To Whom This May Concern:
I just wanted to pass along some information about what I would classify as the worst, most bias process I have ever undergone in my life — the process of becoming a police officer for the Mesa P.D.
I hope that you will pass along this message to prevent others, such as myself, a long, painful, and ultimately empty dream.
It started one year ago, when I finally decided that I would follow in my father's footsteps. My father worked for the Illinois State Police. I felt that becoming a police officer anywhere would yield the same qualities my father held.
I went through the written test and passed, next on to the physical, and passed, on to the interview process and did very well. Then it was on to the polygraph and passed. The total process took about 2.5 to 3 months including background checks and employment verification. All were positive. I was told that the next step was boot camp. I was also informed that if you have heard nothing or received nothing in the mail that "No news is good news".
During my process of waiting, much had transpired. My son was born. I started a new job working as a Systems Network Analyst (I have been in the technology field for over 10 years, including the Air Force, and decided that it would be beneficial to keep up to date on my computer skills so that I may pursue working in the "computer crimes" department within the Mesa P.D.).
After 6 months had passed (9 months total from the first step), my boss called me into his office. He asked me what the Mesa P.D. Questionnaire was all about that he received in the mail. I had told him that while unemployed, I applied over at the Mesa P.D. For employment. He showed concern at first and asked if I was planning on leaving and going into the police department. I re-assured him that this was not a concern (what else could I really say unless I wanted to jeopardize my job in this economy).
After that, I called the Mesa P.D. Back up and told them that I was still interested. A detective got on the phone and I explained to him that this was a new job and that my boss would not send back the form. If he knew I was looking, he would look for another individual to fill my spot. With a newborn son, I was not going to risk this. The detective told me that "This is between you and your boss, don't include us in this." I agreed, however I asked him to clarify why they contacted my current place of employment. His reply was, "This is the last step in the process and it has to be done, so you need to be upfront with your boss." I requested my H.R. Department to fill out my questionnaire and fax it back to the P.D.in confidence. They had no problems with this.
Two to three months went by and no reply. Finally, I called the department on 10/28/02 to check on the status. They replied, "if you have not received anything in the mail then that is considered good news." They concluded with telling me that I should not be calling to find out my status. I agreed, however, I was concerned that it had been over one year since the first step in the process, and over 4 months since they sent out the employment verification to my current employer —"the final step before boot camp". They responded specifically, "Applications are only kept for a period of one year."
On 10/29/02, I received a letter postmarked (10/28/02), stating that I have not been selected and to try again.
In closing, I am glad that I did not inform my boss that I was actively looking per the detective's advice, or I might be looking once again. What did I learn from this whole experience? I learned that the hiring tactics and the attitude of the Mesa Police Department, do not represent the qualities of excellence and honor that I believed were to be found within the Mesa P.D. It was just a dream that would never become a reality. A cold and painful lesson.
Some free advice I would give to the Mesa P.D.:
*Be Up-Front with the applicant about the length of the hiring process.
*Communicate to the applicant that if he/she calls for a status, their application will be looked upon negatively.
*Tell the applicant that the Mesa Police Department Hiring Unit will be contacting their current employer, regardless of the box being checked NO to the question on the application, May we contact your current employer. This will help the applicant understand that they must tell their current employer that they are seeking employment elsewhere, and prepare themselves for the risk of loosing their current job without an actual offer being extended to them from the Mesa Police Department.
*Be Honest with the applicant that even after passing all steps in the hiring process, he/she is not guaranteed to be chosen.
Paul
Gilbert, Arizona
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