Whats better?

[mcinsane]

Hey guys,
Ive asked around a few departments to get there opinion, and im getting different answers from everyone.

Whats better? Do i place myself into an academy before trying to get hired or do i get hired first and then go to the academy?
Thank you!

[mcsap]

In my state ( PA ) there are some departments that will only consider people who are already certiifed. Others will accept anyone who scores well enough.

My advice is that if you can get yourself through the academy...you will have a great headstart over other applicants at any job. The downside is the cost and that you probably can't hold a job while attending so you'll have to live off of savings or mooch to get by.

This varies by state.

[ChesCopPodz]

It depends on who you want to work for. Some states like PA, most departments want you to put yourself through so it would be a good idea.

Other states don't have that, and the department will make you go through their academy even though you already went through one so it would be a complete waste of time. It all depends on the departments you are looking at and the state in which you live.

[retdetsgt]

Like the others, it depends on the state. In Oregon, there is no way to get privately certified. Frankly, if given a choice I can't see why anyone would want to pay for it out of their pocket when there's an opportunity to not only go for free, but get paid while attending.

[CTUCop]

Don't know where you are. I am of the understanding that you can go through an academy in FL and when you get hired, they reimburse you for some of that cost. I may be wrong, but I think someone kinda said that when they explained the FL system to me. :confused:

In CT, there are no private courses, you go through the CT POST academy, unless you're already certified in another state. Then, of course, CT looks at the state and decides if they will recognize it. If they do, you can go through an alternative comparative cert course to learn our laws and procedures. That's a private course and it costs big time. But you can only go there if you are hired and then your PD pays for it.... with POST approval.

[Taz_bb2]

Don't know where you are. I am of the understanding that you can go through an academy in FL and when you get hired, they reimburse you for some of that cost. I may be wrong, but I think someone kinda said that when they explained the FL system to me. :confused:

If so, I got screwed!! :eek: I got $0 reimbursed when I was hired after the self-sponsored academy. LOL :p

For MOST agencies in FL, you have to go through the academy on your own, at your own cost. Once you graduate, take the State LE exam, and pass it, you are now "certified" to be a LEO in anywhere in the State. You take that certification and apply everywhere until you get the nod.

Very rarely, agencies will sponsor you in. Agencies are reluctant to make that commitment and spend money on an applicant that looks good on paper, but can't handle the stresses of the academy.

Having people self-sponsor themselves has a couple of advantages. Those whose hearts are really into LE will be noticed by the staff, many of who currently work for or are retired from local agencies. Word gets around via staff members to the various hiring boards. Agencies then have the "pick of the litter" when recruits graduate, and often times, relationships between recruits and hiring board members are built DURING the academy.

[mcinsane]

I live in California right now, but i will be moving to Idaho in 2 years. So Idaho will be where i will try to start my career as a LEO. And i do believe you can self sponsor yourself in Idaho. So would it be better just to go to the academy in Idaho first before trying to get hired?

[S43riff]

It depends where you are in Florida. In Broward County, you can not atend unless you are sponsored or hired. Best bet is to get hired. You are then an employee getting paid to attend the academy along with the 3k bill paid. Also you will be passed the hiring process.

I heard of someone that went to college and recieved their degree in criminal justice, paid to attend the academy and once finished, passed the state exam. THEY COULD NOT PASS A POLYGRAPH TO SAVE THEIR LIFE AT ANY AGENCY! So my advise, get hired 1st.

[SnapShawt]

And self-sponsoring has it's downfalls. You may end up with a certification but not get licensed because you can't get hired. Completing an academy and passing the state exam by no means guarantees you a job.

I always advise it's best to get hired first and let the department foot the academy for you.