Just turned 21 and applying, would love some input.

[chiefsfan10]

Hey guys, i just turned 21 so im one step closer to my dream in that regard, now for the good stuff. I have found out of 3 departments that are hiring that dont require college to get in on there department, im very curious to know how my odds would be with only a high school diploma of getting on over a college grad or a military expereince? on the other hand i have never touched a drug, dont have any arrests or tickets, and im very athletic, i guess im just wondering what you guys think the odds would be for me, by the way i totaly plan on going to college its just that id hate to wait another 2-3 years before i can start applying, thanks alot.

[Creeker]

Hey guys, i just turned 21 so im one step closer to my dream in that regard, now for the good stuff. I have found out of 3 departments that are hiring that dont require college to get in on there department, im very curious to know how my odds would be with only a high school diploma of getting on over a college grad or a military expereince? on the other hand i have never touched a drug, dont have any arrests or tickets, and im very athletic, i guess im just wondering what you guys think the odds would be for me, by the way i totaly plan on going to college its just that id hate to wait another 2-3 years before i can start applying, thanks alot.

Did you just get out of High School @21?

Writing and English classes would probably be a good place to start.

Be advised that while in some cases the importance of college degrees can be over rated, the ability to listen, communicate, use common sense and follow orders is not.

If you decide on college, don't feel that you have to chose Criminal Justice, since Agencies don't require CJ degrees. If you spent 5 years as a Cop and decide (or have it decided for you) that you no longer want the job, CJ degrees aren't a hiring plus for any other type of job.

Good Luck.

[chiefsfan10]

No i got out of high school at 18, i have been working for my dads buisness ever since, i wonder if that will hurt me as well cause of not having a solid work history, in aurora they are holding applications and the tests all on the same day im wondering if its worth a shot? and also if i can put down im gonna be attending college on the application? my background is as good as it gets if that means anything. thanks again.

[pac201]

No I got out of high school at 18, I have been working for my dad's buisness ever since, I wonder if that will hurt me as since I have only worked at his business. In Aurora they are holding applications and the tests are all on the same day. I am wondering if it's worth a shot? and also if I can put down I"m going to be attending college on the application? My background is as good as it gets if that means anything. Thanks again.

No offence, but quite honestly, if I was reviewing your application I would not have made it past the first sentence...

[nikerret]

What does it hurt to apply?

I would recommend you get the degree (in whatever) before getting into LE. With the odd-ball hours and inevitable court subpoenas it is very difficult to make it to class and get any sleep. With a family these issues would be even greater.

Your age will hurt you more than anything. Many of the individuals in the older generation of policing think 21 is way too young to be a good cop. You will just have to deal with it. There are more and more people getting hired at younger ages in my area, but that may not be true in yours. I didn't look at your location.

You need to work on your presentation. Sentences and paragraphs may not seem like they are important on a web forum, but they represent you. Make sure you put more effort into your applications than you did in the opening post.

Beating a person with college experience is a lot easier than getting a job over a former military individual. Your clean record may be what sets you apart.

Be persistent and don't expect to get hired for a while. I applied at a ton of places. It is strange to sit across from a cop, whom you are hoping to rate well with, and explain all of your greatest faults. It takes some practice. Another problem you may encounter is you may not be what they are looking for at that time. Don't try to be something you're not. Be honest and keep yourself out of trouble.

Good Luck

[Roger Dat]

Your at a disadvantage when compared to those with degrees or military experience but that doesnt mean you wouldnt get hired. While going through the proces start some classes.

[Stub]

im very curious to know how my odds would be with only a high school diploma of getting on over a college grad or a military expereince?

I would characterize your odds as not good. A combination of a lack of experience, post high school education and/or military experience will put you at a significant disadvantage in comparison to other applicants, despite your clean record.

also if i can put down im gonna be attending college on the application?

You can put it down, but it will not help you. Your application is not to list things you plan to do, but to list experience and achievements you have done.

[chiefsfan10]

Do you guys think being able to easily pass the power test and a spotless record will kind of even out the education?

[nikerret]

What's a power test?

[chiefsfan10]

Here in illinois its a athletic test....im positive i will finish top 5 in that.

[Stub]

Do you guys think being able to easily pass the power test and a spotless record will kind of even out the education?

No, much of your competition will have superior qualifications than you and perform at the same or better physical fitness level.

[chiefsfan10]

What if some of these college guys have things in there background that i dont?

[Stub]

What if some of these college guys have things in there background that i dont?

That will be up to the discretion of the hiring officials.

As suggested by others earlier, there is no harm in applying. You will benefit from experiencing the hiring process.

[Switchback]

Do you guys think being able to easily pass the power test and a spotless record will kind of even out the education?

Not in the least.

The thing that you do not seem to understand is that you will be competing with guys who can max out the fit test, have degrees AND have military experience. Luckily for those who are deficient in ONE of those categories, that is not everyone... but THAT is the class of person being hired. Everyone else is just lucky to scrape by. You need to make yourself MOST COMPETITIVE, not minimally qualified. No one hires from the minimum. They work there way down from the top.

[Creeker]

Do you guys think being able to easily pass the power test and a spotless record will kind of even out the education?

You could be the strongest Cop in the world, but no one wants a strong dumb *** Cop.

Questions like that sound as if you believe that Bullies still abound in LE.

LE is now more about finesse and delicate handling than brute force. You need more brute force in the Prison System.

...But Brute Force still has a place...