Next IDOC academy

[bam]

Thanks, you guys have been a lot of help! He'll be working at Logan. He just got his cadet handbook yesterday and has been reading through everything. He said he didn't see rubber gloves or garbage bags on the packing list. Are you saying he should pack these things?

[BlackJack]

Originally Posted by bam

Thanks, you guys have been a lot of help! He'll be working at Logan. He just got his cadet handbook yesterday and has been reading through everything. He said he didn't see rubber gloves or garbage bags on the packing list. Are you saying he should pack these things?

Yes, bring those items. However, do not bring them in large quatities at once. Tell your husband to bring enough supplies for himself throughout the week at a time. I would also suggest that he bring a small bottle of baby oil (no kidding). It's used to hide the crude on the sinks and walls during inspection. A light coat will hide a lot, trust me.

[neo-luddite]

Yes. The list is not inclusive (assuming same list--LIKELY same list), but he MUST be careful of what NOT to bring. No one will get bugged up about some rubber surgical -type gloves and a few plastic bags. BTW--NO POCKET KNIFE (was not on the contraband list, but a no-no---I had one with me in my shaving kit and when they asked up-front I said 'hey, over here' and they kept it until end of week one. No big deal).

RULE TO OBEY---DO NOT LIE WHEN ASKED ABOUT ITEMS UP FRONT. NO ONE WILL GET WORKED UP IF YOU BROUGHT DOWN A 'NAUGHTY' ITEM BY MISTAKE *IF* YOU FESS UP WHEN ASKED DIRECTLY DURING THE INITIAL 'GREETING' FORMATION (assuming NOT thing like baggie of narcotics or item not legal in IL to own or have on state property).

NO READING MATERIAL (Even the Army lets you have a Bible and such--IDOC DOES NOT--they mean it).

A 'fun' test (I did this) I packed my bag and then spent three days 'living' out of it at home to make sure I had all the stuff that my long-civilianized and somewhat older self needed in terms of personal care items, meds, etc compared with a 18 or 19 year old guy (I started with IDOC @ age 37).

Bring all the 'meds' you (he) might need, and list 'em on day one. It's a PITA to add to the list later and, frankly, calls attention and scruitiny to the list (ie. questions and fun about why you need that pain med, laxative, etc).




The one thing (as said above) you can't 'get' out of this experience (at the academy) is how you (your husband) will handle cons. It comes oddly natural to most of us somehow---like in a sick way we were all destined for this line of work The bottom line is your husband will know soon after starting work whether he will 'fit'. Odds are he will. That comes later anyway.

[deepsouth618]

I was just wondering if anyone knows if there will be another academy by the end of the summer? I take the test on the 20th, and if there is a academy by then hopefully i will be blessed enough to get in.

[neo-luddite]

Only the g-ds know such things. Once more, clearing background MUST happen or you WILL NOT be on the list. Missing items in your file will hold up background. If they say you need to do 'x', DO X FAST---they operate by U.S. Mail (not usually by e-mail)---BUT if you persist and 'help' everyone in Springfield get their part of your file and background done, you'll be happier on magic day---whenever THAT happens.

My first time I had some prblems with doccuments, references at old employers from years back, etc. KEEP ON IT, BE NICE, FOLLOW-UP, THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPS IN WRITING AND BY PHONE (when you can).

The hard part is---you CANNOT SEE THE PROCESS AT ALL. IT IS 100% confidential---STAY ON IT----it took me 2 tests in successive years and a total 20 mo. 'wait' time that might be close to average or not---some get the 'go' in six months or less. But Y-O-U must keep on it. Good Luck! The job pays well and has good bennefits, but is a rough gig, no doubt!

[deepsouth618]

I took the test and made it through with no problem. THE GOOD NEWS is they said IDOC is hiring statewide and that mostly everybody is still understaffed. I talked to a sgt. that works at tamms at the test site, he was a friend of my father (my dad retired from tamms 2 yrs ago) and he said that its a good time to try and get on with idoc because they are hiring. CMS said they are behind on background checks and STRESSED that nobody calls to check up on things rite away. Thanks for the info neo

[neo-luddite]

'Legacies' like you are solid bets (I was not one, btw--fresh meat). People get the wrong idea on that----you get no favors, but (no surprise here) good Officers raise good Officers (most of the time, anyway). Good to hear re: that we are still hiring.

Best to your Dad, etc.---and good luck!

[neo-luddite]

Union newsletter says dates for Classes at IDOC Academy as follows:

May 10, June 11, Aug 2

Great news for us, for the taxpayers of IL (ME being one of them, too!), and new guys and gals wanting a job and willing to serve! Some C.O.s will miss the OT, but hey--- LOTS of folks--MANY recent vets who charge hard included--need work and (most) will fit in like ducks in reedy pond.

(just got that in mail yesterday from AFSCME 31)

[HapkidoKa]

31's a joke. Sorry but Bishop I have not given up on the issue I sent those emails out about a while back.

[Iowa #1603]

Originally Posted by neo-luddite

'Legacies' like you are solid bets (I was not one, btw--fresh meat). People get the wrong idea on that----you get no favors, but (no surprise here) good Officers raise good Officers (most of the time, anyway). Good to hear re: that we are still hiring.

Best to your Dad, etc.---and good luck!

One would think so.......................
I currently supervise 3 "Legacies" Two brothers who are the son's of one of the best Captain's I have ever served with, and the son of another long time "Good guy" Captains.

All three are worthless.

None of the 3 inherited the work ethic of their fathers--------nor do they come close to the same integrity level.

I do think those 3 are the exception to the rule------because I do believe that good people normally raise good kids.