is it a really bad time to try to get into law enforcement?

[Devon]

i keep reading about the economy and about the government cuts, and i keep hearing about a lot of departments laying off many officers/deputies especially here in california, so i was wondering, is it a really bad time for somebody to try to get into law enforcement? i mean if they are laying off that many people and cutting budgets as much as they are, they certainly could not be hiring anytime soon. i am about to go into the police academy, but i am getting really nervous that i am gonna do that and get out and there will be no jobs available anywhere.

[Charlie]

i keep reading about the economy and about the government cuts, and i keep hearing about a lot of departments laying off many officers/deputies especially here in california, so i was wondering, is it a really bad time for somebody to try to get into law enforcement? i mean if they are laying off that many people and cutting budgets as much as they are, they certainly could not be hiring anytime soon. i am about to go into the police academy, but i am getting really nervous that i am gonna do that and get out and there will be no jobs available anywhere.

I think one of the key answers to your question really depends upon where you geographically plan to look for a job. I have heard that California is experiencing some very serious financial woes but I admit tingly do not know just how much of an impact this has on LE jobs there. And California is not the only state experiencing these kinds of problems! I've heard that a lot of northeastern states are feeling the pinch too. At the same time, there are places trying to hire officers in other regions of the country. In Texas for example, I know there are a number of agencies hiring here.

I don't think there is ever a bad time to try and get into law enforcement. In most cases, I think LE jobs are probably one of the more stable occupations one can choose for a career. If you really have your heart set to land a LE job sometime soon and the LE job market in your area of California is bad, you may have to do some research and perhaps relocate yourself to an area where LE agencies are hiring.

The entire country is experiencing seriously high unemployment rates but there are places in the U.S. where the job market is better shape in comparison to other regions of the country. Again, the trick is doing your homework and figuring out what you want to do AND where do you want to go.
--
Charlie

[Samuel]

You're about 15-20 years too late. You have to write a report, justify your actions, and get medical treatment for the suspect Every time you thump them nowadays - and you can't do it with sap gloves neither! :( ;)

[PJMurphy]

It's a great time to go to school though. You may find exceptions (look for areas where there is still growth) so apply everywhere you can and take the first job offered. This is the worst I've seen it in 30 nearly years. The feds are hiring but you need a degree.