LEO career advice

[liliysdad]

I am 23, and have decided its finally time do do what I have been wanting to do from the get go, get a job in Law enforcement. I am married, with a child, and have reached a point that I have figured out that money is the very least thing to consider in a career.

So, where do I start? I have grown up arounf LEOs, I know the in and outs better than most rookies, believe me. Very well versed in firearms handling, safety, etc, and am fairly well up to speed on basic law, but heres the kicker; none of this can be shown on paper. I have no college, no formal training. I know for a fact that if I can get my foot in the door, I will make a good impression, but how do I do that?

I am currently enrolled in EMT school, which starts in Feb...I am thinking that either this will look very good, and help me out, or I can always be an EMT, and get some on the street experience dealing with the public, and the poilice, for that matter. Am I wrong in thinking so? Would it be wise to try to sign on with the local reserve, or does this do more harm than good in the long run?

One last thing, would it be too forward, or would it look bad, to get letters of recommendation from several LEOs that I know very well, people of fairly high standing within the ranks of the surrounding forces, i.e., Former Undersheriff, Current Highway Patrol commander, etc, or would this simply seem like I was trying too hard?


I do apologize for all the questions, I just need some info from the real world.

 

[Don Gwinn]

I don't know about LEOs, but I've never heard of a career where you can try to hard to get a job. They'd end up with lousy recruits. You need to want the job very much to look good in most job interviews. Granted that this will not be quite the same as applying to sell dishwashers at Sears, only good can come from having references if it's like other jobs--and if your references are relevant and credible, that's better.

Maybe some of our LEO officers will tell you that's bad advice--in which case, go with whatever they say--but I don't really think so. Good luck!

 

[liliysdad]

I know it sounds good to have the references and all, but there seems to be a fine line, at least around here, between the good cops, and the mall ninjas...I , in no way, want to resemble these. You knwo, the guys who read nothing but LE mags and G&A, wear BDUs, get the Buzz Cut, even install wig-wags on their vehicle, and they arent even cops...I know, its silly, but I want to do this for a real reason, not for a badge and a gun..

 

[tetleyb]

A couple of things:

1. Enroll in your local community college; at least. Work on some sort of degree and continue your education.

2. Yes. A reserve position, community service officer, correctional officer, etc is all good, valuable experience, which will help you.

3. Look at your own personal background. How is your credit? What about job hopping? Do you work at one place for 2-3 months then move on? What is your past drug usage? Motor vehicle operation and drivers license status?

Lots of people can make good cops. Lots of time those people don't get far in a background process. If your smoking dope, bouncing checks, speeding, etc STOP NOW. Get a job and stick with it; even if its washing dishes. Shows good solid stability.

Look to your family, past friends, ex-girlfriends, etc. What are they going to say about you in a background interview?

There are plenty of books out there and how to prepare for a career in law enforcement. They are worth the investment.

 

[liliysdad]

1. Enroll in your local community college; at least. Work on some sort of degree and continue your education.

This can be a good or bad plan, and honestly not feasible at the moment. In the town I wish to work in, my hometown, college is actually sort of frowned upon, as their budget is low, and they see this as a reason for the ofificer to require more pay. This comes from a couple of officers currently employed there. Dont take this the wrong way, I definitely want to go to school, and will.

3. Look at your own personal background. How is your credit? What about job hopping? Do you work at one place for 2-3 months then move on? What is your past drug usage? Motor vehicle operation and drivers license status?

Credit is a little banged up, but not terrible. No repos, negative balances, etc. I have a couple of credit card write offs, and a phone bill or two in arrears, but all of this comes from my wife, and all was incurred prior to marraige, and all is being paid off slowly.

My job history is OK, but not great. I have had 4 honest to God jobs since high school, none lasting less than a year.

Absolutely , positively no drug usage, ever.

Clean driving record, I have two moving violations, nothing within the last year. I have no charges, no lawsuits, never even seen the back seat of a cop car, or a courtroom, except for jury duty.

 

[SMLE]

Since you're already enrolled in EMT school GO. That would certainly look good on any resume, and the more you know, the harder you are to starve out. Buckle down and get the best possible grades you can in the course. Impress the hell out of your instructors with your work ethic, they could be another very good personal reference.
Letters of recomendation from respected, high ranking LEOs would be just the thing to make you NOT look like a mall ninja.
I can't see how joining the reserve of the agency you'd like to work for could even possibily hurt. If there aren't any openings on the Dept. You want to work for, then try to get an EMT job in the same area where you will be seen by the officers of that dept. Let them see you as squared away individual with your sh*t stacked high and tight.

Get a picture of the badge you someday want to wear and put it where you'll see it every day. Focus on your dream and GO FOR IT!

Good luck!

 

[Ala Dan]

Being a former LEO, here is my "scoop" on the matter.

A desire to be a public servant is bread into one at an
early age. You have got to have the desire "to protect
and serve"; whether it be a LEO, fireman, postman etc.
Once you have a direction of travel, learn all you can
about the profession. Ask a lot of questions, cuz any
public servant worth their weight in salt will be more
than happy to give you an honest answer.

Being enrolled in college courses that pertain to the
type of career you are seeking would be helpful, but
not necessary. Experience, such as a good reserve
program, or ride along is an excellent idea. Seek
a reserve program that allows the reserve to work
directly with and under the supervision of a sworn
full-time officer. After all, you are working under his
or her "color of law"; and ultimately they are very
much responsible for you, including your actions and
conduct while on duty.

After appointment to a full time, sworn LEO position
DO NOT expect to get rich. Its not going to happen.
Sit down with your family and explain in detail all the
avenues of police work; including those that we LEO's
don't like to talk about. Police work is a NEVER ending
learning experience. You will always be in some sort'a
school.

After a subject is lawfully placed under arrest, your job
is just begining. In a lot of departments (especially
here in the south), you will also do the following:
report writing, fingerprint the subject, run a (10-29)
record check on subject, strip search if he/she* is a
detainee, inventory and store all contraband in your
evidence locker, inventory and store the prisoners
property, enter subject into the jail log, and place
subject in jail. Some of the larger departments will
have correction officers that will assist you with some
of these duties. At some point you will be required
to attend a certified police academy. Here in Alabama,
an agency can work you for nine months; before you
are sent to the academy. All academy's are a little
different; some are tougher than others. Here in
Alabama, the state trooper academy in Selma, and
the Montgomery (city of) police academy rank very
near the top. They generally produce the best type
recruit's. Top physical conditioning is a MUST. With
todays perps being encountered high on crystal meth,
PCP, cocaine, herion, prescription drugs such as OC
and others, strength and endurance is a big +.

And if your agency happens to house inmates for the
Federal government, things will get real interesting;
because they are under the control of the U.S. Marshal.
Anything pertaining to a government prisoner has
to be authorized by the Marshal's service, no one else
can authorize these actions.

To wrap up, law enfocement is a good profession. Its
one too be proud of; but its also one that is judged
by John Q. Public. For example, most likely someone
in your neighborhood will be jealous of your children,
because as a LEO you will make them be responsible.
You have to, cause if you don't old Mrs. Joeblow will
say, "Well, his kid got away with it, cuz his daddy is
a COP"! Believe me it happens.

I will leave with this message, and don't ever forget
it:

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL

There is absolutely nothing more important! Stay safe,
shoot straight, and may you enjoy your pursuit of the
ultimate happiness.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Hal]

This can be a good or bad plan, and honestly not feasible at the moment.

Let's see, you're 23 and it's not feasible now. When do you think it will be? 5 years? 10 years? Say you start your education in 10 years - you'll be 33 and facing a min of 2 years for an Assoc. degree. It's worse if by that time the min is raised to a Bachelors in that time. Now your looking at being a 35 year old enrty level - or worse yet,,,pushing 40,,,going against 25 year olds. @ 35 (or in my case pushing the 40 mark)(trust me on this - been there done that) you'll have lost more than a step or 2 against the youngsters.

Non-minority male? You're even farther behind than a step or 2. You need to run twice a fast, work twice as hard since you can't affford to stay even with the younger ones,,,,,you need to BEAT THEM SOUNDLY! A's and B's (3.X) don't cut it. To excel,,,to stand out from the crowd,,,to get job(s)(or offers) you need to be as close to perfect as you can get. (4.0).

You need commitment, you need tenacity, you need to crack the books when you'd rather be out fishing (or shooting or whatever). You need a plan. YOU NEED YOUR WIFE and her commitment/ageement/blessing. ( I never and I mean NEVER) could have made it without my wife.) You need a plan. (My wife and I saved up for 2 years in order for me to quit work and return to school.) It was tough.....since our incomes combined put us behind the grant and student loan 8 ball. ( a financial adviser can give you the gory details)

There's more - I could go one for a couple of pages - You asked for real world and there a glimpse of what I went through. I quit a fairly decent paying job in retail after - - 20 years in that field. Talked it over with my wife and decided to go back to school for something that I wanted to do (in my case it was computer repair). We saved for 2 years for it so that I could devote 100% of my time towards schooling and study. Doing so enabled me to maintain a 4.0 GPA . In the end, I needed that high of a GPA. Younger students, with lesser grades, were hired right out of school at nearly twice what I was offered. It literally took us close to 6 years after I got out and went back to work to get BACK to where we would have been financially if I would have stayed where I was in retail.

DO NOT discount the importance of making a buck!!!! Trust me on this, it's going to work on you and work on you and work on you. It's easy to say money isn't an issue when your working. It gets tougher and tougher and tougher when the money isn't there. It WILL work against you long term. 10 months after I went back to school, our dryer blew out, a wind storm blew the roof off and a few other big money issues came up. May GOD bless and keep my dear wife forever since she took on a second and third job to pay the bills while I stayed glued to the books.

No all doom and gloom - - in the end. Was it worth it? YOU BETCHA! I entered the field just months shy of the big 4 zero. Like I said, it took a good 6 years to recoup financially. I had the pleasure of working in a field I really enjoyed in that time. The last 7 have been very good to me. Along with the job satisfaction came the financial rewards.

What I'm saying here is go for it now cause it ain't gonna get easier down the road. Talk it over with your wife. AND I DO mean talk,,,don't just sit there and co-dream about it. She has, or will have a huge vested interest in it.

Best of luck to ya.
(and please disregard the spelling and grammer)

 

[Pilgrim]

Can you write well? A large part of your job as a peace officer will entail writing reports. Good report writing is probably the most difficult skill to acquire and the one job skill that most trips up rookie peace officers trying to get through probation. If nothing else, this is the best reason to enroll in your community college, even if the department you want to work for doesn't care one way or the other about college degrees.

If you do decide to get some college classes, sign up for English composition courses from the instructors who have a reputation for being demanding of their students.

Do you really want to work for a department that discourages schooling past high school? You may outgrow this department quickly and want to work elsewhere for a department that does encourage and reward education. Are you sure the department discourages higher education? Or is it old hands who fear an educated young whippersnapper showing them up?

Are you comfortable in front of groups of people? Do you show confidence? Can you get up in front of a group of people, complete strangers, and talk about subjects you are passionate about, and subjects assigned to you to talk about? One of the best courses I ever took in junior high school was a speech and debating class.

Can you control your anger? People will say things to you they won't say to anyone else, because they know you can't strike back. They also know if you use foul or racist language they can hurt you badly through the complaint process.

Pilgrim

 

[Ala Dan]

Hello All-

Sgt. Stanton brought out some good pointer's that I
overlooked during my post in the early AM hours. One
thing I would like too add, is the fact that if you do
pursue this career and enroll in college; be sure and
learn a foreign language. I found myself in need of
some Spanish practically every day; as more Latino's
are moving into my area.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Pilgrim]

Ala Dan makes a good point about language. I worked in a town for two years where there were days where the only English I heard spoken was from the dispatcher. The rest of my contacts were in Spanish. I went into those two years speaking Spanish learned in college. I got better at it through complete immersion.

One other point. Continue to develop your other skills so you can make a living doing something other than being a cop. Understand that after you get in to police work you may find you don't really like it that much. Try not to get so committed financially that you can't back out and go to doing something else.

Pilgrim

 

[Baby Huey]

I would like to add a little advice, too. I am definitely not that experienced, but with 5 years in law enforcement, I can directly attribute my luck at being hired to the US military. When I was hired, I did not have the ability to speak Spanish, and I was just another non minority male looking for a job. What set me apart was my military experience (4 years, Honorable Discharge). I think that pursuing the EMT and showing stability there, coupled with going into the reserves if possible would be a feather in your cap.

 

[Roadkill Coyote]

Another option.

If your going to wait for, and tailor yourself towards, an opportunity in one agency, you could wait for years. In the interim, the administration may change, the attitude towards education may change, and your personal situation may change. If your certain that you want to weather all that, good luck, keep at it.

On the other hand, the best way to get there may be not to limit your self. Consider applying in other places, your much more likely to break into law enforcement without a resume if your willing to go where the job is. If you find a job somewhere in Oklahoma, attend the academy, and put in a solid two years of employment, you can go back to your home town with a resume that shows that you want to work, can get along with people, and that you aren't going to start applying other places as soon as you get on.

 

[TheeBadOne]

Find out what your state's requirements are for being an LEO. There's no way around them. If it's a 2 or 4 year degree, that's what you need.

All the best

 

[Ex-Doc]

Do kids say when they growup they want to be "LEO's"? I think Police Officers should be refered to as such, atleast that what it says on their badges. Sounds more like a public servant and less big brother than "Law Enforcement". Friends of mine that have entered public service pursude an education first, career second.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Ex-Doc-

With all due respect, I think you are missing the boat?
There are a lot of agency's (or department's, if you like)
thats badges DO NOT say police officer; such as a DEPUTY
SHERIFF, U.S. MARSHAL, U.S. CUSTOMS AGENT etc. The
common term for those categories is a LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER. Nothing to do with kid's here my friend, we are
speaking of grown men and women; who may have to step
in harms way any minute!

As far as putting an education before a career; I agree, as
that should be done when possible cuz it makes life a little
bit easier in the long run. But, sometimes that isn't quite
possible, cuz of other circumstances entering into the
equation.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[liliysdad]

Thank you Ala Dan. I want to go to college, always have, even when I was screwing off chances after High School. However, I want to feed my child and keep a roof over my head even worse, and I WILL NOT incure student loan debt to go to school. Absolutely, positively, no way. I have saved, and scrimped for a while to get the money to go to EMT school, and I am damn proud to be going....

 

[HABU]

I am married, with a child, and have reached a point that I have figured out that money is the very least thing to consider in a career.

Good thing you have figured it out now, because cops don't make as much as they should.

On the other hand, unless you are willing to work for free because you love it so much, money is a major point to consider. It takes money to send your kids to skool, after you spend several hundred K raising them. It takes money to pay the mtg. and buy groceries etc.

Is your wife with you on this whole "money is the very least thing to consider in a career" attitude?

Money is not everything, but I wouldn't put it at the bottom of the list.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's liliysdad-

I hope I covered all the bases, without undue harsh
feelings towards anyone. And, I wasn't trying to in
anyway discourage you from any and all opportunties
that you may have; by explaining how difficult and
demanding the police academy really is. I've been
there and done that so to speak; so I feel like I'm
qualified to give advice!

Best Wishes To All,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[liliysdad]

Actually, she is. She makes considerably more than me at the moment, so it wont be a big change. I should say that money is a factor, in a way, I suppose. I know that I will be in the public service sector in one facet or another for the rest of my life, something unforeseen notwithstanding, and as long as Im there, I will be happy....Its what ive wanted since I was old enough to want, so here goes.

 

[chaim]

...and I WILL NOT incure student loan debt to go to school.

Why not?

I had the same attitude for a while and it kept me from going back to school as early as I could have. Trust me, if you keep the loans to a sane level they are well worth it (there are two, and maybe three, things that borrowing for is just fine- a house, an education, and maybe a car). Your education is probably the best investment you can make- I know it is a cliche but it really is true.

The education might just make it easier to get the job you want. Also, it may make it easier to move to a different department if you want to (I know that many departments in MD and Northern VA require some college, 60 credits is common, and some may require a 4 year degree by now). Someone else mentioned not burning bridges in case police work doesn't work out for you, having that degree (or at least some coursework) makes it easier to do something else if you have to.

If you keep your loans to a sane level ($10-15K max) they won't be too hard to pay back (the standard plan is a 10 year time span, and you can get other payment plans as well) and they can make it easier for you to make more money and have more mobility in your career (no matter the field).


If you are sure you don't want to take loans, have you considered a little time in the military. I am not a cop, but many departments seem to look upon military experience very favorably, Also, some of the best cops I've ever met are ex-military. Maybe it can give you enough of a leg up that you don't need the college to look good.

From another perspective, if you want to go to school and you don't want loans, you can pay for your schooling with your GI Bill.

If you go active duty in the Army you can go for as little as 2 years, and all services give 4 year enlistments. Heck, you could even go in as an MP and get both military and police experience. You might find that you like that enough that you want to be a police officer with the military, and if not you will at least have great experience for your application for civilian police work and you will have college money.

 

[telewinz]

You are saying you want to be a LEO but you have nothing in the way of commitment, EMT school? Plus you won't secure a school loan and get a degree and be more competitive.

You have several options depending on what part of law enforcement you begin your career with. Keep in mind where you start may not be where you end up.

1. Does your local police agency require civil service tests?
2. Is their a shortage of applicants in your area?

You have the desire but you may have to compete for a position against people with a college degree. How are you going to "sell" yourself as the best available applicant? Having the "desire" is the first step, making it happen is much more demanding.
If the agency you apply for requires a civil service exam the answer is simple, take the test and score at least in the top 10%. That will be good enough to get interviewed BUT how much education and experience will the others being interviewed have?

Have you thought about getting into Corrections? They have a higher turnover rate and the requirements tend to be less demanding. How about the military police? Enlistment should not be out of the question at your age. In short you need to build yourself a good resume, you give no information that leads me to believe that you are a standout in the job market.

I am married, with a child, and have reached a point that I have figured out that money is the very least thing to consider in a career.

I am 51 years old with a kids and money is one of the MOST important considerations in selecting a career. I think you are foolish in your belief. The primary reason for getting a job is the MONEY to support a certain standard of living for you and your FAMILY. A job should not be confused with a hobby or some social club. Doing a job as an underpaid public servant gets old real quick, just ask any public servant. What does your wife and parents think about this? I don't think at this point in your life that you are ready to make a reality based decision, sorry but you sound like a starry eyed teen-ager.
Why not finish what you started and graduate from EMT school? Get a good paying job and enroll in night classes with law enforcement as your major?

Good luck

 

[liliysdad]

At 51, I would think one would read and comprehend before making such innacurate statements. To me, moneys is one of the least important things to consider. As long as the pay is substantial enough to pay my bills, and make a somewhat decent living, Im happy. I have no desire to get rcih. Call it starry-eyed if you will, thats your perogative(sp?). I rank being happy, giving to the community, and having a career that my child can be proud of me for far above money. If money is what drives you, well, Im sorry.

I never once said that not attending EMT school was even an option. I enrolled for a reason, and it wasnt to be a police officer. If I can get a job in Law Enforcement afterwards, great. If not, I will still be out there helping. If I didnt want to be an EMT, I never would have signed up for classes.

As for the student loans, no I will not, in any way, go into debt over this. I can make a living without a degree. It may not be exactly what I want to do, But I can get pretty close. I think debt is the downfall of this nation, anbd I refuse to submit my family to it.10-15k, reasonable...bah....you should listen to Dave Ramsey.

In closing, thnak you for the advice, it was taken in, and will be used, but I do not appreciate your tone. Just because you, sir, are a materialistic individual, that does not make me one as well. That is a generalization I resent. Good day.

 

[Hal]

never mind

 

[OH25shooter]

I'm going to address this from a different angle. If you can, talk to current "veteran" LEO's in your area. Not the "new" guy, and NOT a supervisor. The street officer who has been there for 10 or more years. The guy who has worked all three shifts. In the rich and poor areas of town. Someone who is not trying to recruit you, but be honest about the pluses and minuses. From small 40 man departments to larger 2000 man departments. I think you'll find many different opinions about the job. Small departments don't offer as many choices regarding assignments such as Vice, SWAT, Helicopter, Robbery detective, etc. Unfortunately, you'll never know the internal problems within each department. Such as transfers, equipment, supervision, policies, training, procedures, safety, promotions, etc. You will live in a glass bubble both on and off duty. And, it will effect your family life as well. I'm not trying to scare you or talk you out of this respectful career you may choose. It's a tough, thankless job, and police officers hands are tied more and more everyday. An officer today has far more restrictions compared to the 70's. Not to mention the hazards. If you are among the few to wear that shield, wear it proudly. Good Luck!

OH25shooter
Retired LEO-25 years