southern California sheriff depts.

[Tavarua23]

Hey SoCal residents,

What are the reputations of the Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles Sheriff Departments? If you were hypothetically offered positions at all 4 which would you take? Maybe you could rank them in order from top to bottom.

Thanks

Kevin

[christrue]

I can say that from my observation(s), Los Angeles (County) Sheriff's
Department are quite professional.

And one Deputy (among a group of them) was kind and thoughtful enough
to apologise for the unavoidable suffering caused to a person in one case.....



They're the only Sheriff's Department I have any knowledge of.

[Michelles]

San Bernardino County Sheriff Department would be my first pick.

[Tavarua23]

Why?

[Michelles]

Why not come over and take a tour and check out the departments?
Be far better for you to see for yourself.

Are you looking to be a LEO or air traffic control?

[Samuel]

Man, I started to write a lengthy discourse about the LASD and the issues we're facing but I started to get all worked up so I erased it all.

Let me cut to the chase. If you're considering working for the LASD, I have two words for you - SHOP AROUND!

I'm staying but that's because I'm old, I've put substantial time in, and, so far, I've been fortunate enough to work on a semi-regular basis with several of our specialized training units - some of the best guys/gals you'll find anywhere.

If things become drastically worse for me than they are now, I'll probably consider moving on...

[Tavarua23]

Thanks for the replies everybody.

I took/passed the San Bernardino written and physical agility, but they wanted the background paperwork done in 7 days and I wasn't up too it. I know, very weak. I really wish I would have finished it, I was excited about S.B.

I took/passed the L.A. County written, passed the oral interview, and started the background but haven't heard back from anyone in 5 weeks. I'm starting to wonder. I'd like L.A. because I hear they have airplanes and I eventually want to fly.

I've passed the Orange County written, medical, psych, background and should have a residence check soon. I've heard great things about O.C.

I'm taking the Riverside written tomorrow.

Thanks guys,

Kevin

[Michelles]

Bikes, dirt bikes, horses, airplanes, copters, and more in SBCHD district.
Nice ppl here. Like a big happy family.

OC and LA area are crowded areas compared to SBC

[not5150]

Do you have any fixed wing/rotor time at all?? Speaking as a private pilot and knowing a few Police helo pilots, I'll tell you that it is a bad idea to join a department just for the aviation possibilities. Most likely it will be several years before an aviation spot opens up.

A good percentage of helo pilots are former military. I do know one pilot who was really lucky and had the department pop for the whole rotorcraft commercial pilot rating (big bucks). This is a rare occurance though.

I know that all four departments have rotorcraft. San Bernardino Sheriffs has a freakin Sabre jet. At San Bernardino, you will spend less time in the jails (meaning you will get to the street quicker). In some areas of San Bernardino, your backup is thirty minutes away. Keep that in mind, as some people are uncomfortable with this amount of independence.

Pick a department that you will be happy with in the long term. Take a ride-along and talk to the Deputies. This is a BIG decision, that will impact the next 20 or so years of your life.

I'm biased though... go for SBSD. Your chance of getting into aviation is probably a little better. They have a jet. Oh oh, the best part, SBSD is one of the few departments (maybe the only one??) that allows their Deputies to fire from the helicopter.

I went through the San Bernardino Sheriffs Academy and was told stories of how pursuits would end in Pomona, because the suspects didn't want to drive into San Bernardino County.

Oh forgot to ask... are you pre-service or are you hoping for the department to put your through the academy?

[Tavarua23]

Thanks for the reply 5150.

It wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't fly for a department, but would be pretty sweet. I am not pre-service and am banking on a department putting me through their academy.

I'd be happy flying on my own as a hobby. Maybe I forgot to mention, I'm a CFI-CFII-MEI with almost 1200 hours of airplane time.

Thanks again

Kevin

[Michelles]

Not sure if this helps you any, but
SBCSD hire under contract.
The jet is for transport. Not for patrol.
They also will be moving the air traffic control base elsewhere in about 2 years.
I have also posted sometime ago in the job thread , the link to employment available with SBC.

Good luck in whichever you decide Kevin!

[not5150]

Yeah the jet is for federal prisoner transport Not for patrolling Loma Linda...

Very nice TAV on the ratings. I fly out of Redlands, so I hope to see you in the skies.

[Tavarua23]

not5150,

Yeah, I went to Redlands about a month ago because I sent a student up with Larry Hovell for his commercial multiengine checkride. Do you know Larry?

By the way, I didn't think the Sabreliner was for flying patrol along the 15....lol

[Michelles]

not5150,

Yeah, I went to Redlands about a month ago because I sent a student up with Larry Hovell for his commercial multiengine checkride. Do you know Larry?

By the way, I didn't think the Sabreliner was for flying patrol along the 15....lol

:D Gee you guys are quick!

[john2190]

Tavarua23,

If you really want to fly, you might want to consider the CHP next time they're hiring. They both have a lot of planes and choppers, and I have also heard (not that you need it, according to your flying resume) that the CHP is so low on pilots, that will pay for your training too.

John