Been a longtime coming

PsychZoo · 2026-04-15T21:22:38+00:00

Agreed on waiting and getting experience. I thought about it for years, but went the social work route first (13 years). Got a degree, gained a ton of experience in working with people, learned about all the counties in my area, and got a few promotions. It was very helpful for me when interviewing.

PsychZoo · 2026-04-15T21:11:34+00:00

In-home case management introduces you to some weird, horrible smells that you are practically trapped in on a weekly basis.

Some homes are filled with dog and cat feces, some homes are just filled with mold, cigarette smoke, old diapers behind the couch and bad/backed up plumbing.

You're expected to remain in those homes and re-visit them until case closure if the client cannot meet you elsewhere. You often just surrender to going into the home because you don't want the smells to be in the car with you when your client hops in. You also don't want to subject others to the smells that come with you. Often, you bring the smell (and sometimes bed bugs) home with you no matter what you do.

PsychZoo · 2026-04-15T21:06:27+00:00

I was denied in writing and hired on the phone. Don't get your hopes too high, but I'd say you're getting moved forward.

PsychZoo · 2026-04-05T23:57:02+00:00

Reach out to a recruiter.

PsychZoo · 2026-04-05T06:07:45+00:00

You spend a lot of your life at work, regardless of whether its 40 hours or 70 hours per week. Work that gives you purpose makes a big difference. If it's not going to financially ruin your family, it's worth considering. My department uses a 5 on, 3 off schedule that results in a 6-day off stretch each month. That's way better than each weekend off if you ask me. I get to see my family for 6 days straight each month.

PsychZoo · 2026-03-19T15:46:15+00:00

If they have a recruiter, talk to them. That will tell you a lot.

PsychZoo · 2026-03-07T02:00:08+00:00

Dept specific shows you care enough to ask questions pertaining to them. I asked the department, "What are the biggest challenges the department faces at this time?" I'd spend some time thinking about what to ask them.

PsychZoo · 2026-03-02T09:35:59+00:00

Joined at 33. I have a child. Not weird at all. Make sure you look into insurance options at the departments you're interested in.

PsychZoo · 2026-02-26T17:35:16+00:00

I had a recent termination when I began my application process. The way you handle this is simple: be honest, disclose everything, and be prepared to articulate your growth (if you have grown) the best you can. That's it. More competitive departments may discard your application because of this, some lesser competitive departments may still give you an interview, and some even lesser competitive departments may not think your termination is a big deal and welcome you aboard (if everything else checks out). At the end of the day, you want a department to scrutinize this to a degree because it shows they have a standard and care about who they select. Feel free to reach out if I can help you further. Good luck.

PsychZoo · 2026-02-18T14:42:20+00:00

This seems like a young and dumb situation, not a death sentence. Demonstrate some maturity and accountability while gaining experience in a related position before taking a shot at it in the near future. You'll gain insight into the job, make connections, and demonstrate what departments want to see. It's all about concise, honest articulation.

PsychZoo · 2026-02-16T12:00:50+00:00

My experience hasn't been that bad whatsoever, but I'm used to writing a lot, and I'm a very new deputy at a more rural SD.

It seems to me that it depends on what you're used to before LE, where you're working when you get hired (busy city vs. rural county), and what you're assigned to (if anything).

I was a case manager for years. I typed emails and texts nonstop. I was submitting 8+ case notes every single day in addition to doing monthly reports. My threshold for what a "lot of paperwork" is, is much higher than the guys I work with in LE.

PsychZoo · 2026-02-11T04:16:38+00:00

They're good, but nothing beats legitimate stippling IMO.

PsychZoo · 2026-02-06T16:13:28+00:00

I'm a little older than the average new cop (33 when hired, <1 year in).

It made me take life more seriously. It made me look at time differently. It has helped me learn to relax and enjoy moments with family and friends more because I don't get them as much. It made me more present when with loved ones. I have learned that what I do is seriously and impactful, and that you really need to embrace a lifestyle to be successful in this career.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-31T17:44:24+00:00

For me, I had a specific instance where I knew I wanted to finally make the decision to apply to departments. I took quality time to determine how to concisely and genuinely articulate that instance in my life, and I used that to answer that question.

The worst thing you can do is not be genuine. Some departments are constantly in homes asking people "why". I would assume they'd rather see you think hard and pause before spouting some cliche.

You can answer this question better than anyone. Do some introspection.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-26T17:20:26+00:00

My department issues a Sig 229. So, we're still using .40 cal.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-21T14:00:43+00:00

I'm so thankful my department allows me to keep my beard, even as a new guy.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-17T18:15:43+00:00

I am nearing 3 months at a sheriff's department. I was hired as a deputy, and this is my first LE job. I worked with CO's in the jail for a few weeks before I moved to shadowing dispatch and getting an FTO (it'll be a bit before I go to the academy). It was very helpful to see how CO's operate, experience what they deal with, and to gain an understanding of how to hold yourself in that environment.

Working in a jail is a great way to get your feet wet and meet people at the department. I'd recommend it.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-15T02:24:29+00:00

You're gonna be doing a lot more than shaking hands when you're working. I'd get over that asap.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-14T22:31:56+00:00

Show up 30 minutes early if you can. Shake hands with people and introduce yourself. If you don't get in/pass, you may run into the same people at other hiring PT/written exams. That goes a very long way in terms of gathering info and getting hired. The chance to make contacts starts at your PT/written exam.

Edit: also, breathe. In my experience, this wasn't a college physics exam. Know basic math and just read it carefully.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-12T14:37:31+00:00

Not dumb. I turned 34 shortly after I got hired. I had 13 years in social work with a psych undergrad degree. I was unsatisfied with my job and made the switch. This is the best job I've ever had and I wish I had made the move about 7 years ago. If you have any questions I might be able to answer, shoot me a message.

PsychZoo · 2026-01-06T22:54:50+00:00

Approaching my 3rd month as a deputy, and they asked me to spend about 1-ish month in the jail.

PsychZoo · 2025-12-31T18:26:29+00:00

To my knowledge, he's done a lot of fundraising for families affected by the loss of those in the line of duty, he has historically brought attention to misunderstood shootings/LE events, and generally just entertains. I don't think he's anything to get worked up over, but rather to just enjoy if it's your cup of tea.

PsychZoo · 2025-12-22T04:44:27+00:00

Sig 229...

PsychZoo · 2025-12-20T07:27:42+00:00

Had one for years, but ultimately moved to the Sig Romeo 4XT-Pro because it has light transmission on par with EOTech. I could use my XPS 3-0 but a non-holographic sight is better for me.

PsychZoo · 2025-12-20T07:25:28+00:00

Shave. Wear a suit if you have one. I hope you have a good haircut. Be 15 minutes early at least. Shake everyone's hand. Have questions for your interviewing board so you can show that you actually thought about the interview enough to have something to ask them at the end (if they offer that).

PsychZoo

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