Starting over again, how was it for you?

[jdubs71]

I've decided to look for another job that would require me to start all over at the bottom again, no seniority, grave yard shift, no holidays and days off during the middle of the week. It's been a tough choice considering I haven't had to work the streets in over 6 years and have pretty much had weekend and holidays off working 4/10's or 5/8's during that time.

I'm considering testing for a lateral position with a large agency so there will be a lot of opportunity after I put the time in. Have any of you made this move? How was it for you, did you regret it later? I have two young children so I'm hoping by the time they're in school I'll be back to working a special assignment that will allow me to have weekends off or at least the ability to take holidays off. I don't want to look back and regret my decision, but I'm stuck where I'm currently at with no real chance of advancement or working an assignment that I would want to work.

I know a lot has changed for patrol guys just in the past 6 years so I want to hear it from you guys, what do you think? When I think of working the streets again I have to say I'm kind of excited, but I know that goes away real fast with mandated overtime shifts every week and dealing with the gene pool scum on a regular basis. At this point I'm leaning more toward the change and taking a chance.

[nobody33]

Are you lateraling to a specific agency? Why don't you go somewhere that has rotation based shifts so you get weekends off at least every once in a while?

[jdubs71]

Are you lateraling to a specific agency? Why don't you go somewhere that has rotation based shifts so you get weekends off at least every once in a while?

There are a couple agencies to choose from that are currently hiring laterals. I'm thinking about the Sheriff's Office In the county I live. Weekends off is nice, but not the most important thing. My kids are young so I would be with them on all may days off. I just mainly wanted to hear from those who have made the jump and how it went. I've been lucky enough to get a lot of experience in a short time so getting a position in Detecteves at some point won't be as difficult as when I was new.

[micro911]

Lateral so you can work at a court. Monday through Friday, 0800-1630 with weekend and holidays off.

[jdubs71]

My question really isn't about wanting weekends off, mostly for those who went to a new agency after 10 plus years and having to start all over again, shift work, FTO, no seniority, was it worth it?

[oddjob]

I think it depends on the benefits & salary. Especially the benefits. I've lateraled twice and the answer is yes.

[5.56]

I have a few friends who have lateraled to different agencies with 15-20 years of experience. For some agencies, they will acknowledge your past experience and take it into account where you only have to do 1 year of probation and you can apply for promotional positions or specialized assignments after completing probation. In general, they have been very happy. The bonus of lateraling to a sheriff's department is the option to work courts as a fall back. Sometimes paying the bills and being happy at home with family is more important than being happy at work.

Crap rolls downhill and with the current national war on police, uniformed patrol is getting HAMMERED. Over the past year I've went from about 40% of most people being compliant and treating me with respect to about a 10% compliance rate. I can't drive more than 5 blocks without someone cussing me out or yelling the latest #hashtag protest trend. Every cop in my division wears a camera and to be honest, I like them A LOT. However, the belief that people behave better if they know they're being recorded is the biggest load of crap. In my experience, people actually feel empowered because they're convinced they're right, did nothing wrong, they're going to be the next headline on national news and the camera footage will be used to make them a youtube star/celebrity and they will win the ghetto lottery. Defense attorneys are also attacking cops on the stand trying to perjure them if there's something in your report that the camera didn't capture. Sorry, off topic but I guess I'm getting to the point that the patrol game has changed massively since you were last in the field. If you transfer, you could potentially be working patrol 1-5 years, maybe more, even the rest of your career......

[jdubs71]

I have a few friends who have lateraled to different agencies with 15-20 years of experience. For some agencies, they will acknowledge your past experience and take it into account where you only have to do 1 year of probation and you can apply for promotional positions or specialized assignments after completing probation. In general, they have been very happy. The bonus of lateraling to a sheriff's department is the option to work courts as a fall back. Sometimes paying the bills and being happy at home with family is more important than being happy at work.

Crap rolls downhill and with the current national war on police, uniformed patrol is getting HAMMERED. Over the past year I've went from about 40% of most people being compliant and treating me with respect to about a 10% compliance rate. I can't drive more than 5 blocks without someone cussing me out or yelling the latest #hashtag protest trend. Every cop in my division wears a camera and to be honest, I like them A LOT. However, the belief that people behave better if they know they're being recorded is the biggest load of crap. In my experience, people actually feel empowered because they're convinced they're right, did nothing wrong, they're going to be the next headline on national news and the camera footage will be used to make them a youtube star/celebrity and they will win the ghetto lottery. Defense attorneys are also attacking cops on the stand trying to perjure them if there's something in your report that the camera didn't capture. Sorry, off topic but I guess I'm getting to the point that the patrol game has changed massively since you were last in the field. If you transfer, you could potentially be working patrol 1-5 years, maybe more, even the rest of your career......

Thanks for the feed back, I thought there would be more people here that have been through this and could shed some light on their experience in starting at the bottom again. I know patrol is not the place to be these days and I don't foresee it getting better anytime soon. I get a mix response from co-workers some say go for it others tell me I'm an idiot for wanting to leave an 8-5 M-F Cush job with lots of flexibility and freedom. I don't get called out in the middle of the night 2-3 times a month like I used to so it is nice. Having a desk job in my early 30's is just not what I should be doing. I know If I go to another agency I can put my time in and within two years be in a special assignment doing something out in the field.

I'm not going to loose or gain anything as far as retirement and benefits, my base pay will be less, but overtime will make up do it and more. I'll go back to working a 4/10 so that extra day off will be nice to spend with the kids. I think at this point I'm mentally ready to make the jump, but I don't want to regret it. I guess there is always a chance of going back to my current job if it doesn't work out.

[5.56]

If you make the move, don't like it and go back, everyone in here knows you will be "that guy" on the department. Every person I've seen jump ship and come crawling back, gets pooped on. They're rotated from division to division, given crappy schedules with no preferential treatment, even with seniority and passed over on promotions due to lack of loyalty. It took each of them about 2 years to get back to where they left off. In my opinion, It's all or nothin' jack. It's your call and I'm not trying to discourage you, just trying to play devils advocate. You need to be really sure. There's always the option if you're vested to take your time and experience to a smaller department out of state where you will be vastly recognized for your experience.

Why not push to promote to patrol sergeant where you're at now? You can still get wrapped up in some foolishness with no obligation to handle radio calls.

[71MUSTY]

In five years you will look back and either: Wish you had, or be glad you did. And 5 years goes by in a flash especially when the kids are young. Do it now and pay your dues and later you will be able to be there for your kids at the ages when having dad involved is most important (per teens - teens).

Plus it will open up greater opportunity in your future.

[jdubs71]

In five years you will look back and either: Wish you had, or be glad you did. And 5 years goes by in a flash especially when the kids are young. Do it now and pay your dues and later you will be able to be there for your kids at the ages when having dad involved is most important (per teens - teens).

Plus it will open up greater opportunity in your future.

That's my thought too. I did it once over 10 years ago, but I was young single and had no real commitments in life. I'm mentally preparing myself for the transition, but nothing if for sure.

[veeklog]

I did it close to 14 years ago, and to be honest, damn glad I did! I lost money at first, but gained all it back within two years plus a lot more in time/experience.

To be honest, if I didn't make the move when I did, I would have quit LE since I realized my old agency was not the place for me.

[jdubs71]

I did it close to 14 years ago, and to be honest, damn glad I did! I lost money at first, but gained all it back within two years plus a lot more in time/experience.

To be honest, if I didn't make the move when I did, I would have quit LE since I realized my old agency was not the place for me.

Thanks for the info I know if I stay where I'm at I'll regret not having had the opportunity to do the things I want.

[GringoBandito6136]

I'm a 12 year guy at an outstanding agency in SoCal. I'm proud to be amongst their ranks, and I've pulled my weight (I think) over the years. But I'm not happy living and working here. I am only a few months away from putting in my papers for a Central Coast agency nearly 200 miles away.

My reasons for leaving what I currently have centers around the needs of my family. It's not burn out related, or personnel issues related. I'm 34 and have spent a third of my life wearing the same patch, and I'll miss it when I take it off. Its simply about listening to my family's needs and reading the tea leaves about SoCal a bit.

If it makes sense to go, and you feel compelled, then do your homework and make the leap. I'm an FTO, and in 8 months time I will be a trainee again. Ha ha ha... no problem! Bring it on. I'll even buy a new un-scratched Streamlight to look the part. And in short time I'll be making proper money again and living and working in a better place. It's a new and welcome adventure. My experience should serve me well.

OP, PM me later if you wanna chat. Seems we're in the same boat.