DPS questions

[13MWZ]

I am in the begining stages of applying to DPS. I have a couple questions I'd like to ask (the recruiter wasnt too helpfull).

First off, how does the internship work? If I pass all the tests and I get the conditional hire, am I able to do the internship? What would I do there (I'm in Austin)? How long are you able to intern before the academy?

Second, What (if any) eqipment do I need to purchase on my own? I figure polishable boots and running shoes at least. I know DPS issues duty gear and all after graduation, but do they do the same in training? Do I need my own weapon, ammo, ect? Will I need to bring shorts and shirts for PT or do they have a PT uniform?

Third, when do you find out where you will be stationed? I'm not too worried about it, my girlfriend and I are willing to move anywhere, we just want to get out of the Austin area. I'm just curious.

Forth, After how long at your first duty station (and after FTO) are you able to try to transfer to someplace else....if it turns out you cant stand where you are.

I'm full of more questions, but will leave it at that for now.

[bell4fan]

the conditional hire and actually getting hired are 2 diffrent things. its not uncommon for someone to get a conditional, and not get hired. But if you are hired, you have to be able to intern for a minimum of 10 weeks( i think) to be elgible. So if your hired 3 weeks prior to the academy, your not elgible.

Yes boots and running shoes, you find out your station 1 month prior to graduation and you have to be there 1 year before you can transfer.

But you need to focus on getting hired first.

[TexasAggieOfc]

bell, did you graduate yet? did you get assigned back close to home?

[mo0n]

But if you are hired, you have to be able to intern for a minimum of 10 weeks( i think) to be elgible.

I think the most time people did the internship for was 3 months. I was in the very first batch interns, and I only did 7 weeks. I don't know how much they've changed it though.

Running shoes, boots and those dickies work pants are the necessities for the academy. All other duty gear/equipment is furnished.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions

[bell4fan]

Yeah I graduated. I got pretty close to home. Wasnt my first choice, but Im going to learn more where Im at than where I wanted to go, so its all good.

[TxJud]

The intern ship is still a minimum of 7 weeks...I was hired last march but resigned due to my son having a bone marrow transplant the previous year and things just not being stable enough to be away for 6 months...I have reapplied for the Sept. academy and am waiting to hear from the BI now...

[bell4fan]

Good luck TxJud. I spoke to you on th phone last year. I hope everything works out for you.

[TxJud]

Yes sir I have been keeping up with your progress...I appreciate it...Hopefully it will all go well

[bell4fan]

Im sure it will. They have a very small class going through right now. Started with around 90, down to 78 after 2 weeks.

[TexasAggieOfc]

Now I'm curious... I'm trying to think if we have any new troopers around here...

[bell4fan]

Where in NE Tx are you?

[13MWZ]

Thank yall for your replies. What schedule are most Troopers on? Is it 4 10 hr shifts with 3 days off like most of the local PD's?

[bell4fan]

No, not even close. Usually 6 on, 2 off, with one 4day weekend a month.

On Tuesday I start a stretch of 8 straight, (4 days, 4 nights), 2 off, then 5 more nights.

[TexasAggieOfc]

PM sent to ya

[low_clazz]

I read their qualifications wrong and didn't have enough experience/college credits to continue on the process. Even after submitting my BI and being told by the recruiter at Garland I wasn't eligible, I still recieved several phone calls from Austin asking why I didn't continue in the process. They acted shocked I didn't meet the quals. Maybe my recruiter was just as confused as I was. Regardless, they should lower their requirements to boost up applicant numbers. I was told by the secretary at the Garland office they only recieved a handful of applications for the March academy. :-(. DPS is my dream agency.