?'s about Dept Of Veterans Affairs Police

[alf501]

Are they any Department of Veterans Affairs Police Officers out there? Could you shed any light in this position GS-083, and do you like this position as a Police officer? Could I advance within this position if the potential GS level is 6 or do I have to look elsewhere? The reason why is because I recently had my interview and I'm waiting on my results. Furthermore, what is the time frame from selection to attending the academy? Thanks for your help.

alf501

[phillyfed]

Some VA's go up to GS-7 for their officers. You can enforce federal and state laws, but only on property. If the facility is an urban setting you would probaly do a lot of static security(i.e. checking I.D.'s, vehicles, etc.) Some of the more rural areas have a lot more land and primarily do vehicle patrol. Your supposed to go to the academy within 90 days of hire but that all depends on the waiting list down in Little Rock, AR and how many classes are being put through.

[JudgeDredd]

Most VA facilities, the full performance level for a Police Officer is GS6. As to duties; the facility here is dived into two areas. At the Jefferson Barraks unit, you enforce the traffic laws at the compound and respond to domestic calls at the housing areas. at the John Cocran hospital, you handle traffic on the city streets that run through the property, assualts, thefts, vandalism, etc... just like the local departments. The JC hospital used to be next to a housing project of the same name until it got too dangerous for anyone without SWAT gear and they raized it (didn't really help), so they see some action. Most have Detective squads to deal with the drug cases, etc.. and all have Sgt's, Lt's and the like. You can move up or you can use your federal status for priorty <sp> transfer to another agency. Oh, and one last thing, if your hospital has a psych ward, you will also have to handle any disturbances there as well. From what I understand, this is where most injuries to officers come from as a lot of these guys in the psych ward were in "speciaized" units. Hope this helps and good luck.

[Darin]

Every time I see a VA cop running RADAR on the 20 mph "road" at our VA Hospital I have to laugh. And I'm not knockin them at all but it's funny to see a cop running RADAR in basically a parking lot.

[alf501]

Thanks for your help, I guess VA police doesn't have powers beyond property lines. I'm kind of confused regarding DoD police compared to VA police. What's the difference and what would you choose??? In California where I live the VA police pays higher at GS-4 than DoD police in another area in CA. Also, does DoD police has powers beyond property lines and what is the GS potential for this position??? VA police has a five week academy at
valetc, 16weeks(FTO); DoD police, I believe has a eight week academy at fletc, (FTO unknown)
Any information, opinions, statements is appreciated.

[tunlrat]

Hey alf501, the following are only MY observations & assumptions. If I'm wrong somebody please correct me. Out here in Loma Linda, Cali. (San Bernardino county), I've seen the VA police only twice (sweet cruisers--Dodge Intrepids). Once was a traffic stop outside property lines on a public avenue. From that, I assumed that they're California P.O.S.T. qualified meaning they can technically enforce all state laws--similar to BART police, campus police, etc. outside their supposed "jurisdiction." It seems to me for DoD & VA police, anything past GS-7 is a supervisory position. And in general, most police depts. have some kind of FTEP program during your probation. You may want to contact a DoD & VA facility and arrange a ride along or just talk to one of their officers. Always best to get info. straight from the horse's mouth. Just my 2 cents...

[alf501]

Hey tunlrat, thanks for the info. I've received a call regarding setting up my physical and psychological evaluation so I believe I passed my oral interview?!!! my question to you is, are you employed in the federal sector and do you prefer federal or local law enforcement agency? thanks, talk to you later.


alf501

[tunlrat]

I've had the opportunity to work for both the big G & a city PD. Most of my time was local though. I don't want to sound TOO partial cause I'm actively applying to both levels but to me, it all depends what Fed agency you work for. Local LE can be very fulfilling & fun but sometimes you think you want more--so you think Fed is the way to go. But again it depends who you work for. To me, your Fed job better exceed or at least match what you did in the local sector. If not, you won't be happy. Since there's so many to choose from, be very picky when choosing a Fed agency. This forum can be very helpful but also talk to those who actually have done the job. Unfortunately, in my experience, the big G is very picky themselves so you can't be too choosy yourself!

[alf501]

thanks, tunlrat! i'm hoping i'll be hired by late january early february. i believe va (veterans affairs) police is a good stepping stone for me regarding fed agency. i'll keep my fingers crossed considering this is the first l.e. position i ever got close to being hired. happy holidays!!!

alf501

[Darin]

Good luck alf!