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Main Page Certification Transfer? Suggestions on Employment?
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: SRCSODetentionDeputy

Hi all. I'm a newbie, but for good reason. I live in Milton, Florida. I'm a Detention Deputy at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Department. I am a Certified Correctional Officer and have worked at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution 11 months prior to taking the Det. Dep. position at the Sheriff's Office. My question is this, being that I am Certified with the state of Florida, do I have to retake the Academy and Massachusetts State Exam in order to be certified in Massachusetts or is my Floridian certification acknowledged in MA? My wife and I are moving to MA at the beginning of February of 08. I have done research on all of the County Correction Facilities and on the D.O.C., but I cannot seem to make up my mind as to where I should attempt to get hired. Anyone who reads this, would you please leave me some feedback on where a County Agency is needing help or will need help in February. I know that down here the County and State staff tolerate each other, but they aren't best of friends. I don't want to try to drive a wedge between County and State employees, but because I have never lived that far north and don't know anything about where I want to try to get hired, I need some direction from those people who actually do the job and know what's going on up there. Thanks for any time and information.

Posted by: PBC FL Cop

Stay in Florida

Posted by: Sgt K

Quick PBC.....stop that boy....he's done lost his mind!

Posted by: SRCSODetentionDeputy

Why should I stay? I hate it here. I've lived here all my life and need a change. My wife and I are Pats fans, we want to live where it's cooler (ok, cold) and we want to be away from everything we've ever known. Massachusetts is perfect! Am I missing something for real?

Posted by: soxrock75

You won't be able to just "show up" and fill out an application and start the hiring process. DOC hires off of tests that they hold, almost every year. The counties also run tests/academies as the need arises. Sometimes the process can take a long time. Take that into consideration. Good Luck!!!

Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt K

Quick PBC.....stop that boy....he's done lost his mind!

LOL HAAA HAAA HAAA

Its true SRCS stay in Florida Assachusetts sucks! Its an over priced, liberal state, bridge collapsing, dam bursting, tunnel roof falling, traffic gridlocked, Ape zoo escaping, road changing, FBI corrupt, politician hacken, gay marriage legalizing, dirty water, mitt romney wanna be president, john kerry flip flopping, fat boy Ted Kennedy, coupe Deval, mumbles thug Menino, type state.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRCSODetentionDeputy

Why should I stay? I hate it here. I've lived here all my life and need a change. My wife and I are Pats fans, we want to live where it's cooler (ok, cold) and we want to be away from everything we've ever known. Massachusetts is perfect! Am I missing something for real?

Just keep in mind that the flow of LEO candidates usually starts in Massachusetts, heading south to Florida and west to California. It's not often we hear of a native Floridian wanting to move here.

Don't get me wrong....if you can get a LEO position in MA, it's more than likely a good job. It's just the the state DOC is regulated by a civil service exam (they just had one), the county sheriff's departments are all about politics, and most all police jobs are HIGHLY competitive.

Unless you're independently wealthy, I wouldn't move here unless you have a job already sewn-up, or don't mind working outside the LE field for quite awhile.

Posted by: SRCSODetentionDeputy

Does anyone know the next D.O.C. exam is? I've done some research on mass.gov and saw that it's supposed to be on the 29th of Sep. I can go with that unless someone has other info that I'm missing. Also, does anyone know the cost of that particular exam, I was told it doesn't cost anything you just have to show up for it. I've called almost every Sheriff's Department in Massachusetts and there are actually 3 or 4 Departments that do allow you to just show up and apply if you are already certified, in which case, I am in the State of Florida. After you are hired they make you do the PAT test and all that other law enforcement goodness. Thanks for any info guys, it's really appreciated.

Posted by: HELPMe

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRCSODetentionDeputy

Does anyone know the next D.O.C. exam is? I've done some research on mass.gov and saw that it's supposed to be on the 29th of Sep. I can go with that unless someone has other info that I'm missing. Also, does anyone know the cost of that particular exam, I was told it doesn't cost anything you just have to show up for it. I've called almost every Sheriff's Department in Massachusetts and there are actually 3 or 4 Departments that do allow you to just show up and apply if you are already certified, in which case, I am in the State of Florida. After you are hired they make you do the PAT test and all that other law enforcement goodness. Thanks for any info guys, it's really appreciated.

The DOC test costs 65 bucks i think. In MA Sheriffs run the county jails and thats all. No law enforcement type role. Police jobs are competative and there are relatively few offered. This state is terrible for law enforcement. DOC is always hiring so if thats the route you want to go good luck. I took the test 2 years ago and i am STILL getting cards in the mail! Good luck.

Posted by: SRCSODetentionDeputy

MA is terrible for LEOs or terrible for LEOs and COs together? I'm pushing for a CO position. I don't know jack about how things are ran up there or what to expect. I'm having to go off the information that I get from each agency and what you guys tell me. This is what is making this such a challenge. This particular challenge is why I am moving to MA, I'm looking for challenges of the most difficult nature. I've taken over any challenge here and am ready to move on. Anyway, this is why I'm saying any information is helpful. Does anyone know WHERE the state exam is held and what time it starts?

Posted by: PearlOnyx

SRCSO,

I actually went the other way. I moved from MA to Florida. I was a county corrections officer for 6 years in MA. If you are looking to move to MA, be prepared to be poor. Everything is so expensive and taxes are so high, that it is difficult to live on a civil service salary. Also, regarding getting a job. The state DOC hiring process takes a while, especially if you don't have vetrans status, and you dont' score at the top of the list. It may take you a little while to get hired. As far as the counties, without a political connection, your road again may be difficult. Many of these county jobs are handed out due to "referral" from someone who is connected.

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