Kinda "New"

[Ironhead]

I wanted to drop by here and say "hi"


"HI"


As early as I can remember, I was a member of organizations that wore uniforms and had rank structures. After Cub Scouts and Webelos, I went into the Boy Scouts where I made Eagle in 1981. Three years later I was in the Marines. I got out and briefly became a plumber. I missed the structure and order of the Marines, but didn't want to go back into the service.

I got a job as a Correctional Officer in the County of Warren NJ. I worked in the jail for a year before moving to Virginia.

I went back into Corrections; this time with the VA Dept of Corrections. I worked at Botetourt Correctional Unit 25 for two years. The City of Roanoke picked me up as a police officer in 1993. I worked districts, in traffic bureau and then in the ID lab. I saw an opportunity after 9/11 to help my Country again and joined the TSA in 2002. I soon missed being a cop - but the Federal benefits and pension was hard to give up.

I transferred to the Department of Vererans Affairs as a Police Officer about 2 months ago. I like being back in law enforcement - although it is not a big department, I have the opportunity to transfer within the US if I so desire.

The VA's force is about 3000 strong nation-wide.

I have an Associate's Degree in the Administraion of Justice and
A Bachelors degree from Bluefield College in Criminal Justice.

I've been a member here a long time - but not active until recently.
I'd buy everyone a drink - but I'd be broke ... sorry

Seriously - tip one up if you have one - I am

[Roses]

Hi!

Welcome to the forum!

[Valor55]

PM DC Law your name and agency contact information so he can get you verified and into the LE forums here.

[mcsap]

Welcome back !

[K-9MALY]

Welcome aboard!

[Bearcat06]

PM DC Law your name and agency contact information so he can get you verified and into the LE forums here.

Already hit him up and he's working on it... :D

[SPEtactical]

I did not know that the Department of Veterans Affairs had sworn law enforcement. What are your primary duties?

[mxwelch]

I transferred to the Department of Vererans Affairs as a Police Officer about 2 months ago. I like being back in law enforcement - although it is not a big department, I have the opportunity to transfer within the US if I so desire.

My dad goes over to the VA from time to time to see his doctor. Maybe I'll tag along and see if you're working one day.

[Old Trooper]

Welcome to RP

[Oldbillplod]

I think you are the oldest new member on here

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Welcome back to posting. How does the VA treat you as LE? I've heard they almost don't want to admit they even have police.

[Darin]

Be careful of the VA police...they are traffic nazi's....they sneaky with their RADAR. LOL

[Ironhead]

I did not know that the Department of Veterans Affairs had sworn law enforcement. What are your primary duties?

The role of a sworn LEO in a VA hospital is a mix of things. Primarily we seek compliance to State law and US Code on the VA property. We do that through voluntary complaince and issing US District Court violations.

My VA has one of the largest psych wards in the area. We keep the peace and enforce TDO's (Temp Detaining Orders). Another large part of our job entails what street cops refer to a "community policing"

Being a hospital there are lots of illegal drug transactions that go on. Some vets that are prescribed drugs want some money more, they sell what they are given. Some vets go thorough their drugs too fast and feel that they need more - or they decide that they know better than the doctor's and take drugs that they aren't prescribed at all.

Then you have the case of older vets - the ones from WWII and Korea are up there in years and there are some scum-of-the-earth types that want to prey on them financially - you know, the kind that sees an old guy getting benefits as an easy mark. We do what we can to protect them.

All in all the VA is a great job. As a vet, I feel good that I get to serve the guys and gals that served our country.

[Ironhead]

Welcome back to posting. How does the VA treat you as LE? I've heard they almost don't want to admit they even have police.

Things are getting better. Many Federal LEO's wear a vest and a badge, have powers of arrest and carry guns, BUT ARE NOT considered a "Law Enfocement Officer" for purposes of retirement.

FBI, CIA, DEA, Marshals all work 20 and out in FERS (Federal Employee Retirement System) VA police are among a handful of types of officers that do not. We have a 30 year retirement just like an office worker or any other full-time Federal employee.

The VA is strict with their weapons too. You can take home your entire uniform, but your firearm stays at the armory and your OC and baton stay on Federal property in your locker. Recently the rule was relaxed so that an officer can bring an off duty weapon back and forth to work, so long as it is locked in the armory during working hours and drawn out at quitting time.

At my station we are treated well.

[Frogdiver]

Welcome. Since you're not buying everyone a drink you could afford to by me one.:D I'll have a double Chivas on the rocks please.