Getting started in police work

[madramper]

I have been contemplating a new line of work for some time now. I have considered polie work in the past, but I guess I was just never ready. I am now 25 years old, married with a 5 month old baby. I have an AAS in Computer Information Systems and working towards a BA, although I have more than 140 credits now.

My question is what did you do to get started? Should I just start calling around to see if anyone is hiring? Should I just go fill out apps at each department? I don't know about other states, but NJ requires you to be hired by a municipality before you can attend the academy.

Is there any advice you can give me? What would you have done differently, or what worked well for you?

Thanks!

[cecilVA]

Here is what I'm doing. I'm currently in the military and became an Auxiliary Police Officer in order to get my proverbial foot in the door prior to applying for full time jobs when my Air Force time is up. There is a number of departments that I'm interested in and I have applied to a couple and will apply to a few more as my separation gets closer. Luckily most of the departments here in the DC area are continuously hiring so I didn't have to worry about that.

Here is my advice. First of all, finish your degree!!!! That will help you be more competitive and you will have a tough time finishing it while you start an LE career. When you get a few months away from graduation, start applying to departments you are interested in.

[Piggy]

I feel your pain. I had previously been in Law Enforcement but I was working for small departments and going nowhere. After my first was born, it was kind of a 'wake up call' to get my act together, get a decent job and make a little more of myself than I was doing at the time. It's amazing how something so little like a baby of your own can put things in a whole new light. Congrats on being a new daddy.

Cecil gave you good advice. You can get your foot in the door in Law Enforcement several differnet ways. One is by working as an Auxillary/Reserve. You can also try to get on as a Corrections Officer or Dispatcher. That way, you can have the advantage of making contacts, meeting people and making yourself a whole lot easier to hire for a sworn position than a complete stranger. It'll take some time, but if this is your goal it will be well worth it.

[lindat2957]

They both gave very good advice. It is difficult to come off the streets with no LE background and get a job, even more difficult to keep it. This is only because there is so much to learn. Getting your foot in the door through dispatching ans such is a good way to get your feet wet. Good luck to you, and congrats on the new baby!

[mcsap]

The Sunday newspapers have the BEST help wanted ads and the MOST LEO help wanted ads.