Santa Cruz SO

[WannbeFed]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has been through the SCSO process? Anyone know if there is polygraph? Also about how long does the process take? I think mine might go a little faster as I will be out-of-towner testing. Good department? How about officer morale? Thanks!

[sigy]

WannabeFed, I am currently going through the testing with Santa Cruz. All I have left is the Medical/Treadmill next week. I'm pretty much set to go to the Academy in May. As far as your questions, yes there is a polygraph. I wasn't bad though. The process has gone real quick for me as it probably would for you as long as you pass each phase. I had the written on Dec. 9th to give you an idea. I think it's a great dept. I only applied with them. Yes the area is expensive, but you can't beat the locale with the ocean and mountains all right there. From what I've seen officer morale is good. Everybody is real nice and they are planning lots of upgrades in equipment. If you have any questions just PM me and I'll respond quickly. I have some good insights on the dept.


Sigy:destroy:

[sigy]

WannabeFed, I'll give you my timeline so you can have a better idea. Hope it helps!!!!!


Dec. 9 Written Test
Dec. 10 Physical Abilities Test
Dec. 18 Selection Interview
Dec. 28 Polygraph/Background Begun
Jan. 11 Psych Test
Jan. 25 Background Complete
Jan. 29 Sheriff's Approval
Feb. 7 Conditional Offer Of Employment
************************************
Feb. 26 Medical Exam/Processing
Mar. 4 Treadmill
May. 20 Academy Start Date

[alamo]

I just applied with Santa Cruz this month. I took the POST written test 2 weeks ago. Waiting to take the physical test soon. I gotta agree with sigy- the place is darn expensive, as I just heard it is now ranked highest cost of living in the U.S., but the location is tough to beat. (Plus they got cool green patrol cars!!) Everyone single person I have dealt with so far has been very accomodating and helpful. ...It's kind of refreshing...

Congrats to you, sigy, sounds like you're pretty much there. Must be nice!

[sigy]

Yes, I do love the green patrol cars!!!! Alamo, Good luck to you. It's a great department. I hope many more will get hired. My background investigator said there would only be between 4-6 of us in the academy. I hope there is more though. As far as it being expensive, I'll be living with my girlfriend so that'll cut the rent in half like we do now. Only problem now is I have to find a place to live!!!! The acadmy is in Gilroy, but I'd rather not live there.......Anyways Good luck to alamo, wannbeFed, and Texas Aggie who are all going through the process!!!!!!!!!!



Sigy:destroy:

[WannbeFed]

Hey guys,
I just wanted to thank you for the fast replies. I was wondering if anyone has any idea on what academy I would be look at entering if I start the process in March? Also I know its a high cost of living there. I am not from that area and I was wondering if anyone can recommend places to live on a cop's salary? Thanks and good luck!

[sigy]

WannabeFed, I PM'd you back. If you need to know anything else let me know. I know some places you can live. Good luck!!




Sigy:destroy:

[Texas Aggie]

Hi WannbeFed,

I can't ad much that Sigy hasn't. I am about two weeks behind him in the testing process with Santa Cruz. I had my Psych last Tues. and am waiting for my background to be finished. Aside from a few years I spent in Texas going to college, I have spent my entire life in this area and I love it.

I did a ride along this weekend and it just cemented everything for me. Morale seems to be very high and the group working swing shift seemed to work well together. Teamwork seems to be very important to everyone.

Good Luck to everyone testing.

[dispatchgal]

Texas Aggie,
I am in the South Bay Area and am approaching my pshychological testing... I am betting that most of the bay area PDs and Sherriff's use the same company to do the testing. Can you share with me the process? How much do the probe as far as your family? Like many, I have a fairly disfunctional family and would hate for that to work against me.