daeman wrote: I can't believe you have to pay your own way thru police academy over there. It seems so backwards its not even funny... As an officer of the law your essentiality a public servant, ergo the cost of your training should be absorbed by the government. Do they make soldiers pay to be trained to get into the army? I'd think not...
soldiers can't just decide to quit before their time is up..
Police shouldn't be able to either.. Its hard to have good solid and knowledgeable law enforcement if you can just blow in and out as it suits you. Being a police officer isn't like having a job at walmart where you try it for a few months just to pay the bills and quit cause it isn't your cup of tea.
Anyways, getting off topic here. I was just very surprised that that's how you come to be a police officer in the us.
FWIW our community has paid for several officers to go through the academy..and some have left in a short amount of time afterward. In our small rural town there just isn't much incentive for people to drive any distance to work here, so it's hard to get good officers.
The lucky ones will get paid for. St Louis City will put you through and pay you during. If you leave to go to another department within your first three years, they will find a way to make you pay. I think that is fair enough.
Like Pete said, the job isn't for everyone. It can certainly be expensive if the department doesn't do their own training.
N Sperlo wrote: In reply to petegossett: I'm willing to move west, but would prefer to stay in Missouri. I have a plot of land I plan on building on when the money is right. I'm willing to work for whoever wants to pay me through the academy.
If the lot is in one of those towns short on officers, maybe use that as a bargaining chip to discuss with the town PD? One would think they'd be more willing to send you to the academy if they know you'll be staying in town.
In reply to XLR99:
I've been keeping an eye on the job postings in that county. When they do post a position, they suggest academy training is necessary. I'm planning on talking to some board members when I get the chance. Right now regular LEO work is in the incubator.
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