Would you hire me?

[Narc1896]

Just wanted to give you my .02. If I were in your position, I would go to college (4 years) then decide what you want to do with your life. I have been in law enforcement for 7 years, and I've loved every minute of it. I was an unusual case as after just two years, I had good enough performance as a road officer that I got assigned as a detective to a very low profile state narcotics unit....low profile meaning.....well, I better not say. You'll figure it out. It's a really cool job....but I'm not tooting my own horn..I have a point here.

Having the flexible schedule that I have, I have been able to return to college and obtain my Bachelor's degree in Public Admin. College really opens your eyes to all of the different career paths there are for public servants. Had I gone to college first, I'm not sure that law enforcement would have been my first choice of career path. There are many ways to serve at the local, state and federal levels....becoming a federal law enforcement agent is not the be all/end all. That being said, I wouldn't trade a day of my service in law enforcement...it has been a blast.

But that's my advice to you....go to college, major in something that IS NOT criminal justice...maybe like political science or something...then decide what you want to do with your life. Also, I think ROTC or the National Guard is a great idea to help you get some "real life" experience while you are going to school. Then, after all that, if you decide that law enforcement is where you want to be, you are in a great position to get there. (And you won't be fr***led like me trying to work and go to school).

On the flip side, if you go to college first, then get into law enforcement and decide you don't like it, you've got a degree in something other than criminal justice to fall back on.

[JayhawkFan]

A lot of hiring processes are difficult for even the most qualified applicants. If you want to put yourself in a league of your own here is what I suggest.

1. Masters degree
2. OCS - Officer candidate school
3. Self sponsor through a police academy
4. Become a reserve/auxiliary officer or
apply for an internship/become a police cadet

Of course also do the prerequisites (no criminal history, no drugs, good work history, good credit).

Get the 4 year degree....I was like you and just wanted to be a street cop and got the 2 year degree. I was happy (at the time) just working for a police department or sheriffs department. Because of a personal goal I set for myself I decided to get my 4 year degree at the age of 35. I just finished it up. Many more opportunities have opened and now I am in the hiring process for different federal jobs which means more money and many advancement opportunities.

What I am saying is that when I was 24 I was happy with just the 2 year degree and getting into the field as soon as possible. Now that I am older, more mature, and more career oriented, I wish I would have gotten the 4 year degree right away and possibly even the Masters Degree or a law degree. Education opens alot of doors....don't sell yourself short.

[dtown101]

Its good to have general plan but don't forget to enjoy being young.

Get the 4 year degree, it will open more doors down the road and extra education is a good thing.

You will find out its hard to plan your life that far in advance, its God's plan that will win out. Be a good person, stay out of trouble, good credit, no drugs, etc and getting on the job will be easier.

Oh...stay in shape and don't burn bridges.

Dont listen to what up says...he likes little boys...hahahahaha...jk....seriously though he gives out good info ...so listen to his advice....send me a text and let me know how things are.....

[Kimble]

I'd also consider a TRU/SWAT team down the road.

If your eventual goal is to be in a tactical unit, military time in infantry would be excellent experience and training.

[Unit453]

And unless you want to deploy constantly, dont go in as an MP since they really dont work the road anymore. They're combat support troops now. Only a handful of actual MP's work the road and when they do, they're working with and for federal civilian police.

Any job in the military is a noble thing to do these days and I would applaud that since thats the route that I took as well.

[reils49]

Do your time on active duty, get a 2 year degree, don't be a turd. You'll be fine.

[Jambi88]

Thanks for the replies. My biggest question is how will it impact me if I go for the two year degree vs the four year degree? I don't plan on going statewide and I don't want FBI. I want to work for a medium suburb/outer city or metro police. I'd also consider a TRU/SWAT team down the road.

[keyz5542001]

Well first off everyone in this forum has given you a ton of great information and all of it is true. Though, alot of it is going to be based off of who you become and if the Police Department or Federal Agency feels that you can be an asset to their organization. (Face to Face Interview) You can have a degree and have all of the experience in the world and be a complete *****> (not saying that you are). How you carry yourself can be a huge determining factor.

My Experience:

2 Years of Technical Recruiting Exp. (Head hunter for Technical People)
7 years Active Duty Infantry (with various prestigious assignments) Totally agree about the MP THING!!! LOL
No Degree just 3 classes shy of my associates.
Look below to see how far I have made it through the USMS hiring process.

Was I limited to the number of agencie I could apply to: Yes!! You need to get that 4 year degree!! Essential if you want to have a lot of options for Federal LEO Position. Plus you don't want to go in as a Enlisted Soldier. Trust me I did it and if I could do it again I would go Commissioned Officer all the way!! (Though you won't be gauranteed infantry)

If you aspire to be a Law Enforcement Officer you are going to have to walk the straight and narrow. (Trust me it will make it a lot easier)

Determining Factors:

Credit Rating: Huge it determines wheter you are able to be bought out or that you might sell secrets.

Best of Luck! In the end you are going to do what you want to do! Trust me your a young person who hasn't experienced life. Who knows you might be the next Brad Pitt! LOL Do what you can if this is really what you want to do! Most of all you need to enjoy your friends and the people that are close to you. While you are doing this walk the straight and narrow if you want to be a LEO>

[WISCH]

I would also include building up a good credit history. Show that you can pay bills on time, and not exceed your debt/income ratio. That will demonstrate financial reliability when the time comes to apply with a PD. When you go to college, try focusing on an education that will make you more marketable. Try to get a foreign language under your belt as a minor. Also, if you’re ever interested in the possibility of going federal (FBI etc.) try majoring in a “white collar” crime degree such as accounting or finances.

[DARE_SUPPORTER]

I would not hire you based on posting on an internet forum.

I would need you sitting across the table from me and talking in real life.

[ifineed2]

To add to what I said, I'd highly recommend going to college first and then joining the military, it might not be for you...but you won't get your bachelors while you're in the military. I know a TON of people that swore they would while we were in and not a one of them actually got it. I think going to college and then going to the military was the best decision of my life...but to each his own.

[GoldBadge]

To be really competitive for a police job (most anyone can simply qualify):

Get a bachelors with good grades
Stay out of trouble
No drug use or excessive alcohol (no alcohol under 21)
Watch your driving
Stay in good shape
Military is great, but have the degree as well

I agree with others not to go into the MP's - although I have nothing but respect for them - but try to land a more prestigious assignment. MP experience is like a CJ degree (which I have), it's not worth that much any more.

[ifineed2]

Go airborne infantry, from my experience PD's seem to really like ex-infantry soldiers b/c we're very adaptable. MP's learn bad habits (that are designed for military work) and the PD's have to break those habits to form you into who they want you to be. Infantry soldiers are constantly dealing with changing situations.

I'm not saying MP's don't deal with changing situations, lets not turn this into a p!ssing match, just saying my experience is that they tend to like ex-infantry more.

[Zurita210]

Hey everyone,

I am 18 years old, and currently a senior in High School. I plan on becoming a police officer down the road, after college and after military service. I'd like to know if my education plans meet or exceed most or some department requirements. Based on the list below, would I be a desirable candidate for a medium size city? I am looking to apply in southern California, Nevada, Arizona or Utah area.

• 22 on ACT and 2.8 to 3.0ish cumulative GPA in high school
• 2 years community college, associates degree
• 2 to 5 years military service, active duty, considering U.S. Army Airborne infantry or military police
• Knowledgeable and determined individual, physically fit and of good moral character

I would suggest to only do 3 yrs in the army. That way if u dont like it then u dont have to do many years. I served 3 yrs and 8 months in Iraq. I almost got my associates now, but im trying to get on with Marshals. What u do in the military doesnt really matter as long as u behave and dont get in any trouble and come out with an Honorable discharge. Pretty much all u need to become a cop at least here in Houst is 2 yrs in military or 60 college hrs.