Becomming an LEO. - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Bear_B · 05-14-2004, 10:31 PM

Hey Guys...

I am in my mid 30's and I am seeking a career change. I am looking into what I have wanted to do from childhood on... Police Officer.

In my research I am finding a HUGE difference between near by departments. I live in Duval County, Florida and it seems that the local SO is highly demanding regarding its hiring qualifications, while others seem more lax. Is this normal?

Can anyone tell me what the Police Academy is like from the viewpoint of someone who has actually gone thru it? I have talked to the recruitng people at the local Community College with LEO studies, and of course according to a recruiter everything is all roses and cotton balls.

So any advice for me? Am I too old? Has anyone worked for a department in the North/Mid Florida area who can give me some tips on departments or schools? Thanks!

USN RM3 · 05-15-2004, 01:06 PM

If you can do it go for it!, I am a police chief in Illinois for a community of 2,000 souls...my brother is a deputy K-9 for Lee county florida, He loves it!

Wordslinger · 05-15-2004, 08:57 PM

The academy is a bit of an eye opener at first, but after awhile, you start to enjoy it in a perverse sort of way. It's not hard at all if it's what you really want to do. With regards to yer age, I graduated with a 62 year old man. Give it a shot! I promise it can't be any tougher than MLEOTA.

Bear_B · 05-15-2004, 09:43 PM

Thanks so much guys!

Pravus · 07-18-2004, 05:01 AM

Best job in the world, but it will change you. Ride along with as many agencies as you can to get a feel for what type of agency you prefer. There is a huge variety.

Be safe.

Aggresssor · 07-20-2004, 01:59 AM

Most academies are pretty para-military. It can get kind of shocking at first but you get into a routine. Most academies out here on the west coast are 20+ weeks so my suggestion is take it one week at a time. Further survival tips: Many Recruit Training Officers (or academy drill instructors) try to get people to drop. Study up on your stuff, polish up boots and leather and press the uniforms. If you look sharp and know your stuff they tend to leave you alone more and go after the slouch who doesn't.

As far as departments go, I agree with Pravus go do ride alongs and talk with officers/deputies. Ask them what they like and dislike about the department. Research is key. Some departments are very anal and have a policy for everything others are more laid back. Some BIG departments are call to call some are sleepy little towns. Biggest suggestion I tell young recruits is just don't throw an application out all over the state. Some guy who wants tons of action and ends up hired at Sleepy Village PD isn't going to enjoy his/her job. Same is true for a person who wants a police job is a quiet town where they have time to meet locals and ends up in Metropolis where they leave their shift with seven calls still pending for the next shift.

Good luck.

05-14-2004, 10:31 PM	#1
Bear_B XDTalk Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Jax, Florida Posts: 75	Becomming an LEO. Hey Guys... I am in my mid 30's and I am seeking a career change. I am looking into what I have wanted to do from childhood on... Police Officer. In my research I am finding a HUGE difference between near by departments. I live in Duval County, Florida and it seems that the local SO is highly demanding regarding its hiring qualifications, while others seem more lax. Is this normal? Can anyone tell me what the Police Academy is like from the viewpoint of someone who has actually gone thru it? I have talked to the recruitng people at the local Community College with LEO studies, and of course according to a recruiter everything is all roses and cotton balls. So any advice for me? Am I too old? Has anyone worked for a department in the North/Mid Florida area who can give me some tips on departments or schools? Thanks! __________________ Glock 17 Sig 226X2 XD-45 Tactical Rossi .357x2 Rossi .38

05-15-2004, 01:06 PM	#2
USN RM3 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 443	go for it If you can do it go for it!, I am a police chief in Illinois for a community of 2,000 souls...my brother is a deputy K-9 for Lee county florida, He loves it! __________________ No more XD\'s, I am still here because I Love you guys!

05-15-2004, 08:57 PM	#3
Wordslinger XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 15	The academy is a bit of an eye opener at first, but after awhile, you start to enjoy it in a perverse sort of way. It's not hard at all if it's what you really want to do. With regards to yer age, I graduated with a 62 year old man. Give it a shot! I promise it can't be any tougher than MLEOTA. __________________ XD40 4\" Service. Kahr PM9. S&W Model 66. Remington 870. Studies have shown that you are, in fact, NOT Rick James--B*tch. \"We deal in lead, my friend.\" Vin- The Magnificent Seven.

05-15-2004, 09:43 PM	#4
Bear_B XDTalk Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Jax, Florida Posts: 75	Thanks so much guys! __________________ Glock 17 Sig 226X2 XD-45 Tactical Rossi .357x2 Rossi .38

07-20-2004, 01:59 AM	#6
Aggresssor XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: California Posts: 9	Most academies are pretty para-military. It can get kind of shocking at first but you get into a routine. Most academies out here on the west coast are 20+ weeks so my suggestion is take it one week at a time. Further survival tips: Many Recruit Training Officers (or academy drill instructors) try to get people to drop. Study up on your stuff, polish up boots and leather and press the uniforms. If you look sharp and know your stuff they tend to leave you alone more and go after the slouch who doesn't. As far as departments go, I agree with Pravus go do ride alongs and talk with officers/deputies. Ask them what they like and dislike about the department. Research is key. Some departments are very anal and have a policy for everything others are more laid back. Some BIG departments are call to call some are sleepy little towns. Biggest suggestion I tell young recruits is just don't throw an application out all over the state. Some guy who wants tons of action and ends up hired at Sleepy Village PD isn't going to enjoy his/her job. Same is true for a person who wants a police job is a quiet town where they have time to meet locals and ends up in Metropolis where they leave their shift with seven calls still pending for the next shift. Good luck. __________________ If your in a fair fight, you didn\'t plan it properly.

07-18-2004, 05:01 AM	#5
Pravus XDTalk Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: California Posts: 34	Best job in the world, but it will change you. Ride along with as many agencies as you can to get a feel for what type of agency you prefer. There is a huge variety. Be safe.

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