Originally Posted by 7MPOC

In a civil service town, specials can do nothing but details. In non-civil service towns it is the discretion of the chief.

Originally Posted by 7MPOC

Well I know my department got screwed for it years ago, civil service said thats why they have intermittent/reserve postitions. They went on to say no one can patrol or demonstrate full police powers in a civil service department without being appropriately apointed from an elibgible list. I know some towns still do it but if someone drops a dime they can take a beating. I believe Raynham had an issue when they tried to do it a few years ago when they were short on guys and tried to put 3 specials on the road. Maybe some of the Raynham guys on here have some info.

Originally Posted by csauce777

In my department (non-civil service) we have part time patrolmen who are in the union with the FT guys. They are scheduled just the same as the FT guys but generally not 40 hours a week (unless needed). We also have 2 classes of specials, some who can only work details, and others who work regular shifts on a fill in basis. There are many instances when a special is the only guy working. Thus giving them quite a bit of experience quickly. FYI, our chief offers to send all PT and specials to the same specialized training as the FT guys. I.e. SFST, BT, EVOC, etc. Our part time guys are also eligible for various assignments including traffic enforcement team, court prosecutor, accident investigation, etc.

Originally Posted by RPD931

Pretty much the same at the PD I work for. However, the town has some ass backwards rules (bylaw) that Part-timers cannot work more than 20 hours (or they get benefits). So we normally CANNOT work more than 20 hours. Details are not inluded in our regular duty hours so we can work as many details as we want/can. It really burns me though, I hate being limited to how many hours (patrol) I can work.

Originally Posted by stm4710

At MPD I am a special. We are armed, full arrest powers, same badges ,patches, crusiers etc. The only difference is we were a light blue shirt as opposed to the navy blue. Its not a bad way to get into LE if you have NO political connections and are willing to learn. Alot of FT guys went the same road. Go special---get some face recognition-get the R/I academy, play the civil circus game, go on the reserve list and go FT when a spot opens.

Some towns like Danvers use there special's for special purposes/patrols ie: Harbormaster and Park Ranger. Basicly same powers but with the specialized equipment and training it takes to do there job. It seems to work well in both systems.

Biggest thing I found being special that I can pass on if you are one, is knowing your role and not pissing of the regulars with your weeks of expirerence.

Originally Posted by stm4710

At MPD I am a special. We are armed, full arrest powers, same badges ,patches, crusiers etc. The only difference is we were a light blue shirt as opposed to the navy blue. Its not a bad way to get into LE if you have NO political connections and are willing to learn. Alot of FT guys went the same road. Go special---get some face recognition-get the R/I academy, play the civil circus game, go on the reserve list and go FT when a spot opens.

Some towns like Danvers use there special's for special purposes/patrols ie: Harbormaster and Park Ranger. Basicly same powers but with the specialized equipment and training it takes to do there job. It seems to work well in both systems.

Biggest thing I found being special that I can pass on if you are one, is knowing your role and not pissing of the regulars with your weeks of expirerence.

Originally Posted by badboys1517

To answer your question CO I, No. A Special State Police commission in the DOC isn't worth the paper it's written on. You will not receive any police training, or go to a police academy and you will not be enforcing any laws. CO's are sworn in as State Police Specials in the DOC so that they can take inmates off DOC grounds to outside hospitals, court etc. Also so that if an M&W check on visitors shows a hit for a warrant, they can "arrest". When I worked for the DOC, everyone was sworn in as a State Police Special. The LT or Capt reads the warrant & you are sworn in. If you want to make good money without breaking a sweat, and don't mind dealing with assholes(inmates & management) on a daily basis, then the DOC is a good job. If you want to be a cop, take all the tests, keep your nose clean & mouth shut, and get out as soon as you can. You may take a pay cut, but trust me it is well worth it. Just don't turn into the guy who gets his State Police Special badge & thinks he's a cop. You'll see what I'm talking about, there are several in each institution.