[rpoz-29]

For whatever reason my youngest son wants a career in law enforcement. He graduated from college on the Dean's List with a BA in criminal justice. Should be a slam-dunk, right? When filling out the mountain of paper work that goes with the application, he mentioned a night where he and a couple of friends were coming home from the gym. One of them found some paint balls in the floor of the car and they tossed them at some street signs as they drove past. He also told them of a couple of parties he had in college where there was booze and minors in attendance. He can not get a job. He was told that because he was almost 21 when he threw the paint balls, and over 21 when the parties were held, AND he had already declared his major, he showed poor judgement. I agree, it was stupid, but DAMN! He applied for a job in Chesterfield County where he had two ex officers and a circuit court judge, (who have known him since birth), all send letters recommending him for the job. The county never even contacted them as references. The county has held job fairs in New York, Ohio, Michigan that I know of pleading for officers, but won't hire someone born, raised, educated, in the same county. All the while they advise the citizens to "Keep your tax dollars" at home. I know of 3 other kids this has happened to, and all 3 eventually got jobs in Law Enforcement. Oddly enough, once they were out of the academy, 2 of them were contacted by Chesterfield for an interview. Neither went, and one is now in the Secret Service, and the other is a Detective with the city of Richmond. Sorry to be long winded, but this is the only forum where I think enough of the members opinions to write.

This post has been edited by rpoz-29: Dec 15 2007, 03:16 AM

[SS2win]

...

But as a general rule, they're good people who have a tough job

...

I agree with your observations for the most part but then there's "This Guy" who is just out of control.

[bn_bullet]

rpoz-29,

Has your son considered applying for the U.S. Capitol Police in Washington D.C.? They are a federal entity and might be worth considering. Just a thought...

[rpoz-29]

I think he wants to stay closer to home. The way I see it, the FARTHER away he ges, the better his chances may be. To me, the Capital Police seem like a good deal with a chance for promotion.

This post has been edited by rpoz-29: Dec 19 2007, 12:02 AM

[Absolut Speed]

I can't speak for Chesterfield, but in general, it helps to get veterans points and to pay for your own academy training in whichever state you hope to work. It is very hard to hire a good police officer. Turnover is high, pay is not great (but the bennies usually make up for it in the long run) and there's no respect in the community. Officers are a potential liability and police commissions/cities/civil service boards or whoever does the hiring easily gets hinky about things.

If he wants a job in small town downstate Illlinois, we need some good candidates this spring and I can assure you, it's not the least bit political in my city.