Teacher then LEO?

[wm1978]

Hi everyone,
Over the past couple of years I have been giving much consideration to starting a career in law enforcement, either local or state (New Jersey).
I am nearing the end of nine years as a public school teacher, a job that I enjoy, however a change of career could be great. I of course have my BA, and I also have my MA (actually 30 credits beyond my MA) in educational administration. Would my education and career as an educator help me in any way as a LEO?
Another factor that I am concerned about is my age, as I am 30. I consider myself fit and trim (6'2 190 pounds), however how difficult are most academies for a 30 year old? Just on a whim, I did the push up, and sit up test that the NJ State Police issues on their web site, I did 40 push up's in a little over one minute and more than 40 sit up's in the same time, so I scored well on their test.
Am I crazy to be even considering this at this point in my life? Many people speak about the stress of a LEO job, can anyone explain that further? The other issue is that many departments don't seem to be in hiring mode (at least in NJ), that could make it even more difficult for me as I am getting older each and every day!

Any tips, advice?

Thank you in advance!

[Roger Dat]

I work with a guy who went through the academy at 29. He was a HS teacher prior to that. Your education looks good on a resume it certainly wont hurt you. If you want it go for it.

[retdetsgt]

Thirty isn't anywhere near too old to start as a cop. We have several people who retired from the military and then came on the job. I can think of at least half a dozen guys I worked with who had been teachers. I was partners with two. Go for it.

[lawduck]

It's a great job and I love it. I'm beating the streets on the night watch and I enjoy most every minute of it.

And you're not old by any means. We have old rusty patrolman in their 60s and they're going strong. Of course they're working day shift.

[PJMurphy]

Go for it! Ex-Teachers can make great cops but do yourself a favor and pick up the book "How to be a Great Cop" and see if the job still appeals to you. Carefully consider the implications of shift work for both you and your family. The market is very tight right now, cops are actually getting laid off, it's the first time I've seen that in nearly 30 years on the job. Test everywhere as most states have a max age of 35. Don't sweat the academics, unless you are an art or music teacher, there are sample applicant tests available on-line.

[paternoster2012]

The feds will take you up until 37, so you have plenty of time.
I think an inshape 30 y/o would deal with academy better than someone who is 21.

[phantasm]

At least 2 people that I work with (including my sgt) used to be school teachers. It may help if you eventually want to end up in the academy teaching future hires, BUT do your time int he street first so you're not some 3 year wonder telling "war stories" about your 2 years in the street.

[SnapShawt]

You are a great age to start this career, and you've got fantastic education behind you. I personally feel that the minimum age for a person to become an officer should be 25 nationwide, but that's another conversation.

Being a teacher has ABSOLUTELY placed you in a position that has required you to learn how to communicate with people on a reasonable level when they're at their worst (which for kids is quite often).

If you're background is clear, then you would actually be a PRIME candidate (again, just based on the credentials you've posted here). Best of luck!

[wm1978]

You are a great age to start this career, and you've got fantastic education behind you. I personally feel that the minimum age for a person to become an officer should be 25 nationwide, but that's another conversation.

Being a teacher has ABSOLUTELY placed you in a position that has required you to learn how to communicate with people on a reasonable level when they're at their worst (which for kids is quite often).

If you're background is clear, then you would actually be a PRIME candidate (again, just based on the credentials you've posted here). Best of luck!

Yes, my background is 100% clear. I will take the above noted advice and read a few books on the subject.

And no, I am not an art or music teacher, I teach history!

[greg72982]

You are a great age to start this career, and you've got fantastic education behind you. I personally feel that the minimum age for a person to become an officer should be 25 nationwide, but that's another conversation.

Being a teacher has ABSOLUTELY placed you in a position that has required you to learn how to communicate with people on a reasonable level when they're at their worst (which for kids is quite often).

If you're background is clear, then you would actually be a PRIME candidate (again, just based on the credentials you've posted here). Best of luck!

you want to date him? :D

[Cat_Doc]

When I first started, I thought 30 was old. Now, I think 30 ought to be the youngest age to be hired. You should be just fine.

[DeltaV]

I agree with others that you're definitely not too old to make a career change and that your education and experience will give you some extra points during the hiring process.

That said, you stated that you enjoy being a teacher. Before you leave a job where you already have satisfaction, job security, and a little seniority, I would closely examine a career in law enforcement and make sure that it is for you. Read some books (there's a good one called Force Under Pressure that deals about police stress, which you inquired about), talk to officers, and go on ride-alongs if it's possible. I'm sure you already realize that what is portrayed on television (even the "reality" shows) isn't anything like police work really is, but just do everything you can to learn what the job really is about before you decide to make the switch.

Things are tough with the economy and most departments that aren't laying off officers are freezing or slowing hiring. With rising unemployment in the private sector and an increase of people leaving the armed forces looking at law enforcement for a career move, there are lots more applicants out there now. The hiring process can be long and tedious. You may need to apply with several different agencies.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[Samuel]

Like Delta said - go on as many rides with different officers and agencies as possible, you'll get a better overall view of what's out there.

Funny you should mention History. The ongoing conflict between two of our major Hispanic gangs has started to heat up recently (summertime and all). Last week, some lesser known gang from another city came into our area and prominently tagged (graffiti) a large wall right off a major street. They had the chutzpah to Cross Out BOTH of the aforementioned Hispanic gangs! We have been joking that, apparently, the perpetrators of the graffiti did not pay enough attention during History class - otherwise, they would know that starting/engaging in a war on two fronts historically has not been the best of ideas... :p

[JeffW]

A friend of mine started a public school teacher and then went to FBI. He had a great career. There is no reason you could not have the same.

[retdetsgt]

Now, I think 30 ought to be the youngest age to be hired.

Although I was 25, I don't necessarily disagree with you. At least I had some real life experience, but a lot of the people in my academy were 21 to 22 and barely out of college.... A couple of them turned out to be damn good cops, the rest never rose above mediocrity IMO. They never were really able to relate to people having a tough time in life nor did most ever have much of a work ethic. They looked at police work like school, if they didn't have a specific assignment, then their time was their own. Most burned out after 5 or 6 years because with no life experience, they had unrealistic expectations of the job.

When I was an FTO, I loved working with someone who came on later in life. They were almost like a regular partner from the beginning. With the young college kids, it seemed I was teaching Life 101 most of the time.