Thoughts on becoming a policemen

[Brandon805]

Hi my name is Brandon and i'm 19 years of age almost 20 and I am from Santa Paula, CA. in Ventura County

for awhile now i've been really thinking hard on going on ride alongs

and decided to give it a try, and hopefully apply or join the ventura county police academy

most of my thoughts have been that I am sad each time I see or hear gang members killing civilians, or murders happening stripping mothers and fathers away from there children.

and now more than ever it seems that its time for more people to join the honored and revered police force of the my home of california.

I know its a very dangerous job, but I believe I can do good
I know its a stressful job, but I know that without cops the world would be in chaos
its been in my mind for awhile to serve my country one way or another either military or working for the police department

to be a good man, with a good job, and to help those that cannot help themselves
I have been an immature man for sometime now, hell an immature kid
but all that is behind me now, and I know what I want todo tomarrow
I plan to become and join the honorable career of a police officer


if any of you have any suggestions please let me know, I will take it all with the upmost respect
and I respect all suggestions, thank you.

-Brandon

[1depd]

If you haven't already done so go to college. LE isn't a job that requires a degree, but since you are being graded against other applicants, you need a degree to be competitive. Study anything you find interesting, most of it is applicable to LE. If school isn't for you go into the military first. If this is a sudden epiphany, you will probably need to make yourself a better applicant and that will take time. If you are like many people you haven't really tried to make yourself a better applicant for LE work. You will be at a slight disadvantage to those who have been working for a LEO position for years.

[Curt581]

This section is reserved for those who want to ask a specific question. I don't see one in your post.

It's wonderful that you found a dream to pursue, but if your background or criminal history is questionable, all the ambitions in the world won't change it.

Do a tour in the military. Use the GI bill get a college education (take writing courses and Spanish classes), then apply to be a police officer.

[tcop733]

Keep your credit and criminal history squeaky clean. Get some college under your belt.
Off topic, but it's humorous to see or hear young people say, "I'm almost 20".
You won't catch people over 40 rounding up to the next number.

[marinepilot]

This section is reserved for those who want to ask a specific question. I don't see one in your post.

Good catch Curt, and with that I'll move this to the Background Checks / Hiring Process section.

Brandon, this will help you in finding out more about the process and you'll be able to receive thoughts / advice from others who actually may be just slightly ahead of you in the process.

[mcsap]

Brandon , HUNDREDS of " you " will show up at our next hiring test. What makes you any better than the next person ?

College - military- clean background - good work history - good references - good life choices etc.

[Brandon805]

well coming up I will start college, start getting my stamina up with jogging/running with friends on a daily basis and start eating healthy, I know what I stated more than half of the hundreds of men will have the same criteria of facts

but what I bring is my honesty, my strive to be steady and not to go into things without thinking things through.

I know team work is a big part of this job and always to communicate with your partner, but since I am just beginning I dont got the skills yet, but once I get it going I am sure I will be an excellent candidate.

I know I won't be the top cop, but I will be a man you can trust by your side.

as my background goes so far, I have never done drugs, never smoked, and I have never drank beer.
I have never been arrested, never been accused of anything wrong.

as references go I got a few, but I am hoping to get several more as I go along.

I plan to study atleast 5-6 hours a day, and will do what it takes to get where I am trying to go.

though words dont mean a thing I am possitive I will succeed

-Brandon