Schooling??

[COL1N]

I just moved to Overland Park, Kansas from Texas. I am concidering a lifestyle in Law Enforcement. I am 19 and 1/2 years of age and am a General Studies Major. I have decided to take the leap into really (Really) settling down to become a officer. I have a year or two before I can apply to become a officer. So what things should I really tack down on to the 'T' and what classes should I take in the upcoming semesters? I know you probably get this a lot but I am semi-clueless. Let me know all you guys and gals can. Thanks in advance.

-COL1N

[txinvestigator1]

lifestyle?

[fetom]

You know, fancy cars, designer suits, sitting in pristine offices with adequate support staff to do the running 'round, regular hours and vacations, big houses by the beach. Haven't you seen the recruiting videos, CSI, Miami Vice and for Aus viewers, blue heelers?

[Old Trooper]

Let me describe the LE lifestyle to you...Long hours in crappy weather, shift work, not seeing your family for days at a time, big mortgage, small paycheck, ulcers and bad habits if you're not careful, missed meals, bad coffee, and doughnuts...LOTS of doughnuts!!! (that's why I chose this lifestyle, the glazed doughnuts!) Good luck.

[P01IC3M4N]

Let me describe the LE lifestyle to you...Long hours in crappy weather, shift work, not seeing your family for days at a time, big mortgage, small paycheck, ulcers and bad habits if you're not careful, missed meals, bad coffee, and doughnuts...LOTS of doughnuts!!! (that's why I chose this lifestyle, the glazed doughnuts!) Good luck.

don't forget IA! nothing like those letters the IA fairy drops in your mailbox..."this serves as formal notice that you are currently being investigated for acts that were alleged by the complaining party...blah, blah, blah, more BS followed by more blah, blah, blah."

don't you just love vindictive people?

[Rad Diver]

Let me describe the LE lifestyle to you...Long hours in crappy weather, shift work, not seeing your family for days at a time, big mortgage, small paycheck, ulcers and bad habits if you're not careful, missed meals, bad coffee, and doughnuts...LOTS of doughnuts!!! (that's why I chose this lifestyle, the glazed doughnuts!) Good luck.

Gotta luv krispy Kreme :D

[COL1N]

lifestyle?

I will be 21 when I apply in a suburb of a Big city and new to the town. I will have lots FREE time.

Let me describe the LE lifestyle to you...Long hours in crappy weather, shift work, not seeing your family for days at a time, big mortgage, small paycheck, ulcers and bad habits if you're not careful, missed meals, bad coffee, and doughnuts...LOTS of doughnuts!!! (that's why I chose this lifestyle, the glazed doughnuts!) Good luck.

Old Trooper... It can not possibly be that bad. If it goes nowhere. Then I will move over to Arson Detective. (That will take a LOOOONG time but it would be cool)

Does anybody have any TRUE advice... besides OLd Trooper

[121Traffic]

Everyone here is just pulling your chain. Just do well in school, and keep your nose out of trouble. Debt is best to be kept at a minimum..take it from me! Other than that, doesn't really matter what classes you take, etc., as long as you do them well. Good luck.

[COL1N]

Everyone here is just pulling your chain. Just do well in school, and keep your nose out of trouble. Debt is best to be kept at a minimum..take it from me! Other than that, doesn't really matter what classes you take, etc., as long as you do them well. Good luck.

I was about to say... What they were saying was like... " :eek: " I was going to say " Yeah... ummm... C YA!" Well I have done pretty well in school and yes I have kept my nose out of trouble but I had a minor Fender bender when i was 17. The guy made a crappy U Turn and i clipped him. Is that going to cost me? No tickets by the way. No mistemeanors or felonys. Oh yeah also what are the shifts hours? is it 12 or 24 off 24? The cops get paid more than paramedics, which was my first choice until recently. Thanks.

[codered]

121 summed it up well.

[Samuel]

You know, fancy cars, designer suits, sitting in pristine offices with adequate support staff to do the running 'round, regular hours and vacations, big houses by the beach. Haven't you seen the recruiting videos, CSI, Miami Vice and for Aus viewers, blue heelers?

Hey, I saw Mad Max and the Road Warrior. Are you guys at MFP hiring right now? I'd like a take home Interceptor...

:D

[Samuel]

Don't discount what OT (and PM) had to say - you gotta take the bad with the good.

Also, don't do it just for the pay, it ain't worth it.

Sounds like you are looking more for a Fire Fighter "lifestyle".

[Ranger__101]

If your looking into arson investigator, you'll generally need to get a job on a fire department. Very few places have LE arson investigators. In most places that is done by the Fire Department.

If your looking into what you need for classes contact the guidance office at your school and they can provide you with the requirements and any state requirements you need.

If your looking into LE for the "lifesytle", please look somewhere else for a career. Trust me we are not it in for the "lifestyle". Personally it really sucks!!

Odd sleep schedules, having to make time to spend with the family, working nights and weekends, no "regular schedule", missing family events because of work. I also forgot to say that the payscale is generally below what a professional career with the same education would pay.

You really must want to be in LE because of the job. You must enjoy what you do at work. The rest of your "lifestyle" is controlled by the job and most of us do what ever we can to leave the job at work and live like any other professional when we are not at work.

[cwillis0001]

Working all night and sitting in court all day. That's my lifestyle summed up in one sentence. You'll change for this job, this job won;t change for you. Your personal life will adapt around work. If you don't mind me asking, what was the city department you want to apply to?

[COL1N]

Working all night and sitting in court all day. That's my lifestyle summed up in one sentence. You'll change for this job, this job won;t change for you. Your personal life will adapt around work. If you don't mind me asking, what was the city department you want to apply to?

I am not sure yet but will focus around lawrence, Overland park and Kansas city.