What are my chances?

[MidnightBlue]

Originally posted this in the Job Center, but it will probably get more responses here...

Here's the deal:

In 2005 I was hired as a Police Officer Trainee (sponsored) by a Bay Area agency. Despite several warnings about my age, I felt that I was ready to attend an academy and become an officer. Two weeks into the academy I began to see the alternative point of view. I was only 21, had no degree, had never lived on my own and had really never had any major responsibility...so I resigned. Now, three years later I have one year of college left and I'm looking at applying to different agencies again. I would really like to work for the one I was originally hired by, but when I ask about re-applying, I meet some resistance and hesitation. My question is this - Am I screwed? I know that it must have been a pretty big disappointment with all the money they lost and I'm sure they have some concerns about follow-through with me. I've been supporting myself for the three years since and I don't doubt that I made the right decision because I had some growing up to do, but do you think I have a chance with this agency or should I focus on other options?

PM or reply...I just need some good, honest opinions.

[PhilipCal]

Resigning from the Academy probably wasn't the best choice you could have made. If you were sponsored by a department, it's very likely they spent a considerable amount of money on your background investigation etc. The best answer to your question is going to have to come from the department which sponsored you. They may be a little reluctant to do that again, but you'll need to find that out from them. A talk with a Recruiter or similiar Officer might be helpful. Are you totally done forever? Probably not. Applying to other agencies is certainly an option. Be prepared to disclose your resignation from the Academy though, as this is an issue which will come up. Since your resignation, if you can bring a solid work history, and record of good citizenship to the table, you may have a shot.

[MidnightBlue]

Resigning from the Academy probably wasn't the best choice you could have made. If you were sponsored by a department, it's very likely they spent a considerable amount of money on your background investigation etc. The best answer to your question is going to have to come from the department which sponsored you. They may be a little reluctant to do that again, but you'll need to find that out from them. A talk with a Recruiter or similiar Officer might be helpful. Are you totally done forever? Probably not. Applying to other agencies is certainly an option. Be prepared to disclose your resignation from the Academy though, as this is an issue which will come up. Since your resignation, if you can bring a solid work history, and record of good citizenship to the table, you may have a shot.

I spoke to a neighboring agency this morning and they seem fairly interested as long as I complete my degree and can articulate what has changed from then to now. I've always been a good citizen (no record aside from two movers four and five years ago). Work history has been consistent but, I wouldn't call it substantial. I've been working at the University doing parking enforcement for the past two years. As far as talking to the original agency, I spoke to the LT who took my resignation and didn't seem very prepared to consider me again. So although this other agency wasn't my first choice, the most important thing to me is to become an officer, regardless of where that may be. I have no reservations about discussing my resignation, because I see it as a learning experience and believe that if given the chance I can make that experience work to my advantage.

[MidnightBlue]

What were your actual reasons for resigning, and what were the official reasons you gave during the exit interview?

Also, why do you think those "actual reasons" during your first time in the academy would be inapplicable now?

If it was because you were not ready for "major responsibility," well, got news for ya...you really don't have "major responsibilities" while in college.

My reasons were twofold: For one thing I had essentially never lived on my own and had to support myself. I'm doing that now. Rent, car, bills....the whole nine yards...all while paying to go to school full time and no one to bail me out if I screw up. The second reason is that I was not physically prepared. I am now. So if you're trying to tell me that doesn't make me any different than when I was living off of my parents in my hometown without a care in the world, well I'm just going to have to respectfully disagree. Thank you for your honesty though.

[MidnightBlue]

When you mentioned that you were not ready for major responsibilities, I thought, incorrectly obviously, that you were referring to the decisions you have to make as a police officer pertaining to the rights and liberties of individuals.

I take it that you had to move to a new place before starting the academy? (Some academy trainees still live at home with their parents, so there is no added change of living by oneself on top of the academy environment).

Physical conditioning can be a legitimate reason, although I have seen the academies turn out people who were, in all likelihood, in much worse shape than you. Does your academy require you to "pass" any physical tests other than the California POST test? Unless things have changed, that POST test is not that difficult -- much easier than the daily PT.

Overall, now that you've clarified some things, I think your reasons are legitimate. Three years have passed, and you had the opportunity to be financially responsible for yourself and to increase your physical conditioning.

I say go for it!

I was at the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Training Center. From what I remember, our daily standards were a bit higher than POST minimums, so to even get to the final exam you had to be in top shape. The plus side is, if you make it it's probably a breeze. Same went for academics, though that wasn't my issue. So it's not that there were any extra mandatory tests, it's just that the standards throughout the academy itself are a little more stringent. It has a reputation for being one of the tougher ones in the state, along with ALCO.

To better explain what I meant about living on my own, I was referring to all of the responsibilities that come with that (assuming you're not living in a dorm). Just the fact that I have literally no one to do anything for me has made a huge difference. During the academy I was living in the same city that it was located in, so I didn't have to worry about time management or preparation NEARLY as much as recruits that lived further away. Not having everything so easy has helped me to appreciate what it's like to have to work for things. I hope that makes more sense.

[MidnightBlue]

You are planning on finishing that last year of college, right? A Bachelor's degree will only help you, both in the selection process, and when you want to make Sergeant.

That's actually one of my main reasons for being here, aside from it helping to broaden my approach to different situations. Seems like now if you want to promote at all, a degree is more or less mandatory.