officer position today so i put in app for that. Gotta admit, the process is a pain in the ***. I have apps out with several places, in the process with two departments, just takes so long to find out anything for certain.

[atsteal]

Welcome to the club Nyisles. I have apps into about 7-8 departments right now. Used to work for a couple departments in Iowa.

[nyislesfan42]

I'm in the process with two departments, have my app in with about three others. I just put in an app for one that would be my top choice, but from what I hear the process could take up to a year. The hard part is trying to decide if I should wait for that one or just take the first one that offers me a job.

[Iowa #1603]

I'm in the process with two departments, have my app in with about three others. I just put in an app for one that would be my top choice, but from what I hear the process could take up to a year. The hard part is trying to decide if I should wait for that one or just take the first one that offers me a job.

You are a fool if you don't take the first job offered.

[atsteal]

Take the 1st offer. Today's LE job market is insanely tough to get into. Maybe you get onto a department that's not your number 1, but take the offer, do the best you can and lateral out if you still want to. Who know's, maybe you'll enjoy the department.

[halfacop]

You are a fool if you don't take the first job offered.

Agreed.... Ten Fold.

Remember the wise old words... "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". Take the first job offered. Get some time in and IF you don't like it - its always easier to lateral elsewhere. Good luck!

[nyislesfan42]

That has always been my plan, just worried that I do accept that first offer then in the middle of the academy I hear from my top choice that they want to hire me.

[Iowa #1603]

That has always been my plan, just worried that I do accept that first offer then in the middle of the academy I hear from my top choice that they want to hire me.

You can "what if" till the cows come home.

If that happens-------------you have a rough decision to make (I would stay where you are and wait for the NEXT time that agency has an opening) You just tell that agency that you are already in the academy (or that you are working at XYZ agency and have to finish your training contract time) They will understand----they might even be willing to pay out your contract.

But, the chances are you will never hear from that agency------or you will be non selected.