Three Weeks In

[Jacob2899]

Three weeks into my internship now, and it's been an eye opening experience. I've done several ride alongs with officers, spent time with the COs in jail, worked with dispatchers, toured BCI labs, spent time with the prosecutor and detectives, and I'm only half way done!

It's been a blast, but also an eye opening experience. I've had the opportunity to talk with a lot of people in LE, and they've provided me with honest opinions and insights. I've also seen first-hand the mountain of paperwork and other things police have to deal with.

I know the internship won't really help me in the hiring process once I start applying, but I feel like I've gained a lot of first-hand insights from those in LE, so hopefully now I have a better idea of what LE really is.

One quick question for the LEOs reading this: the dispatcher mentioned working in communications is a great learning experience for those wishing enter the field of LE. She alluded it may be possible for me to dispatch for a small community part-time while I'm in college. Is this possible? I find it hard to believe that a full-time college student could be hired as a part-time dispatcher?

[Iowa #1603]

Is this possible? I find it hard to believe that a full-time college student could be hired as a part-time dispatcher?

The University of Iowa Police hire ONLY students to dispatch

I have know many students doing part time dispatching over the years

[Jacob2899]

The University of Iowa Police hire ONLY students to dispatch

I have know many students doing part time dispatching over the years

Thanks, Iowa. This is something I'll certainly look into then. I really enjoyed my time in dispatch today, even though all the CAD and LEADS databases were a little confusing at times

[kermit315]

You will get used to it, trust me.

[eagleI]

I was assigned to Dispatch as a light-duty assignment and it was a great experience.

I learned:

I did not want to live my life in a basement.
I knew nothing about what a difficult job they have.
Being on the other end of a radio is crazy.
Crazy people call dispatch for insane things.
It's hard to get a good nap at 3 am when a rookie wants to write tickets.
If you go to dispatch to take a nap at 4 am, you may wake up with nail polish on your nails.
Be nice to your dispatchers because they really can conspire to make your shift miserable.

Go for it Jacob! It can only help you.

[tanksoldier]

One quick question for the LEOs reading this: the dispatcher mentioned working in communications is a great learning experience for those wishing enter the field of LE. She alluded it may be possible for me to dispatch for a small community part-time while I'm in college. Is this possible? I find it hard to believe that a full-time college student could be hired as a part-time dispatcher?

Sure, why not?

...and it would be GREAT experience.

[Langford PR]

Don't jeopardize your schooling but do it if you can manage it...that experience WILL help you in the application process.