Security II, Something to pass the time...resigned - Security II Disneyland Resort Employee Review

Where can I start...those of you that are former military or law enforcement, they will hire you in a heart beat. They have two positions that are offered as entry level security(depending on resume): security I and security II. I was offered a security I or security II spot but due to the misinformation I got from the HR lady who interviewed me( which seemed to happen to 99% of my "academy" class) I chose to get hired as a security II. I'll break it down: Security II gets paid $13/hr, their job functions are as follows: stand at post your entire shift and check in bags, man the metal detector, and wand people. Coming from the first responder world this is very, very simple and mindless/drone work. You get the picture. Security I gets paid $12.50/hr BUT have a whole new world of freedom (see what I did there?). They are mobile patrol, vehicle patrol, hotel/resort patrol, overnight construction patrol, bike patrol, etc. They also have various differentials which security II is not eligible for. I should also add that in order to "promote" within the security area of Disney( i.e. dispatch/communication center, PCO/plain clothed officer(security), K9 handler, various forms of high management, you MUST be a security I for 6 months to a year. That means most people who were duped into going to security II due to higher pay (also experience in any law enforcement/military status knows II is higher than I in ranking, as well as common sense) have to wait out a 4 month probationary period before applying to security I spots. If you feel you can do this for such little pay then more power to you. There is a 5 day "academy" where you are basically brought to death by power point. When you "graduate" there is a cute little ceremony with a Disney diploma which is basically a modified CA BSIS Guard Card which allows you to work as a security guard on Disney property. After that you attend some hands on "training" for a week in which they literally beat a dead horse in regards to bag check and wanding. The people that are teaching you are a special breed. They are called Leaders and Trainers, which is a $1.50 raise direct supervisor, the trainers im not sure in regards to their pay raise if any, and for security II you can become one of these pawns in as little as 4 months (There is also a security manager spot which is business professional attire and you get a whopping $1/hr raise in addition to the team leader rate). I say it takes a special breed to be one of these clowns because they are all about the "Disney Way". You'll see what I mean if you get there. The security union is a joke, it is one of the saddest organizations ive ever seen, and you are forced to pay union dues. You are also not allowed to drink water at your post, which Im sure there is a CA labor law in regards to that but its not worth addressing. Most of the security people have no former job related experience, and if they do its been watered down by the Disney way. A good majority of the security guards were former cast members, starting in attractions or custodial to get to security, and for $13/hr is very sad and not worth it. Basic/universal cons to the job are: You have to arrive to your shift well in advance, especially if youre unfortunate enough to be working in an area where you need to take a tram to get to your work destination. Like I said, you're not allowed to drink any water while youre "on stage" aka working. Guests 99% of the time are good, decent people. Its the supervisors/co workers you have to put up with. Workers are notorious snitches, to the point some will rat to a leader not even a minute of having a private conversation. Dont cuss. Dont allow your company issued ID to dangle from your pocket. Sun glasses cant be reflective and are not allowed to be worn behind the ears or over your forehead, they must either be worn over the eyes of in your pocket (seriously). The leaders seem to get a high off micromanagement. You are also assigned to work sporadic shifts at different locations of the park in which you are required to park at different parking lots, this is a huge inconvenience. Honestly, in order to survive and thrive in this environment, you need to be all about that Disney lifestyle. I was not. I truly felt my skills were deteriorating there. If you want to put up with all this for $13/hr, be my guest and more power to you.