To all LEO's in NC.

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V4Vendetta

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I was just considering becoming a deputy. I have no iron-clad plans to sign up but I felt I should ask you folks a few questions.

1. What's the average hourly wage?
2. What are the requirement's? I'm a little out of shape but not too much.
3. Do you need a degree in something? I just want to be a regular deputy no plans for Chief or anything.
4. Would you reccomend it?
5. Any good benefits like a dental plan, etc?
6. Do they make you take the gun they issue or can you pick yours?
7. Is it highly dangerous?

Thanks for the help.
 
I suggest you contact the human resources office in the county you are interested in working and ask for a copy of a bulletin advertising the position you seek. It will contain all the requirements for employment. It should also list the salary and benefits.

As to whether or not you get to pick your own sidearm, that will depend on the department.

As for the danger aspect, Bernalillo County, NM just buried a deputy who was shot in the face during a "routine" traffic stop. He was shot by a parolee who was wanted in connection with another murder.

Pilgrim
 
I have to say that in my experience involving LE, nearly thirty years, that the people who seem to be most successful are the ones who are motivated by the desire to do the job.

The questions that you have asked are important, and I agree with the previous poster on the proper way to ascertain such things, but the desire to be an officer comes first in my opinion.

The job is not as seen on tv, there are sacrifices to be made. Consider long hours, shift work, basic training, court time, endless paperwork, etc.

I am not trying in any way to disalusion you from the job, far from it!, I am meerly stating as one who has been there, that there are many things to consider before jumping in!

Best of luck in whatever decission you take!

Blair
 
V4V,

Here's what most of my soliders told me as to why they joined the Army as MP's.

1) Most states have a minimum age of 21 for LE officers. So they got to become LEO's at age 18.
2) While the other guys are sitting in classroom's at a college somewhere, they're getting real-life, hands-on experience (And taking college CJ courses on the Army's dime.)
3) When they got out they had: 4 years LE experience, some college CJ classes, if not at least an Associates Degree, Veterans Preference points that can be used for upping their score on the test, getting into an Academy, and getting hired by a Department. They also had some cash for more college classes/a degree (Montgomery GI Bill + whatever they had managed to save from their pay), and were in really good phyiscal shape.

Something you might want to consider. Just about all of them who had the dream of becoming LEO's acheived their dream upon their ETS. Some went back home and became Cops and Deputy Sheriffs, and two joined the FBI.

HTH.

+1 for what Warwagon said. If it's not a "Calling" for you, then you won't like the crappy hours, low pay, endless paperwork and dealing with the scum of soceity.
 
Here's what most of my soliders told me as to why they joined the Army as MP's.
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Only problem with that is that in my 15 years behind a badge the people who had the most to unlearn was ex MPs. And this was before the military went back to the idea MPs were battlefield cops not neighbor hood cops. The guys I have know while good guys would commit errors as regards to civil rights you wouldn't believe (not all but some) due to the difference in clientell. A soldier is government property almost a serf, a citizen well that's a totally different story. Some of the best military cops I have seen come into civilian LE were AF Security Police back when they had 2 seperate skill identifiers one for security/flight line types and one for Law Enforcement. Nowdays I understand they have went back to a combat security role and LE is secondary so this may have changed.
 
On the other hand, you won't really realize whether or not it is a calling until you actually do a little LE work. Some people think it would be great until they do it. Some people never realize what an amazing job it is until they sit in a cruiser.

I went to college, took some LE courses, and ended up doing an internship with a PD. That internship was the best experience of my college career. I spent a semester in a cruiser, riding with officers, doing the job. I took reports (vetted by the officer), mediated disputes, shadowed him from start to finish of his shifts, doing everything he did (with the exception of gun runs, I had to stay out of the way).

If you have the opportunity to do such a thing, DO IT. You will find out if this job is for you, before you (potentially) waste time/money/effort getting the job. It also helps you get hired- you can put it on your resume, and you'll figure out what they're looking for in interviews.

Mike
 
How do you arrange one of those ride-along things? The Army isn't a option but thanks for the thought. The army wants intelligent people, people who know how to fly helicopters, design computer algorithims, etc. That cuts me out bad.:D . I'm just a idiot. I can't even figure out how to record shows with my VCR.
 
How do you arrange one of those ride-along things? The Army isn't a option but thanks for the thought. The army wants intelligent people, people who know how to fly helicopters, design computer algorithims, etc. That cuts me out bad. . I'm just a idiot. I can't even figure out how to record shows with my VCR.
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Then perhaps you aren't cut out to be a law enforcement officer. If you are going to be a successful investigator, you are going to have to understand the myriad of exceptions to the Fourth Amendment as well as any attorney or judge.

Pilgrim
 
*laughs*

I doubt you're actually an idiot. And don't write off the army. they're recruiting all the time.

Ride alongs can sometimes be set up with local PDs. Call and ask. Don't expect to go out often, though. My deal was an internship via a university, which is a different animal.

Mike
 
"I doubt you're actually an idiot."

You really don't know me:D . I once thought that it'd be fun to sled down a ice covered hill on a sled into a tree. Not so fun. Granted I was 12 at the time but I probably haven't gotten smarter. Wiser yes but wisdom & smarts are WAY different. Take for instance my signature about "The inch of integrity." That's wisdom. Smarts is knowing computer algorithims or at least what they are.

"And don't write off the army. they're recruiting all the time."

There are other reasons I can't go into the Army but those are private.
 
Don't give up so easily

Conronach had very good advise, try to get a ride along with a local PD/SO, and see if you like it.

A lot of people underestimate thier abilities, or talents, do not let yourself become one of them!

If you truly want this, I am sure that all the LEO people here will do everything they can to help(including me) , if you find it is not for you, no shame there either. It takes a special type to get deeply involved in other peoples problems,and go home halfway sane!

Once again I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Best,

Blair

PS feel free to im or email me if you have further questions.
 
I think getting into the police is harder to get into then the military for many reasons I won't get into. Second, I checked entry level police officer in one part of NC is $36,000 per annum.
 
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