pre-hire hassle: is it worth it all?

[ngcsubutterbar]

So far I've had to pay $24 for prints to GBI, to my understanding everything else but ammo will be free from here on out.

[slim202cop]

Did you try the rec center at Barry Farms? :D

LOL! Naaaaaaaaah, the denizens in that area would more than likely throw rocks at us....LOL.

[Group9]

I always tell applicants with my agency that the application process is made so burdensome on purpose as the first step in weeding out people who quit when the going gets tough.

:D

[JD45]

I guess it just depends on how badly you want the job. Good luck, which ever way you decide to go.

I agree, and as mentioned above wait till you get hired and you find all the 'extra' stuff you have to buy. I don't know what your current income is more or less how much NYPD pays. But the figures you put up are small compared to what you could potentially be earning in a year. It's not a matter of pay either. If you REALLY want the job, then shelling out a few dollars now should be well worth it to you.

I put myself through an academy. It cost my $3K just for the academy alone. That wasn't uniforms or any of the equipment. Then I was out of work for the 7 month duration. Was it all worth it? Hell yes...

[Legoate]

I must say that the hiring process for my dept was one of the most painful processes I have gone through in my 34 years of life. It was slow, expensive, and I never knew from day to day whether or not I would be hired or fired. If you think the cost in dollars is expensive, wait until they make you start paying with sweat and blood.

I shelled out about $2500 for gear/uniforms before I ever started my first day of the academy. Every uniform I bought was discarded at the end of the academy because they don't match the dept's uniforms, even though my dept has its own academy. I also missed a lot of days of work during the hiring process. When your background interviewer calls you in the morning and asks if you can come in at 10 to talk to him, what do you say "No, I'm busy with my real job today."? I think not.
If you are getting discouraged this early in the game, you need to realize that you have a LONG way to go still.
Was it worth it to me to get hired? Yes. Was it the most difficult/painful process I have been through in my entire life (including 17 years int he military)? Yes. Will it be worth it to you? Who knows.

[Ranger__101]

Unfortunitally Police Departments that have a large number of candidates for a few slots can get a way charging lots of $$.

I've been very lucky. When I was testing the most they wanted what 25.00 for a testing fee. Once I passed the test and moved to the Background it got a bit more expensive.

Each certified transcript was 3.00 (I have Highschool and 3 different colleges), I made copies of my driving record for them (one time cost of 5.00), copies of Social Security Earning (20.00 I think), etc.

Not counting vacation days I used for testing and other time. It took me about two years to get a LE position and I'm really glad I stuck with it and am where I'm at now.

Don't get discouraged. It may take a while to get a position.

[ngcsubutterbar]

ok, so there was 75 paid out to POST in addition to all the little record things. Thank me there is a grant program to pay for the academy costs, rightfully named HOPE Grant

[sbrad]

ok, so there was 75 paid out to POST in addition to all the little record things. Thank me there is a grant program to pay for the academy costs, rightfully named HOPE Grant

Ahem. I don't think I ever got rep for THAT.

[ngcsubutterbar]

that's cause I don't give it out for free (I don't spread I mean) and I already gave you some hehe. howabout a hardy thanks again and I'll invite you to ride in a few months lol:D

[Nuklhed]

Man, when I was going through the process, it never popped into my mind that it was a "Hassle". I was so geeked to be moving on to the next step, I would make the time and money available. We didnt have to pay for the process, but like others have said; If you want the career, do what you can.

[ngcsubutterbar]

ditto on the geeked part. I just wish it was possible for the other guys to be as fast as I was with the paperwork.