Question for the Law Enforcement Types - Oi! Piggies!

FlakJacket · Post by **FlakJacket** » Sat Nov 30, 2002 3:27 am

Coupla questions. I know there's no real 'answer' to this, but how long do people usually serve as a general avergae as beat cops before they'd be considered for a promotion to detective? I figured it's got to be at least four-five years just to get enough experience and get off of probation.

And probably unlikely, but has anyone had any dealings with private/gated communities? What sort of problems/hassles if any could you forsee if and when dealing with them? Started a thread about gated communities over on ds on them and this is a kind of extension on the question.

Cash · Post by **Cash** » Sat Nov 30, 2002 8:17 am

I'd suggest finding Squire on DSF and asking him. He's been Denver PD fo a number of years.

DV8 · Post by **DV8** » Sat Nov 30, 2002 12:37 pm

From what I understand there are a lot of beat-cops that won't eer be more than that; beat cops. To get a gold shield is a pretty big thing, pretty ambitious for some, and requires recommendations from your superiors as well as a some written exams.

Serious Paul · Post by **Serious Paul** » Sat Nov 30, 2002 7:28 pm

I am not a cop, but as I understand it it varies. I think Deevs description applies to larger cities, like Chicago or GrandRapids, that sort.

Small towns like say Greenville or Stanton where the force is considerabbly smaller, everyone might be detectives, or none. In some small towns the guy with the most time in is the Detective. In yet others its a who you know and blow thing. Ah politics!

But I suspect that in places like LA, NY, PA, etc...its probably at least marginally difficult to attain.

FlakJacket · Post by **FlakJacket** » Sat Nov 30, 2002 7:54 pm

Yeah. I figured it was a case of being experienced enough and also being lucky enough to get a spot.

MissTeja · Post by **MissTeja** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 5:34 am

A lot of it has to do with schooling, as well. I agree with Paul that different sized cities can vary. In Michigan, you have to complete an Associates Degree and complete the Academy and pass the required tests to even be hired on as a full-time Non-Reserve Officer. I don't know about other states, though. An Officer coming into a department with say, a Bachelor's or Masters, will be promoted much faster than one entering at the same level without such. It can also be based on performance as well, as promotions in other lines of work are too. There's many different variables to take into consideration, really. At the Department I used to work for, our Chief resigned. Two of the officers were being considered for the position, but one was given priority due to his Masters Degree since they both had approximately the same time in and both had excellent performance records. He didn't take the job, though, but many of us wish he had. The man knew his shit. This, of course, was a very small P.D. Again, it can vary on size and many other variables.

Cash · Post by **Cash** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 6:10 am

In Michigan, you have to complete an Associates Degree

Have an AA/AS or just the equiv. credits in college?

MissTeja · Post by **MissTeja** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 6:13 am

Equivilant is what I meant. I have my Associates from a two-year school, but for instance, the University I am going to now has ties with an Academy where students can enroll at, as long as they're past the 2 year mark. Though, it's actually listed as a 400 level class.

Cash · Post by **Cash** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 6:23 am

*nods* That's what a lot of cops that I've talked to are doing. A Bachelors is already a requirement in a number of departments that I've looked at (mostly in smaller towns).

MissTeja · Post by **MissTeja** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 5:18 am

It's really a smarter way to go. A lot of em will quit after the two years because they're anxious to get out in the field, but then when people with less seniority, etc. start to fly past them in ranks, pay, etc. - they start to rethink their move. I know a couple guys who I am friends with, but work in other departments who wish they hadn't been so eager to get out on the road so quick. Now they've got a full-time job and families and it's inconvient to go back for that much school.

Cash · Post by **Cash** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 10:36 am

One community college and a state college here specialize in helping officers work towards their degrees after the fact. As a result, there's a high number of cops here doing just that.

Flak:: You want the thread back?

FlakJacket · Post by **FlakJacket** » Fri Dec 06, 2002 12:08 am

Nah, you might as well keep it. Got what I needed.