The Process
On Thursday, June 28, 2007 I reached for my phone as it rang. Like many other police applicants, I held my breath not knowing what to expect. This day was Chief’s selection, which translates into "are you in the Academy, or out." Even as a pre-hire (and even after selection) there is no guarantee that you will become a Tulsa Police Officer. The first Chief’s selection that I experienced was stressful enough, the second one wasn’t much better.
As I answered my phone a million things ran through my head. The only words I remember hearing from my background investigator were, "you are in." The only way to describe that moment was perma-grin. Without saying a word, my husband looked at me and knew that I received the best possible news. Once again I will be wearing the APO uniform.
The story just begins here. My name is Amy Hoehner and I am originally from the Detroit, Michigan metro area. I have lived all over the country including, but not limited to, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina; Bentonville, Arkansas; and Stigler, Oklahoma. In May of 2000, I found and made my home in Tulsa. I had been an emergency services dispatcher for two years prior to moving to Tulsa. I fell in love with the job and continued my career as a dispatcher for Tulsa Public Safety Communications (a.k.a. 911).
While working in dispatch, I returned to college and completed my degree in business. During that time, I literally wrote down a time line as to when I was going to complete what portion of the application process (yes I am really that organized). I knew when I was going to graduate, when I was going to test for the police department, and for which academy I was applying. There was no doubt that not only did I want to become a police officer, I wanted to become a Tulsa Police Officer.
So here I am working toward academy #2. After I received "the phone call," the next step in the process included attendance at an orientation that took place on July 5th. Orientation consists of a final written psychological exam, LOTS of paperwork, fitting for the APO uniform, expectations of the Training Division staff, and a review of material that is required to be known by the first day of the academy. It’s like the Wizard of Oz: "rules, uniforms, and staff, oh my!"
Despite the overwhelming plethora of information given to each of us at orientation, the bigger issue relates to group dynamics. How are these 23 strangers going to work together as a cohesive unit? This was the first time the class meets as a group and what was truly remarkable was that regardless of our different backgrounds, geographical locations, ages, experiences, etc., we were standing around in a group talking like we had been friends for years. Cpl. Alexander really brought this to light when he spoke to us saying these are the people you will share memories with for the rest of your life.
Overall this is a great group of individuals. There are many of us that have already become great friends and have started helping each other prepare for the demands of the upcoming academy. Even in the short time that we have been working together it really is amazing how we want our classmates to succeed. No sooner did I ask one of my fellow pre-hires, "Chef," for help to improve with my running times before he was asking when and where. This has set the mood for the class. As previous bloggers Officer Mankin and APO Braitsch have already said, there are times that will not be so pleasant, to put it nicely, but the end result will be well worth the effort.
APO Amy Hoehner
We are once again proud of you Amy, we know that you will fit in nicely and be a great police officer. Welcome!
Posted by: Jason | July 17, 2007 at 01:38 PM
remember you are from DEEtroit!
Posted by: rwc | July 17, 2007 at 03:25 PM
Congrats and Tulsa will be happy to have you on the streets. I can only hope I get that same call this fall for the next class. Let us know what it is like.
Waiting and hoping to be the next TPD Officer!
Posted by: Jackie | July 17, 2007 at 09:44 PM
You will be a great officer. You have the dedication it takes. My only hope is if I get pulled over, it is you and we can hug before you write me a ticket! You go girl. Love ya. Jamie
Posted by: Jamie Morris | July 18, 2007 at 08:07 AM
Amy, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! Love, Colleen
Posted by: Duncan White | July 18, 2007 at 08:42 PM
The Citizens of this City ought to CRY FOWL. The Tulsa Police Department backed Kathy Taylor for mayor on the Sincere Promise by her that within her first year in office that she would hire 200 more police officers and put them on the street. Not only has she not kept her promise, She has hired a Interm Chief of Police that says Tulsa doesn't need anymore police officers. This is what I would call a very dishonest Mayor. My father retired from the Tulsa Police Department in 1980. There was 698 police officers on the Tulsa Police Department in 1980. Today 27 years later theres a few over 700 Please tell me whats wrong with this picture. How can we as Citizens complain about slow police response when we haven't kept up with the times.PLEASE READ THIS PART: What we need is a Mayor that will keep her word to the Police Department, And show the Police Department that (YES) her word is good and that they are important to this City.MAYBE then the moral will lift up and you'll see some pride in the City that they so proudly serve. This City needs more Police Officers, Not a 76 million Dollar Building. Come on Mayor let's really do whats right for this City.
Jim Rice
Posted by: Jim Rice | July 22, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Um...Ok what did that diatribe have to do with Amy's dedication and spirit to accomplish her dream?
Posted by: Kevin | July 24, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Jackie thank you very much for reading and taking time to post a comment on the blog. My intention is to provide applicants, and future applicants, with a personal insight into academy life. I hope that I can help you even it's just to keep you motivated throughout the process. Good luck to you!
Posted by: Amy Hoehner | July 26, 2007 at 09:29 AM