After Jimmy completed his assignment, he got a vacation. His trip to Los Angeles also counted as a visit to a well-known big city, even though he only saw a corner of it.
The development of cities is not consistent, and Jimmy usually stayed in Little Rock, surrounded by low-rise houses and sparse residential areas. A city with a population of just over one hundred thousand, it really lacked the flow of people. His experience in Los Angeles gave him a taste of the hustle and bustle of a true metropolis.
Both are police departments, yet the Little Rock Police Department has only about 300-400 people, whereas the Los Angeles West Bureau's West Hollywood Station alone appeared to have several hundred.
Of course, the difference in prison guards was even more staggering. Only after the riot ended did Jimmy learn that the whole Los Angeles county police force had barely a hundred correctional officers. Taking into account shifts and vacations, only a few dozen were on duty at the time of the disturbance. And of those, 20 or 30 got trapped by inmates in the main building. With the remaining guards responsible for outer security who couldn't move, no wonder the sergeant needed Jimmy's support and was able to temporarily authorize him to use a firearm.
It was simply incredible. Jimmy felt their ratio of guards to inmates was definitely below 20:1. Without issues, that's fine, but once something happened, relying just on the guards was never going to be enough to handle a riot. In the end, it was the reinforcement from the Los Angeles County Police and the LAPD that resolved the situation.
By the way, Plaskey County's entire police force seemed to be just over a hundred people, whereas the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office housed thousands. Despite holding the same rank, the disparity in numbers was just too great.
After resting at home for a day, Jimmy finally decided to make a call to James and arranged to chat that evening.
At night, Jimmy visited James's place and they sat face to face in the study. James had brought out some liquor and glasses, and the two drank casually.
Jimmy, "James, I've decided. I'm ready to accept Harten's invitation to join the FBI."
James, "You've finally made up your mind. Why?"
Jimmy, "You know I've hardly left Little Rock in the past two years. Although it's the capital, the population here is too low. After stepping out once, I've suddenly realized I've started living as though I'm already retired, and I'm still young."
James nodded, "You're honest, and that's a normal reason. You're only in your twenties; life is still long. It's good to get out and see more."
Jimmy, "Yeah, now that I've decided, there's no need to hesitate anymore, so I had to tell you in advance."
James, "It seems like you've felt a lot in Los Angeles."
Jimmy, "Yeah, my biggest feeling from this trip is being restricted; not having a gun license or law enforcement powers, I could only watch from the sidelines, always in danger. It was incredibly frustrating. At least in the FBI, I'll have nationwide jurisdiction and can carry a gun at all times, providing a greater sense of security."
James, "Why didn't you feel safe? Did something else happen over there besides the prison riot?"
Jimmy, "Yeah, during my off-time I went to the nearby Walk of Fame. That's Hollywood, a famous tourist spot, but I barely had a moment when I didn't hear sirens. There seemed to be a high number of cases there, and I always felt like crimes were happening around me.
Later when I went to the prison and the riot occurred, Paul and I had no weapons and could only anxiously wait in an interrogation room for the outcome. It was unbearable.
As selfish and fantastical as it may sound, I still wish that no matter where I am, I can feel safe enough to carry my weapon, my gun."
James nodded, "It's understandable; only you young guys have such ambition. If I were thirty years younger, I would definitely be living in a big city, too."
Jimmy, "Yeah, apart from what I mentioned, there's another thing I care about a lot. When I joined the police, I never underwent formal academy training. Strictly speaking, I am more like a SWAT member than a real cop since I never received any training in solving cases.
If my FBI application goes through, I should be scheduled for training at the FBI National Academy, where I expect to get a full course curriculum on case management. I need to make up for those classes."
James, "Brilliant. I never thought you'd see it that way. For county police, solving cases isn't necessary; it's not part of our regular duty. I've been in the county police for so long that I even missed that point. It looks like you've really grown up."
Jimmy, "Yeah, I've thought about it for a long time. I plan to have a talk with Harten to see how the timing works out, and then proceed with the resignation process from the police department."
James, "No problem. There's also time to coordinate the personnel arrangements."
Jimmy and James talked for a while longer, and then Jimmy said goodbye and returned home.
Once home, Jimmy sent a text to Harten, arranging to meet at the bar for drinks after work, and then went to bed.
The next day, after work, Jimmy went to Justin's bar. Harten hadn't arrived yet, which was normal since Jimmy lived closer. Jimmy ordered a drink and sat at the bar, listening to a patron singing. That was a feature of such small bars – without a resident singer, other customers were free to sing, with others gently clapping along instead of heckling.
Jimmy had also gone up to sing before, but only songs he learned in the past two years; he couldn't sing those he knew before here.
As Jimmy was getting impatient with the wait, Harten finally arrived. He ordered a drink at the bar and then joined Jimmy in the bar's private meeting room.
Harten, "Jimmy, calling me out at this time, seems like you've made a decision."
Jimmy, "Yeah, today I just want to confirm what I need to do."
Harten, "No, you don't need to do anything. I'll take care of the preliminary recommendation process for you. You just need to wait for the notification that will follow."
Jimmy, "Huh? Isn't the FBI an application-based system? Only after the application is approved can you go to the FBI National Academy for training."
Harten, "Hahaha, as I told you before, that's the regular procedure. The internal recommendation process is a little different. Once the Ministry of Internal Affairs has reviewed it, they will contact you directly."
Jimmy, "Where will I be assigned after becoming an FBI agent? You must've had full training at the academy, right? Any suggestions?"
Harten, "Regarding the assignment, we'll see when the time comes; nobody knows for sure, but since the recommendation is coming from our office, there's a good chance of being placed back here.
As for the academy, you don't need to worry about it. Your skills are more than sufficient. Assessments at the FBI National Academy mainly consist of a background investigation and a capabilities test. You'll surely have no issues with the background check, and the capability assessment revolves around physical fitness, firearms, driving, and other basic skills. For someone like you, these should be a breeze. You've got to have confidence in yourself."