[Bighorn911]

I am a 22 year old paramedic in Southern California, and my fiance and I are considering a move to Arkansas, specifically the Fayetteville area. Due to the rough economy (and everything being so expensive in CA) we are looking to be closer to my fiance's family in Hartford.

I am pursuing a career in Law Enforcement and would like to see what opportunities I have in Arkansas....such as any good departments to look into and research; along with what areas or cities are good for a career as a Deputy. If anyone can shed some light, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

[ArkansasTraveler]

Originally Posted by Bighorn911

I am a 22 year old paramedic in Southern California, and my fiance and I are considering a move to Arkansas, specifically the Fayetteville area. Due to the rough economy (and everything being so expensive in CA) we are looking to be closer to my fiance's family in Hartford.

I am pursuing a career in Law Enforcement and would like to see what opportunities I have in Arkansas....such as any good departments to look into and research; along with what areas or cities are good for a career as a Deputy. If anyone can shed some light, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

Brother was the constable of Hartfart - VW Rabbet with a siren bigger that the VW on the fender. If he could be in 'law enforcement' you should make it.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by Bighorn911

I am pursuing a career in Law Enforcement and would like to see what opportunities I have in Arkansas

I am a retired LEO, and it's not looking very sunny. If I were you, I would stick to checking the Sheriff's departments in counties with larger metro areas in them.

The pay is absolutely horrible, and the standards in a lot of the departments are very, very low. Getting a job at one of them is not the issue, living on the pay is.

Unless you have your heart set on a county department, I would look at Little Rock P.D.

It's a larger metro area, they have an almost constant recruiting effort going on, and you'll get much more experience.

If you are a full fledged paramedic, that's a big plus also.

[bagelw]

I know that the newest mayor of Fayetteville got huge support from the city PD and FD. I'm assuming the mayor raised wages but I have no idea by how much.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by RogMar

I am a retired LEO, and it's not looking very sunny. If I were you, I would stick to checking the Sheriff's departments in counties with larger metro areas in them.

The pay is absolutely horrible, and the standards in a lot of the departments are very, very low. Getting a job at one of them is not the issue, living on the pay is.

Unless you have your heart set on a county department, I would look at Little Rock P.D.

It's a larger metro area, they have an almost constant recruiting effort going on, and you'll get much more experience.

If you are a full fledged paramedic, that's a big plus also.

I certainly don't have any stats, but is the pay really that bad in Fayetteville and Benton county? I am thinking about the cost of living difference from AR to Ca as well. Just curios.

Nita

[jim9251]

Washington County Sheriff's Office in Fayetteville is one of the most professional and progressive departments in the nation, Fayetteville PD is excellent but not supported much by the city administration. Benton County is good also, Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale PD's are also excellent. I think Rogers is hiring, and WCSO. WCSO you'll start in the jail and test for an open patrol slot. There's one training academy in East Camden with a satellite facility in northwest Arkansas near Springdale. Academy is 12-14 weeks. There are a lot of hiring freezes right now including the state. Pay starts in the 30's, lots of overtime available and all of the apartment complexes in northwest Arkansas allow what they call resident officers to stay rent free. Also most departments (except Fayetteville) have take home cars. It's not that bad in northwest Arkansas to be an leo. However when there is an opening, competetion is fierce. If you speak Spanish and have a 4 year degree that's a big plus. Good luck to you, I retired from the state after 34 years and have had some interesting experiences.

[Bighorn911]

Originally Posted by jim9251

Washington County Sheriff's Office in Fayetteville is one of the most professional and progressive departments in the nation, Fayetteville PD is excellent but not supported much by the city administration. Benton County is good also, Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale PD's are also excellent. I think Rogers is hiring, and WCSO. WCSO you'll start in the jail and test for an open patrol slot. There's one training academy in East Camden with a satellite facility in northwest Arkansas near Springdale. Academy is 12-14 weeks. There are a lot of hiring freezes right now including the state. Pay starts in the 30's, lots of overtime available and all of the apartment complexes in northwest Arkansas allow what they call resident officers to stay rent free. Also most departments (except Fayetteville) have take home cars. It's not that bad in northwest Arkansas to be an leo. However when there is an opening, competetion is fierce. If you speak Spanish and have a 4 year degree that's a big plus. Good luck to you, I retired from the state after 34 years and have had some interesting experiences.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and provide that information. I have looked at a few of those departments and ahve already started the ball rolling by contacting recruiters. We are planning a road trip there in a few weeks to hopefully the check out the cities in greater detail. Thanks again for the info, enjoy retirement and thank you for your service

[jim9251]

Anytime. Fall is a great time to visit northwest Arkansas. Also look at the University of Arkansas Fayettevlle Police (UAPD). They're accredited, very professional, pay well and you can attend classes on duty, and a semester hour is next to nothing in cost as a University employee. Lots and lots of overtime too. Also the University hires a ton of off duty officers to work ball games, last going rate when I did it was $250.00 a day. Most are working on their masters while working at UAPD. Good luck again.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Bighorn911

Thank you for taking the time to respond and provide that information. I have looked at a few of those departments and ahve already started the ball rolling by contacting recruiters. We are planning a road trip there in a few weeks to hopefully the check out the cities in greater detail. Thanks again for the info, enjoy retirement and thank you for your service

If you don't have dates already set, why don't you try and come in early Oct, the trees will not be totally changed but will be starting to peak.

Nita

[Razorbacker]

The ASP is a very professional organization, also.