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Careers: Police/Moving departments
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Question
Sir,
How do retirement, rank and other benefits work in a police department? Specifically in regards to moving departments. If I were to work for a department in one state for X amount of years and then move to a different STATE, what, if anything, would follow me?
The reason I am asking is, I'm looking to get onto a department here in Virginia, but we are planning on buying a home in Florida and eventually moving there in 5-10 years. Would I be "throwing away" a bunch of benefits and be starting from scratch?
Thanks in advance.
Rey,
The best that I can do for is to tell you that SOME states accept time in service as far as retirement is concerned. OTHER states require you to purchase retirement time to apply to your new retirement system. Sometimes it breaks down to the individual police departments so there is really no accurate way to answer the question.
I'd suggest that you contact the department that you are moving TO and ask them how your retirement benefits in your old state applies to your new department.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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