Self sponsoring through the academy...

[armydiver]

Hello,
I will be moving to Florida soon and can use my GI BIll to put myself through the academy. From everything I've heard and read this is the best way to do it. Plus, you look much better as a prospective hire if you're already certified.

My issue is that I've been looking around for academies in the area I'd like to move and the broward county academy says that you have to be sponsored by a department. I didn't think anyone was doing sponsorships? If the departments that I'm interested in applying to do not, does that mean I have to find a different academy? Anyone with suggestions and info about how to self sponsor through the Broward County academy at BCC would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to narrow down the school and area that I go to and this will play a major role.

Thanks for your time.

[pafindr]

As far as I know you can't get hired into BSO unless you go thru their academy and they don't allow self sponsorship.
So take the tests and put in an app if you pass the tests then you don't have to worry about self sponsership.
You can also try some of the smaller dept in Broward and see how they do it. Like Hollywood, Davie, etc.
I think that the depts in central and northern FL do self sponsership.

[DeltaV]

It's my understanding that pre-hiring recruits and sending them through the academy is the norm in Broward and Dade Counties. Elsewhere in the state, self-sponsoring is the predominant thing. If you want to live in South Florida then you will probably have to apply with an agency first and go to the academy once you're hired. Maybe someone from South Florida could give you more information, but I know that they do it a little differently down there (which is better, IMO) than in other parts of the state.

[armydiver]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know you had to go to Broward's academy to work for them. They were up toward the top of my list. That makes a big difference. I'll call around and see what I can find. Just thought someone on here might have some more direct info. If anyone has suggestions for departments in the area please feel free to chime in. I know there are a ton and anyone who can give suggestions would greatly help me reduce the number to research.

Thanks again.

[counihan]

Check Palm Beach County. I work in the county, however, I didn't go to the academy here, but I'm 99% sure that PBCC does self-sponsoring. Just a thought since it's the next county above Broward...anyway, good luck!

[Gringe]

There's a couple of self-sponsored academies in North and Central Florida.

Santa Fe College has a very good one.

[APDSarge]

BCC's academy will not accept "self-sponsored" they have to be sponsored by a police department.

Palm Beach community College (PBCC) will accept self sponsored. A majority of the recruits in any given class are self sponsored - usually around 90%.

Miami-Dade College (MDC) formerly MDCC also allows self sponsored and again they run about 90% self sponsored in any given academy.

Check PBCC's and MDC's websites for more information. Miami Dade also has an orientation several times a month explaining the process for self sponsorship.