First question

[gjjdemarco]

I recently decided that I would like to persue a career in Law Enforcement and figured you guys were the best to ask questions before I get started, so here they are.
1. I was planning on applying to 2 local police forces (West Chester, PA and Downingtown, PA) b/c the PA state police can't allow me to stay in this area if I am accepted to the academy. Is the salary similar between local and state police?
2. If there aren't any "current" openings for officers, is it worth applying?
3. I am in pretty good shape for 27. I can run a mile in 6 and some change, about 50 pushups/situps in a minute, and can bench about 80% of my body weight. Is that respectable to pass any physical requirements? or is there other stuff I should be working on?
4. I have impecable credit. Never been arrested. Used pot maybe 5 times in the course of a year when I was about 17, nothing else, EVER. I have had 2 or 3 speeding tickets in the course of my driving history. My work history is fine. Mostly blue collar stuff like pumping gas, retail work, and currently electrician. I was in the Air Force for about 5 years, where I was an Imagery Analyst (looked at reconisance photos for interpretation and surveilance) and it required a TS/SCI clearance which I got with flying colors. Do you see anything in the above which may help/hurt my chances?
5. I have some college, but never finished for a degree. Is a degree necessary?
6. Does time spent in the military count towards pension/retirement?
7. What other questions should I be asking myself to prepare for the application process?
Thanks in advance everybody.
I appreciate your help
Greg

[dwf]

Regarding pay, that will have to be answered by someone local. And most of the rest will also have a local twist to it...however, most pd's...

...depending on the size; the larger agencies will run more or less continuous exams down to the little agencies that will hold an exam a year or so ahead of an anticipated opening. Guessing the ones you mentioned fall in the middle somewhere. Larger agencies many times are in a continuous hire mode and while there might not be an opening today, there might be ten tomorrow. If for no other reason, getting a test cycle under your belt is a valid reason for going ahead. The stress level will drop significantly on the next round.

The fitness requirements will vary by agency.

The background you mentioned seems fine. Just be honest and upfront with everything. Honesty counts more than a squeaky clean background.

Degrees are the way to promotion in a growing number of agencies. For some, it is a hard requirement.

I could be wrong, but the time in service doesn't mean diddly for local agencies but I think there is some type of credit for federal agencies. There are several federal agents floating around here that will be able to answer the question with certainty.

Finally, are you fully prepared to work nights, weekends and holidays. Are you ready to be a stranger in your own home. Can you in the course of the same day, deal with a decapitation and help little kids find their way home? Are you fully prepared to kill if necessary? And the list goes on and on and on.

It's a great job and you'll have a front row seat to the greatest show on earth, but it isn't without a price of admission. Good luck!