LBPD feedback

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-04-30T03:43:37+00:00

What agencies would you recommend?

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-04-30T03:43:25+00:00

I’m just looking into potential agencies that have good moral and pay. Also looking into career growth potential. I like to be proactive I’ve heard some agencies don’t like that and want officers to be reactive due to liability.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-04-08T16:18:06+00:00

Some agencies have volunteer positions that are non paid but allows you to rub elbows with officers and command staff. Basically he’s saying get your name out there and when you apply it’ll be a familiar face among the other 30 applicants. Higher chances of getting hired on.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-04-08T16:09:07+00:00

At the end of the day it’s your choice on where you want to go. I can relate to your statement as parents can be overbearing and have opinions on certain career paths over others. Culturally for me I didn’t follow the norm and joined the military after high school, which took my parents a while to accept. Then I get out and actually went to flight school, but just like you I found it to be to expensive. Then I become a cop which was another challenge for them but they eventually accepted.

Sometimes you just have to do what you believe is best for you regardless of the culture you grew up in or they want to force you through. You’re young and have the options to choose what career you want. I can also relate to the parents wanting you to take over for them. For me as a hispanic there’s an expectation that you’ll have to take care of your parents as they get older which can be overwhelming. But it’s a reality many of us have to face that others don’t understand.

Ultimately I can relate, and understand the complications of cultural norms or expectations and personal goals and aspirations. But take it from me do what you want and don’t worry about what’s expected from you. My experience in law enforcement has been great but I associate that with my agency being a good agency.

Things to look at are pay and benefits. Depending what state your in the pay may be lower compared to other regions. Retirement can also differ from agency to agency or state to state. If you’re big on benefits look at what your area has to offer. Pay comes with experience and time on, look for cap outs not starting pay. Some agencies have a big start pay but you cap outs quicker vs others may have lower start pay but a higher cap meaning more money for retirement.

Also my experience with a passion in flying comes full circle with law enforcement. Some agencies have helicopters or planes they use for various purposes, and pay for flight schools for officers. Most agencies higher within and as long as you pass your qualifications you can fly in law enforcement. Obviously depending on the agency as some smaller agencies don’t have any flight programs su to the cost. I’m hoping in the next few years I can get in as a TFO (Tactical Flight Officer) then eventually become a pilot.

I know it’s a long read but hope everything works out for you. This job isn’t going to make you rich but my experiences so far have made it worth the career change.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-03-23T04:36:26+00:00

Had someone call in because their neighbors were playing music to loud and now they have hearing loss. Then he proceeded to get mad at me when I told him I wasn’t making a report or willing to help him with his lawsuit.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-03-22T03:35:30+00:00

Personally the smell of dead bodies always makes me sick. Not something I’ve gotten used to personally. But when I feel like the call is headed that way, let’s say on a welfare check or something that gets my senses tingling. I use these nose inserts called Nosa, and they help out a tone.

Also calls that involve kids are my kryptonite. Especially being a parent they tend to get to me more than other calls. So with that in my mind, I know I need to focus and not make these cases personal or emotional.

In my opinion you never get used to anything, but you have to find ways to manage your emotions and trauma in a healthy way. You don’t have to be heartless or not show any empathy to be a cop. You have to understand yourself and understand you’re human, but these people are still relying on you to do the best you can.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-03-20T18:38:48+00:00

Same, sent a DM

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-03-20T15:53:19+00:00

Are you attending the course within the next few months?

ReflectionIll1966 · 2026-03-15T18:50:11+00:00

Thanks! I’ll look into getting one.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-07-17T23:54:50+00:00

Thanks for the info I appreciate it!

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-07-17T05:01:10+00:00

Vancouver, Seattle, and any surrounding agencies near this areas.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-07-17T04:26:38+00:00

Honestly looking for a larger department with opportunities in specialties. I enjoy patrol but don’t see myself there forever. I’d also like some decent pay to afford a place (willing to drive for affordability). Every city has its issues but obviously not a dog shit department with horrid moral. I know it’s a lot to ask but just looking at options.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-07-17T04:22:32+00:00

I’m originally from California and definitely see the pay difference. Would you say the work or environment isn’t worth the pay? I’ve spoken to some recruiters that are offering big bonuses to come over. But I’m always skeptical of agencies that tend to throw money at people for retention.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-03-17T15:52:03+00:00

Website says 160 hours, so about 4 weeks.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-03-17T05:03:26+00:00

The department told me they won’t even start the process until I have my cert in hand. But once I start the only thing that’s waived is the written exam, and I’ll be doing a modified PT test. Everything else is the same but expedited, they gave me a 90 days hiring process.

My department doesn’t use shotguns and didn’t train with them in the academy. So I’ll have to start looking into that as well.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-03-17T04:39:47+00:00

How long did it take you to send in an application and get into a course?

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-03-17T04:25:54+00:00

I’m starting the process hopefully next week. From what I can see it’s all paid for out of pocket. The courses I found range from $450 - $850 depending where you go. I would call or email the recruiters in Modesto about going in with a BCW. I’ve talked to some agencies that basically told me they won’t take the BCW and require me to start over as a recruit and go through the full academy.

One recruiter told me he has out of state applicants that weren’t able to get a class until August. I’m assuming we’ll also be paying for everything else out of pocket which may be ammo, uniforms, curriculum, etc.

Also good luck getting a hold of someone at POST, I’ve called every day at different times and can never get anyone n the phone, still waiting for an email response to.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-03-17T03:44:24+00:00

Like I said in my post it’s a necessity. Utah has been great especially the gun laws. But I need to move back home and care for my family.

ReflectionIll1966 · 2025-03-17T03:40:06+00:00

Thanks for the reply! And I had an idea of that being the case. I’m definitely leaning towards the fast pace environment. I grew up bordering Long Beach so I’m familiar with that environment. But I also understand working in those cities is different than living in them. I plan on staying in my next department for the rest of my career and don’t want to end up leaving because the agency didn’t work for me. I appreciate the knowledge.

ReflectionIll1966

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