what if no out-of-town setup

[howardw]

This is something of a vague question. Does it
mean anything if an agency doesn't have a process
for out-of-town folks (like condensing everything
into a few days)? I would guess that either:
a. they haven't thought about it
b. they get enough local recruits
c. they get enough internal state laterals
d. ??

I'm very interested in miami-dade, but after
talking with two folks for them, it appears
that at least three trips are necessary:
1. civil service exam
2. interview/physical
3. psych/poly

I might have gotten the order mixed up with 2/3,
but the point is that they seem to not need/want
out-of-state folks, and three plane trips makes
this prohibitive. Most of the other florida
depts (big ones) do have out-of-state setups
(tampa/st. pete/orlando/ft. lauderdale), so it
isn't a foreign concept there. Any ideas on this?

Like I said, it is a vague question, but it is
bugging me that a large, pretty-well respected
agency doesn't have out-of-state accomodations
for applicants. Maybe I'm just ranting...

Howard

[LeCarre]

Even the PD's that have out of town programs require 2 to 3 trips to the municipality. I'd suggest that you contact them and actually ask them if they make any special considerations for out of town folks. For instance, Las Vegas doesn't have an out of town program per se, but they expedite the process along so that as much as possible can get done while you're there. The same may be the case in Miami Dade.

You want to talk about a stupid system? Chicago is hurting for cops right now, but they won't budge from offering the entrance exam once per year, probably because that's just the way it's always been. So, they'll be several hundred cops short until the test again next May and then cumulatively there on. Really progressive, huh?

[donnie999]

Lecarre,

I live in Chicago and I see them hurting for Cops. They are almost 7000 short of Cops. The population is 2,998,500 and when you have 13,500 Cops that isnt enough. Cops should count for at least 10% of the population. But they wont change to saye anybody's life(nothing intended)

Don

[NY7PtStar]

In regards to the question about the processes some locales have, it just may be finances on their part. They have a system set up to test and process applicants, and they are only able to afford to do it a particular way. Even Alaska has to have you return. Quite a few agencies are not set up to run the whole gamut at once. Most will give you enough time between appearances so that you can set up a discount fare with an airline. Sometimes if it is worth going once, it is worth going back. Good luck!

[Ridgeback]

LeCarre is correct. I tested out of state, and they do have a condensed program for "us", but it was still two trips.

The worst though, was before Denver went to condensed and I had to fly out for a FIVE MINUTE oral board. No joke. Talk about wanting something bad. :)

Anyhow, Howardw, ask them and see if they can condense it to two trips. Most are willing to work with you, but two to three trips, even for out-of-state is the norm.

Good luck

[CustomsCop]

I hope you have abit of money saved. I dont think Miami Dade (are you talking Miami city or the old Metro Dade pd?) has an out of town setup. Also dont always think flying is the way, sometimes it might be cheaper to take the bus or train (yes I know its a cheap plug for Amtrak)

[howardw]

I was talking about miami-dade (formerly metro-dade). I would
consider Miami PD, but they don't even have a webpage for
pete's sake... :-)

Howard

[AndyShank]

Chicago came to mind as soon as I read the first message and after reading some of the other replies, I see I'm not alone. Chicago A) only tests once a year B) requires YOU pick up the application in person and I believe C) turn it in in person at a later date. That's two trips right there and you haven't even hardly begun the process!

It's my opinion that some departments like CPD would rather have locals applying. It's hard to fathom that a big department like CPD would still be akin to the "good ol' boy" network, but it wouldn't surprise me. They want who they want and they don't make any concessions to those who don't live and die the bears and bulls.

[howardw]

That's an interesting take and something I've
been thinking about. Namely, that depts
that actively recruit/help/seek out-of-state
people are likely to have better people.
Partly because of the increased pool size,
and partly because of a good attitude
(i.e. very serious about finding good people).

I would liken this to corporations that fly
people from all over the country to interview
instead of just using the locals.

Howard

[NY7PtStar]

Re: HowardW,

Agencies who actively travel and solicit out of state, eg. (Las Vegas PD, Baltimore PD, Atlanta PD, etc.) find a wider variety of candidate, usually skilled in big-city IPC (Inter-personal communications), real-life street experience, and a more versatile outlook. I feel in today's world, the good ol' boy network, severely limits the public's ability to hire the best officer with the best all-round skills and experience, and the best potential to serve and protect them. The use of force ladder has many rungs, the higher and quicker you climb, of course depends upon the immediate circumstance, but personal and agency liability demands you use the least amount of force that is "reasonable and necessary".

Sorry that I've rambled, but it is important. Anyway, once you have good communication skills, you are more valuable to any agency. Keep your ears and optics open. Good Luck!

[yanks]

If anyone knows what does the written exam normaly consist of for the miami dade police dept please let me know. I would also like to know how low on the grades do they usually go to, and how long does it take to continue the process after the written exam.



Thanks.