Hiring Advice
I’m looking for honest advice from anyone in LE hiring, backgrounds, or who has gone through something similar.
I previously worked for an agency and resigned during FTO. The issue was that my assigned FTO consistently avoided calls for service and kept me from getting exposure to important calls (DUIs, domestics, sex offenses, etc.). Most days involved sitting at the station or proactively avoiding work. Other recruits with different FTOs were getting much more experience, and on the rare occasions I worked with other trainers I finally felt like I was actually learning.
Before making any formal complaint, I went to the FTO sergeant multiple times asking for more exposure/training opportunities. I was told there was no reason to reassign me because my Daily Observation Reports were positive.
As training progressed, I became concerned that I would complete FTO without actually knowing how to do the job safely or competently. I eventually set up a meeting with my sergeant and provided evidence showing the lack of training activity. I was told they believed me and were already aware of the concerns involving that officer, but that it was not technically against policy. My sergeant then began to justify there actions (burnout, brand new trainer, LE from a different country). I waited to see if they would offer me some sort of solution or support but I was told it wasn’t necessary for me to be successful. All I was asking for was for the chance to go to more calls so I could get more exposure.
I attempted to resign and pursue another agency. However the chief did not accept my resignation and asked me to reconsider. Although the chief initially encouraged me to stay, I could tell a majority of the department was not happy that I brought this issue up and I ultimately separated voluntarily. I figured that if I stayed I would be walking on eggshells with the agency for the rest of my career.
Since then, I’ve received multiple non-selections and permanent DQs from agencies. I’ve been informally told a negative professional reference may be the reason, but I haven’t really been given opportunities to explain the situation or provide context.
I’m trying to figure out realistically what my options are at this point. Has anyone seen applicants recover from a situation like this?