Dept. Veterans Affairs Police

[Ironhead]

Our VA cops are more like security. I think they just started carrying guns a few years ago. They provide the security for the hospital which is nice, they handle all the small stuff, and we only get called if it is something big.

My question is if the VA have arrst authority, ehy can't they, or dont they arrest. I dont think ours has arrested anyone in the 9 years I have worked in the area? They are not on the list at our jail intake also? Do they transport them somewhere else other than county jail?

VA Police have arrest authority on Veterans Affairs property granted under Title 38 US Code. The VA has a police force to provide a safe enviroment for veterans to seek medical and psychiatric care as needed. They also provide a safe work enviroment for the healthcare staff to provide such services to vetereans. That being said, the hall-mark of the service is a compliance-based policing. (Think of community-based policing for street cops) If a police officer can gain compliance to rules, regulations and federal laws - without the need of arrest or citation, then the VA views that the mission has been accomplished.

There are certain dangers inherent to a VA facility, however the dangers faced by the "average" street cop can be far different from the VA cop. For example, I will infrequently be called on to handle domestic disputes; but every single day I deal with psychiatric patients that, by definition, are military veterans and trained (at least in basic training) for some form of combat.

The VA police do arrest people, and when they do, they typically transport the arrested subject to the city or county jail that is closest to the federal court house where the prisoner will have to appear - even if the VA facility is physically located in a different jurisdiction.

Most VA's have a limited number of officers on duty, sometimes only two on a shift. Therefore they typically develop good relationships with local law enforcement and will ask for assistance for calls that exceed their ability to provide adequate services or coverage (assuming they have concurrent jurisdiction) They can use the services of the FBI, DEA as well as State and Local law enforcement to build cases, conduct investigations, and make arrests. But they handle the "routine" policing in-house.

[FeudalBaron]

I'm in the hiring process for a position in St. Louis, MO. I've read on some other forum's threads that there has been some "talk" of combining the VA Police with the DHS FPS. Has anyone else heard likewise or other developments? Also, does anyone have any insight into the John Cochran Division in St. Louis?

Also, excellent post Ironhead! ;)

Thanks.

[tunlrat]

I had both the prior LE experience & education & still WASN'T hired. I'm thinking because I was a non-vet. But no gripes, I'm actually ok w/ the fact that I got passed over...

Stay safe fellas.

[JudgeDredd]

Feud;
I don't see the FPS merging with any other department any time soon. When they first went to DHS, some of them viewed their mandate as having jurisdiction over other federal uniformed divisions. That ended in about five minutes. FPS and VAPD enforce different CFR's. What kills me is, when I was offered a job by VA at one point, it was at full performance (GS6), later, I put in for a job and was rated elig. for GS11 and still have the letter. The last application I put in with them, I only rated elig, for a GS4, even though I have a BS in Criminology & Criminal Justice, prior civilian LE experience, and supervisiory experience in LE/Security. 'Ya gotta LOVE the guys who do the rating! If they offier you a job, take it. The boss is a good guy and you'll get alot of experience. The guys in St. Louis have full arrest powers and use 'em (esp. at the Cocrahn location). Good Luck.

[FeudalBaron]

JD,

Thanks for the good info.!

[jvale00]

Well they say it is the largest uniformed agency but you must also understand its not consolidated the F.P.S or the Border Patrol is...meaning every hospital is different. And as such every department is different. Bottom line we are employees of the facility we are on and ONLY have powers of arrest extended to us by that facilities director. As for the powers of arrest question, yes but typically we wont transport. Now thats not to say we wont or cant, but rather a manpower issue. The locals will onlly transport if its a state staute offense not federal. 6c ??? I wish but not right now apparently its being worked on but I imagine you would be surprised to know that SEVERAL federal uniformed 0083's are not 6c covered.

As far as primary duties are concerned its not compariable to a municple or county job. We like to gain compliance through verbal counseling and "situational law enforcement" remember we are employees just like the staff and its a hospital environment including patients who are here seeking help. So no, no 100 mph car chases or anything like that. Its a good stepping stone because any background investigator will want to know whether or not you had the responsibilty of being armed or not and what type of previous training you received.

uhhhh did i answer everything??

[FeudalBaron]

This info. has been great for some insight into the VAPD.

One more question, if I may. Are the benefits the same across the board, or is there some difference between each facility/location? Is there any tuition assistance/reimbursement for continuing education?

Thanks.

[jvale00]

The bennys are the same however base pay can be different based on location or special pay. As far as tuition goes - forget it unless your a nurse. They may give you enough for a book. But the police aren't the "priority".

[david kurtz]

The VA or Veterans Affairs Police Departments, some officers are the biggest dufflebags that I have ever ran into. Pathetic!!! Seriously back-as wards 083's. Unfrickeneducated, with little or NO experience. The majority of VA officers haven't made any arrests, and never became involved in any such true POLICE incidents that I'm aware of, EVER. The VA Cops are simply overpaid security guards... that fill an easy gravy skate position, and that's why they're NOT entitled to Law Enforcement Pay. Because they DO NOT perform law enforment duties.... so the VA POLICE don't fool me, I know what they do....lol

[david kurtz]

The VA or Veterans Affairs Police Departments, some officers are the biggest dufflebags that I have ever ran into. Pathetic!!! Seriously back-as wards 083's. Unfrickeneducated, with little or NO experience. The majority of VA officers haven't made any arrests, and never became involved in any such true POLICE incidents that I'm aware of, EVER. The VA Cops are simply overpaid security guards... that fill an easy gravy skate position, and that's why they're NOT entitled to Law Enforcement Pay. Because they DO NOT perform law enforment duties.... so the VA POLICE don't fool me, I know what they do....lol

[Ironhead]

The VA or Veterans Affairs Police Departments, some officers are the biggest dufflebags that I have ever ran into. Pathetic!!! Seriously back-as wards 083's. Unfrickeneducated, with little or NO experience. The majority of VA officers haven't made any arrests, and never became involved in any such true POLICE incidents that I'm aware of, EVER. The VA Cops are simply overpaid security guards... that fill an easy gravy skate position, and that's why they're NOT entitled to Law Enforcement Pay. Because they DO NOT perform law enforment duties.... so the VA POLICE don't fool me, I know what they do....lol

Go away troll

You certainly paint with a broad brush.

[Bearcat06]

The VA or Veterans Affairs Police Departments, some officers are the biggest dufflebags that I have ever ran into. Pathetic!!! Seriously back-as wards 083's. Unfrickeneducated, with little or NO experience. The majority of VA officers haven't made any arrests, and never became involved in any such true POLICE incidents that I'm aware of, EVER. The VA Cops are simply overpaid security guards... that fill an easy gravy skate position, and that's why they're NOT entitled to Law Enforcement Pay. Because they DO NOT perform law enforment duties.... so the VA POLICE don't fool me, I know what they do....lol

And you are...? Other than a asshat and a ****bag....?:rolleyes:

Troll elsewhere.....it's not our fault that you can't get hired on with them..... dumb ***.....

[Piggy]

The VA or Veterans Affairs Police Departments, some officers are the biggest dufflebags that I have ever ran into. Pathetic!!! Seriously back-as wards 083's. Unfrickeneducated, with little or NO experience. The majority of VA officers haven't made any arrests, and never became involved in any such true POLICE incidents that I'm aware of, EVER. The VA Cops are simply overpaid security guards... that fill an easy gravy skate position, and that's why they're NOT entitled to Law Enforcement Pay. Because they DO NOT perform law enforment duties.... so the VA POLICE don't fool me, I know what they do....lol

Obviously one of our "clients"......

Can you enlighten us as to what you consider "true POLICE incidents"?

I could really use some humor tonight, so why don't you share your vast knowledge with us. I'm sure we'll all be impressed.