College student thinking of LE career

[Porterhouse7070]

Hello all,

I am currently a college student in my junior year at Temple University in North Philadelphia. I am a history major, and planned on following the family footsteps and joining a local high school near my hometown in Massachusetts as a teacher, as well as a coach.

However, since arriving here in the city from a small suburban town, I have fallen in love with the idea of becoming a police officer.

My question is-- having a (pending) B.A. in History, with no Military or LE experience, am I shorted because of that? I have several friends who are currently enlisted that will be applying for work at departments upon discharge, and I'm sure they will get preferential treatment, correct?

Also, I'm concerned about my fitness. I'm 6'0 205lbs and have not been working out lately, but I plan on starting in the fall when I have a lifting buddy to help with spotting and such at the gym. I set up and ran an exact replica of the NYPD Physical Abilities Test in 2:09. Is that good? Par? Should I be concerned if I am able to complete it?

Also, I want to apply to a larger department. Should I first apply at smaller departments and do a lateral transfer into the larger department? Or should I apply at several larger departments [My short list is Boston(I will be able to get an apartment to satisfy the living requirement), DC, NYC, and Portland, OR (I have a lot of friends from the area, and I would love to work on the West coast...)]. Are these traditionally tough departments to get in to?

I am overall a literate, smart, and good guy (or at least I like to think so:p) who is comfortable in dealing with interviews. I have a clean past... I have only ever called to police for assistance, never ended up on the wrong end of an arrest. I have no speeding tickets, only 1 written warning which was totally my fault, and I deserved the ticket.

I guess I'm just nervous about trying to get into the profession. I'm worried I won't be able to find work. However, the History B.A. gives me a wonderful fall back.

Sorry for giving you so much to read, but these are just concerns currently running through my head.

Thank you so much for your time and any feedback you may, or may not provide.

[retdetsgt]

Being retired from Portland, I can tell you that I see nothing that would cause you any problems. They don't care what you're degree is in.

I'd apply with the dept you want to work for initially. I can't see there would be a benefit in getting hired just to lateral.

Portland's physical agility test isn't all that hard. If you're any reasonably decent shape, you can pass it. I can't speak for any other dept.

[Porterhouse7070]

Wow, thats good to hear from a Portland-er(?) right off the bat!

Portland is far and above my #1. Boston would be, as it is my "hometown" city, but I have been researching Portland and it looks like an incredible opportunity.

I will be flying out to Portland either this winter or summer with a college friend. Should I schedule a ride-a-long with the department? It seems like it would make sense to familiarize myself, but I'm not sure if ride-a-longs are reserved for media and those types.

[BP348]

I can tell you that I see nothing that would cause you any problems. They don't care what you're degree is in.

+100

Nothing wrong with a History degree.

Do a search there are a million threads on this topic. Simple answers that 99.9% of Law Enforcement agencies DO NOT CARE WHAT YOUR DEGREE IS IN!!!!

Study what you want and keep a GOOD GPA. Degree dosen't matter GPA does.

[FJDave]

Congrats on your sheepskin! Now, as far as fitness, I can tell you the general concensus is that most departments go by body mass index....your body fat percentage. If you are a weight lifting monster and 50 pounds above the max weight for your height, they will do the dip test or pinch test for your body fat percentage. Keep that down, and you are golden. Also, being able to run 2 miles in less than 17 at the start of the academy minutes is a good thing. Good luck and best wishes!

[PapaBear]

With respect to your concerns, if you applied to the CHP as a candidate, you would have no problems. Your education is good, irrespective of the degree, and you can always obtain a PT teaching position as a cop. You seem articulate and capable of projecting. You should have no difficulty with the written test and interview.

Now, with respect to your physical fitness, I have found that those who say they are "going to start" at some unspecified date usually don't. You can start now! Start by doing sit ups, push ups, runs and general calisthenics. Weights can be interjected in the fall when your lifting buddy returns. Don't procrastinate because you may get a surprise. Start now!!!

[retdetsgt]

I will be flying out to Portland either this winter or summer with a college friend. Should I schedule a ride-a-long with the department? It seems like it would make sense to familiarize myself, but I'm not sure if ride-a-longs are reserved for media and those types.

Go to their website. Portland Police Bureau: Recruitment

I think you can even schedule a ride along there, I'm not sure. But they'll take you on one. In fact, getting someone willing to take a media type is damn near impossible...;)

[Legoate]

Now, with respect to your physical fitness, I have found that those who say they are "going to start" at some unspecified date usually don't. You can start now! Start by doing sit ups, push ups, runs and general calisthenics. Weights can be interjected in the fall when your lifting buddy returns. Don't procrastinate because you may get a surprise. Start now!!!

I was thinking the same thing. Put on a pair of shoes and start running TODAY. Also, hit some pushups and situps (and some pullups) and you've just about got it mastered. Weightlifting is great, but don't wait until you get a spotter available to start exercising.

Police fitness may not be what you think.... It is all about not getting yourself hurt while running, fighting, and the ever injurious getting in and out of the car 50 times a day while toting 35 pounds of gear. You shouldn't seek to be muscular and intimidating, just seek all-around fitness.... you will learn to be intimidating when they show you how to use your "angry eyes" in the academy. ;)

Your use of words will get you out of far more dangerous situations than your muscles ever will. It's easy to provoke someone to fight, but a true master has them get into the car of their own free will.

[Porterhouse7070]

Thank you for the responses!

As for my GPA, it is currently sitting at 3, 3.20 in-major. My first year was a bad year admittedly, around a 2.65, but I have shown nothing but drastic improvement (nearly a half-point improvement).

As for physical fitness. I have been playing basketball daily, but I myself know that playing ball is not enough. Today I decided to do a test, to see where I should start, followed by a routine starting tomorrow. I was able to do 30 consecutive push-ups and just 22 sit-ups. I also ran a 1.5 mile in 12:48.25 which is good and leaves me room for improvement.

Also, good advice regarding lifting. I planned on not trying to bend the bar while benching, but being able to bench and squat my body weight 10 times by the end of the semester, as well as to work many of the auxiliary exercises. I was given some good advice by an officer in Philadelphia. He told me: "Today these kids are too quick to jump to shooting at each other. Nobody is tougher than a bullet, so the real men are able to prove themselves with words and reasoning, and they are the ones who make something of themselves."

I'm sure I will have more questions over time.Thanks again, and any additional advice and feedback is always welcome!!!