Could I Qualify as a LEO?

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StrikeFire83

StrikeFire83

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Hello to everyone. This thread is aimed mostly at law enforcement officers and retirees. I’ll try and keep things brief.

It has been nearly 2 years since my college graduation, and for the majority of that time I have worked temporary office jobs while trying to break into film and television writing. Well, two years in and I’m pretty much NO closer to my goal. I’m seriously considering hanging up my pen and stepping into the real world.

So I’m seeking the advise of current and past LEOs to see if they think I’m a candidate for police work, given my various factors.

MY STATS
-24 years old
-5’10”
-195 lbs
-Run the 1.5 mile in about 17 minutes
-Pushup and sit-up requirements are no problem
-Weight lifting requirements no problem
-College Graduate: 3.4 GPA

Now I need to loose some more weight and shave some time off my run, but I think I can get the physical reqs in order. Likewise, the pistol/shotgun qualifier seems like it would be a breeze due to my love of target shooting and familiarity with firearms.

I do wear glasses. You never see cops with glasses anymore. They’re a weakness in an attack situation. I’d need to do something about that, lasik or contacts.

Anyhow, just seeking gentlemen in the know whether you think I fit the bill for a normal recruit. I know quite a few LEOs prowl this board, just seeking some input.

Thanks.
 
If you have never been convicted of a felony, and a legal citizen you should qualify.

My first suggestion to anyone wanting to get into Law Enforcement is "GET A REAL JOB"! One where you don't get into trouble for actually doing you job. One where a bunch a key board commandos don't think you are part of the NWO. One where the politicians you work for won't throw you to the wolf's for a few extra votes.

However that said the first time you save a life, or make a difference, there is no turning back.

If you are serious, get away from L.A.!
 
Cops are usually seen as the bad guys these days. Fire fighters, on the other hand, are usually seen as good guys.

Buddy of mine wanted be a cop, then changed his mind citing the above. Now he's a fire fighter.

Give it some thought. You'd probably meet the req's for either.


-T.
 
If I do go the LE route it will be in Texas, not out here in California.

Not a chance.

San Antonio or Austin, Texas.
 
Key to becoming a LEO is your personality traits in an interview and your background. Make you 1.5 time more like 14 minutes too. 24 is still young. You have a lot of time to prepare.
 
I am 21 and in worse shape than you and I am in the LEO application process so far I have breezed through things. I will need to loose some weight for my Physical Agility Test but all in all its alright. Many LEO departments are hurting big time for recruits out here in Oregon its getting down right easy.
 
Depends on where you are appling to be a LEO. Different states have different standards.

You do need to be able to pass a background check and a credit check.
Mishandling your credit/finances is a sure way not to get hired and fired if you are already a LEO.


In CA, there are 4 levels in POST (Police Officer Standardized Training).
PC832 = First level. Required for certain jobs, such as corner & animal control.
Level 3 = Second level. Prereq is PC832. Required for certain jobs, like prisoner transport.
Level 2 = Third level. Prereq is Level 3. Required to be a reserve LEO.
Level 1 = Fourth level. Required for full-time LEO.

When you graduate from a LE academy you will have your POST 1 certificate.
You can also take each level individual and many people do this if they are puting themselves through LE training.

Believe it or not, CA POST is considered the best in the USA and someone with any type of CA POST will be a more desireable recruit when applying in other states. You might want to keep that in mind and might want to get some CA POST certifications before you move to TX.

Besides getting your PC832 certification makes you exempt from needing a HSC when buying a handgun in CA.
 
Glad I'm not the only 24-year-old having a rough go of it in the job market. I finished a master's degree in technical communication in June, and it seems as though it was a waste of time. I get contacted by recruiting firms with contract technical writing work almost every day, but all of my research was on interaction design and that's where I'd like to work. I can't imagine two years of trying to break into my chosen field. I don't know why everyone's so afraid to give a new guy a chance.
 
Who cares what your run times are?

To put it bluntly:

Are you honest?
Are you dependable?
Do you have good references and would your neighbors want you to look after their home, elderly Grandma and household pets if they had to leave for an extended time? Can I leave my wallet open with $2,000 in it while I'm gone and find it still there when I get back?

Honesty, integrity lack of drug usage and a definate lack of a criminal "history" are the important things. You can be taught the rest.

Biker
 
I was actually wondering this same thing myself. I match the same basic stats as Strike Fire (little heavier though)

What I'm wondering, in addition to what everyone's said, is what are they looking for? I'm confident I can at least make it into an interview, but what should I say? I don't want to say "I'm a rabid gun nut" ('cause I'm not rabid) but I want to express my strong desire to be an LEO without coming across as crazy. So, what works? Just stick with stereotypical "I've always wanted to be a cop....I believe in helping people and justice" etc.? I mean, all of the above is true, I'm not going to lie, but I am curious which points to emphasize to increase my odds.

Strikefire, I'm not trying to hijack your thread, but I had the same types of questions as you, and I figured that responses to these questions would be helpful to you as well.
 
I have helped a few candidates to appear before their oral boards. Here is what I said in front of mine:

"This is a career I have wanted since I was 8 years old. I feel that I would be in my element here; I have felt that since working as a Reserve Officer. In my lifetime, I have done nothing better, nor shall I do anything as important as this job."

:)
 
If its what you want, go for it. Don't expect everyone to gush over your decision though. Policing is a necessary task in our society, but if you want to be loved and appreciated, you are going into the wrong business.

You will be acting as an agent of some government entity. Lots of times that government entity will be doing things that have a negative impact on the average citizen. You will be the point man in this situation enforcing the will of government against the citizenry, so naturally enough, some people will blame you personally. Most of us won't hate you for it personally, but it is not easy to seperate you as a person from you as the agent acting on behalf of government.
 
I'd say you're overqualified. Most departments don't require a college degree. Mine does, and we're still one of the lowest paid departments in the state :rolleyes:
 
if you don't mind me asking........

where is your station located??

what type of college degree is required to work there??

2 year? 4 year??

what is the base starting salary out there??
 
I don't want to hijack the thread but i have a quick related question. I was looking at majoring in criminal justice and thought being a detective would be a good job for me, but I've been told that it's mandatory you start as a patrol officer ifrst. But others have told me it isn't true. So what's the deal with that?
 
I think, pdowg, that each department has different procedures for special duties (detective, swat, k9, etc). Some depts require that you put in x years before applying to special details. I'm not familiar with any that don't, but they could be out there.
 
If you are breathing, and don't have a felony conviction, you're in. You will have to shave some time off the run though.
 
You sound like you'll be ok if you can shave 3 minutes off the run time. Requirements here are 14 minutes for the 1.5 mile. And I know where you're coming from. I've been trying to get myself in shape... well a shape other then round, for the upcoming county exam. Got a long way to go and only 2 months to do it. Best of luck to you
 
14 minutes?

I'm moving to where y'all are at. The time here (for my age bracket) to pass the PFT is 12:57, or something. It's under 13.
 
My department doesn't have any requirement for running. However, at the state Criminal Justice Academy you have to run. You start out the first week running for 15 minutes at your own pace. By week 4 you have to do formation runs - 3 miles. They split you into groups by physical ability, and the lowest group is a joke. I despise running and I didn't have a problem with it.
 
Yeah, I guess I should have clarified.....as far as I know, the department I'm interesting in applying to doesn't have quals themselves, but the Maine CJA requires a PFt, and the 1.5 mile time to qualify is the 12:57.
 
Be ready to have a great background check investigation!

Go to your local PD and go on a ride along before you make your decision.

Personally, I'd suggest you apply for the Sheriff's Dept. Training 5 years in jails will straighten you up!
 
Tennessee POST requires 1.5 mi in 14 minutes, for a passing score. To earn a 100% is 9 min for 1.5 mi. I did not score a 100.
 
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