Applying to the Collin County Law Enforcement Academy

[sgrandjean]

Good evening, folks. Been lurking more than I have been posting over the last year or so. Police work has always interested me, but I was never in a situation to attend any formal training, since I already work a full-time job, and would rather keep the steady and regular schedule to which my loving boxers, Alabama and Zeke have become accustomed.

The local community college system offers an evening basic peace officer course over a 10-month period, 26 Sep 2011 - 26 Jul 2012. I'm picking up the official application on Monday, and will be undergoing an interview, a physical exam, a drug test, a polygraph test and a psychological examination in the next month. I plan to apply for a reserve officer position (unpaid volunteer) when I complete the course next year.

[Jim Farrell Tiler]

so you will become a police man??

[Bugman]

Good for you, Scott! We've been wondering what you were up to. So, you have two boxers now.

[MudMaker]

Cool Scott... Can you carry?

[sgrandjean]

No open carry as a recruit at the academy. After completion (and assuming I pass the certification exam, and I'm affiliated with a LE agency, I could carry open.

[Jim Farrell Tiler]

carry what?? handbags, dogs, guns? LOL i know what you mean , i thought all cops carry guns over there

[MudMaker]

Hey Jim lots a people carry here. It's inna Constitution.... :-)

[sandbagger]

I thought Texas was an open carry state like AZ.

[John R]

Scott,

I don't know how it is down there, but, out here, becoming a reserve is currently the best path to being hired full-time in law enforcement. Once you do the academy, the department doesn't have to put the time and money into training you for the full academy. As the department you do reserve work for gets to know you and your work, that becomes a great asset in your hiring.

Of our last several hires, about half have been reserves who want to go full time. The other half who get hired are officers laid off by other departments due to cutbacks. It may be a while until we have to pay to put a trainee through the academy. That ends up costing salary, benefits, and equipment for 1/2 year before they even begin the on-the-street-training.

Good luck with it.

[sgrandjean]

John,
I'm looking forward to starting the academy. I figure there will be several departments who will take into consideration the fact that I paid my own way. I think going reserve is a great way to give back to the community.
Scott

[Scottish Tile and Stone]

Scott. After being on the department for awhile, the thought of giving back to the community will diminish rather quick..

[John R]

scott,

It is a great way to give back. We have some guys who have been reserves for years and years, and like it that way. Others get in and are sure they want to go full time. Others may decide it's not for them. Whichever way it works, it's usually a good thing. Certainly better than wondering, "What if?"

And you end up with some really good stories!!!!!

[sgrandjean]

Good evening folks,
I've got my formal interview with the academy director tomorrow. Please wish me luck!
Thanks,

[TileArt1]

Good luck Scott!

.

[sgrandjean]

My interview went well. Next up, taking fingerprints for FBI background check, undergoing a psychological evaluation, and completing a physical exam & drug screen.