View Full Version : Back to school
Satan_3pc
03-09-2010, 09:41 PM
So fellers, I'm thinking about going back to school for criminal justice to become an LEO. Any suggestions from anyone who has done it? I found a decent program at our St.Petersburg College here in the St.Pete/Tampa area, but I've also heard some places have academy programs as well. Not sure where to get started. I'm pretty ignorant about the whole college thing and what degrees are required. I know it varies from county to county.
Secpro
03-10-2010, 07:39 AM
I think it's easier for you to go to the academy yourself up in northern Florida. Not positive though. Academy is way better than doing the college thing because once you've completed the academy you are certified you'll just have to go and apply for a department. With a CJ degree you still have to go to the academy afterwards then apply for a department.
You can't go wrong with a degree, so it's just up to you which you want to do first.
My .02
JaxChris
03-10-2010, 11:49 AM
Matt, give me a call tomorrow. I have a link on my home computer to the FHP employment FAQ. Degree is not required with FHP and only gets you an extra 30$/month in pay. The downside is you have no choice of your first assignment, and starting pay is based on first duty station. Miami gets more for high risk and the rest of the state is the same.
If you are going more for county deputy or local PD, then the St Pete College Allstate Campus has the police academy program for this area. That is the campus where they do driving drills and pistol qualifications at as well.
I would say I'd go to the academy with you, but the hours probably wouldn't fit for me right now and I wouldn't be able to handle another pay cut to take a job as a LEO right now. If I was single I'd do it though because then I could afford it.
Btw, the FHP pays you while you are in their academy. You have to be accepted to get into the academy. Physical and psychological evaluations are all that are required to apply if I recall. Plus you must not have any criminal background and a spotless credit record.
interesting.. I thought that as someone with a degree, you would qualify for a higher pay grade like a detective.. I did not know it was so minimal..
Satan_3pc
03-10-2010, 02:58 PM
I would actually like to get into something higher like detective or even a sheriff at least. I'd prefer to be in a bitch job as little time as possible. I want to do something cool.
Satan_3pc
03-10-2010, 03:00 PM
The downside is you have no choice of your first assignment, and starting pay is based on first duty station. Miami gets more for high risk and the rest of the state is the same.That's like state trooper stuff right? Does that mean they could assign me somewhere in another county or city? I kind of have to stay local. Mary has to complete school and work for Baycare for 2 years as a contract of her scholarship program.
JaxChris
03-10-2010, 03:01 PM
There is only 1 Sheriff per county Matt, and that is an elected job. Making detective is very competitive due to limited slots from what I've heard.
Doug will hopefully chime in and cover advancement.
JaxChris
03-10-2010, 03:03 PM
That's like state trooper stuff right? Does that mean they could assign me somewhere in another county or city? I kind of have to stay local. Mary has to complete school and work for Baycare for 2 years as a contract of her scholarship program.
Correct, you go wherever they send you for your first assignment. After a year or two at your first post you can begin putting in for transfers. So if staying in this area is a must... you would not want to go FHP, even though I think they have better cars and equipment (super pursuit assignment FTW).
Satan_3pc
03-10-2010, 03:16 PM
Damn, see this is why I need information. I thought that Sheriffs were limited, but I see them all the friggin time, so I thought maybe there were more around here or something, but I guess I just always see the same guys ha.
I want a department that will let me have my XDs :)
Correct, you go wherever they send you for your first assignment. After a year or two at your first post you can begin putting in for transfers. So if staying in this area is a must... you would not want to go FHP, even though I think they have better cars and equipment (super pursuit assignment FTW).I wouldn't be opposed to driving like 45 minutes to an hour to a job for a little while, but I can't go to like friggin Jacksonville.... or god forbid(amen lino) Miami.
or god forbid(amen lino) Miami.
:raspberry:
anthony20031
03-10-2010, 04:05 PM
yh Miami would not be my first choice....might as well go serve overseas lolololol
Satan_3pc
03-10-2010, 06:19 PM
Yeah no kidding.
JaxChris
03-10-2010, 06:26 PM
But all FHP offices get to take their car home. They just need to live within their assignment area.
Satan_3pc
03-10-2010, 10:17 PM
Well how flexible is the first job assignment? What are the chances of getting a job somewhere within an hours drive of the post? I mean I'm sure they don't make you draw straws. Is it basically a state wide thing and where ever they need more men the most is where you go?
JaxChris
03-12-2010, 02:45 AM
Rookies get the shittiest spots left available by those that have moved into the more desirable posts. Don't kid yourself that you'll get lucky. That's probably true of any LE department.
Frontline
05-12-2010, 10:46 PM
I would actually like to get into something higher like detective or even a sheriff at least. I'd prefer to be in a bitch job as little time as possible. I want to do something cool.
Go to an acedemy ( Up here we have 3 or 4, I went to the one at Gulf Coast), GET HIRED somewhere, PAY YOUR DUES, Then promote into a cool job.
Ive been a lowly "patrolman" for nearly 4 yrs, BUT I am also a firearms instructor, Lead Armorer, and a vehicle maint./motorpool supervisor, no I dont change oil or tires, thats the BIG 10 stores job, Myself and two other officers Repair/Replace and Install/upgrade police eqiuipment and outfit new cars with all new equipment. We even build or own wiring harnesses. We are installing new Patrol rifle racks with remotes at this time.
I was told when I got hired, "Find something you know how to do, or like to do, and be the best at it, find your "Thing" and make it yours" . Luckily my PD recognizes talent and uses it. By purchasing and installing our own equipment in new cars, we have saved the PD and city nearly 3K per car over an outside installer doing it .
There aint no free ride, you gotta pay your dues, theres guys/gals above you who have been there longer and want the same things.
Good luck in your endeavors.