FHP questions

[Murphy984]

I got my packet to go down to florida to take the exam and agility. Could someone tell me how long the process takes and alittle bit about the department.

[craigo0087]

I recently looked into the FHP. Im earning my A.A. in criminal justice now. I believe the total process before you get into the acedemy can be anywhere between 5-10months. For what other counties offer, it really isnt the best choice. Look at all your options.

[DeltaV]

Unless traffic is your thing, I'd advise against going to FHP. They have no step pay system and morale is pretty low. We have quite a few former troopers at my department who left because of the poor pay and benefits. A first year rookie here makes more than a sergeant does at FHP.

The only places where FHP actually makes more than the local officers are the rural areas of Northern Florida. If you are looking at moving to this area of the state, FHP may be a decent choice. If you want to move to any other part of the state, I would suggest going somewhere else.

[cntryboy0531]

Unless traffic is your thing, I'd advise against going to FHP. They have no step pay system and morale is pretty low. We have quite a few former troopers at my department who left because of the poor pay and benefits. A first year rookie here makes more than a sergeant does at FHP.

The only places where FHP actually makes more than the local officers are the rural areas of Northern Florida. If you are looking at moving to this area of the state, FHP may be a decent choice. If you want to move to any other part of the state, I would suggest going somewhere else.

I second this opinion

[JonSch7]

All troopers are great guys, but you can tell from most that morale isn't the highest. Many work lots of off-duty employment to make up the pay difference. Only good thing is that they are on state retirement, so you can transfer to any other state agency or almost any sheriff's department in the state. It wouldn't be a bad start, for they pay you while in the academy, but you usually end up getting stuck down in Miami for your first stint.

[Murphy984]

Thanks for the helpful information. Seems like State Police in Florida is not much like New York’s.


A recruiter told me that I should look into putting myself into the academy and apply to departments while attending. Do you feel that this is my best move?

Any information for me would be great; I’m not to familiar with Florida’s process.


Thanks again

[maz]

Unless your looking at going to a big city department in Florida you better put yourself through the academy. Most departments hire only trained officers. Most departments will not send recruits through the academy with the exception of big departments. What part of Florida did you want to go to?

[Murphy984]

I was looking at the West Palm area.

[TS22]

Unless your looking at going to a big city department in Florida you better put yourself through the academy. Most departments hire only trained officers. Most departments will not send recruits through the academy with the exception of big departments. What part of Florida did you want to go to?

Not true in South florida. The academy I went to only had sponsored recruits. If you are looking in the West Palm area, which is where I live and work, most of the depts will hire you and put you through the PBCC or BCC academy. Also, you can go through the PBCC self sponsored. If you want to work in South Florida look into West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, Broward Sheriffs Office, Miramar Police, Pembroke Pines Police, Coral Springs Police, Ft. Lauderdale Police, Hollywood Police, etc. Most of those agencies will hire you and put you through. Also, the FHP has a pretty low staring salary compared to everyone else. And you have to live at the academy, too.

[Norm357]

All troopers are great guys, but you can tell from most that morale isn't the highest. Many work lots of off-duty employment to make up the pay difference. Only good thing is that they are on state retirement, so you can transfer to any other state agency or almost any sheriff's department in the state. It wouldn't be a bad start, for they pay you while in the academy, but you usually end up getting stuck down in Miami for your first stint.

Whats wrong with Miami?

[maz]

Not true in South florida. The academy I went to only had sponsored recruits. If you are looking in the West Palm area, which is where I live and work, most of the depts will hire you and put you through the PBCC or BCC academy. Also, you can go through the PBCC self sponsored. If you want to work in South Florida look into West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, Broward Sheriffs Office, Miramar Police, Pembroke Pines Police, Coral Springs Police, Ft. Lauderdale Police, Hollywood Police, etc. Most of those agencies will hire you and put you through. Also, the FHP has a pretty low staring salary compared to everyone else. And you have to live at the academy, too.

You know better than I do, I have concentrated on North Florida and have found that North Florida doesn't often sponsor recruits to go through the academy

[cntryboy0531]

Not to mention if you go FHP and start out in South Florida, you're only going to have a small "cost of living adjustment" in pay. I think it's around $38,000 a year bring home. FYI, the cost of living in South Florida is astronomical. You'll chew up $38,000 a year in no time. If you got a family to support, that's about as close to as impossible as you can come by, unless you have a sugar momma. :D

[Apollo8138]

All troopers are great guys, but you can tell from most that morale isn't the highest. Many work lots of off-duty employment to make up the pay difference. Only good thing is that they are on state retirement, so you can transfer to any other state agency or almost any sheriff's department in the state. It wouldn't be a bad start, for they pay you while in the academy, but you usually end up getting stuck down in Miami for your first stint.

You make it sound like it's a bad thing... :D :p

[JonSch7]

Nothing against Miami at all, I grew up in S. Florida so I know all about it. It is tough though for a rookie officer starting a new career to afford to live in S. Florida. I will say there is nothing better than living only minutes from the beach, that is one thing that I do miss.

[Murphy984]

Thanks for all the help guys..

So I take it my best bet is to fly down and take the CJBAT and SHIELD exam correct? Is there a standard agility exam the colleges also give? I would like to set something up soon, I can't handle this weather any longer...