Why are California Cops Paid So Much More than Cops Elsewhere? (Oakland: insurance, crime)

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by nevergoingback

The politics in CA have said by de facto that they only want the rich people and poor people, no middle, thats why the tax base has eroded so far.

Wow, that's right. I'm "middle." I'm not sure which degree of "middle" but that's me. I intend to move out of state because I cannot afford to live here on my measly private industry retirement plan (that's "none" as in "401k" + Social Security).

I guess all the rich unionized public employees can retire here. I'll have to settle for leaving the state.

[Ultrarunner]

The pay does seem to be more than necessary based on the simple observation of the number of applicants per job...

When I tested for OPD, they were not even sure if they were going to have the academy that year because of funding and told people that... they still kept the process open and had over 3000 applicants for a job that no one knew if it existed... and it turns out there was no academy that year.

The Bridge District advertised several toll taker positions and had thousands apply... it would seem the pay/benefit package was quite attractive to have so many apply.

In the Hospital were I work, we were having trouble getting RN's to apply... once we offered sign-on bonuses and longevity bonuses... we started getting applicants...

My Brother applied to be a Firefighter and they cut off applicants for 4 positions at 1500... people camped out several days ahead of time just for a shot...

Something has to be attracting people to civil service?

[macsret]

[quote=nevergoingback;8817529]Military is Federal not State, funny how you throw that in there.quote]

Regarding me throwing the military in the mix, I don't find it any more funny than teachers and public works employees being thrown in. How about doctors and other health care professionals?

I added the military as many civilians have shared the same attitude; that being... our military and federal civil service employees retirements are so big and their benefits so numerous that they are living in the lap of luxury. Yeah right!

Government... local, state and/or federal, the problem is those same people complaining simply aren't willing to go the distance to get that BIG retirement and all those benefits.

Now, like you and others, I have voiced my opinion on the subject and for me it is: Want the BIG RETIREMENT and other benefits then get the job and stick it out to your retirement date or accept what you have and stop the whining.

[Middle School Mustache]

Originally Posted by macsret

Government... local, state and/or federal, the problem is those same people complaining simply aren't willing to go the distance to get that BIG retirement and all those benefits.

No, the problem is that it is unsustainable in the private ind but somehow people think the Govt can sustain its pension and retirement obligations. They will not be able to unless they get the extra money from the private sector, that is the problem.

Just look at GM, Medicare and SS.

Alot of these communities in CA are already broke. In certain counties well over 50% of their budget is spent on retirement and payroll, that number is going up exponentially due to the increase in costs of medical benefits and retirees.

When public monies are used, the public ought to care. We are paying for the services that the govt workers provide. Just enriching thier lives above and beyond private sector workers is not really providing service to the public, it's called fleecing.

I'm out. -ngb

[Huckleberry3911948]

to pay for the 100% divorce rate.
a divorce settlement is not a child
its a village

[eureka1]

They don't get paid enough, as far as I'm concerned.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by eureka1

They don't get paid enough, as far as I'm concerned.

As long as there are so many chasing so few positions... it would appear the compensation is more than enough.

[CA central coast]

They get paid enough. And statiscally being a cop is actually safe. To me in an ideal world, 25 yrs. old would be the minimum age to become a cop in CA. Along with a college degree. You need life experiences. SLO County Sheriff's start at 5-6k a month. They get paid plenty.

[MotleyCrew]

My dad was a LAPD officer and I remember first had the stuff they had to put up with then and even worse today. They do not get paid nearly enough and it is not a safe job.

[City Boy]

Originally Posted by eureka1

They don't get paid enough, as far as I'm concerned.

What? why? It's rare that cops get in any harm their entire career. That is more than enough pay. Most never draw their guns. 100 K for suburban cops to "patrol" aka write speeding tickets is pathetic.