Currently in college and want to become a police officer(need advice)!

[sadiq]

Current situation is as follows; I'm 20 and a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in buisness administration with an emphasis in public accounting. I want to become a police officer more than anything in the world, more specifically a detective. I've spoken to the parents about it since they do help me pay for my education and they aren't too thrilled about my dream of going into law enforcement(they value yearly income) but they'll accept it, all that they ask of me is to continue my education and get a degree in what I've started. I've been getting excellent grades in college(3.4GPA) and I speak fluently in Urdu(national language of Pakistan), excellent physical condition, and most importantly very motivated so I think I have some good qualitites to offer for a job in Law Enforcement.
So the plan is to finish school, graduate in 2006, and move out to Los Angeles to join the LAPD. The reason I want to join the LAPD is because I was raised in LA area(Lancaster about 1hr North) and just moved to Kansas City about 4 years ago due to my dad's job and absoulety hate it hear. I love and miss the diversity of LA and the big city life.
Okay here are the questions. What are my chances of getting in the LAPD and do they have demand for a entry level officers wanting to move up the ranks to detective? Will the cost of living be over whelming with the salary I would be earning or will I live a comfortable life? Don't get me wrong I'm not doing this for the money because I could make a lot more money with my CPA accounting qualification.
Sorry for the long post, but your advice, inputs, and opinions are greatly appreciated

[phuzz01]

Your chances depend on how high you score on the written test, how high you score on the Physical Agility Test, how good your answers are on the oral interview board, how clean your background is, etc. The bachelor's degree will certainly help. But the hiring process is a long, competitive road, so be ready for it!

As for the money, you will make enough money to get by. Don't count on a beachhouse in Santa Monica or a $40,000 car. But if this is what you want to do, you can make the money work. Thousands and thousands of LAPD officers before you have.

[P01IC3M4N]

if i were you, i'd be looking at federal agencies like the FBI and/or CIA. fluently speaking the language you speak would almost be a certain position at either of those agencies right now.

[sadiq]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've been told by a number of people to look into the FBI and/or CIA so I did and they have a good internship program so I'll contact them for more information. I'll keep my options open because having a one track mind can make a lack-luster situation worse.
As for the the hiring process for the LAPD being
"a long, competitive road, so be ready for it!", I understand that it will be competitive but the "long road" worries me. When I do move to LA I'll most likely have to find a job to support myself while I travel 'the long road' and try and get accepted to the academy? Also this means I'm not guarnteed a entry level officer position, once I do finish the academy?

[sgtbear111]

With your language skills and getting a CPA, you will have a strong resume. Some good advice was posted for Federal positions. Your interest is focused with LAPD, no problem. Don't put all your hopes in one place, if LAPD is not hiring, what will you do? Look around and investigate your options. If you have the analysis skills that a CPA implies, you have potential in several places. FBI, CIA have been named, and IRS and DEA deserve a look too.

Accounting and language skills are essential for going after the motive for organized crime, and the proceeds - MONEY. Greed drives criminals because money is power. Money laundering is necessary for organized crime (and terrorists) to conceal themselves, and before they can enjoy their ill-gotten profits. Money launderers, are equally dangerous, but less visible criminals, who provide the criminal's financial means by selling out their trusted positions in financial institutions (they have crossed to the dark side). How about arresting some of them??? You can make a difference. Good luck.

[gotcop]

With your qualifications I would look for the federal postings as someone suggested it. LAPD is okay but from what I am reading from your posts you talents will be wasted.