Well it looks like I'm gonna join the club.

[Foe[H]ammer]

I've applied for the Harris county, TX reserves as a means to get my career in LE started. I've inexplicably befriended Officers my whole life and always wanted to be one myself but always seemed to come up with a reason not to. NO MORE! I'm gonna follow my dream finally and my wife has reconciled it as a good thing for me and us.

I'll have to work reserves for 2 years (which doesn't pay, it's volunteer) before I'm eligible for full time employment. I'm sure it will be worth it.

I just wanted to ask those of you "on the job" what I should be doing in prep for academy. I'm 28 and a bit out of shape, not terribly but I do lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle so I don't get out and blood pumpin much.

What physical things will I do day to day that I should start working on so I'm on track for school?

What will I need to brush up for studies? I'm a fairly sharp guy and a fast learner but any jump I can get on it will help.

Also last question and then I'll leave y'all alone. Living in Houston is there a route faster to a career in Law Enforcement than going Sheriffs' Reserves for two years? I have a GED and no college but no criminal record and good credit. HPD requires college, Sherrifs require 2 years LE exp or reserves and TCLEOSE cerification but I haven't found any open doors with the smaller PDs around town. Any suggestions?

[FPS207]

I believe once you get your LE certification and work a little as a sheriff's deputy, you will see a host of other LE jobs open up. Good luck.

[Lfpdlieu302]

well congratulations! as far as the academy, start running to get into some shape, eat better and most of all....study your texas state laws. the better prepared you are when you enter the academy, the better you'll do.

[mcsap]

FInd out what the physical standards are for this dept , test yourself in your current sedentary condition and you will find out where you need to improve. And when you have become more fit and pass their tests, that is not a good reason to return to couch potato status. You will be faced with physical demands as a LEO, demands that you will be MUCH better prepared for in some kind of shape. Demands that could make the diference between catching the bad guy, not getting hurt or not getting killed.

[nealopp]

If your academy is run through a community college, as many here in CA are, try taking some criminal justice classes the semester before you go into the academy, if there's time. try to at least take a Rules of Evidence and maybe a TX penal code class. The less you have to worry about academics while in the academy, the less stressful your life will be!

[corporal716]

I disagree a little with nealopp. They will teach you about the penal code and evidence in the academy. I don't know what your educatinal background is, but I would concentrate on English classes. I would write every chance I got because when you get in you will be doing a lot of it.

[Foe[H]ammer]

actually that's something I thought to start on already, the writing that is. No matter how much I practice though my penmanship is still horrible, any suggestions? I'd hate to get DQ cause I can't write legibly.

Thanks alot guys for the replies and advice.

[Jynkxxie]

Congrats!

[P01IC3M4N]

i'd say get your license and look at various departments. for some reason, i know a lot of EX-houston officers.

[cecilVA]

LEARN SOME SPANISH! Living in Houston, I'm sure you are very aware of the high population of Hispanics. Getting familiar with Spanish will help you out, there should be lots of community colleges in Houston that offer classes.

[kariya_the_dog]

yea knowing spanish will probably help you a bit.
hpd/metro/hcso is always looking for bilingual officers. around here, you kinda need it sometimes.

[richjorg]

actually that's something I thought to start on already, the writing that is. No matter how much I practice though my penmanship is still horrible, any suggestions? I'd hate to get DQ cause I can't write legibly.

Thanks alot guys for the replies and advice.

I used to write pretty sloppy, now I write in all capitals. People actually say I have nice writing.

[md123]

Barring any physical challenges you might face, you can usually improve your penmanship by taking more time to write and practicing. Plus, I am training too in hopes of getting into an academy class. mcsap's comments reflect exactly what I've done. The earlier you start the better because often depts. dont want to see you just pass the physical they want to see that you'll be able to graduate the academy if it is a physically demanding one.

[APilgrim00]

Hey man, I live over in Harris County. Im right smackdab in Katy. I was actually looking at the Harris County SD website a few days ago about employment :D

[Smitty]

Good luck to ya!