quick question

[Jonnyboy182]

I have been resigned to the idea that I would have to work full time while attending the modular academy next year. However, the town I currently live in has announced they are hiring Police trainees, which, if I were to be hired, would pay for my academy, as well as pay me to attend! I was filling out all the information sheet and I noticed that upon graduation from the academy I would be required to sign a 5 year contract. How normal is this? Not that I have a problem with the idea of sticking around for the next 5 years, but I'm just wondering how normal that is. Thanks guys!

And wish me luck! I'm still applying!

[retired]

I would surmise that it has become more normal than it was in previous years. LAPD has had that policy for some time and there is a very good reason for it.

In their particular case and I would say the same for other depts., they would pay someone while they were in the academy, the cadet would graduate and begin working for them. They would obtain their Basic Post certificate after one year, then lateral to another dept. they liked better or paid better or was closer to home, etc.

LAPD was losing a lot of new officers after a year on and after a sizable outlay of funds to train them. That is why they instituted that policy for them.

If it was me starting out and considering how some depts. are laying leos off, I would not hesitate to sign it. If you decide to move to greener pastures after 5yrs., you will have met your commitment to them and have the experience to lateral to another dept. You would have a distinct advantage over a new recruit.

Good luck.

[Jonnyboy182]

That's what I figured-and I'm fine with the idea, it's actually a really good one. I have spent the last 3 years in this area-and it's gone by very quickly. I know someone that works in the City and she told me they are hiring 2 officers-also that I could expect stiff competition. My background is clear, although my credit score could be better, it was good enough for me to get a house last year and it continues to improve as stupid choices I made 8-10 years ago fall off. (Ah, the college days of wonder.... sooo stupid) lol

[Ron-Solo]

It is becoming more common due to the costs of training new personnel.

[BigDogatPlay]

Absolutely correct. Not unusual at all these days.

Between the selection process, academy, your salary while you are in the academy, etc. etc. etc., the agency is making a large dollar investment in you. There are more and more agencies requiring a written contract to secure they get their money's worth.

[9mmepiphany]

we do that at our academy...they told me the investment when you graduate was about $65k

we actually have an escape clause in our contract...if you want to leave before your commitment is up, you have to pay the county back what they have invested up to that point. i actually know a couple of folks who left that way. good choice on their part, their department is pretty stable, ours just cut 170 officers

[tyrist]

The contract is not legally enforceable. The contract however is honored from department to department meaning another department will not hire you if you are currently on the 5 year with another.

[sickboy774]

I know some people who left LAPD and were hired on to another department during the 5 year period. I have heard rumors that they are being sued but it is all second hand info. I guess they put a dollar amount to the training and sue for the cost.

[retired]

The contract is not legally enforceable. The contract however is honored from department to department meaning another department will not hire you if you are currently on the 5 year with another.

I had heard the contract wasn't enforceable also, I forgot to mention it tho. I wasn't aware of dept.'s honoring it amongst themselves.

[9mmepiphany]

how employable would you think someone would be who was being sued by another department for breach of contract?

how comfortable would you feel hiring someone has given their word and then broken it?

i don't think it would be so much about honoring another department's contract with an employee as much as what it says about their character

[eta34]

The contract is not legally enforceable. The contract however is honored from department to department meaning another department will not hire you if you are currently on the 5 year with another.

Really? I have two partners that left LAPD that would beg to differ. I think the judges in their respective cases might take issue with the above statement as well. They paid and paid big.

Additionally, the contract is not honored as you say. I can point to countless LAPD officers who have left and gone to other departments while under contract.

[tyrist]

Really? I have two partners that left LAPD that would beg to differ. I think the judges in their respective cases might take issue with the above statement as well. They paid and paid big.

Additionally, the contract is not honored as you say. I can point to countless LAPD officers who have left and gone to other departments while under contract.

The 5 year employment contract was found invalid and it's why the LAPD started giving a bonus at the start of the academy which had to be paid back if the recruits left before 5 years. Every single case may not have won but it only takes one to invalidate something.

The contract is not honored for every department but some will force you to pay back Los Angeles before they will hire you.