Can a police department postpone hiring me until after national guard annual training?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:41:23 -0500

I was hired by a police department recently and was given a date for the academy. I told them I had my AT from late April to late May, but they scheduled me to attend in April. I asked and I need to go to my AT so now the department is saying they will need to push back my start date until after I get back from AT. Usually before attending the academy there is some on the job training, uniform issue etc. Is it legal for them to push that start date back? I still have the job just will have to start 3 months after what they initially told me. Just trying to get a better picture, thanks

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 14 at 2020 3:50 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:50:19 -0500

I see no issues here. Why would they start you in their academy, only to have you immediately leave to do your AT? They haven't denied you the job. They just adjusted your start date so that your military obligation does not impact your on-boarding process and initial law enforcement training.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 4:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:00:09 -0500

I don't see this as an issue. It sounds like this is ideal for both you and them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 4:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:35:52 -0500

Sounds like a win/win for the most part. Yea, your training for the police got kicked back....but you still are gonna train with the police. Plus, they aren't trying to get you to exit out of your military obligation. Take this as a good thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 5:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 17:05:40 -0500

The fact that you are asking on a military site if a local police department pushing your academy start date back is legal indicates that there is something you are leaving out of your story.

It sounds like the department is being nice and accommodating you in a different class

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 5:26 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 17:26:48 -0500

Of course it is legal. You are the one that mentioned you needed to go to AIT. Are you wanting to start early so that they have to pay you while you are gone for annual training?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 5:34 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 17:34:06 -0500

Yep, I did the same thing when I was hired by the FAA. Win/win/win. Hard to beat that. My Squadron didn’t have to do anything special because I was at AT. The FAA didn’t have to do anything special to interrupt training for one guy at the Academy. Ooh! And I didn’t get stuck between competing interests of two big ole bureaucracies at the VERY start of a career and have to deal with all that goes with that.

Response by Landrew Usoalii S. made Feb 14 at 2020 7:56 PM

Landrew Usoalii S. — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 19:56:30 -0500

No issues, other than the fact that the PD is willing to work around your AT. Take it as a win. You lucky they are pushing it back so you can attend your AT, other places would'nt even give you that option.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 8:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 20:25:38 -0500

So.... You told them you need to be accommodated for AT and they did..... And the issue is???

I get where you're going. You should definitely sue.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 14 at 2020 8:40 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 20:40:41 -0500

They can. They can also rescind employment offers if they so choose if you can't meet their requirements. In this case, I would say they were trying to slot you in the earlier police academy class. Sounds like they are willing to do you a favor and allow you to delay until after AT. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Incidentally, I enjoyed my time as a police officer many moons ago. I hope you have the same fulfillment and sense of accomplishment as well.

Response by PFC Michael Korach made Feb 14 at 2020 11:09 PM

PFC Michael Korach — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 23:09:46 -0500

It's legal since most likely you were given a conditional hire based on finishing the academy. They actually could have withdrawn the offer. I know my agency would have based on the needs of the department.

Response by PFC Michael Korach made Feb 14 at 2020 11:11 PM

PFC Michael Korach — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 23:11:07 -0500

Before I forget congratulations welcome to the thin blue line watch your six and stay safe.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 2:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 02:17:17 -0500

They don't want your training to be interrupted. It interferes with with their training plan. Nothing illegal about it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2020 10:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:23:06 -0500

Yeah it’s legal and you can only miss so many hours to graduate from BLEA. If you cross that threshold, you fail the academy... they’re helping you, not hurting you...