View Full Version : Another day..
fendertele87
03-26-2012, 09:17
I didn't get the job. They wanted to go with somebody that was already certified. They did call me tho and offer me an interview to be a dispatcher for there department. I know it's also a good foot in the door so I'm going to the interview Friday and see what happens. I know for a fact they have sent several dispatchers through the academy and now work for them on patrol.
Sorry it didn't work out this time and good luck with the dispatchers interview. I firmly believe and I know it seems a bit cliche, but when one door closes another one opens. Keep us posted.......:wavey:
blueiron
03-26-2012, 11:08
Don't go into the interview thinking about a sworn position and using dispatch to get there. You'll not get hired if you do. Keep the sworn job in the back of your mind and say nothing whatsoever about it.
They are very different career paths and if you want to do that job, then prep for it and go get it. Dispatch centers [the ones I knew] tend to be very clannish. If you don't fit in, you tend not to last there.
Once you are in and off of probation, then start planning to transfer.
Patchman
03-26-2012, 18:35
The fact that the other candidate was already certified is probably a real plus for the agency. And who knows what other LE experience he might have had?
That the agency offered you an interview for a dispatcher shows they think you have potential! Think positive.
If you get in as a dispatcher, use all the opportunities that may become available-think outside the box. Including, perhaps, a job at other (I'm think bigger, better) agency.
As Ajon noted, when one door closes, another one opens. That's always been my experience. Sometimes, you just don't realize it until later.
Good luck.
To add to what's already been said... Dispatch is an extremely important job, and a good dispatchers is worth their weight in gold. A bad dispatcher is dangerous. If your heart is not going to be in it, pass.
I know for a fact they have sent several dispatchers through the academy and now work for them on patrol.
Be careful, I have seen the exact opposite in my experience. I know alot of jailers, dispatchers, and records clerks who have been chomping at the bit for years to get on the road.
A good jailer or dispatcher is hard to come by. If they train you up and you excel at it they are likely to want to keep you there, and hire someone else fill the deputy's position.
I would not think it disrespectful to politely decline the dispatcher's position, and let them know you will be testing for the next deputy's position that arises, and any others at surrounding agencies.
To add to what's already been said... Dispatch is an extremely important job, and a good dispatchers is worth their weight in gold. A bad dispatcher is dangerous. If your heart is not going to be in it, pass.
As a current dispatcher, I agree 100%. Speaking of weight, watch yours while you're sitting on the radio. Don't stop working out and keep a close eye on your diet. Bring your own healthy lunch. A lot of dispatchers function on takeout food, try to resist the urge.
Be careful, I have seen the exact opposite in my experience. I know alot of jailers, dispatchers, and records clerks who have been chomping at the bit for years to get on the road.
A good jailer or dispatcher is hard to come by. If they train you up and you excel at it they are likely to want to keep you there, and hire someone else fill the deputy's position.
I would not think it disrespectful to politely decline the dispatcher's position, and let them know you will be testing for the next deputy's position that arises, and any others at surrounding agencies.
Agreed. I've never seen an agency actively try to recruit for officers from their non-sworn staff, especially if you're good at what you currently do. That leaves another opening they have to post, test, interview, hire and train. The only time I've seen brass suggest testing for PO was when they were faced with the possibility of the dispatcher leaving to go elsewhere to be the police.
Also keep in mind that many law enforcement agencies won't hire you if you have a negative in your disciplinary file from another agency or you were terminated for cause. Pass and keep testing for the position you really want.
fendertele87
03-27-2012, 07:33
Well... They called me yesterday and had to take back the offer. I guess they lady that was going to quit decided not to.
KiloBravo
03-27-2012, 07:55
Well... They called me yesterday and had to take back the offer. I guess they lady that was going to quit decided not to.
Hang in there my friend. That just means this was not meant to be.
Quick story for you...
One of the departments I tested for a while back. I showed up in TERRIBLE shape. The first PT test of the day was the 300 meter sprint. I ended up note even making it the full distance and my legs gave out on me and I rolled my ankle because I had done pretty much nothing to prepare myself. I thought that was the end of the world because I had screwed up.
Several months later, I got a large packet in the mail from my dream agency to continue on in the process. I finished the process for them this past September, and have a spot in the next academy class. It has now been more than three years since I first completed the initial application for this agency.
The point is, be prepared for something even better to come along. It will happen. :wavey:
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