Police Officer from Philadelphia looking to relocate with family to Phoenix area... (Chandler: home)

[dom5577]

Hello folks,

I am currently an officer for SEPTA which is the local transit agency here in Philadelphia. I am considering a move to the Phoenix area with my family in order to work as a police officer. We are looking at the housing market in Surprise because we have relatives there. What are traffic conditions like from Surprise to Phoenix? What is daily life like in the summer months? Are there any police officers on this board that can tell me about life as a cop in Phoenix? Any other general information about Arizona would be welcome.

Thanks for taking the time respond.
Sincerely,
Dom

[laura82erickson]

If you will be commuting into Phoenix every day, the commute from Surprise can be pretty tough. There are a LOT of cars and very little options for roads getting out of that area. If you must commute, I would suggest living a little further east of Surprise if possible - the Arrowhead area will put you close enough to family in Surprise, but will ease your commute a ton!

As far as the heat goes - it is certainly something to get used to, but it isn't that bad. You will definitely cut back on any outdoor activities (unless they involve water!) and spend more time indoors with the air conditioning on. The hardest part for me is trying to tell my toddler that he can't go outside - he just doesn't understand why I don't want to sit in the blazing sun!

[ji603]

Sent you a PM

[Great Joy]

I've heard that most (all?) of the cities in/around Phoenix are hiring police officers. I know Peoria definitely is. So, you could live anywhere in this area...including Surprise if that is your preferred area. Best wishes!

[OctoberMoon]

My husband is in ALEA (Arizona Law Enforcement Academy) right now to become a Phoenix Police Officer. ALEA is right up against South Mountain in South Phoenix, and if you want to become an officer for any city around the valley (Surprise, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, etc) they will send you here and you will have to make a VERY long commute for at least 4 months. Even with previous experience, they will make you go here to learn the locals laws, etc.

It's possible though, my husband has people in his class who commute from Anthem and are able to do it. It will be hard because some mornings you have to be there at 5am, which means you would have to leave at LEAST an hour earlier. And the commute home in the afternoon will be even worse.

That would be the hardest part, though. Once you are done if you choose to work in a North Phoenix precinct, I can't imagine the commute wouldn't be nearly as bad.