What did you go through to get your first LEO position.

[wiwwy027]

Hello. I am from Oregon, and a lot of the recruiting sergeants are saying that it is a lot toughfer to get on now because of how many people are testing out. I am in the process of test out, get letter, test out somewhere else (im passing just not high enoughf yet). What did you go through getting on? How many times did you test out? How long did it take? What changed that finally put you over that hump?

I'm just asking because I know that it helps knowing how hard it is to get on, and knowing what LOE's have gone through to get there.

[deputywave]

What did you go through getting on?

A hiring process.

[retdetsgt]

When unemployment is high, like it is here in Oregon, there are going to be more people testing.

I just went to Portland civil service, filled out an application and they sent me letters informing me when and where to go for the next phase of testing. Back then, it took me about 6 weeks from the initial application to being hired. It takes a lot longer than that now.

[PapaBear]

I filed for the position I wanted, took the written test, had an oral interview and physical examination for both agencies I worked for. The physical agitility was minimal -- a few sit ups, push ups, dead lift of 180#s, one mile run, and a 6' wall/fence jump. The PD where I started 1963-1966 and the Highway Patrol where I finished 1966-1992. In those days we did not have a psychological evaluation or polygraph exam. We did have extensive background investigations completed.

[Silver Fox]

Hello. I am from Oregon, and a lot of the recruiting sergeants are saying that it is a lot toughfer to get on now because of how many people are testing out. I am in the process of test out, get letter, test out somewhere else (im passing just not high enoughf yet). What did you go through getting on? How many times did you test out? How long did it take? What changed that finally put you over that hump?

I'm just asking because I know that it helps knowing how hard it is to get on, and knowing what LOE's have gone through to get there.

I was working full time, off-post MP duty, with a large city PD at the time and happened to tell the department's Major I was getting my discharge the following day. He said, do you have anything lined up, as if not how about coming with us, as we have a job opening for a patrolman and it's yours if you want it? After calling my wife and telling her, who I might add was delighted due to the fact she loved the town and didn't want to move. I then told the Major I would take the job.

The following day after driving out to the fort hospital and getting my disharge from the military I went back to town walked into the the Major's office, where he swore me in, gave me my badge, service revolver and other equipment and had me fitted for a uniform by a tailor who the Major had standing by. The Major accepted my physical exam, MP school diploma and other credentials from the military and shortly after lunch on the day of my discharge I had gone form an MP to a City Cop with no broken service time.

[fatboyjim154]

When unemployment is high, like it is here in Oregon, there are going to be more people testing.

Yep, same over here. When a recession hits, people that would never normally consider LEO jobs suddenly need to pay the bills. Come the boom their gone again. My force currently has 2000 applicants that have passed the selection process waiting for a position in training.

[Safety Steve]

Hello. I am from Oregon, and a lot of the recruiting sergeants are saying that it is a lot toughfer to get on now because of how many people are testing out. I am in the process of test out, get letter, test out somewhere else (im passing just not high enoughf yet). What did you go through getting on? How many times did you test out? How long did it take? What changed that finally put you over that hump?

I'm just asking because I know that it helps knowing how hard it is to get on, and knowing what LOE's have gone through to get there.

I was an Eligibility Specialist for Texas. Eligibility Specialist was a fancy title at the time for a Food Stamp Case Worker . Being in a small West TX town, you get to know everyone. The Sheriff and Chief Deputy approached me about an opening. I applied, interviewed and was fortunate enough to get the job.

I blame the Sheriff and Chief Deputy for where I am today!

Be Safe.

[wiwwy027]

It is cool to see how many different ways people are getting on.
And yeah, it has been pretty roughf competing against so many people. A lot of them have Bachelors, Masters, or PHD's.

The only thing that kills me is when one of them says that they only want to be a "cop" because they can't be a teacher right now, and the pay and bennies are close.

Thank you for your answers.

[retdetsgt]

It is cool to see how many different ways people are getting on.
And yeah, it has been pretty roughf competing against so many people. A lot of them have Bachelors, Masters, or PHD's.

The only thing that kills me is when one of them says that they only want to be a "cop" because they can't be a teacher right now, and the pay and bennies are close.

A couple of partners I had over the years were former teachers. They had experience in dealing with unruly crowds....

Where are you thinking of applying? The larger depts in Oregon don't care that much about your education as long as you meet the minimum. It can become important later when you go for promotions, but it doesn't buy much when you come on. Your test scores are all that's important as long as you have a clean background.

[cntryboy0531]

One of my sector partners from my last shift is a retired teacher. He's a bit old for the job, and honestly, don't trust him as backup on an inprogress call. But, holy CRAP can he get the kids and teenagers to listen without loosing his temper...

Me, I want to thump most of them.

[wiwwy027]

A couple of partners I had over the years were former teachers. They had experience in dealing with unruly crowds....

Where are you thinking of applying? The larger depts in Oregon don't care that much about your education as long as you meet the minimum. It can become important later when you go for promotions, but it doesn't buy much when you come on. Your test scores are all that's important as long as you have a clean background.

I am testing for Beaverton (SOOOO EXCITED...I live here) on April 7th. Getting ready to go bust out some PT in a couple minutes. I have also been very interested in Gresham, Salem, Newberg (home town), MacMinnville, and a fiew others. Before I apply I usually spend some time in the town/city before applying. If I don't like it, or it doesn't feel like a town I would put my life on the line for I don't put in.

Made a mistake on the SPH for Gresham. Didn't go back far enoughf on the places that I have lived. Wish I had that one back. Sergeant O'Keefe was probubly the coolest Recruiting Sergeant I have met.

[retdetsgt]

I am testing for Beaverton (SOOOO EXCITED...I live here) on April 7th. Getting ready to go bust out some PT in a couple minutes. I have also been very interested in Gresham, Salem, Newberg (home town), MacMinnville, and a fiew others. Before I apply I usually spend some time in the town/city before applying. If I don't like it, or it doesn't feel like a town I would put my life on the line for I don't put in.

Good choice in not applying for Portland. I don't recommend it to anyone.

Salem is good, it's busier and has more crime than most people realize. Fortunately, the people there do appreciate what the police do. If you want to work hard, that would be a good city to work for.

Newberg is where I live and you're not going to do much police work here. The cops here are mostly tail light chasers. It's growing and that may change in the future, but unless all you want to do is write tickets, I'd go somewhere else.

Marion county S.O. also has a good reputation among LE. Have you considered OSP? You'll have to spend some time working only traffic, but they have a great criminal investigation unit too.

[wiwwy027]

I have looked into OSP. I need to be in better physical condition to pass their physical. Newberg is nice becauce I spent 23 years growing up there. And Officer Jones and Officer Johns were my D.A.R.E. teachers in elementary school. I would be proud to be there, very proud. I am actually working at a security site in Newberg. If it's not there, I want to be somewhere that I will work. I want to help people, and I want to make the difference in peoples lives. So it say's that you are a verified LEO. Where at? how do you like it?

[Creeker]

It would really behoove anyone thinking about a LE career to check out the retirement plan before applying.

Knowing it is a poor plan, but assuming it will get better during your 20-30 year career is ignorant, and outside of an overachieving Spouse, will lead you to being unable to afford to retire when you really need to.

[wiwwy027]

Point well taken. I do look carfully at how the plan is set up. The pres system is favorabul. Even as a tier 2 or 3, with minimal money management I should be ok after 20-30 years. Im planning on being a LEO till me wheels fall of. (once I get on)