"having a way in" or "knowing" people

[thayer123abc]

Im just curious.How big of a help is it to get into an agengy when you have "connections?" Does that really give you much of an advantage? Or is it more of a good refrence thing?

Thanks....Megan

[Bodie]

Not anymore. Test, Physical and background make that tough to use.

[PhilipCal]

Knowing people

Pretty much a thing of the past. The testing and background investigation requirements of most agencies make "who you know" much less of an assist that it once was. Might still work on a small county or municipal agency, but larger agencies, no.

[Tim Dees]

Im just curious.How big of a help is it to get into an agengy when you have "connections?" Does that really give you much of an advantage? Or is it more of a good refrence thing?

I disagree with the other two posters on this. The importance of a "hook" in the agency is dependent on the agency. Some places, it means everything. In my experience, however, the agencies where this would be important are extremely political. This is a great thing when you're on the right side of the political debacle, and a nightmare when you're not. People get get assignments and promotions by who they know, not what they can do.

Even if you do have a "hook" into an agency, I urge to go to one where the playing field is more level. You'll find those to be better outfits to have a career with.

[edg103]

I disagree with the other two posters on this. The importance of a "hook" in the agency is dependent on the agency. Some places, it means everything. In my experience, however, the agencies where this would be important are extremely political. This is a great thing when you're on the right side of the political debacle, and a nightmare when you're not. People get get assignments and promotions by who they know, not what they can do.

Even if you do have a "hook" into an agency, I urge to go to one where the playing field is more level. You'll find those to be better outfits to have a career with.

I agree. If you pass all of the dept's required tests then it's about who you know (at least around here it is). Although, "knowing" someone in the dept. doesn't guarentee you a job at all, but it sure helps (if you know the right person-don't mention someone who doesn't get along with the sheriff/chief/etc.-then you're screwed!)

[thayer123abc]

why thankyou all for your responses!

[scooterlee]

I feel to a degree that knowing somebody helps you out!

Good Luck

[AUXOFC74]

I can tell you for a fact that knowing someone helps.. of the 2 open enrolees from my academy class.. 1 happens to live next door to the mayor of the city that swore him in. the other happens to play softball with the chief of the amusement park that swore him in. and there is a 3rd guy, whos uncle is a LT out at a dept in the stix, and the chief is holding his commission as a favor to the uncle, so he doesnt expire while he looks. I can go on for days if you want me to. Cleveland is bad....really bad.. if you need more examples just let me know.

[JHoek]

If you ever get a job because of "knowing someone" or "having a connection", for God's sake, don't tell anyone, especially your new partners. It is considered a pathetic way to get a job...you should get it b/c you are qualified.

[hemicop]

I think no matter where a go a "connection" or "guardian angel" helps. You'll still have to fill out all the forms & take the tests, but it's amazing how many things get "overlooked" or "lost" because Daddy is a departmental or political bigshot. It exists all over & this ( I think) is one area where (departmental)size doesn't matter!