How does one get assigned to a particular station?

[fromLA]

Hey, Guys.

Here's the question. When I apply to the PD, assuming I pass all the tests and become a rookie, how do I know to which precinct/station I will be assigned? Is there a preference system or is it based on to which station you live closest?

For me, I plan on eventually applying to the Denver PD, but more specifically, I would like to work in North West Denver (Station 1, i believe, if anyone here is works in Denver). How should I go about getting assigned to a certain part of the city, or does it not matter?

Thanks. Hopefully this wasn't answered elsewhere, but I saw no related post.

[Citicop]

They may take requests, but the only thing that likely matters is where they need the body.

-Citicop.

[retdetsgt]

We have 5 precincts where I worked and it generally wasn't that difficult to get transferred to the one you wanted once you got your probation completed. It might take a few months, but it would happened. There are always openings coming up.

[marinepilot]

About the same as the answers above really. We have 6 precincts and the priority goes to where they need the body first. We do fill out a wish list of where and what shift we'd like to go to when we complete FTO, and they try to work with you, but there is still no guarantee. After your probation is up you are more than welcome to fill out a transfer request, but it's mainly a 1 for 1 swap, so you pretty much have to find someone who is working where you want to work and see if they want to (or do your best to make them) trade with you. And then there's the occasional three or more way deal, but that's pretty rare.

[fromLA]

Thanks. And, I'm not familiar with that acronym, FTO?? I also have this other question:

While this is farther down the line for me, as a LEO, I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, but after 2-3 years, you can apply to transfer to a certain division, like Gangs, Narcotics, Cyber, etc. I'd personally like to work in Gangs. To help me look more appealing when trying to get into that division, I want to get started on things that would help me there. So, here's my question, as a college student in S.D., who or what dept. should I contact within the SDPD, regarding doing community work/outreach? My spanish isn't perfect but it would be good enough for most cases. I'd like to either work with keeping kids out of trouble and/or helping build a sense of trust between the community and the SDPD. What are my options, if any, as a Civi? Granted, I plan on moving to Denver in the next year to year and a half, but I'd like to start building my resume (for lack of a better word) sooner.

[retdetsgt]

FTO = Field training officer. The guy who will teach you how to be a cop.

What will get you into gangs or any other special division is your reputation as a police officer in general. They want people who are hard working, display common sense and get along with your peers.

Edited to add:

When I was in drugs and there was an opening on my crew, although I had access to personnel records, they didn't mean that much. Since I hadn't worked the street in a while, I wasn't all that familiar with some of the people applying for the spot. It's not at all uncommon for the Sgt to query some of the trusted members of his team about applicants and see what they thought of them. One cop knows more about how good another cop is more than the supervisors or command when it comes down to it. The captain was the ultimate decider, but he took my recommendation and I listened to my troops because they had to work with that person. That's why your reputation among your peers is so important. I wanted a good worker, but had no time for hot shots or people with ego problems. Small units work as a team and need to cohesion and people that fit in.

[Ispbear]

This will be on a departmental basis and vary from one department to the next. In general you can expect to be stationed where they need the manpower to begin with. Then depending upon the department they will take transfer request between 1 to 3 years after your hire date. Most of the time the transfers are senority based so it may take longer to make the transfer that you want.

[retdetsgt]

We seem to have enough people retiring and slots opening up other ways. I transferred from one precinct to another twice in 10 years and it took me only a couple of months from the time I put in for it until I was moved.

Manning strength is the ultimate goal, but my old department generally made as much effort as reasonable to let people work where they wanted to be.

Going to a specialized division is a different matter. They don't have slots opening up nearly as often.

[fromLA]

Thanks for the input. About how long does it take from rookie out of the academy to be able to put in a transfer for gangs for example. I imagine at least 2 yrs at the least? 4?

[retdetsgt]

Thanks for the input. About how long does it take from rookie out of the academy to be able to put in a transfer for gangs for example. I imagine at least 2 yrs at the least? 4?

Here, 3 minimum. Four or five would be more realistic. You really need that much street experience before you try to specialize.