Pros
I noticed the derogatory statements from ex employees and realized they were crying over sour grapes. Obviously they took the job but didn't like the expectations. My experience at VPS was great. We all know life is what you make it. I knew what I was signing on for and made the best of it.
During the hiring process VPS was honest and upfront about everything. In a nutshell they told me I needed an Arizona guard license, pass a drug test, would mostly work weekends, nights, and holidays conducting bicycle patrol, and often I would have more than one post during my shift. Conditions of Employment: I needed reliable transportation to carry my company issued bike and I was financially responsible for it. I needed to have a complete duty belt. I was provided a list of required equipment and told I could purchase the equipment anywhere, or I could purchase it through the company and do payroll deductions over my first 3 paychecks to cover it. Since I was short on cash I decided to buy it through the company. I would be issued a 2 way radio and mobile unit for GPS reporting that I would be financially responsible for. Uniforms were issued at no charge. I would have to pay a drug test, but if it came back negative I would be reimbursed, and I was.
***Just like every other applicant I understood all this prior to accepting my position with VPS.***
The 8 hr class to get licensed I would not be paid for. VPS offers the training, or I could go elsewhere. I called around and found everyone charged about the same for the training and no one else paid for attending, so I decided to get mine from VPS. I wen to the office and was uniformed and scheduled for field training. I left the office with my bike, uniforms, communications radio and GPS radio, duty belt, and proper paperwork. While loading it in my car I realized, "This company just issued me close to $2000 worth of equipment and I haven't even worked a single shift". I'm not sure how many other companies would do that.
I spent my first three shifts, 24 hours, with a field training officer. VPS wants to make sure before a guard is on his own he knows his job. While working, Supervisors randomly stopped to check on me and conducted further training. VPS also offers advanced training for employees. My training and experience at Valley Protective Services helped me during the hiring process for the police department I now work for. Interacting with police, fire, and EMS gave me perspective about their job, and how to communicate with them confidently. This was especially helpful during the interview process.
I have many more positive experiences I could share, but you get the idea.
Cons
I have nothing negative to say. They clearly explained the job and I agreed to meet the duty requirements.