The Full Spectrum of Applicants/What makes you competitive ?

[Jayce]

Greetings All,

I have been learning alot here...been reading for a while and just registered a week ago. You all seem really interested in helping eachother! That's excellent!!

In an effort to become a better applicant and understand the full nature of the friendly competition out there, I was hoping to ask ALL the members here...aspiring, current and retired LEOs to try and answer the following:.

1) What makes or made you competitive when you applied or will apply? What do you think made you stand out from the countless other applicants?

2) If a candidate did not have a formal Post Secondary Education, what work experience, life experience and/or overall qualities would make such an individual stand out from others with formal education?

If I may, I will try to answer my own questions.

I founded and operated/directed the Wildfire Dance Theatre www.wildfiredt.com (check it out!) since 1998. It's an educational theatre geared to addressing social issues such as racism, drug abuse, gang violence ..etc.

I was in charge of every aspect of the company, daily finiances, casting, travel arrangments, bookings, billing and marketing...the whole gamet. I am very proud of this work. However, after ten years I am hungry to learn new things that won't mean so many unreasonble sacrifices for my family.

I have also done similar projects in other countires, in Europe and India. I have excellent references to back all this up.

I taught ESL, theatre and social sciences in a private high school for 3 years.

However, I have no formal education. Other than studying at a conservatory. I am now 31 years old and ready for a change.

I have volunteer experience directing youth groups who serve communities in these areas of social justice spoken of above.

I have a working command of two other langauges, German and Cantonese. My wife is from China and we speak it at home with our 3 children.

As far as BI..I have never taken illegal drugs and don't drink. Never been charge or had a run in with the police.

My job required me to maintain an above average fitness level. It's a lifestyle habit now.

One of my biggest weaknesses I feel, besides lack of education, is my math skills (which I am working on improving now)

That's me! How might I become more competitive? Do you feel I would have to go back to school? That's really tough with so many dependents.

What makes/made you competitive?

Most Respectfully,

Jayce
_________________
"The world is but one country and mankind it's citizens."

Baha'u'llah

[mcsap]

First, you are NOT too old. Married, kids etc typically eqauls a mature, experienced-in-life candidate.

A 'lack" of education or experience in one area can be made up in another with a certain background or abilities.

Some dept's require a degree. We have a progessive agency and do not. A degree is only as good as the college that issued it and the person that earned ( paid for) it.

In highlighting your plusses, you certainly seem to have a well rounded experience in the business world managing people and finances. Your ability to speak a foreign language ( especially Chinese) can be invaluable . No alcohol, no drugs, no arrests, and an above average fitness level are very encouraging. Unless you get into advanced accident investigation, higher math skills are not usually needed but if you are cognizant that you need some work in that area, good. It never hurts to try to improve yourself.

I think the best "product" that you have to offer is your language abilities. Very few US born persons can speak Mandarin Chinese and in an area with any kind of Chinese population, not having to call an interpreter would be great. Of course, this may not be as valuable in a small town in Pennsylvania.

I would encourage you to apply and put your best foot forward. Present yourself professionally and I think you have an excellent opportunity at getting into the LEO field.

[bushido71]

jayce,

it's good to hear from someone else from the post-30 crowd that's trying to make a change into LE (i'll be 33 this year...holy crap!). on the surface, my work experience and education don't seem to lend themselves to a career in law enforcement, but i try to spin as much as i can to extrapolate relevant skills. i worked some retail post-college and several service-oriented jobs, including real estate so i explain in interviews my perspective on LE as being a lot of customer service. therefore my skills servicing clients/customers for over ten years is extremely applicable. i'm well-read and articulate. physically, i keep myself in tip-top shape by running 10-15 miles/week, strength train and am a practitioner of several different martial arts. i also try to demonstrate my commitment to community service through my volunteer work with the local sheriff's department and as an adult literacy tutor with the public library. plus, i feel can bring a lot to the table based on my age and work experience by way of having developed strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

still, i have to admit i occasionally get a little intimidated when i contemplate the sheer volume of competition by the likes of younger guys (and gals) with ivory white backgrounds and military experience. but then i remember that there is no point in worrying about those things that i have no control over. i make no excuses for any mistakes i made, although there was never anything of terrible significance...one traffic ticket, a juvenile arrest that was discharged and an instance of MJ experimentation. i live a clean life that i am proud of and have a sincere desire to dedicate my life to servicing and protecting others. although i wanted to be in LE in my early 20s, i know i lacked the maturity and responsibility to handle the job duties. for me, it's been a little discouraging this past year trying to get my foot in the door with a couple of different agencies and either getting caught in a waiting game, or falling victim to budget crises. but i keep my spirits up by frequenting boards like this one and knowing that i not alone in my pursuit.

at any rate, best of luck to you. you certainly sound like you have much to offer any department.

[mcsap]

Maturity is an asset that most early 20 something officers don't have to offer.

A candidate is not simply the best because of their youth. The majority of the work we do involves being able to out-think the bad guy, not out-run him. That doesn't mean that we want officers who are book smart but gut heavy though.

The two most important things that an officer should have ( IMHO) are..

1. Common Sense

2. Being able to think on your feet.

We are faced with a multitude of situations on a daily basis, the new and unusual happen everyday. Being able to respond and adapt to life at it happens is important.

[deputy2004]

The maturity that comes with age is a definite asset, one that cannot be replaced. I do not necessarily agree that people with degrees buy them.
"Some dept's require a degree. We have a progessive agency and do not. A degree is only as good as the college that issued it and the person that earned ( paid for) it."
There are those that buy degrees but there are also an equal or greater number of people who do the work to get the degree. Having a degree shows dedication. It does not make you look smarter but it does go a long way in terms of showing perseverance. Here in Calfornia, degrees are not always required but most agencies will say that an ideal candidate has at least an AS. If the candidate has no degree, they still need to have good writing and math skills. I personally believe that progressive agencies will prefer degrees (at least to be competitive and be promoted) as the importance of education (balanced with work experience) is a somewhat recent development. Progressive agencies are organizations that have progressed beyond old standards. Thus an agency that mandates a degree is not progressive because it does not allow for any flexibility. That said, agencies that do not require or encourage any form of education cannot be considered progressive either. In today's world education and experience complement one another in a way that cannot be fulfilled by either one alone.

I am sure you will find a place in LE and will be a great asset to the department. You might want to consider going for an associates, if not a BA, if you have the time or once you are hired. Then, if you ever want to transfer or be promoted, you will be ideal.

[razdaz]

I am 33 and currently in a regional police academy for a local PD around my area, Dallas-Fort Worth.

I used to write software for a living. I even owned my own very small software company.

There is no magic formula. Every person brings there own strengths and weaknesses to the table. Maturity, especially if provable, is most definately an asset. Also, if you are good a communicating, you definately have a leg up for it seems that is a lot of what being a cop is about.

[911]

Competitive? Prior LE experience. A degree. Military service. Life experience.

[Bryan]

Jayce

I see your from Ont, I know for a fact if you applied for the RCMP and made it past your test and physical. Your life experience will no doubt get you in. As for your lang qualifcations, you would have your pick of the lower main land BC, and in short time, maybe protective services section to get you back to Ont.
Dont worry about your age, I was 31 when I went through DEPOT, I had a half competed post secondary degree that nothing to do with law enforcement. I was one of the oldest ones in my troop, the hardest part was adjusting to living with 30 guys and the food at the mess!!
Call the recruiting section in Ont, take a stab at the test and see what happens. I know in Manitoba they cant get enough applicants to join up, they have begun recruiting drives in high schools now. RCMP cant get enough qualifed people through.

[Jayce]

Thanks Bryan. Where are you posted? What detachment? I would really prefer the Mounite's. Both my wife and I have a problem with 24 weeks of non-paid training though. We have 3 young kids. We have a plan if I get accepted however, it will just be really tough for her. She prefers one of the regional services around here.

I would really love to hear Bryan about your experiences and what you like/dislike about being a Mountie? Do you ahve a family?

Most Respectfully,

Jayce

[Bryan]

I know how you feel, I went through when it was unpaid and married. I know some recruits that are married have had there spouses move to regina and rent an apartment for the 6 months and get parttime work in regina. You can also apply for a student if you qualify now. I have to say though it was well worth the effort, you make 42000 after 6 months in the field so you dont stay poor very long!! and up from there in 3 years your making close to 70k.

When you walk through the gate at depot, you enter a whole world of canadian history from start to finish. Very inspiring and sobering when you walk through the RCMP cemetary and see all the markers dating back to 1880s for members that have come before us.

I have children and I am sure you well aware of the run of bad luck members have had in manitoba in last couple of years, it sure makes you wonder about the line of work your in.

If you can watch the episode of "Forbiddon places" it has a very good documentary of Depot. Give me a shout if you have anymore questions.
ps i work in a det north of Winnipeg

[Jayce]

I hear ya. The RCMP as a Instituion is inspiring. No other Policing Organisations conjures such positive thoughts world wide.

I am unaware of your string of bad luck. Members lost their lives I expect? Yes...sadly I am aware of the risks. However, so is driving on the 401 everyday to and from work!

What happen? Do you a have link perhaps?

All my respect to you for your work Bryan. Keep safe bro!

Jayce

[Jayce]

http://www.cbc.ca/storyview/CBC/2001...shooting011221

My sincerest condolances to you all.

Jayce

[Bryan]

http://winnipeg.cbc.ca/indepth/stron.../radiotape.ram