Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

So I was very interested in joining the ranks of being a Trooper. As I read through the forums and im seeing that FHP is an absolute mess!. I have no problem with traffic duty and so forthe. However, everybody seems like there unhappy with there job. Plus the application process is so long versus the alternitives. This will be my second time applying to be a trooper hopefully I'll get through all the way. Thoughts.......

Many times the job is what you make it. But one thing I would say is treat it like a job, not as something that substitutes for any other worthwhile thing in your life. Don't live for it, just do it properly and to the best of your ability. That way the political bull**** which is in every department won't hurt as much. Keep lots of interests outside the job and make sure your friends are non-cops as well as cops. Just some thoughts, no claim to expertise.

I know very very very few cops who retire where they started. Don't put your eggs in one basket. There are lots of places to play cops and robbers.

I know very very very few cops who retire where they started. Don't put your eggs in one basket. There are lots of places to play cops and robbers.

Really? Must be a regional thing, Joe. Out here, it's a fairly small minority that don't finish where they start. Maybe 5%, 10% max of the people who retired from my department ever worked anywhere else.

And most of those where guys who fled OSP in the early 70's before they got a union. Now I imagine nearly everyone that starts with OSP. Just about every trooper I've met thought OSP was the only place to work since then.

FHP is unique. You have to understand that they are just what the name implies, "highway patrol". They do a lot of traffic enforcement and drug interdiction and crash investigation. Thats about it. They are the only academy in Florida that has a live on campus (at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement training Center) and they have a long rich history.

Most Troopers are very good at what they do. They almost all are experts at crash investigations and go through additional training in the academy to conduct crash investigations. They are one of the few agencies that allow you a lot of slack as to where and how you patrol. In other words, I know they sometimes go 10-8 from their home, and patrol pretty much where they want unless working an enforcement action.

They have Florida State Retirement (which is very good, and they are at high risk level which means more money than regular retirement) they have take home vehicles and good equipment. Their equipment is fairly up to date and they pride themselves on being very professional in appearance and demeanor. Also being a State officer you have State wide arrest powers, and your State retirement will follow you to any state agency if you later decide to move on.

If you get into the academy, which is not easy to get into as they have high standards, say hi to Lt. Jimmy (JD) Collins for me, he will be one of your instructors and is a good friend of mine (have known him for over 20 years). He was assigned to the academy last time I was up there teaching in Oct 2009. We served in Traffic Enfocement together for years in Broward County.

If you want to work crimes like robberies and domestics and other urban type crimes, then FHP is not the place to go. If you want to be self motivated and self reliant, then they are a good choice. I think they are a great agency for people that like that type of enforcement option.

Good Luck and stay safe...your life may depend on it.

Don't get your sights set on one agency. If you don't get hired by them you'll be really disappointed. Set your sights on law enforcement as a career, not on an agency being and end-all-be-all. Be open to applying outside of your state and to different kinds of law enforcement agencies.

I know it's depressing to keep being rejected by your choice agency. Been there, done that. However, depression won't get you anywhere. Keep your head up and continue to apply to various agencies. Good luck!

If you get into the academy, which is not easy to get into as they have high standards, say hi to Lt. Jimmy (JD) Collins for me, he will be one of your instructors and is a good friend of mine (have known him for over 20 years). He was assigned to the academy last time I was up there teaching in Oct 2009. We served in Traffic Enfocement together for years in Broward County.


Don't do this until AFTER you graduate or you may as well paint a big bullseye on your back.

If you get into the academy, which is not easy to get into as they have high standards, say hi to Lt. Jimmy (JD) Collins for me, he will be one of your instructors and is a good friend of mine (have known him for over 20 years). He was assigned to the academy last time I was up there teaching in Oct 2009. We served in Traffic Enfocement together for years in Broward County.

In addition to ChesCopPoz's note about refraining from doing this until AFTER one has graduated, I have to ask, were you (or are you currently) a law enforcement officer, Mr. Wagoner? I ask because the statement above seems to indicate you are (or were), and claiming to be a LEO on this site requires one to be verified (scroll down to "Registering a User Name" and see the link under "LEO verification process" for further details: http://www.realpolice.net/forums/forum-rules-65/91718-forum-rules.html#post1061625)

If you are a LEO, please send me a private message so that I can promptly (and discretely) verify your claims (this will also grant you access to our LE restricted forums). Thanks.

Yes I am and have been a LEO for 30+ years. PM will be sent..