Meeting With The Chief

[Zimmy]

I have contacted my local police chief back and forth through email and have told him about the extreme interest I have about joining his department when I am 21. (I am 19 almost 20 and attending college) He stated that he would really like to meet me. So soon he is suppose to make an appointment for me.

While talking with him I don't want to sound like an idiot and spill my guts out to him. My life has revolved around a potential future in law enforcement for the last few years. I can picture myself at the badge ceremony and getting sworn in and that day would be the best day of my life.

Should I tell him all this, or should I just stick to generic stuff?

[Citicop]

I'm confused.

You scheduled a meeting with the chief just to tell him you want to work for him in a few years? Do you have a relationship with him already? Have you met him before, etc?

I don't know how much good you'll do yourself at a meeting like that.

I applaud your enthusiasm, but you risk comming across WAY too strong like that.

-Citicop.

[retdetsgt]

In the words of my ex-partner, "There's nothing more nauseating that unbridled enthusiasm."

I don't know about anyone else, but when people want to be a cop too badly I tend to wonder if there is a hidden motive or are they trying to compensate for something.

I worked with people who suddenly "became somebody" once they pinned on a badge. They are not fun to be around, for other cops or the public.

I'm not saying you're that kind of person, but be careful that you don't look like it. Try to be professional and make a list of intelligent questions to ask. And by that don't concentrate on asking how big a gun you get to carry.

[Zimmy]

I'm confused.

You scheduled a meeting with the chief just to tell him you want to work for him in a few years? Do you have a relationship with him already? Have you met him before, etc?

I don't know how much good you'll do yourself at a meeting like that.

I applaud your enthusiasm, but you risk comming across WAY too strong like that.

-Citicop.

No, he scheduled a meeting with me after I told him about wanting to work for his department and requesting a ride-along.

[Zimmy]

In the words of my ex-partner, "There's nothing more nauseating that unbridled enthusiasm."

I don't know about anyone else, but when people want to be a cop too badly I tend to wonder if there is a hidden motive or are they trying to compensate for something.

I worked with people who suddenly "became somebody" once they pinned on a badge. They are not fun to be around, for other cops or the public.

I'm not saying you're that kind of person, but be careful that you don't look like it. Try to be professional and make a list of intelligent questions to ask. And by that don't concentrate on asking how big a gun you get to carry.

I am definitely not that kind of person. Thanks for you recommendations, I will put them to good use.

[G35 Mass]

I would think you need to make yourself seem as low-key as possible. Ask legitimate questions. "What should I do in the next few years to make myself stand out from other applicants?" "What are some things Chiefs look for in applicants?"

I had a similar conversatoin with my chief when I was a part-time dispatcher. I followed his instructions and had a badge on my chest three years later.

A simple "I'm interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement" is about the only thing you need to tell this kind man about your desires.

And make sure you send him a "thank you" letter a few days later. Letter.. not email.

EDIT: I'll tell you what he's going to say:

Go to college or join the military. Excel in whichever choice you pick.
Stay the f*** out of trouble. This includes tickets. And in trouble with your employers.
Stay the f*** AWAY from trouble. Guilty by association is equally as bad as being guilty of a crime.
Maybe learn another language.
Maybe get your EMT cert (it's pretty easy).
Maybe start part-time dispatching or something. Nothing looks better than one Chief telling another Chief that his employee has been a good boy, bla bla bla.

[Zimmy]

I would think you need to make yourself seem as low-key as possible. Ask legitimate questions. "What should I do in the next few years to make myself stand out from other applicants?" "What are some things Chiefs look for in applicants?"

I had a similar conversatoin with my chief when I was a part-time dispatcher. I followed his instructions and had a badge on my chest three years later.

A simple "I'm interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement" is about the only thing you need to tell this kind man about your desires.

And make sure you send him a "thank you" letter a few days later. Letter.. not email.

EDIT: I'll tell you what he's going to say:

Go to college or join the military. Excel in whichever choice you pick.
Stay the f*** out of trouble. This includes tickets. And in trouble with your employers.
Stay the f*** AWAY from trouble. Guilty by association is equally as bad as being guilty of a crime.
Maybe learn another language.
Maybe get your EMT cert (it's pretty easy).
Maybe start part-time dispatching or something. Nothing looks better than one Chief telling another Chief that his employee has been a good boy, bla bla bla.

Written down and acknowledged. I have an index card with some questions I would like to ask and will study it before I go in. Thank you for the tips.

[Kimble]

Is this a very small department? I'm surprised to see a chief with a free schedule to meet applicants one-on-one, would be even more surprised if this was a medium sized or larger department (unless you're also the son of one of his Asst. Chiefs).

[Zimmy]

Is this a very small department? I'm surprised to see a chief with a free schedule to meet applicants one-on-one, would be even more surprised if this was a medium sized or larger department (unless you're also the son of one of his Asst. Chiefs).

About 40,000 people live in the city and there are 60 officers employed I believe. I have no "connections" inside the department. What size would you consider that, sir?