Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I'm currently 20 years old and looking to relocate to FL. I have my associates already but if I move it will be hard for me to be self sponsered to get certified. I'm debating on whether to apply to FHP. I know theres alot of negativity towards that agency in the past couple years but I wanting to use it more as a stepping stone just to get my experience in then apply to better agencies. I know the process is a long and dragged out but time really isn't an issue. What would you all consider me doing.

I have not heard anything negative about FHP (though I am not in Florida).

Competition for Law Enforcement Positions is as fierce as I have ever seen it. I would apply to a variety of agencies to maximize the odds that one will hire you. Getting a degree and/or some military experience will help you a lot. You have time, given your age...

-Citicop.

Be patient. There are several officers here from Florida that can give you better information.

If you are looking soley for a department to start at that will pay you to go to the academy, then FHP would be ok as long as you are willing to accept the following things..

1) A probable move to the Orlando/Miami area.
2) Considerably less pay than your local counterparts.
3) NO raises.
4) You will ONLY work traffic. Crashes and traffic stops. That is it. Do not listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. We get countless calls from FHP to come out and take anything that is not traffic from them.

I've talked to a lot of troopers and the only three positive things they can tell me about the place is
1) Lots of overtime oportunities and off duty work (may change with the current govenor though)
2) Lots of freedom
3) Probably better equipment than most local counterparts.

Good place to start if you don't mind those things, I just never recommend it is a career option.