Looking on getting into Law Enforcement

[AzRim]

I am a new member, matter of fact this is my first post/thread. So I would like to say hello to all members and moderators etc.

I am a 24 year old male, in pretty good shape and currently working in the mortgage/finance field. Sitting at a desk staring at my computer all day long is not what I see myself doing forever. I've always been interested in law enforcement/military careers, just got caught up with stuff and never ended up pursuing it further.

My friend who is currently in the local PD told me that I could go with him on a ridealong sometime. There are also two local academies that I could attend so I pretty much have everything around me to get me started.

Reading some of the topics on this board I undestand that being an officer is not like in the movies and I know that I will have to show myself as rookie since I don't plan on staying in traffic all my career. I just feel like I would get more satisfaction from actually doing something productive for society than where I am at right now.

I am 6'0 about 185 pounds, run 2-3 times a week. I don't have a college degree but my local PD does not require one. As a teen I did my fair share of bad things, drugs etc. but have been away from that since I graduated. I never got a traffic violation in my life nor did I get arrested/convicted. Speaking to my wife she really supports me since I have been evaluating my future and having her 100% support really gives me the extra boost.

So I would like if you guys could give me some advice, tips, ideas, or even just some encouragement for my future plans. Years and years of experience in this field are on here so it should not be a problem to some of you vets.

Thanks in advance.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

If you are in Arizona check out the AZ POST website for minimum requirements.

It's very difficult to get hired right now and the competition is fierce for the few jobs that do pop up. You'll be competing against people with military experience, college degrees, cops from other states wanting better pay or weather or all the above. Not saying that you don't stand a chance, but showing you the reality of who your competition is.

My personal recommendation is either military or college. You may not want to spend an entire career at your first department. Others may/will require a degree. Your home department may require a degree to promote. It's much more difficult to get that degree when you're doing shift work. You've got regular hours as a desk jockey right now that is more conducive to attending school.

That's just my opinion and you're bound to get more here. Good luck to you.

[AzRim]

If you are in Arizona check out the AZ POST website for minimum requirements.

It's very difficult to get hired right now and the competition is fierce for the few jobs that do pop up. You'll be competing against people with military experience, college degrees, cops from other states wanting better pay or weather or all the above. Not saying that you don't stand a chance, but showing you the reality of who your competition is.

My personal recommendation is either military or college. You may not want to spend an entire career at your first department. Others may/will require a degree. Your home department may require a degree to promote. It's much more difficult to get that degree when you're doing shift work. You've got regular hours as a desk jockey right now that is more conducive to attending school.

That's just my opinion and you're bound to get more here. Good luck to you.

Thanks for the reply, I am currently residing in Northeast Florida.
I understand the situation regarding the competition since I am also in a very competitive field. I see myself as a very competitive person, faitly smart and believe that I chould show those strengths to the recruiters.

The way I had it planned out was going to the academy first since soon I will have time in the mornings to go to the academy instead of night classes. Getting a job at the first department first and slowly continue school would be my favorite choice even though like you said it would be more complicated.
I saw job postings at the local PD and since I know people there, it might give me the extra edge to getting a job.

My current job is just not "me". I feel no satisfaction and it has become just a paycheck thing. I would go as far as taking the paycut to be a LEO just to have a sense of satisfaction. My respect for officers grows the older I am getting and I just think you guys deserve much more than you are getting in all aspects for the work that you do.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Thanks for the reply, I am currently residing in Northeast Florida.
Florida's been hit especially hard in this economy. A lot of state and local revenue has been lost. Luckily, lots of people down there are on fixed incomes.

I understand the situation regarding the competition since I am also in a very competitive field. I see myself as a very competitive person, faitly smart and believe that I chould show those strengths to the recruiters.
Cool. Just make sure you use spell check on all your paperwork. hahaha

The way I had it planned out was going to the academy first since soon I will have time in the mornings to go to the academy instead of night classes. Getting a job at the first department first and slowly continue school would be my favorite choice even though like you said it would be more complicated.
Again, it's landing the job that's the big thing. I realize most of Florida requires people to attend academies on their own. Just remember that, once you graduate, you're competing against those same people you graduated with. Military and law enforcement professionals from across the country. You'll have to find something to toot your horn about. Those professions have already proven their leadership skills and the ability to remain calm under stress without freezing up. It'll be difficult, but not impossible. Some people don't sell themselves very well.

I saw job postings at the local PD and since I know people there, it might give me the extra edge to getting a job.
It can't hurt, but make sure you don't get the attitude that because you "know people" that you're gonna skate in.

My current job is just not "me". I feel no satisfaction and it has become just a paycheck thing. I would go as far as taking the paycut to be a LEO just to have a sense of satisfaction. My respect for officers grows the older I am getting and I just think you guys deserve much more than you are getting in all aspects for the work that you do.
If you can get hired, that will all apply to you, too. At that time YOU'LL be the one getting less than you should. This job can ruin perfectly good people and there are times when you can go from hero to villain in a split second. Often times you're a hair's breadth away from judicious application of force crossing over into aggravated assault. This is one of the jobs where you and your family are physically at risk as well as your livelihood being swept away in a civil suit. Most people don't grasp that concept and think it's something that can't happen to them.

Good luck.

[AzRim]

Thank you for your input, really opened my eyes on some things. I will have to sit down with the wife and have a talk about everything more detailed. Also I will talk to my LEO friend and ask him more personal questions about the job.

I just want to thank all of guys for your service, hopefully I'll be joining you sometime in the future.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Thank you for your input, really opened my eyes on some things. I will have to sit down with the wife and have a talk about everything more detailed. Also I will talk to my LEO friend and ask him more personal questions about the job.

I just want to thank all of guys for your service, hopefully I'll be joining you sometime in the future.

If you still make the decision to join the club, get yourself hired and "welcome aboard." It's better to know all the facts about a job before you decide, because this line of work isn't what TV or the movies makes it out to be.

Either way - good luck.

[retdetsgt]

It's better to know all the facts about a job before you decide, because this line of work isn't what TV or the movies makes it out to be.

Please don't tell Greg... He's still waiting for the beautiful, yet sultry woman partner......

[AzRim]

Hey one can dream right?? JK JK

I always knew real police work is not like the stuff you see on TV. Same with firefighting, since my grandfather was one and used he told me all the time.

The most exciting stuff he did was provide fake "rain" for several movies back in the days.

[charlydevo]

I recommend that you at least have a look at the Border Patrol Agent position. Although the work is not exactly the same as that of a cop, it is a law enforcement position and it will definitely get you away from the desk work (more so than practically any other LE job, except maybe the Forest Service Rangers). Despite the budget problems faced by many states and cities, the Border Patrol continues to hire. If nothing else, you can work with the USBP while you wait for a Police Officer job in the area that you are interested in. Good luck.