Expert: Loren Stevens - 12/27/2004

Question
Hi Mr. Loren,

I read your stats and thought you may be willing to provide an opinion on my issue.

My name is Nathan, I'm 23 and about to graduate from college.  I'm currently in the application process for the Johnson County sheriff's dept and the police dept in Olathe Kansas.

I applied to 3 local police dept in October and hadn't heard from any of them.  I met a deputy with the sheriff's dept and he recommended that I apply with them.  They began the application process rather quickly and it was really exciting and looks promising.  They just finished my background checks and I'm supposed to go in for my polygraph test in mid Jan.

My problem is, I just recently was contacted by the police dept and they want to begin the application process at the end of Jan.  I have talked with another officer and he said that I would be more valuable to a federal agency - ATF or FBI, if I had street experience with the PD or Highway patrol, which is where I think I would like to end up.  From what I understand, I won't be receiving very much street experience with the sheriff's dept.  On the other hand, the master deputy that I have been in contact with throughout my app process said that I would have more opportunities with them.

Would you happen to have an opinion on my dilemma?  A new Sheriff was just elected and I have been told that it's possible that I would be maintaining the detention center for an extended period of time.  I'm afraid I will lower my chances of continuing my career if I go down the wrong path.  

If I am offered a job with the sheriff's dept and I accept, it would hurt my record severely if I was to quit and go to the PD if they offer me a position.  At the same time, if I pass up the offer with the sheriff and not start their training, I may not get offered a job with the PD.

I really appreciate any guidance that you may be able to give and hope you have a wonderful day.

Nathan


Answer
Nathan,
" To thyn own self be true...."
My friend, life is but a series of CHOICES. Your "delema" is not exactly quantum physics. My point, is to go after that which you REALLY want. All the stuff in between, is but filler.
It's not unusual for a Sheriff's office to put new hires working the jail. It's kind of based on seniority, coupled with those who don't want to work the streets, or for a number of reasons, can't work the street.
Most contemporary agencies, are getting away from this kind of "orientation" assignments, and going for CORRECTION officers as a career position.
Old salts will tell you of the advantages of working the jail, eg., you get to learn who the assholes are, their associates et al. This is well and good, but how long is the process? spending a long time working the jail tends to stagnate the gains.
A disadvantage, is that all the assholes get to see you too, which would not be helpful if you get to work any covert assignments.
GENERALLY, a PD gets you into the street quicker, and working URBAN, rather than rural is a different gig. Plus, you won't have to work "crumb" stuff, like serving process papers etc.
If I was to recommend going to a local agency, I'd say go to one that is atleast mid sized or larger. There is little to be gained by working some Hooterville dept that has little action going on.
I'd also say go to an agency that is in a growth mode, where the population of their jurisdiction is expanding. This way, the odds are better for hooking up with a progressive agency, more opportunity, better compensation package, better dept. budget appropriations et al.
An example would be the Las Vegas metropolitan Police Dept.
However, if it is your intention to go with the feds, you need to consider which agency....Treasury Dept, DOJ etc. Virtually EVERY fed agency has a law enforcement component, plus the military has civilian law enforcement personnel. It depends on what you want to do. You didn't mention what your degree field was in.
Talk to several fed recruiters, and personnel folks on what their staffing pattern looks like, in terms of employment opportunities.
What you need to know for any of these fed agencies, they'll teach you....more or less. Beyond that, a REAL professional continues to learn on their own. Also, every area has cop hangouts, or gyms where cops go. It's smart to know troops on other agencies for networking, and learning some good moves.
I wouldn't screw around with a temporary "if-come" caper, when the feds is what your target goal is. Take the direct line, and go for it.
Keep in mind, that with the feds, you will probably start at living at a less than desirable location in the country, and be subject to transfers.
Good luck, hope this has been helpful.
loren