TIPS for IMPD

[Bancroft87]

OK, times are hard and we all know it. Minimum hiring requirements and department standards hardly match up and for good reason. Qualified people are getting laid off in their occupations and looking for a change. This leads me to my question... With the ever changing world and economy, what are some great things to have under my belt to get on with IMPD?... my dream department. I have a few years before I can reapply, I was cut after the final PT for class 6 and I want to be the best I can be.

Anything you could dig up, suggest, inform, etc that are obvious and not obvious alike would be very helpful. I want to get involved with IMPD, community programs, volunteer work, etc.... Can anyone help with app buffers and integrity boosters? Not only do I want to LOOK like the right candidate on paper, I want to be one.


Thank you!!

[K40]

Become a reserve officer. I can't think of anything else that would prepare you as well as actually doing the job and getting to know people on the department.

[PtlCop]

I"m not a cop, but it's my dream to be one. And some things I've learned from a CHP Sg. on here, Stay outta trouble and do you know of ESG Security? One officer told me working for them will help. God bless and good luck my friend!

You're 13. You have at the least 8 years and some change before you even start to think about Law Enforcement. You should be concentrating on school, girls and staying out of trouble. You'll find as you go through High School and College that many things, other than Law Enforcement, will peak your interest. Don't put all your eggs into one basket and assume that you want to be a cop. I knew a hundred kids like you when I was 13 who wanted to be a cop, dressed up as cops for halloween, were in explorers, etc. About 5 of them ended up being cops.

Working for ESG Security won't do anything for you with most departments. Sure, they might teach you some defensive tactics techniques, but ESG stands around at concerts or sporting events and watches the crowd. When things get bad, they still call the police.

[IPDBrad]

Forget about working for any security company.

That is akin to wanting to become an accountant and filling the change machine at an arcade to prep.

Since you are only 13, you have plenty of time to prep, enjoy life and see that being a fireman is a better job. Same play much less work. Ha

But if you choose LE, then start studying Spanish, Become FLUENT. This will put you on the top of the stack with most departments, now, and in 10 years even more so.

[Bancroft87]

OK good replies for the 13 year old hehe, but what about me? Im 22 and am absolutely serious/sure about becoming an officer. I am just looking for steps to take from this point in my life to make it happen. Thanks!

[PtlCop]

OK good replies for the 13 year old hehe, but what about me? Im 22 and am absolutely serious/sure about becoming an officer. I am just looking for steps to take from this point in my life to make it happen. Thanks!

The thing that concerns me is that you're looking for "app buffers and integrity boosters." It makes it seem as though you're looking to put up a front for the Interview Board. "Integrity Booster" to me makes it seem as though you've got questionable integrity, and you're looking for something quick and easy to do to make it seem as though you don't. Am I reading that wrong?

If I were you, throw your application in with their next process. Schedule a ride along with an officer who does something similar to what you think you'll want to do (i.e. traffic unit, K9, etc) and pick their brain about the job. I don't typically care for riders if they just sit there and watch what I do, I enjoy a rider who is interested in being hired who asks questions of me and tries to learn about the job, it makes it less awkward.

Your age MIGHT be seen as a negative factor. We typically don't hire 22 year olds at my agency as there's still A LOT of growing up to do. We'll normally go for a 25 year old with a few years at a different agency.

[K40]

OK good replies for the 13 year old hehe, but what about me? Im 22 and am absolutely serious/sure about becoming an officer. I am just looking for steps to take from this point in my life to make it happen. Thanks!

Show a solid work history with an employer, no matter what type of employment. I've seen restaurant managers and people in retail get hired before people with actual LE experience. A good, solid work history (good attendance, excellent reputation, no hopping from job to job) says a lot about your character, and that is what the board is looking for in a new police officer.

An associate's degree in any discipline will help also. In fact, I think a degree in a discipline other than criminal justice may even be more attractive to IMPD. The academy and FTO will teach you what you need to know to be a rookie cop....the streets teach the rest.

Oh, and maintain a good credit rating. IMPD does check it, and while legitimately explainable situations that lead to dings on your credit will not necessarily keep you from getting hired, it might knock you down the list when compared to someone with an equal work record and excellent credit.

If you have a criminal history, forget it. Go do something else. I'm not saying you are necessarily a bad person, but youth + criminal history is a huge hurdle to overcome. Especially when the applicant pool is filled with qualified candidates. Like PtlCop, the phrase "integrity booster" kinda concerns me....but maybe I'm misunderstanding. People with the right integrity don't need a boost.

Good luck!

[Bancroft87]

Totally understand what you mean about the phrase "integrity booster" horrible wording lol. No concern at all though! I guess really what I mean is some way to show my integrity to stand out, as saying that I have it is def not enough! Great advice though! I ride frequently with a good friend of mine, and ask questions allnight! Police work is fascinating from dealing with routine "babysittng" to dealing with real crime. App buffer really was just a bad way of asking what kinds of things I can do to get involved with the department like volunteer work. I have a genuine care for people and am looking for ways to show my commitment both in and out of the department. Don't let my horrible wording give you a bad impression! Also, my criminal and driving record is totally clean and I'm going to go back to school to finish an associate in English, perhaps even a BA degree. As for work history I'm only 22, so I've had several low level jobs. I have stayed with one company nearly three years but I'm no longer with them. Mostly just a year and a half at a time. I leave each job for a slightly better one typically. I have been fired from one job for being late unfortunately. I take full responsibility however it was 3 times that I was late, toward the end of my time there. Any more advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Bancroft87]

Also, I can't reapply until 06/2011 since I was cut by merit board in the 6th. Basically that's why I am lookng for great advice to be a top choice in the next process that I can join! Thanks!

[Dwntwn317]

...what are some great things to have under my belt to get on with IMPD?... my dream department.

Political donations to the following:

http://www.indy.gov/eGov/Council/Councillors/Biography/Pages/home.aspx

http://www.indy.gov/eGov/Mayor/Pages/home.aspx

[Metro6551]

Lol 317...

[Bancroft87]

I disagree, as long as it is something simple.

IU + Minor Consumption = OK.

Theft, battery, and up, forget it.

Thanks, Im clear on anything criminal/driving. Not a single blemish on either record.

[PtlCop]

Thanks, Im clear on anything criminal/driving. Not a single blemish on either record.

Some criminal records won't hurt you at all at most departments. Lets say you steal a CD when you're 13. That's not going to hurt your chances, so long as you're up front about it. If you steal a car at 19....yeah, that's going to. Driving records won't affect you too much, as long as it's not a pattern of recklessness. If you get a speeding ticket at 17 and have an otherwise clean record, you'll be fine.

[PtlCop]

Not a cop, but I've learned many things from cops. ( I know my user name is misleading!!) Become fluent in Spanish. Will put you at the top of the list. As soon as I get out of high school, I'm joining the Military and as of right now I'm becoming fluent in Spanish as well.

Wow, you couldn't be more wrong. Becoming fluent in Spanish means nothing. It might be a good quality to have, but simply being fluent in it will NOT automatically put you at the top of any hiring list.

[IPDBrad]

Wow, you couldn't be more wrong. Becoming fluent in Spanish means nothing. It might be a good quality to have, but simply being fluent in it will NOT automatically put you at the top of any hiring list.

I will agree that it won't automatically put you at the top of any list, but for IMPD it sure will make you stand out. If you are a tool, don't interview well, or have a lousy background, it won't matter. However, if two applicants are equal, and one is fluent in Spanish, then the non-spanish speaking officer doesn't stand a chance against the other.