Many apply, few get through

APPLIED FORCE-Darrin Stone of Calabasas imposes his will on Matt Koenig of Westlake Village. The two are part of a 21-week program at the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center. Law enforcement careers offer diverse, stimulating and rewarding work opportunities, according to officers and deputies who work with local agencies.

"I think there are about 100,000 law enforcement jobs available nationwide," said Capt. Ron Nelson of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

On average, the department gets about 200 applicants every time they post a job announcement, but they only get two deputies out of those numbers.

About 100 don't show up to take the test, Nelson said, and of the rest, only half pass the written and physical agility test, and four individuals are hired to attend the academy. Only two make it through because it's so physically and mentally demanding, the captain said.

While it's not easy, the job is certainly achievable for both men and women, Nelson said. The department is always looking for more women and minorities of all ethnic backgrounds.

Other agencies face the same challenges. "It's tough to get qualified people," said Officer Brandon Mumme, who works with the California Highway Patrol in Moorpark.

The CHP plans to add 300 officers to its ranks in the upcoming fiscal year, said Officer Leland Tang, public affairs and information officer for the CHP West Valley area office.

New recruits earn a firstyear salary of $58,800. The live-in academy lasts about seven months and cadets have weekends off.

Most officers begin their careers in one of the state's major metropolitan areas.

The Moorpark CHP office will host a seminar at 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 9 at 610 Spring Road to let people know more about the job and how rewarding it can be, Mumme said. Those interested in attending should call (805) 553-0800 to reserve a spot, he said. "We will accommodate all but would like an idea of how many are coming."

CHP candidates must pass a thorough background check and several tests, which can take up to a year. Applicants must be between 21 and 35 years old when they start the academy.

The Highway Patrol is a statewide agency, so officers can work anywhere in California.

"We also have the best benefits," said Mumme.

Before he was an officer, Mumme worked in sales. His job with the CHP is satisfying because he can go home at the end of the day feeling he's accomplished something and helped others, he said. But facing danger is also part of the profession.

The minimum requirements for being a police officer are the same for all departments and are set by Peace Officer Standards and Training.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is also seeking qualified candidates.

Deputies in both L.A. and Ventura receive a starting salary of over $50,000 per year, more if they are college graduates.

"The job offers excellent benefits and an exceptional retirement program," said Jeanette Rubio, a deputy sheriff's trainee who just started the academy on Oct. 25.

The hiring process is extensive, with many different requirements along the way, Rubio said.

The L.A. County Sheriff's core values include honorability, respect for the dignity of all people and integrity, according to a flier distributed by the department to attract new recruits.

"The L.A. County Sheriff's has a very rich history; it was established in 1850," said Lt. Patrick Hunter, who is also Moorpark's mayor.

After 23 years with the department, Hunter said, he still likes to go to work every day.

"I not only have the type of job I enjoy, but I work for an organization I'm very enthusiastic about." Law enforcement is a tremendous career, Hunter said.

Applicants must be at least 20 years old when they begin to work for the department. A high school diploma and a driver's license are required.

The L.A. County Sheriff's Academy lasts 18 weeks, but trainees don't live there.

Once hired, deputies start their careers at the county jails so they can get acquainted with the type of people they'll be dealing with once they're assigned a beat.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Academy at the Camarillo Airport complex is a 21-week program. Graduates also start their careers in the county jails, Nelson said. They spend about three years there and then move to patrol.

"The department has many openings right now," Nelson said. Both dispatchers and deputies are needed.

The application process for the Ventura agency takes four to six months. The smaller department offers a variety of jobs and advancement opportunities, Nelson said, and Ventura County deputies have access to stateof-the-art equipment and facilities.

For more information, visit the California Highway Patrol at www.chp.ca.gov/, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department at www.vcsd.org or L.A. Sheriff's Department at www.lasd.org.