How many years & interviews before you got hired?

[rtm038]

Hello all,
How long did it take you (years) and how many tests and interviews did you have to go through till you got your first (maybe not your dream job) job in law enforcement?

[stuka88]

Thankfully, I got hired on very quickly. I was testing with two departments simultaneously--one being my "dream job" and the other one that was very close to it.

My dream job expedited everything so that they could get an offer in before the other, so in all it took me just one month and nine days from testing to confirmation of drug and psychological clearance. Very quick! I'll start in late January and will begin the academy itself on February 11.

[UN_Cop]

I tried to get on with New Orleans Police for a couple of years and got the "thank you but screw you" letter. I realize now that was a blessing. I then applied to two other departments and got on with both. They where very close to each other time wise, about 8 months. Forgive me brothers, but I used politics for one of them.

My "dream" job I have not applied for yet, I want the 1811. I have a couple of background issues and trying to put together a great package with a Masters Degree and becoming an officer in the Army Reserves. From what I hear the Feds take a while to process.

Good luck and take care.

[kenoshacop]

It took me about 1 1/2 years to get hired with the dept. I am currently with. That is from the time I submitted my application to the date I was hired. Prior to and during that time period, I also failed an interview with 1 dept, didn't score in the top 5% on the PAT for another dept, submitted an application and never heard from a dept, and was still in the process with another department. I've been here for almost 7 years.

Currently, I am in the process with LAPD. I took the 1st written test a year ago in October, and did the rest of the process last January. I am currently making arrangements to go out there and take my polygraph exam and to do some tests I've already passed as they expire next month.

[rtm038]

Thanks guys/gals for the responses. I have been doing this for a little over 2 years so far and man is it frustrating sometimes. Many of my friends who are "on the job" with local departments said it takes an average of 3 years to get a job in this state, so I'm not too worried yet.

I've already been through the academy and I thought that this would help, but it seems that every worth while department out there only accepts resumes from guys like me and there are usually 40 or 50 of us going for 1 spot. It also seems like everyone has a degree also these days (I'm not complaining, just pointing out some facts).

Anyway, I thought I'd just throw the question out there and see what happens. I've applied to a few departments recently as well as 2002 the NJ Civil Service exam, so hopefully something will come up in the next few months.
Congrats and good luck to all of those who've gotten hired .and be safe brothers/sisters.

P.S. By the way, there is nothing wrong with using a political "hook" to get the job you want, so long as you deserve it and are worthy of it. If I ever get the opportunity, I might use one. It happens everyday, in every type of business and it's just the way it goes.

RTM038