First Post... from Wyoming

[Erika]

Hello, my name is Erika. I currently live in Wyoming and am looking into getting into the police Acedemy. I have so many questions though. What are the odds of me even getting in? I have some college credits, but am not intrested in finishing if I can get into the academy. I am a single mother, and live a few hours away from where the Academy is located, so my daughter would have to stay with my mother for those six weeks:(
Anyway, I just wanted to say hello, and ask for any advice.
Ok, so I've filled out the applications for the Academy, what now? Is there an age limit, I couldn't find that out anywhere? Do I go ahead and send in the applications? Should I contact the police department, or just the academy? Further more, for those who have already graduated... how hard is the physical assesment? I am like the least active person. I am active sure, but I hate exercise... but since I want to pursue this, I just started working out ... today. What goals should a 19 year old female consider while going for the assesment?

Ok ok, enough rambling. I hope you all take the time to help me out with some or all of these questions. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

-Erika

[Morgan20]

good luck.

[gooddawg]

Welcome to Real Police Erica. Sit back and look through the many threads that have been posted on the questions that you have. You will get all the information you need right here. Post your question on the Forums that you need.

[Erika]

Thanks guys!

[valycop]

Welcome to Real Police Erika. I replied to your inquiry about the academy so just click on the link to the website. I think most of the questions you have will be answered there.

[Creeker]

From one who, at one time, looked into moving to your beautiful state, welcome aboard.

I was interested in going to work out there back in the early 90's, however there were few agencies that were large enough to have any specialists, or were able to meet my pay needs... and I have a wife that didn't want to move that far from parents and nieces... or to an extreme climate change in the opposite direction.

As I said, that was back in the early 90's and my situation would have been much different than yours is. But at 19, were I you, I would at least continue in College to work for an Associates Degree, which you can probably do at your local Tech School. While I understand that being a single mother is difficult, you would probably qualify for several different Grants and loans... perhaps enough so that you can continue on to a 4 year degree, which in this day and age is becoming the required education level.

That is about all I know to give you. For more specific answers to your LE questions, I would suggest you search this site for them using the "search" tab on the blue bar. If you are unable to find the answers there, the "Ask-a-Cop" Forum many times gets more attention than the "Rap Sheets", but beware that we sometimes (often ;) ) answer unintelligent or "cop baiting" questions with extreme sarcasm.

[NY BLUE 86]

Good Luck. You will find a lot of help on Real Police. ;)

[Jynkxxie]

Welcome.

[tomahawk134]

Erika:
Welcome to the RP. I know Wyoming well. I use to work as a Uniform Police Officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wind River Agency, Ft. Washakie.

[Erika]

Wyoming is beautiful. I am actually from South Carolina, but just moved out here in February. Most people I know would have a hard time adjusting, but I love it here and never want to leave!! There are actually a lot of job opportunities, and I hope that I will get into shape while getting some sort of degree, then get into the academy! I do plan on finishing with my Criminal Justice degree, and look forward to it! I am just not sure weather I want to get the certificate, Associates or Bachelor's degree. most likely the Associates, unless I qualify for Pell grant, then I might as well go all the way. Right now I am worried about being up to my head with student loans!
Anywaym
Thank you all for the welcome!

[Old Trooper]

Welcome to RP...and good luck!

[26Trainer]

First of all welcome Erika to RP. Oh to be 19 again....that was many many years ago for me but if I were in your shoes I would finish the college education and get that out of the way. Maybe the department you are applying for will allow you to work once you get the associates degree and maybe they will pay part of your college education while you are working so you can get the BA. I know being a single parent is very hard as I was there once and I know that there are others at RP that have walked the single parent trail. At least you have someone close you can get to watch your child and Mom's are great child sitters. That is a help in itself as you know your child is safe and gets the love only a family can give.

You will do fine once you settledown into a routine with your education and get hired by the department. Oh yea put your application in first so that they know you are interested.

So good luck to you!