Several questions about eligibility & recruitment

[MrWingo]

I'll try to make this concise; I appreciate everyone's time. You have a nice site here. Over the past year I've decided that I want to pursue a career in law enforcement, and naturally I have questions for real officers.

1. Education. I'm halfway through an electrical engineering degree, so I plan to switch into a Criminal Justice program at my local university and come out with a BA in Crim J. and an Associates' in EE. How will this be viewed by recruiters? Will my experience in engineering apply at all to law enforcement? I am currently a software engineer by trade with 5 years experience, and can repair electronic equipment and computers in the field. Not sure if this is applicable to the job, but my typing skills are very good (90+ WPM).

2. Height. I'm 5'7". Will this be a problem? I'm in excellent shape otherwise; my weight and height are proportional to one another and I am in very good cardiovascular shape. Weight training and running have been a more or less regular part of my life.

3. Age. By the time I apply, I will be between 25 and 27 years old. How will this affect my eligibility in most departments?

Thanks; I appreciate everyone's time.

[Kimble]

1. Education. I'm halfway through an electrical engineering degree, so I plan to switch into a Criminal Justice program at my local university and come out with a BA in Crim J. and an Associates' in EE. How will this be viewed by recruiters? Will my experience in engineering apply at all to law enforcement? I am currently a software engineer by trade with 5 years experience, and can repair electronic equipment and computers in the field. Not sure if this is applicable to the job, but my typing skills are very good (90+ WPM).

I run a college criminal justice department and work as a LEO, so if you want my advice from my experience, I say continue with your education in electrical engineering (if that's what interests you), and perhaps minor in CJ. Many applicants have a CJ degree, so having EE will help you stand out from the rest. Plus, you never know what unforeseeable events can happen, and an EE educational background gives you more to fall back on than CJ.

2. Height. I'm 5'7". Will this be a problem? I'm in excellent shape otherwise; my weight and height are proportional to one another and I am in very good cardiovascular shape. Weight training and running have been a more or less regular part of my life.

Because weight training and running are a regular part of you're life, I don't foresee any physical limitations for you. Your height will not be a problem.

3. Age. By the time I apply, I will be between 25 and 27 years old. How will this affect my eligibility in most departments?

Many 25-27 yr olds are more mature and experienced with life than those in there early twenties, so this will likely be a benefit for you. You're young enough to be physically active and trainable, yet old enough to have some experience to bring to the table. Good luck.

[MrWingo]

Thanks for your advice. I've been receiving PM's from people who stress that many people come in here asking for advice about joining LE, but they happen to have prior drug arrests or convictions. My record is absolutely clean in that regard.

I understand, however, that I'll be required to answer questions about personal history. How much of this will go back to when I was under 21? During that time, I gave narcotics and other illegal substances a wide berth (and still do, obviously). However, let's say my father and I shared a beer once in awhile. Will that be looked at as a disqualifier?

[Kimble]

I understand, however, that I'll be required to answer questions about personal history. How much of this will go back to when I was under 21? During that time, I gave narcotics and other illegal substances a wide berth (and still do, obviously). However, let's say my father and I shared a beer once in awhile. Will that be looked at as a disqualifier?

How much of your background investigation will encompass the time before you were 21? A good portion, as they want to gain a full picture of you as a candidate. They will likely interview neighbors who've known you back then, as well as previous employers, educators and acquaintances. If you abstained from trying illegal substances, even marijuana just a few times, you will again have a strong hold over much of the competition. Many younger people today have at least tried MJ once, so I commend you if you have indeed been able to avoid doing so.

As far as having a beer with your father, if you did so when you were underage, just be upfront and honest about it and it likely will be seen as a no-big-deal. If you are referring to having a beer with him now, after turning 21, you have no problem at all. Having an alcoholic drink when of the legal age is perfectly okay, so long as you’re being responsible and not getting hammered with your old man. If you have an alcohol problem or have been to alcohol-related counseling, it would be a completely different issue, but it’s acceptable for LEOs to enjoy and alcoholic beverage in social situations when they are off duty and doing it through the normal legal means.

[MrWingo]

Thanks for the information. I can assert with full honesty that I have never tried MJ or any other illegal narcotic. I would gladly take a polygraph and answer that question.

I didn't realize that a background investigation would mean that family members and accquaintances from my youth would be interviewed. How intensive is this process?

[Kimble]

Thanks for the information. I can assert with full honesty that I have never tried MJ or any other illegal narcotic. I would gladly take a polygraph and answer that question.

I didn't realize that a background investigation would mean that family members and accquaintances from my youth would be interviewed. How intensive is this process?

I've had two background investigations, one for a local LE position (my current one) and one for a federal internship. My federal was a bit more extensive, but plan on them contacting people that you put as references, as well as developing other people to interview in the process of your background investigation. I had people I hadn't spoken with in a while contact me to say, "some guy with such-and-such department came around asking questions about _____". The background process will vary from one department to another, as issues like the resources available to a department and budget concerns can and do play an issue in background investigations (i.e. larger metropolitan departments with more money can afford to do more than a tiny department with only 3 sworn officers), but as long as you've kept your nose clean, you'll be good to go.

[MrWingo]

Thank you for your advice.