Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Afternoon, Im currently a corporal in the infantry (0331 machine gunner) and have about 6 months left in the corps and am looking into continuing my service on the police dept I was wondering if there was any prior service out there who could offer some advice on making the transition and what I can expect in training. I appreciate any advice and thanks for what you all do.

Some searches here will tell you about everything you need to know about applying and training. If you have 6 months left now is the time to start.

I appreciate the reply I have been searching and learned a lot im looking for any hardships you experience transitioning? Like do you recommend I build off my training and experience here or should I start fresh? Im unaware of the differences and also stuff that maybe i can offer the deparment

Police departments assume you know nothing other than what they teach you. You may be the military's greatest sniper but no police department will give you a rifle until you go through their training and qualification first. Legal liability stuff causes this attitude. Your military experience will help make you competitive and it will help you get through training.

Now you need to begin identifying police departments you would like to work for and completing applications for them. If you are state side and you can go on ride alongs that's great. Get a police officer examination book from the book store, it will help you prepare for the written test.

I can't help, but belt fed weapons make me smile too.:D

There is a big difference between being in the military and being a cop. A lot of what you know does not work on the street here.

You should look for dept's that offer Veterans Preference points. THAT is one benefit you can get that is a NICE help when looking for a job.

i really appreciate the help guys i never had any fantasies about being a super cop becuase im a marine. im just trying to prepare the best i can they way i figured i was going to be handicapped due to ths. like people who show up with prior shooting training. guess il do my best to avoid boot mistakes haha

.... like people who show up with prior shooting training. guess il do my best to avoid boot mistakes haha

Yes, I can assure you that if you approach any LEO Training (or Hiring) with a "BTDT, don't-need-to-relearn-it-again" attitude, you will do no one any good, least of all yourself... and your Instructors will treat you like a Red Headed stepchild. ;)

i really appreciate the help guys i never had any fantasies about being a super cop becuase im a marine. im just trying to prepare the best i can they way i figured i was going to be handicapped due to ths. like people who show up with prior shooting training. guess il do my best to avoid boot mistakes haha


50% of my academy class was prior military and a lot were Marines including http://www.pbase.com/automat42/rip
We have a Marine Capt and Army Capt out of my station of 10 guys...

My point... You will just be another recruit. Stay under the radar...

Hey, just a quick heads up - "Cover", "cover me", "provide cover", etc mean something entirely different in civilian LE work! :eek: ;)

haha good advice samuel! whenever anyone in iraq yelled "cover me" to me means unload a belt if .50 cal justice!

Hey, just a quick heads up - "Cover", "cover me", "provide cover", etc mean something entirely different in civilian LE work! :eek: ;)

LMAO!

Yep, the old man frowns on suppression fire during flanking movements. :D

I know I am dating myself but...I clearly remember the first time I got to fire an M-60 with a large belt of ammo while holding it Rambo style :)

Still brings a smile to my face.

haha same here except it was a 240g i was a heavy gunner in iraq m2 .50 and mk-19. you should see the m60 e4 they made...i go as far as to call i sexy