Permanent LE Position :

[BG]

Hi folks,

I would just like to generate some feedback with regards to a permanent LE position in the US, and to see if anyone knows of any good Departments that are hiring new Officer's - or of anyone I should contact in this regard.

My girlfriend and myself are considering immigrating to the US permanently, and she can secure a job through KPMG (she will be finished articles in December).

I would like to look at all the positions available, and to go from there. Do my two-years as a Patrol Officer and work my way up to the Department's Tactical-Unit (SWAT/SRT etc.)

Any help in this regard would be most appreciated.

Many thanks.

BG.
(a21@mweb.co.za)

[RECON5]

Where in the U.S. are you considering moving to?

[WS-G]

BG:

I suspect you'll have a longer wait than that, though others have pulled it off. Most departments I've checked out require that an applicant already be a US citizen. Some may take a Permanent Resident however — sorry I can't state with certainty as to which ones do.

------------------
ex Co. G (-)(Abn/Rgr), 143d INF(LRRP), TXARNG 1981-1985
ex 433MAW (AFRES), 1985-1991
FAA-certificated pilot and Advanced Ground Instructor

[recce_o]

There are lots of South African's here in Canada. You have to be a citizen to join the RCMP, but the OPP accepts permanent residence:
http://www.gov.on.ca/opp/recruit/english/default.htm

[BG]

RECON5, Will and recce_o :

I would consider California, Illinios and Washington DC primarily, but I'm open to suggestions. A friend from the US DOJ has passed my resume down to the DSS - so we'll what happens there. I do realise that Citizenship is necessary, but we (my girlfriend and myself) are looking at immigrating - if not now, within the next two years (in all probablity).

I could easily get a job as a Constable at the Lincolnshire Police in the UK (as a Commonwealth Citizen), as they are hiring another 110-Constables, but quite frankly I'd be bored to tears - even with the nice surroundings.

Will, I know you have gone through the shit many times - I may have to do the same and continue here as normal until something clicks. No doubt you'll get there before I do, but it's something to look into - I'm looking for a CAREER, instead of just getting stuck with the locals who don't really see where a career can go, to most here it's just a salary (I'm sick of the closed perception down here). Always good to hear from you!

recce_o, hey no jokes - everybody loves Canada! Loads of South Africans have made their way there for a better living, I have yet to here complaints. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Stay safe gents, I have to dash off to go and fetch the girlfriend (before I get my ass kicked! *L!*) for dinner.

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

BG.

[BG]

here = HEAR *BG mumbling to himself!* *LOL!*

[mdb23]

BG,

If you are interested in living in Missouri, try looking at this site: www.virtuallibrarian.com/moleo/jobs.html (http://www.virtuallibrarian.com/moleo/jobs.html) This page posts many of the LE openings within the state of MO.

Furthermore, the Kansas City Mo PD is ALWAYS hiring. They run a 24 week academy (during which you are paid) which is highly respected. Their web page is www.KCPD.org (http://www.KCPD.org). The St Louis County and Columbia PDs are also fairly well respected within the state. Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by mdb23 (edited 07-28-2000).]

[This message has been edited by mdb23 (edited 07-28-2000).]

[WS-G]

BG:

Some good news, straight from the official website of the Los Angeles Police Department (http://www.lapdonline.org/index.htm):

CITIZENSHIP (Revised 8/1998)

The City of Los Angeles requires that a Police Officer candidate be a United States citizen, or that a non-citizen be a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is eligible and has applied for citizenship. During the selection processs, each non-citizen will be required to prove that his/her application for citizenship was accepted by INS prior to the date of application for employment.

California State law requires that citizenship be granted within three years after the employment application date. For information regarding citizenship requirements, please contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the Federal Government.

It would definitely be worth your while to look into as many agencies in that state as possible, especially in view of your stated desire to live/work in California.


------------------
ex Co. G (-)(Abn/Rgr), 143d INF(LRRP), TXARNG 1981-1985
ex 433MAW (AFRES), 1985-1991
FAA-certificated pilot and Advanced Ground Instructor

[This message has been edited by William M Salter (edited 07-28-2000).]

[HmtPD2]

Let me offer some humble advice. I saw you said you wanted to do your two years on patrol, then move up to SWAT. Don't be dead set on only SWAT. It will probably take you alot longer than two years to get a slot. Then, when one comes availabe, its you and the rest of the dept trying out. If you notice, most dept. requirments say MINIMUM of two years. Another point, from experience with an officer I worked with who came from Poland, he had a rough time in the begining, because we in the US talk different, our words mean different things, and people will respond A LOT differently to you knowing you not native, and believe me, they WILL know, and they WILL use it. Besides, patrol is where its at. I believe the last survey showed only about 3-4% of depts have full-time teams, the rest of the teams patrol until it hits the fan. Good luck in your quest, and remember....the right side of the road.

[BG]

Mdb23 : Thanks for the info, will check that out! http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Will : Thanks - as always, your feedback is superb! I think the Department that finally gets you will be deserving of a good Officer!

HmtPD : You are 100% correct, patrol and being a primary-responder to crimes in-progress is second to none really. I myself, along with my Captain (Station Commander) and other Officer's are developing a part-time tactical-unit for serving high-risk warrants. I have had a good look at both sides, and would in all seriousness miss being on patrol if I were "SWAT only". But alas - if I can get into a Department and make the grade into a tactical-unit (dedicated or part-time) I would be happy with that. If it were a permanent-unit, I can assure you that I would still arrange to go on patrol from time-to-time. There's no better way of staying "in tune" with what is going on on the streets, and there is no better way of staying sharp.

As for the driving, I spent two years in Costa Mesa, but it will still take me a couple of days to adjust yet again to driving on the right-hand side! Will have to see how I do in October when I get there (not forgetting the insurance!). http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Stay safe gents!

All my very best!

BG.