Introducing myself!

[phantomnerd]

Hello forum (and forum members, of course!).

I've been lurking this forum for about a week now, and it has proven itself 1) very helpful in answering some of my own thoughts on law enforcement, and 2) quite funny at times. So, here I am. My name is Mike, I'm 21, and I live in/around Charlotte. I've been an aspiring LEO for about 72 hours now....

Kidding - I've actually been considering a career in law enforcement for about 2 years. I'm wrapping up a degree in Information Systems Security, with a new concentration in Digital Forensics (long story, I never intended to take any forensics classes, but my catalogue changed). I'll probably open up a thread regarding this, but I think a rewarding career for an IT geek such as myself would be in a Digital Forensics department at a Law Enforcement Agency.

Anyways, glad to be here and interact with the nation's finest!

[marinepilot]

Mike, Welcome to RP from the Florida Panhandle! And many thanks for the intro! As you've already learned, tons of good (well, actually GREAT) info on the site, so now that you're a member, really dig in and explore the space!

Also, best of luck finishing up your degree and in your pursuit for a law enforcement career. Make sure to keep us posted on how it all is going!

[retdetsgt]

Welcome. You do realize that if you got directly into digital forensics, it'll be a civilian job. You'll miss out on all the fun of driving fast, carrying a gun and beating up people!

Good luck, Mike. Hope it works out for you!

[marinepilot]

Welcome. You do realize that if you got directly into digital forensics, it'll be a civilian job. You'll miss out on all the fun of driving fast, carrying a gun and beating up people!

Good luck, Mike. Hope it works out for you!

Dang, nothing like ruining his hopes and dreams second post in!!

[phantomnerd]

Boooo civilian work! :-)

I'd rather do forensic work as it comes, not really sure how departments tend to work regarding this field, but it would be much more rewarding to be pulled off the streets for a forensic assignment, then get right back to the fun stuff. Either way, I'd keep my nerd in-check.

[retdetsgt]

My old department has a forensic division that does photography, fingerprints and evidence collection at major crime scenes. The computer stuff is done by a small detail within detective division. Both are promotions attained by written and oral examinations.

I loved working detectives where I spent the bulk of my career, but when other old guys and I sit around a BS, we only talk about when we worked uniform. I got a lot of satisfaction working major cases, but the fun stuff was driving around in marked car wearing a costume!