PSP or NOT?

[ACRI]

Hello, I have been a municipal LEO for the past six years, working for a department consisting of seven full-time officers and several part-time officers. Although the department is small in size, with very limitied advancement opportunities, the pay is decent $42-$45 year.

After a long process, I have been offered appointment to the next PSP Academy beginning Oct 1st. As I have already made plans and have full intentions on attending the academy, at times I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I have heard all the horror stories about the academy, but feel I am somewhat prepared being prior military and already in the field of LE.

I guess the only questions I struggle with our, how is the academy going to affect my family, wife and two young kids, and is my career going to be better with PSP than my local PD? I have a lot of respect for the PSP and feel I deserve to move on from a department lacking in opportunities. Well I apprectiate any input their may be out there. Is their anyone else on the site going to the next PSP academy? Thanks in advance for your input.

[Joe159]

First off, congrats!! I say go for it. PSP is a great agency. Great pay and benifits etc. I'm sure you and your family will be just fine during your training at the PSP academy. You will only have to deal with it for 6 months or so. Its a matter of choice. If you really enjoy working for a very small dept, then stay. Personally, I would consider the PSP to be more rewarding. Just my opinion.

[darb30]

Acri,

Congrats!! I have made it through the process with PSP but will not be in the October class. I will be going in the class after you. Are you from the 99 or 2000 list? Just remember that the academy is only 6 months and after that you never have to do it again.


Brad

[TrueBlue]

Well at least it's nice to know someone else who is in my shoes. I also have 6 years of LE experience at a small (30 sworn) department. I am currently a patrol Sergeant and I am in the begining stage of the hiring process for KSP. I often wondered if I was doing the right thing, but there is little room for advancement at my PD. To prove the point we have an officer who has been at our Department for 34 years and he is only an Lt. and with no further room for advancement he locked in there until he retires at 62.
I love the Kentucky area and I am willing to be a "rookie" all over again. It's a hard thing to do, but I have the full backing of my wife and family and it really helps. In the end you have to ask yourself, like I did, is the end result worth all of the trouble? Good luck to you and stay safe,

[HB]

Congratulations on your appointment to the PSP academy! You have a really wonderful opportunity here. Only you can make the final decision. Although the academy period will be somewhat difficult as far as the separation from your family, countless recruits have done it in the past. Once it's done, that's it. The academy is only once. The PSP will offer a lot of opportunity you know you'll never approach in your current position. Discuss this with your wife and kids (although I don't know the ages of the kids). I think you would have a very fulfilling career with PSP. Just make sure you are mentally and physically prepared for the academy. My .02 would be you earned the appt, you deserve it, now go get it ! Good Luck !

[Gar]

Stop the belly aching soldier. You got chosen for a spot so many seek. You must have what it takes to succeed. And about your family, you have a job in LE already. So I personally think that won’t be an issue, she’ll understand. Suck it up. Get rid of the butterflies. IT’S SHOWTIME!!!:shoot2:

[ACRI]

I THANK EVERYONE FOR YOUR REPLYS TO POST (PSP OR NOT?) dARB30, i WAS ON THE 1999 LIST AND IT TOOK APPROX 2YEARS TO COMPLETLY PROCESS. ONE WORD OF ADVISE Darb30 is to begin buying your materials needed for the academy EARLY! I have probably spent close to $500 all said and done. I am just learning how to use this site, but if some how you could provide me with your email, I could speak with ya in further details and possibly give ya some insight while I'm at the academy.

[d8771]

Good advice, You can ease the burden if you buy incrementally.

[darb30]

ACRI,

Check your pm.

[ETPDCOP]

I would say go for it also if you can afford it. If I recall the pay for the 6 months while you are in the academy is really low but if you can swing that..........
Lots of oppurtunity and a great retirement program.