Over 40

[WJHJR]

Hello I'm wondering how much of a strike against me is my age (43) and lack of military experience in gaining an entry-level position as a police officer and if anyone has suggestions on where I could apply that my skills might be useful?

In my own state (NY) my age and no military experience does bar me, but I understand this is not the case in all Police agencies.

I will be completing my Masters in Cybersecurity: Intelligence & Forensics this coming April from Utica College and also hold a BS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance, BA in Political Science, an AAS in Criminal Justice, and certificates in Intermediate Intelligence Analysis and POST Law Enforcement Response to Terrorism (LERT).

I've various volunteer and Intern work in the technical IT and within Law Enforcement but it appears in the current job market my lack of practical military or law enforcement experience is working against me.

My paid work experience has been in the auto industry working as a quality inspector (19 years by the end of November). I started after attaining my PolySci degree because of the downturn in the economy and I have to be honest...then it became hard to leave the money.

When the economy stumbled I went back to school as I could see the writing on the wall and I went back for my Master's hoping I could finally serve in a support position even if I couldn't serve as a Police Officer.

I would still like to be a Police Officer, but if not perhaps what I can as a civilian employee might help support Law Enforcement some department somewhere?

***I did not check if someone else had started a similar thread before writing this and apologize if I'm digging up old business.

[Kimble]

Not saying you couldn't be hired as a police officer (an academy classmate of mine was a 40-something paramedic before becoming a cop, and I've known of a 50 year old becoming a cop for the first time), but with your background have you considered doing something in intelligence analysis or cyber-security for the federal government or a state government? If you're older than 37 you are ineligible to be a federal agent, but there's tons of support positions in the federal government your qualifications would likely compliment well (I speak as a former federal agent who worked with support folks with similar backgrounds to yours).

By all means, though, if being a sworn cop is your goal apply and give it your best shot. In a better economy I think you'd stand an excellent shot. In this economy it really depends on where you apply and whether there's laid-off/furloughed cops applying for the few available spots or not (that's the case in many places, but not everywhere).

[retdetsgt]

We periodically hire guys in their 40's. I think the oldest was about 52. The worst thing is you'll have to work until you're a lot older than the others to retire and will get a lot less.

[WJHJR]

Thank you sir, I appreciate the positive feedback.

I did look at the Federal and State government positions (haven't ruled them out) but as preference is often being given to former military and veterans (my experience I can't speak for others) the credentials I'm earning aren't packing the punch I thought they would when I went back to school.

I do see the advantages of departments and agencies choosing ex-military and laid-off/furloughed cops and agree they should definitely get first crack at open positions especially in this economy and considering the sacrifices they've already made to serve.

I expect I'll find a way to serve as well... eventually, I never really could get the hang of giving up.

Thanks again!

WJHJR

[WJHJR]

No problem for me at all, hard work and I are old friends.

Besides, its just as well I retire later... if I retired early I'd be going to work for my wife the next day anyhow. She's very good at finding me things to do.

[L-1]

I'm not sure how things work where you are, but in my state, all the things you have listed don't mean too much, for or against.

Where I am, in order to apply you simply have to possess the minimum requirements necessary to participate in the civil service exam. Exceeding the minimum requirements doesn't gain you any extra points.

After that, people are evaluated and hired based on their demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the job they are seeking. This is determined by the number of correct answers they provide to job related questions on the written and oral civil service exams. The more correct answers you give, the higher your combined test score. Applicants are then hired in the order of their test score (highest gets picked first, next highest gets hired second, etc.)

Each position you apply for should have a published exam announcement. Buried in the fine print they should tell what you will be tested on. Nobody reads the fine print. If you want a leg up, read what you will be tested on and study those areas. If it is not listed in the exam announcement, ask a recruiting officer. Its not a state secret. While no one will tell you the test questions, they should tell you the areas the exam will cover, allowing you to study accordingly. For example, the exam announcement for one particular California job states the test process will measure the following abilities:

Knowledge of:

1. Administrative and criminal investigative techniques.

2. Interview and interrogation processes and procedures.

3. Provisions of the Government Code, Health and Safety Code, Business and Professions Code, California Penal Code, Controlled Substances Act, and other related codes.

4. Administrative and criminal procedures.

5. Methods used in securing and preserving of evidence.

6. Laws of arrest.

7. Search and seizure.

8. Develop techniques, methods and skills required in the conducting of administrative and criminal investigations.

9. Apply laws and rules of evidence to specific situations.

10. Gather and analyze facts and evidence and present such evidence as required.

11. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.

12. Participate actively in surveillance investigations.

13. Interview and interrogate.

14. Effectively control informants, paid operatives and confidential informants.

15. Appear as an expert witness.

16. Use and maintain firearms.

17. Serve subpoenas, write and execute search warrants and subpoena duces tecum.

18. Prepare accurate investigation reports.

19. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

20. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

21. Plan and conduct the most difficult, complex and sensitive administrative and criminal investigations.

So, it doesn't matter if you have a degree, or were in an elite branch of the military, or were an intern, or have all sorts of neat work experience, or were an EMT, or are a crack shot, or wore a $900 dollar suit and a spiffy haircut to the oral interview. Unless someone taking the above exam demonstrates they are knowledgeable in the above subjects and gives enough correct test answers to score at the top of the list, they are not going to get hired.

[WJHJR]

Thanks L-1, I'm the kind of guy who takes his playing field the way he finds it. I just want the same shake everyone else gets...

[McNulty]

I'm not sure how things work where you are, but in my state, all the things you have listed don't mean too much, for or against.

He's over 35. There is no local/county/state police agency in his entire state that's legally allowed to employ him as a law enforcement officer.

[Oregon Officer]

Here in Oregon, luckily for me, there's no age cap (I'm 47 and applying at a number of local agencies).

As I talk to recruiters and officers, I periodically hear about hires at local agencies that have been in their 40s and occasionally, 50s.

And like you, WJHJR, I don't have military experience. So, I'm hoping my life experience and maturity make up for this.

Good luck you you!

[WJHJR]

That's great to hear abeles and good luck to you as well thanks!

I guess there is hope for us older guys after all that want to enter Law Enforcement. And I agree, I'm hoping my life experiences and maturity will be a factor in favor of my being hired somewhere too.

On another note, I've a buddy of mine who moved out west years ago to Oregon. He and his wife periodically share pictures with my wife and I... and I have to say, you've some seriously beautiful country out there!

Take care and again... good luck!