HIDDEN TRUTHS REVEALED - PART 8

LAPD was hiring and the written test would be waived if an applicant had a college degree. Had turned down an opportunity to apply to the Dallas PD after graduation so decided to take a chance. It also would be the motivational factor to help me gain weight and get into shape in order to pass the physical agility test. Don’t remember how much I ate, but many lunches consisted of two hot dogs and a milkshake.

The agility test was on a Sunday and would decide where to stay the night before after my arrival. Mom told me to call a friend who worked at Pepperdine, but wanted to do this on my own. Flew to LA, got on a bus and had no clue where I was going. Pulled the cord and stepped off the bus as this seemed to be an appropriate location and would find a hotel. Turned out to be Hollywood and Vine and walked a few blocks until I found reasonable accommodations. (Luckily passed up one where the cops regularly came a calling for some criminal activity or another.) Walked around for a couple of hours, decided where to have dinner and went back to the hotel room. Ended up calling Jenny who was appalled after telling her where I was. She told me not to go out after dark and would pick me up in the morning and take me to the academy. Well, I knew what I was having for dinner so did go out and walked at a rapid pace for several blocks and picked up my burger, onion rings, and shake. There were many tourists milling around so didn’t think there was too much need for concern.

Arrived at the academy. There it was--LAPD Academy--the sign I had seen numerous times in the opening credits of Charlie’s Angels. Got through each phase of the test without any trouble and outran many of the guys there. It was on to the six foot wall--had climbed over the backyard wall many times and this seemed easy enough. Almost but not quite and after several attempts had to stop. I could return during the week and learn the proper technique in order to pass but gave up. Jenny had waited for me the entire time and took me back to the Malibu campus to stay with her until I got a flight back home. Disappointment and feelings of failure emerged again. So, a six-foot wall kept me from becoming an LA cop. Many thought that was a good thing.

The Albuquerque PD was hiring and I had to take the written test. Passed with flying colors but looked at what comprised their agility test. Pulling a patrol car several feet--what’s the use and decided not to continue in the hiring process. Had been keeping up with my eating but after awhile thought I would become fat (or should I say, lose control) and after realizing I needed that amount to maintain my weight, it was too late--had dropped down to around 105. The cycle was starting all over again.

Applied to the FBI but couldn’t get past the personality profile phase. Decided the closest thing to a detective would be a probation officer so took the state test to get on the eligibility list. In the meantime, continued working at Bankruptcy Court. Got an interview for a probation-parole officer (PPO) position. Received a call at work--I didn’t get the job but was their second choice. Went into the bathroom and cried. Wasn’t working enough hours at the court so was hired as a secretary at a law firm.

One of the supervisors who had interviewed me for the PPO position called and told me about an opening as a secretary in the Probation Department and made arrangements for me to take the test. It was a way to get my foot in the door. Got the job and would be working in the same unit as the individual who had been chosen for the PPO job earlier, but Anita and I became fast friends. Had to wait 1-½ years before landing that promotion.

(to be continued)