Pros
Great Training, Pay and Benefits
Cons
Management is very numbers driven so much so that you have very little time for interaction with citizens in a positive way. As an officer you are told that there is no quota for car stops however if you fail to make a required number (read quota) you will be put on a performance improvement plan, demoted or placed on a probationary status. Your most recent step increase in pay will be withdrawn in these cases. This non-quota is used to determine your eligibility for special assignments as well promotional opportunities. I loved working as an officer connecting with the public and making the city safe. That is no longer what police work is with the City of Springfield. It’s become a numbers game where you are held accountable for a quota that is not identified by your supervisors because a quota in POLICING IS ILLEGAL! The chief of police is not held accountable by the citizens or city government for the meteoric rise in the crime rate during his administration. I hate to sound like sour grapes but it is what it is. I am saddened by what I have seen this once great department become. If you are looking for a great starting off point to get seriously good training for your leap to a better department this is the place for you. I highly advise though, don’t stay too long get your training stay the required number of years ( I think 2) to fulfill the agreement and then move on.