Hiya.

[BigDan824]

Hi,

I'm a 22-year-old guy in search of my calling, I guess you'd say. I wish I could say that police work has always fascinated me, but it's only been in the last few weeks that I've developed any interest at all--mostly from reading books. On a sudden impulse, I hopped on Amazon and bought about 10 nonfiction cop books. At the time, the thought of actually becoming a cop myself didn't enter my mind; I was only interested in getting a glimpse into a world I'll probably never experience firsthand. (I often read books for that reason.) As I read, I found myself wondering what it would actually feel like to save a kid from drowning, or to be the wall between a battered woman and her husband. Power for its own sake doesn't appeal to me, but the idea of being somebody's hero does, trite and over-dramatic as that may sound.

I've never been in any kind of legal trouble, never tried drugs, and keep myself in extremely good physical shape. I don't drink alcohol. I drink about a gallon and a half of water a day, never eat junk food, and lift weights several times a week. I think that if I did decide to be a cop, my size (a lean 260 pounds at 6'6") probably wouldn't hurt. I do Brazilian jiu-jitsu and plan to continue with it.

Honestly, I'm not at all sure this is the career for me, so I guess that's why I'm here. I look forward to learning more.

Dan

[Switchback]

MOre important than much of what you listed. Have you any military experience or degree? All the other stuff may be moot without (most importantly) some education... and military can help.

[BigDan824]

No military experience. I do have an associate's degree in an unrelated field (computer networking). Does that count for anything?

[Switchback]

That should be above the minimum requirement in most departments. Your goal is to not be the minimum, but to be in the most competitive category... so always work on making your self more marketable. Look into doing some ride-alongs and maybe being a reserve. They will give you a better idea of what the job is really about, allow you to make some connections inthe department, and let the department get to know you a little (being more than just another name on the app).


FWIW, my BS had NOTHING to do with LE. It's rare that an LE-related education is required.

[BigDan824]

Ride-alongs sound like fun. Do you have to meet any qualifications to do that, or is it pretty much open to anyone who's interested? What about qualifications for being a reserve?

[Switchback]

Ride-alongs sound like fun. Do you have to meet any qualifications to do that, or is it pretty much open to anyone who's interested? What about qualifications for being a reserve?

Go to the department where you are interested in doing the ride-alongs/reserve thing and ask them. I am sure that they will be more than happy to fill you in on the details.

FWIW, I really don't know the local thing too well.

[deputywave]

Welcome to RP.

[Apollo8138]

Welcome to RP.