New Member.....Lots Of Questions

[Powerboss]

Hi.
Well let me get to the heart of the matter. I am possibly thinking of changing careers so to speak and was wondering what steps are necessary to become a police officer.

Basically, I own a small business of my own and am getting weary and am looking to hire someone to do the labor so I can go out and do something that will satisy my need to serve my country and/or community in some way.....Ever since 9/11 I have had a burning desire to do something......

I dont know if this is an issue or not but I am 35 years old, but I am in good physical shape as I usually run 3 miles a day and lift weights 3 times a week.

Anyways, what do I have to do? Where do I go first? What are the necessary steps and or qualifications?
ANY advice or input would be appreciated, please don't assume I know anything because chances are that I don't in regards to this.

Hope you all had a good turkey day!

Oh, and for all you guys do, and putting up with all the crap that you have to put up with......Thanks.

[Sgt. Pepper]

well you sound like a good canidate for a cop some places have age limits i would check that out. As a firefighter i know we don't have one in my department, but NyFD has one.

[Charlie]

Powerboss--Probably the first thing you need to do is figure out WHERE you want to work and contact that department for more information about their requirements to get on board. Departments generally vary greatly when it comes to their requirements BUT I'd be willing to bet it is a possibility a number of agencies in your area have a web site with TONS of information available to potential recruits like yourself:

You can possibly locate your local police department's web site at either of the below web site:

http://www.officer.com/

OR

http://www.ih2000.net/ira/ira.htm

If you have questions, this is a great forum to ask questions. OR, try this web site too as it has a lot of great information as well:

http://www.cops2be.com/

Whatever you decide, best of luck! Hope this might help.

Charlie

[Powerboss]

Thanks a bunch for the info.

I guess what I am also looking for here is how you guys/gals like the job.....
Is it satisfying? How are the benefits? Pay? That sort of stuff.....I know pay can vary from place to place and reigon to reigon but was curious as to waht to expect.

Also, would It be preferable to start in a smaller town/city or go to a big city type of dept?

Finally, academy? How long is it? What are the requirements? ect ect ect ect?

Thanks again...

[Stump]

What state do you live in? Unfortunately where I am (in NY) we have an age limit of 35.

I think you should go to your library and see if they have any video tapes on being a cop (we have them here - it is specifically for people who are thinking of applying). Also, go to town/city hall and get information. Here there are information sheets about what is required,etc... Even if you don't apply to that PD, at least you have the basic ideas. In the meantime, to fulfill your need to help your community, why don't you try some volunteer work? It is extremely rewarding and will look good on a resume. Who knows? Maybe that will fulfill your post -9/11 need to help...
Good luck

[Powerboss]

Thanks.

Im in Arizona....A small city in the NW corner of Phoenix called Surprise.

[Powerboss]

OK, in checking out some webisites I need to have this one explained to me. Its somewhat confusing in the way its written and it may just eliminate me from consideration so better I find out now than later...

This statement:

Your vision is not at least 20 /20 uncorrected; or 20 / 20 corrected by glasses or hard contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20 / 80 or better; or
20 / 20 corrected by soft contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20 / 200 or better; or if you have other serious job related medical impairment.

OK, Ive got excellent vision in my left eye.....20/15.
In my right eye I have about 20/150 and glasses do not improve it a whole lot.

Does that disqualify me?

The way Im reading it the answer is yes and that sucks.

[Mac]

For that particular department you are looking at, you are not qualified.

Mac