Expert: Jason Grabill - 11/18/2010

Question
Jason,
Checking back in - asked about 3 weeks back as far a juvenile record and job with MTA Police and how there is no clear guide as to my certification w/MPCTC because of it. Waited 3 weeks- heard nothing after the Sgt. told me they would have an answer in 1 week. E-mailed my BI and asked if there was any movement on the subject since it has been 2 weeks longer then anticipated- if I am out with the MPCTC the my app with Balt Co PD and Harford Co Sheriff is waste of paper too.... kinda want to know something. So she e-mailed me back with no actual answer, just that she has spoken with her Sgt. and I would be getting a phone call or mail about the matter. This makes me think I am screwed, but then goes on to lite me up about how this is not an authorized channel of communication to e-mail her while I am in the hiring process..so on and so on. Iam only one of many and they cannot answer every question as to where a candidate is in the process... I feel like a puppy that got smacked in the nose with a rolled up magazine. Felt that an e-mail would let her respond at her convenience and not have talk if she was busy during my call.I was never told e-mail was off limits and all the personnel have phone and e-mail listed on the state phone directory. I am turning 40 in a few months. I have been working hard to get in shape and pass the PAT's for the local depts for almost a year now, if I am out I need to know. I have a family/ wife and kids. I am a little old to be playing games and wasting my time and the depts time. I need to move on if I can not get certified in MD. In your opinion should I reply to my BI with a phone call apology, leave it alone and do nothing, call her Sgt. who she named in the e-mail, or just sit here and wait it out. After dealing with the other depts, MTA process is starting to seem like a not very well run agency. Any thoughts??????????

Answer
Robert:

 Alas, sounds somewhat typical of larger agencies background investigators.  Yes, they are overworked and expected to produce results for a BUNCH of candidates but it doesn't surprise me they were nasty about their response...and about not telling you in advance you weren't supposed to contact them...(Which IMO is stupid..but that's just my opinion).

I'd do nothing, contacting her Sgt will just waste your time.  MTA used to have a decent reputation.....but not sure about now.  

I don't blame you a bit by the way.