I like guns and stuff...

[OhioScott]

The title was only meant to add a little humor to my post but seriously, I am seeking some advice on a career change but I'm kind of old to be an actual LEO. I'm soon to be 44. Yep, I know...too old to do certain things in law enforcement but I've always had an interest in this type of work and my current career is not rewarding anymore so I'm looking for some suggestions on what a 44-year old guy might be able to do out there and make decent money.

I'm very fit and can keep up with guys half my age, that's not the problem. The actual number is and that's frustrating to me. I don't necessarily want to be a LEO, but maybe in some line of work that is related where I can at least work along side LEO's, etc.

Can someone tell me what type of careers a middle-aged guy still might be able to pursue where they money is half-way decent? I earn about 50k now in the IT profession but again, I can't stand it and need a change where job satisfaction is much greater. I'd even be willing to accept less money if I could actually enjoy my profession.

I have a two-year degree in finance so I'd have to pretty much start from scratch if education was a factor. I really fell into this IT job and don't have any practical schooling for that either.

I took a 12-week course our local police department had (Citizens Police Academy) about a year ago and loved it and have always wanted to do more.

I thought this forum might be a good place to start, at least.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[OhioScott]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I served 8 years in the Navy as a reservist. Never was active duty though. Not sure if that would count towards anything.

[Citicop]

I know plenty of guys who did not get into Law Enforcement until they were in their mid 40s. You're past the age where you could go Federal, but I bet you'd be competitive in a lot of local agencies near me based on your life experience.

Many agencies near me start around 40k now.

Don't count yourself out of a sworn position because of your age.

-Citicop.

[OhioScott]

I can't imagine going through a police academy at my age though. lol I'm sure I could handle it but I'd probably be older than any instructor. I thought I read someplace there was a cutoff age of late 30's? Maybe not. Plus, do you get paid for going through the academy?

[Citicop]

I can't imagine going through a police academy at my age though. lol I'm sure I could handle it but I'd probably be older than any instructor. I thought I read someplace there was a cutoff age of late 30's? Maybe not. Plus, do you get paid for going through the academy?

We had a 55 year old guy in my Academy class. He had been a cop in the 70's and then got out and got a job in the private sector. He decided he wanted back in, and he had to re-attend the academy to get re-certified because it had been so long. He got hired prior to graduation.

The Feds have a 37 year old cutoff, but most local and state departments do not.

You may or may not get paid for going through the Academy depending on the department and area of the country.

Some areas will require you to already be hired by a police department in order to attend the Academy. In others, you may "self sponsor" your way through (paying the tuition) in order to get the training prior to being hired. In my area, if you don't already have the Academy, you have an uphill battle to get hired because so many people are willing to pay for the training themselves.

I went through an evening academy; it took longer to graduate, but the schedule allowed me to continue working full time while I attended so that I could pay bills.

-Citicop.

[kels]

It depends a lot on where you live.
Kansas has LEOs who were older than you when they
went though the academy.

You really need to talk to your academy/agency you are interested in.
If nothing else, see if they have a reserve program.

[mcsap]

PA has NO maximum age limit. Our Physical Agility test is based upon your age group 20-29, 30-39 , 40-49 and 50 plus. Age ( make that life experience ) CAN be a benefit. Consider your age a positive rather than a negative. You may not go 25 years but with us , 12 years locks you into a pension.

[Safety Steve]

Texas Department of Public Safety is looking for a few good people! We have no age limit here. PM me for more info if you like.



Be Safe.

[OhioScott]

Thanks for the information so far and the responses sound encouraging. I will definitely look into it more with my local agencies. Since I went through a "Citizens Police Academy" a few years ago I already know some of the people up there, it's just been years since I've spoken to them.

Like I stated originally, I don't necessarily need to be a LEO, but would like to work in that line of work somehow. I was also interested in what "other" opportunities may be available for someone like me and my limited experience.

[marinepilot]

I came into Law Enforcement in my early 40's after a 21 year career in the Marine Corps. It's not as tough as you think. The physical part is not going to be a problem, especially since you're in good shape. I did find that being older than some of my trainers was a bit weird, but most of them are professionals and treat you the same no matter what age you are. (There was one FTO I rebelled against, but he was a POS to everyone, so it wasn't like he was age biased or anything! )

Right now I'm the 3rd oldest person on my shift. Only my Lt. and one other Deputy have me beat age-wise. I'm a couple years older than my Sgt.! And like mcsap said above, I believe my age (life experience) to be a positive in my take on Law Enforcement.

[greg72982]

Texas Department of Public Safety is looking for a few good people! We have no age limit here. PM me for more info if you like.



Be Safe.

Yep, Steve hasn't been on too long and he is older than dirt.

Look at this way too. I've been a cop almost 5 years now and since I look about 21 (I'm 28) everyone thinks I'm just out of the academy. People will think you are a seasoned vet and it may earn you more respect.

[Safety Steve]

Yep, Steve hasn't been on too long and he is older than dirt.

Look at this way too. I've been a cop almost 5 years now and since I look about 21 (I'm 28) everyone thinks I'm just out of the academy. People will think you are a seasoned vet and it may earn you more respect.

When I was on FTO and did not know anything, people would look at me and my FTO (who was alot younger) and they would come to me and start talking. After a few times of this happening, we would just look at each other and smile when it happened.

I may be older than dirt, but I look like fresh dirt!


Be Safe.

[oscarmitre]

Our oldest cadet was 54. He wanted a change of career and became a valuable asset when he was on patrol. The public tended to listen and interact with him more than his younger partner. He was promoted to Sgt within a few short years.

[greg72982]

When I was on FTO and did not know anything, people would look at me and my FTO (who was alot younger) and they would come to me and start talking. After a few times of this happening, we would just look at each other and smile when it happened.

I may be older than dirt, but I look like fresh dirt!


Be Safe.

I think as humans that is just a natural assumption...

[retdetsgt]

We welcome and have a number of military retirees who came around 40. It's not a big deal.