Is a CSO Job a good start?

[Tacit Blue]

Hey guys,


After testing with a couple of agencies, and going through the notions like everyone else in this economy. I'm seriously considering doing a CSO job, to at least gain some law enforcement experience. That way an agency can vouch for me.

Also i'm considering doing a modular reserve academy, and working towards a level 1. Which would be the same as a basic post cert. I was considering going to a extended academy format for a year, but in all reality i need to work.

I think at this point, i just wana "take the money and run". What do you think about my plan so far?
I know i won't be able to carry a firearm I was used to that after working in the security industry..

[PositiveInfluence]

That is a great idea, especially since the Department can see you grow from CSO to full time Officer/Deputy. That is how my best friend since elementary did it, he started off at age 18 as a file clerk, moved to CSO and went to a modular academy. Worked his *** off 7 days a week for over a year in an office setting, in the academy and even as a reserve officer. He was rewarded a full time position soon after completion of level one. Get your foot in the door and anything is possible. Always be willing to learn and adapt.

[Tacit Blue]

So i take it's possible to work as a CSO and goto a Modular academy?

I was really pondering, i think an agency would rather hire somebody with some sort of LE experience. Compared to a ' Academy graduate' with none?

I heard of people graduating and not being able to get picked up, but i think real world experience is always more valuable; in certain cases no?

I'm 23, so i guess a few years wont hurt.

[WILDMAN442]

Great Idea!

Not only does it show the hiring agency you possess the drive and determination to better yourself, but you also get to see a lot of things first hand.

I know our CSO takes a lot of our counter reports. She also helps on TC's with photos, taking measurements, and also assists with evidence.

Its a great opportunity for you to gain more knowledge bud. I wish you the best of luck!!!

Justin

[PositiveInfluence]

So i take it's possible to work as a CSO and goto a Modular academy?

Definitely possible, you just have to dedicate a lot of time to reaching your goal. Like I said, my buddy spent 7 days a week for over a year working and learning.

[Falconis]

Hey guys,


After testing with a couple of agencies, and going through the notions like everyone else in this economy. I'm seriously considering doing a CSO job, to at least gain some law enforcement experience. That way an agency can vouch for me.

Also i'm considering doing a modular reserve academy, and working towards a level 1. Which would be the same as a basic post cert. I was considering going to a extended academy format for a year, but in all reality i need to work.

I think at this point, i just wana "take the money and run". What do you think about my plan so far?
I know i won't be able to carry a firearm I was used to that after working in the security industry..

Leave that part out of the interviews. Frowny face included

[Tacit Blue]

Leave that part out of the interviews. Frowny face included

haha.

[gotthelife4u]

I think thats a great road to take. I am going to do almost the same thing. I am going to the modular academy. I plan on working as a reserve for awhile until some of the departments start hiring again. Hopefully I can then apply for a full time position. Like others have said anything to get your foot in the door.

[Tacit Blue]

I think thats a great road to take. I am going to do almost the same thing. I am going to the modular academy. I plan on working as a reserve for awhile until some of the departments start hiring again. Hopefully I can then apply for a full time position. Like others have said anything to get your foot in the door.

Afirm... That's the plan..., I think real world experience will translate over the abundance of Academy Graduates.

Most agencies have like 4-5 positions open.You go in the testing line, and there's anywhere from 50-100 people+

[Falconis]

Actually I mention the above with somewhat seriousness. You wouldnt believe how many people I have heard of mentioning not being able to carry a gun or eventually being able to carry a gun and trying to make it sound somewhat professional during their interview. Bottom line is that it's an automatic axe in my experiences. Just keep it along the lines of you want the job for reasons x,y, and z.

[ironcross]

Guy's,

I was told by personnel of our (Tacit Blue and I) Sheriff's Department that a good route would get your reserve certs and work reserve then apply for full time (If lvl I). As our Sheriff's Department has continuous opening for Deputies.

I know you would have to pay your way through reserve academy.

But...

Would that not be a better route then working CSO?

Even though I've heard the same LVL I reserves on the radio during the weekends for saturation and DUI checkpoints for the past year. Maybe they didn't want to go full time? As the department is actively hiring.

Since I live more in the ghetto than he does. I wouldn't want to patrol in uniform/marked vehicle unless I was armed. Last night there was a security guard shot at as he was walking home into his apartment complex.

[Notorious]

It's a good foot in the door as long as it is on the same department. Then you would know most of the guys and you can build your rep. If it's going to be a lateral to another agency, it ain't gonna help too much. LE is set up to be pretty xenophobic. Agencies are very much entities on their own. You can see how even lateral officers have to go through the whole shebang even though you have been cleared and working in the same capacity.

That being said, we have our CSO program and there were guys made the move to police officer successfully. Good luck to ya.

[Tacit Blue]

I just called the HR dept on testing info, she made the comment that 300 people already applied!. My application isn't even in the pile yet.....Man this economy is crazy, this is a CSO postion. Should I even bother with this agency?

300 people for one position.....

[bubbagump]

Since I live more in the ghetto than he does. I wouldn't want to patrol in uniform/marked vehicle unless I was armed. Last night there was a security guard shot at as he was walking home into his apartment complex.

Last department I worked for was in the Ghetto. Almost all the CSO's lived in the city (or in a nearby ghetto). Same with a few police officers. Some of them had gone to high school with people they were arresting.

Just use your head and you'll be fine.

I just called the HR dept on testing info, she made the comment that 300 people already applied!. My application isn't even in the pile yet.....Man this economy is crazy, this is a CSO postion. Should I even bother with this agency?

Nothing has changed since 2007. I would apply anyways.




Don't let things get you down. I had friends who were CSO's at departments for years and still didn't get hired when they applied for an officer position. Some of them would be offered officer positions. Others left and got hired with other departments. I know one guy who has been a CSO with about 4 departments.

One thing that is very important is NOT doing stupid sh*t while your a CSO. Stacking cars, going hands on with people, getting on peoples bad side...all these things will come back to haunt you when investigators start making phone calls.

[Notorious]

I just called the HR dept on testing info, she made the comment that 300 people already applied!. My application isn't even in the pile yet.....Man this economy is crazy, this is a CSO postion. Should I even bother with this agency?

300 people for one position.....

I'll just say it since there's no other way to put it, with that attitude, no, don't bother. It's gonna be like this for a while in the job market.

That's just the simple truth. If you're not in the mindset to fight for the job, let someone who's hungrier have it.