Certification Requirements

That last post sounded very interesting. What does the process of "taking out a warrant" consist of? I'm a Fl LEO, and it would be interesting to hear specific comparisons between FL and GA law enforcement.

Georgia and Florida do have different legal procedures, but a lot of what Atlanta does isn't done elsewhere in Georgia. Prior to moving to my current position with an urban Florida city department in Tampa Bay, I worked for a city department in the metro-Atlanta area.

In the county I worked, we had judges on-duty 24-hours a day. If you needed a search or arrest warrant, you just drive over to the courthouse, fill out an affidavit, and the judge would sign a warrant. None of the stuff I see here in Florida (such as having to involve the State Atty's Office to get an arrest warrant). In fact, just to make things very easy, each of the cities and county preceincts had a video-conferencing set-up where you could go online and talk to the judge without having to drive over to the court house. He would sign the warrant electronically, and you just printed that sucker off.

For every arrest you made on a state charge (some things you ran through the city court, so a ticket may suffice) such as domestic violence, battery, possession, etc. you had to get an arrest warrant. All that meant was you filled out a PC affidavit and took it to the on-duty judge. The nice thing about this was you got to encourage the judge to set high bonds if appropriate.

In my jurisdiction, I never had to appear in court the next day for every arrest. That is an Atlanta PD thing rarely seen at other departments.

I was never deposed on any case I made in Georgia. Depostions seem to be very commonplace here in Florida.

One nice thing about Georgia is the GA Supreme Court tossed out the law that allowed police officers to only arrest for certain misdemeanors (pretty similar to the "pc misdemeanors" here in Florida.) The GA Supreme Court said "if you have probable cause to make an arrest, the arrest is valid." So, simple assault, etc. got the ride.

Compared to Florida, the pay and retirement sucked. However, the equipment was nicer. At my department, every officer was issued a take home car (regardless of where they lived), handgun, back up gun, rifle, shotgun, and more stuff than you could imagine.

Georgia deputies have arrest powers across the state.

Generally, the public was more respectful of officers in Georgia.

Overall, I like working in Florida better. However, there are some nice points about working in Georgia.

I am currently looking at a Sheriffs Office in a N/E Georgia County, just North of Lake Lanier. I am also being considered for several agencies down in Florida. I just wanted to take the time to "thank you" for an honest response and talk about Georgia Vs. Florida Law Enforcement. Many times on this site I meet people who have terrible negative attitudes. It is a big change for me as all my hooks are in Florida, but I left Florida for a quality of life issue, taxes, insurance, hurricanes and home prices.

glad to help

I am a officer who was from a agency in south florida and relocated to Georgia. I must say that things are different here but the QUALITY of life is much better for my family and I. I work for a department that is also near Lake Lanier and it is MUCH slower than the fast pace of South Florida. BUT I can tell you that I do not miss the hurricanes, taxes, or the outrageous house prices for a tuna can. You just need to weigh your options. No regrets! Just miss the Florida Keys but I can vacation there! GOOOD LUCK!

Thanks for the info. Maybe we can hook up some day.. I am just
North of Cumming. What about places to party? in N. Ga any suggestions?

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE.... YOU GOT DRAGGED ACROSS THE BAHIA HONDA BRIDGE ONE NIGHT... I WONT USE YOUR NAME ON THIS CRAPPY SITE BUT YOU WERE THE KING OF DUI'S IN MONROE CNTY. I CAN TELL BY YOUR WRITING..... I SHOULD BE A FBI PROFILER, DANG IM GOOD

I am a officer who was from a agency in south florida and relocated to Georgia. I must say that things are different here but the QUALITY of life is much better for my family and I. I work for a department that is also near Lake Lanier and it is MUCH slower than the fast pace of South Florida. BUT I can tell you that I do not miss the hurricanes, taxes, or the outrageous house prices for a tuna can. You just need to weigh your options. No regrets! Just miss the Florida Keys but I can vacation there! GOOOD LUCK!

It all depends on where you work in GA. If you are in Atlanta PD its going to suck. But go work for Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cobb County PD, Forsyth County SO, you will have a take home, good benefits, good pay, and a city and administration that backs you. Alpharetta is paying over 70k to officers who stay 7 years with the agency, thats damn good for a smaller city.


Yes I would stay the hell away from Atlanta PD, Dekalb agencies, Clayton County, or Gwinnett PD (they are having money problems).