• There has been a recent cluster of spammers accessing BARFer accounts and posting spam. To safeguard your account, please consider changing your password. It would be even better to take the additional step of enabling 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) on your BARF account. Read more here.

Becoming a LEO 101

I have a question for the LEOs here. I'm having trouble getting my "foot thru the door" on law enforcement because so many agencies are not hiring for recruit/trainee. I was thinking of taking the POST exam and enrolling myself into a POST academy at SJ Delta College or Alameda academy in Dublin.

Would this improve my chances of getting into an agency or the same as recruit status? I'm having a hard time with other jobs simply because my resume has so much on it from my military experience (military police too) that I need to just try and get into an agency and start working again as an LEO.
 
Go to the academy and apply as a reserve after you graduate. Its a great way to get your "foot in the door".

On a side note, how is your military experience hindering you from obtaining employment?
 
1085One said:
Go to the academy and apply as a reserve after you graduate. Its a great way to get your "foot in the door".

On a side note, how is your military experience hindering you from obtaining employment?
Click to expand...

It's not really hindering. I just feel that I should start applying to related fields. At first I thought law enforcement would be a fall back plan but I was quite wrong on that considering how much it takes to get through the hiring process.

Applying and becoming a reserve; how many get hired as a Sworn Officer and how long? I would like a full-time paying job but I've never thought of the Reserves as I do not know much about that.
 
JDMPenn said:
It's not really hindering. I just feel that I should start applying to related fields. At first I thought law enforcement would be a fall back plan but I was quite wrong on that considering how much it takes to get through the hiring process.

Applying and becoming a reserve; how many get hired as a Sworn Officer and how long? I would like a full-time paying job but I've never thought of the Reserves as I do not know much about that.
Click to expand...

The amount that get hired really depends on each agency. Plus even if you don't get hired full time with the agency you become a reserve with, it will still make you a more attractive candidate.

Also getting a BA would help too.
 
1085One said:
The amount that get hired really depends on each agency. Plus even if you don't get hired full time with the agency you become a reserve with, it will still make you a more attractive candidate.

Also getting a BA would help too.
Click to expand...

Sounds good. I'll try for the Basic POST this year and try that plan out. Thanks for the advice.
 
A nice dark (blue or black wool is good) single-breasted professional suit, that fits well. No plaid or bling threading. White shirt, conservative tie. Wristwatch and one ring, no bracelet(s) unless you're Hindu.

See: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/john-w-nordstrom-travel-wool-suit/3215532?origin=category

Think that you're going for an interview with J. Edgar Hoover, and dress appropriately. Check out Mad Men. No smoking beforehand, make sure your hands are clean, nails trimmed. Shave. No cologne. Short haircut, no soul patch or goatee.

Be polite, say 'sir' or 'ma'am' as appropriate. Smile, but don't joke.

Good luck!
 
Black suits are for looking badass at parties, not job interviews.

Blue or gray suit.
 
Gents, I don't think a suit color matters for shit, but rather the fact that it's clean and pressed.
 
Cincinnatus said:
A nice dark (blue or black wool is good) single-breasted professional suit, that fits well. No plaid or bling threading. White shirt, conservative tie. Wristwatch and one ring, no bracelet(s) unless you're Hindu.

See: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/john-w-nordstrom-travel-wool-suit/3215532?origin=category

Think that you're going for an interview with J. Edgar Hoover, and dress appropriately. Check out Mad Men. No smoking beforehand, make sure your hands are clean, nails trimmed. Shave. No cologne. Short haircut, no soul patch or goatee.

Be polite, say 'sir' or 'ma'am' as appropriate. Smile, but don't joke.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

#1 J. Edgar Hoover was a cross dresser, so what are you getting at?

#2 Some of my best interviews involved me getting the panel laughing.
 
I have a couple interviews coming up; is carrying a briefcase overkill? Or would a portfolio suffice?
 
JDMPenn said:
I have a couple interviews coming up; is carrying a briefcase overkill? Or would a portfolio suffice?
Click to expand...

1) How about nothing.

2) If you are required to turn something in at the time of the interview, to the panel, then go for the smaller portfolio. If not see # 1.
 
bojangle said:
1) How about nothing.

2) If you are required to turn something in at the time of the interview, to the panel, then go for the smaller portfolio. If not see # 1.
Click to expand...

I figured the first. I didn't want to be caught unprepared. Thanks.
 
any agencies taking applications right now? i was going to apply to sfpd, but i found out about it too late and missed the filing deadline.
 
End of year is when we put it out. Its closed now. I'd suggest you pick agencies your interested in and find a way online to be notified when their open (online interest card effectively).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top