Job interest

[Ron-Solo]

I know someone who got transferred in the middle of an EM shift because he put the Sheriff on hold at about 3 AM when PJP asked for the Temple Station watch commander. PJP called the station captain a few minutes later and told him to fire the deputy (which totally violated civil service rules. The Captain of Temple Station called the Captain of San Dimas Station after hanging up with the Sheriff, and they arranged his mid shift transfer by 4 am. (the deputy had a transfer request in for San Dimas also). When Pitchess called the captain in the morning, the first thing he asked was what had happened to that deputy. The captain replied, "Sir, he no longer works here" which wasn't a lie. The Sheriff changed the subject, and the rest is history. "Retired" worked with him too.

[Singularity]

I love the comment about soccer moms. I also understand parks are a great place for criminals (can you say Fort Bragg area). I guess what I will do is start to look for some volunteer positions and then get a feel for what area of the "out doors" I'd like to work in. Doesn't have to be a park ranger, could just be a tree hugging trail master. I also noticed the TSA was doing some hiring out here in the (l)East bay, but honestly I hate dealing with them at the airports, so I am not sure how well I would fit in with that organization.

What blows is that all the "fun" jobs, seem to be very scarce, and pay very poor. I guess if worse comes to worse, I can just start working towards helping out boy scouts or something.. ;-) It would be nice to have a job where you actually contribute to something meaningful, if you know what I mean..

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions, I appreciate it.

[Ron-Solo]

Singularity, avoid the TSA. It is basically a minimum wage job, that will go nowhere. Customs and Border Protection is one of the LE agencies that seem to be hiring regularly. A friend was recently hired and he spends a lot of time outdoors in the back country setting up motion sensors and such, along with regular border protection duties. He loves what he is doing. He was issued an H&K P2000 .40 cal as his duty weapon and also carries an AR in the field.

Best of luck to you.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I am mystified by the idea of desiring a career in LE but not wanting to deal with criminals.

I'd love to drive the hoop around looking bad*** and chatting up the ladies in between cups and code 7 rolls, but unfortunately dealing with criminals is what this job is about.

The parks guys do the same stuff, just with even less b/u and in more remote areas.

[Che762x39]

I love the comment about soccer moms.

What blows is that all the "fun" jobs, seem to be very scarce, and pay very poor.

Marines is fun.

Firefighter is a better choice for you I think.

[BigDogatPlay]

I am leaning more toward park ranger, because I don't think I have the personality/patience to deal with criminals.

I have a number of friends who are State Park Peace Officers... from rangers up through to division chiefs. I also know one of their recruiters, so I can speak with a bit of knowledge.

There are any number of parks that are very laid back and the rangers don't do a lot of enforcement. There are an equal, if perhaps not larger, number of park units that are very much enforcement focused.

Bottom line if you're going to wear the badge of a peace officer you have to be prepared to deal with whatever comes along. If you've self identified as not having the personality or patience to deal with criminals I'd honestly recommend you consider a different career path.

If you do want to pursue it, be aware that going to a unit like Mt. Tam or Mt. Diablo is not in any way guaranteed. Cadets from the academy go where there are openings and put in bids for assignments. you can learn more about the selection process at the State Parks web site. I'm not aware that they have an exam period open right now. You'd likely be best served by contacting a recruiter.

National Park Service rangers are, often, a bit more laid back in assignments but again that can vary wildly depending on the park unit you're assigned to.

[Foriegn power]

Not to start anything but I truly believe the State Park Rangers admin personnel is racist. IF you want to be hired for that position you better be a certain color and 6'+. PM for details.

[cdownin]

Everybody is racist in one form or another get over it and don't let it discourage you from being persistent about ur career goals.

And to the op I think he has been working in the bank too long and has become soft or too good to work in a jail because of his experience/qualification. Most tines you change jobs you start over on the totem pole.

[Samuelx]

Everybody is PREJUDICED in one form or another get over it and don't let it discourage you from being persistent about ur career goals.

Fixed it for ya...

[Samuelx]

I am mystified by the idea of desiring a career in LE but not wanting to deal with criminals.

I'd love to drive the hoop around looking bad*** and chatting up the ladies in between cups and code 7 rolls, but unfortunately dealing with criminals is what this job is about.

The parks guys do the same stuff, just with even less b/u and in more remote areas.

hahaha

On another LE forum, we had one interested poster state that he wanted to work LE because he was tired of his customer service job and couldn't/didn't want to deal with problematic customers any more. When we attempted to correct his misconceptions about LE work, he turned into a complete ahole - which kinda explained why he wasn't any good at the couple of customer service jobs he had held up until this point in his life...

[ckim34]

look at East Bay Regional Parks Police, not sure they are hiring though

[cdownin]

Fixed it for ya...

Thanx

Ive done a type of customer service all my life in any job ur serving someone. An LEO protects and serve the public. in my experience the only downfall is when the drama from work comes home. I have had my car windows shot out because losers are mad about situations at work and take it to a whole other level. I just wonder how to deal with idiots like this when ur LEO because you mostly deal with morons so I know it has to come to your home sooner or later. How do you guys handle it honestly.

[Che762x39]

Everybody is racist in one form or another get over it and don't let it discourage you from being persistent about ur career goals.

If city "A" won't hire you look at city "B".

If you think about the economy and the fact an agency may have 5 openings and you have 3000 applicants. 2000 have a HS diploma, 500 some college and 500 a degree plus. What about military Veterans? Lateral transfers from other agencies?

In the 21st century you need to have an impressive resume. Of course if you look like an actor that helps.

[rudeboy3]

Just graduated the NPS Law Enforcement academy here...Park Rangers (whether state or federal) deal with every thing you can imagine and more. My biggest beef with fellow class mates was the few who think this is barely a LE job and got a huge wake up call in training. State Rangers in CA (I no longer live there, thank god) deal with a large number of crime and apparently today there was a shots fired call and a pursuit down in Hungry Valley.

[HisOwnHero]

If you are looking to work outdoors and want to be in LE but not do the type of work that cops do I would recommend the Border Patrol. The work is all outdoors, you will get to hike, ride ATV's, horses, 4x4's etc. The work is exciting but can also be boring like any other LE job out there.