How I can become/chances of becoming an LEO

[topdog35]

I know there is a million posts on these subjects and I think that I have read them all: however my story is quite different than any of the others that have posted.

I am a 6 foot tall 215 pound 20 yo male, I turn 21 in 4 months and determined to become a LEO. I am a Firefighter and EMT with several other state certifications. I have been in Fire Rescue for 3 years now. I live in Michigan so the Fire Department jobs are scarce and I am looking for LE as a career as opposed to Fire-Rescue. Don't misunderstand me I love Fire and Rescue with all of my heart and will always be involved in it, but I would rather go to work everyday as a police officer. I have a spotless record, I have never experiemented with drugs, never stole, fought, etc. I have only been pulled over once and I didn't recieve a ticket because I was a firefighter(THANK YOU LENAWEE COUNTY SHERIFF FOR THE P.C.) I have always wanted to be in emergency services since I was little, my mother was an RN for one of the top hospitals in the nation so I was brought up knowing, thanks to her that if I ever got into trouble i.e. drugs, gangs, fights, I would never become Fire, EMS, LE, so I have always been a model citizen(not a saint, but good enough for our society). I moved out on my own when I was 19, married at 20 and my 1st aniversery is in July. I have never went without a job since I have been 12 yo. I currently work 3.

Only black spot I can think of is I was terminated from my previous to current job. I didn't do anything bad just made a mistake that they wouldn't overlook, before that I had the same job 3 years before I moved on. So I have been working as a security guard for the last year, the last 6 months being the supervisor.

Brutal truth what are my chances. I start EMT Specialist school in September and then I am applying to college for my AAS in Criminal Justice. I looked into the MSP but #1 I don't think that they are going to hire anytime soon. #2 My wife and I like where we live and want to stay in the general vicinity within probably 50 miles or so, moving away is not an option.

[Smurfette_76]

You're fine. Go for it and best of luck.

[PhilipCal]

Chances of becoming an LEO

By all means, go for it. The only question I would have,(don't answer it here) would be about the "termination". In general, as long as it didn't involve anything criminal, I wouldn't see a problem. Definitely, apply.

[topdog35]

Thank you for the responses: NO criminal activity EVER, the termination was a technicality issue of what was said COULD have happened versus what ACTUALLY could have happened. I was a niave 18 yo working in a drug rehab that had a contract with MDOC. I was supervising probationers and mostly parolees. There were people in there that had anywhere from 5-20 years in the big house. I had no clue as to what the real world had crime wise and THEY as usual did things they shouldn't of and I took the wrap because I was supposed to monitor 40 residents by myself as well as medically treat beacuse I am an EMT the detox ward.

[topdog35]

How does it work with the background investigators? I have many people that will gladly support me as a reference, a few may not. Thats just the way it is you can't get everybody to like you. At my first FD there were many issues I had with thier "social activities" and when those activities became intwined with the dept responses and downright dangerous I went up the chain of command and was told that is the way it is and that is the way it is always going to be. So I told them they were not up to my standards and away I went to my current dept that is heaven. I guess my question is even though my record is spotless how much of an effect might a bad reference from a example such as above weigh in. If I went into detail I am sure that anybody would agree with me under the conditions that I was in. I will go into detail if necessary. All identifying factors will be ommited of course. Do you get a chance to explain yourself or anything that LOOKS undesirable that might not be?

Thanks

[InfiniteTeach]

For me, it really depended on the department. Some departments didn't even call me during the background, but many either called with questions or met with me afterwards to discuss some of the results.

Everyone is stressed when it comes to a background investigation, I don't care who you are or how great your background is, it just isn't a comfortable feeling. But it is an extremely necessary part of the process. Start pumping out those applications and use every process, every step forward and, if applicable, every failure as a great lesson for next time!

Good luck!

[ArkansasFan24]

Your chances should be fine. Also, having previous exposure to emergency services should help you out in the hiring process. I believe it might have for me. The only thing I would plead with you about is changing your major. Some agencies like criminal justice classes/degrees under your belt while others don't. I think you'll learn all you ever wanted to know in the academy so use your academic time to become exposed to more disciplines of thought. Good luck.

[TOACD]

The biggest difficultly you will face is finding a job in Michigan.

[PhilipCal]

The biggest difficultly you will face is finding a job in Michigan.

I keep hearing these "horror" stories about Michigan. What's the deal? Just curious.

[Super]

Jobs in Michigan are tough. That was the overall theme of the academy I just finished up at. They pretty much said, because of the condition of the state, head out of it (Florida, California, Arizona, etc) for jobs. I am not sure when the last MSP academy was (couple of years ago?) but they are not going to run another one for a bit as the last attempt was shut down just this past winter. Don't handcuff yourself by saying moving is not an option - you might have to if you want a job in this state.

If they are offered, I would recommend doing some ride alongs in the area you wish to work in. It is a great means of getting to know the department, how they operate and it also gets your name in their heads. Not every department offers them (liability issue) so look around.

Secondly, departments are starting to lean towards new hires with a four year degree. With the lack of openings in the state, agencies can pick and choose and bachelors seems to be the way things are heading. Not all departments are going this way, but if you are heading to school for an associates, spend a couple of extra years there while things are tough jobwise to get the four year degree.

Your EMT and fire/rescue will help your chances of getting that job out of school.

Research the different police academies in Michigan and the certifications each one offers.

Just a couple of cents from a fresh academy recruit.

[Bearcat357]

The biggest difficultly you will face is finding a job in Michigan.

That's what I have heard as well.....and even saw in the media that the Gov was going to lay off Troopers.....

[topdog35]

Thanks for all the responses, much appreciated!! Seems to me though I can't get a job as a FF even with the training and it seems like it will be very hard to get a job as a leo with or without the training. What is wrong with Michigan? Maybe I should just go and be a plumber or something Oh well I guess I'll just have to keep trying until I get there.

I was actually talking to my wife the other day about how much things change. It used to be to get a job you went and applied thats it, if the company hired you they sent you to school and you were set. Then it went to you being hired only if you had the training before you applied. Now it is so bad that even with the training/ college degree you still can't get a job, what gives?

I used to work at Cabelas in high school, a friend of mine had a degree in Architecture and engineering. Guess what he was working at cabelas for $8.00 I just don't understand

[Smurfette_76]

okay...all y'all just come on down to NC...we have a serious shortage going on and NEED qualified officers!!!

[Sleuth]

There are lots of departments looking for qualified applicants - which you are. Off the top of my head, I have seen ads from LAPD, LASO, Phoenix PD, Hawaii, and lots of departments in Florida. Then there are the Federal jobs, which let you move around the country. Border Patrol has an open announcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection.
You may find that there is life outside of Michigan!