Starting LE career later in life? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

FenderBender · 11-27-2006, 06:37 PM

Just curious, as I have considered in the past and now starting a career in LE. Im just wondering if its too late for me (already have a family yadayada) in regards to training.Do the different branches get people who are "starting over" so to speak in their lives and careers?

nhill0408 · 11-27-2006, 07:18 PM

If you've ever considered being a Fed and don't mind relocating.The U.S. Border Patrol has increased the hiring age from 37 to 40 recently. Go to www.honorfirst.com for more info. Any questions, send me a PM. Very cool opportunity.

tagrunt · 11-27-2006, 07:21 PM

You could work as a probation officer. If you have any military service that might help you get in.

FenderBender · 11-28-2006, 05:10 AM

When I said "starting over" I didnt mean that Im going through the mid life crisis thing

. Im a 27 year old family man trying to get out of the sales profession to seek a more stable career and Law Enforcement has always been something that has intrigued me.

any4xx · 11-28-2006, 07:38 AM

I'm retired from KA. The age-limit rules there have been ruled out. In the past we've hired guys as old as late-40's and they have worked out well.

I've never understood the hiring age requirements for P.D.'s. Why is it that a guy can continue his career well into his 50's as a street cop, but you don't want to hire a guy over 30? Heck, we had one patrol Sgt. that didn't retire until he was 72! And he was STILL one tough SOB. As a supervisor, I've had a LOT more problems (as you can imagine) with the 20-something cops than with the older guys. Give me shift full of 40+ year olds and I can relax.

Pltybx · 11-28-2006, 10:32 AM

I'm kind of in the same boat you're in. I am 34 and getting tired of the IT game. I am now volunteering with my local PD to see if this is something I really want to get involved in. LE has always been calling to me but I had a family young and needed to make money fast. The ability to volunteer is letting me get a feel for the environment and meeting the people. So far so good. Everyone I meet at the station is telling me to join so it's pretty encouraging.

dave421 · 11-28-2006, 01:15 PM

Same here. I'm 28 and decided to go back to school after getting a divorce. Figured if I ever wanted to follow my childhood dream and be a cop, now is a good time. Hopefully I'll be done with my Criminal Justice degree right as I turn 30 and then it's time for my BLETs. I'm going to use the next couple of years to get back into shape (packed it on after I got married).

SoCalXD · 11-28-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhill0408

If you've ever considered being a Fed and don't mind relocating.The U.S. Border Patrol has increased the hiring age from 37 to 40 recently. Go to www.honorfirst.com for more info. Any questions, send me a PM. Very cool opportunity.

That would be "Under 40", + qualifying Federal LEO work.

I.E.: 43 year old guy with 4 years as a federal security guard is OK to join!

FenderBender · 11-28-2006, 02:30 PM

Where can I find out about the different Le career paths. Is going to an Academy required? I dont know if I could just go away for a few months to join an academy, ya know 5 kids and everything. If say I started off in professional security or something like that is there a way to transition into say a PD or other branch?

danp · 11-28-2006, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenderBender

Where can I find out about the different Le career paths. Is going to an Academy required? I dont know if I could just go away for a few months to join an academy, ya know 5 kids and everything. If say I started off in professional security or something like that is there a way to transition into say a PD or other branch?

You're pretty much going to need to go to an academy. We have a thing out here called an "extended academy" where you go nights and weekends. The best thing for you to do if you're looking to stay where you are (not relocate) is contact your local PD and see if they have a ride-a-long program. Go see what cops do and pick an officer's brain to see if you want to take the plunge. You can also find out about your state's requirements at that time.

Good luck.

11-27-2006, 06:37 PM	#1
FenderBender XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Kingston, RI Posts: 132	Starting LE career later in life? Just curious, as I have considered in the past and now starting a career in LE. Im just wondering if its too late for me (already have a family yadayada) in regards to training.Do the different branches get people who are "starting over" so to speak in their lives and careers?

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11-27-2006, 07:18 PM	#2
nhill0408 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Southern Texas Posts: 336	If you've ever considered being a Fed and don't mind relocating.The U.S. Border Patrol has increased the hiring age from 37 to 40 recently. Go to www.honorfirst.com for more info. Any questions, send me a PM. Very cool opportunity.

11-27-2006, 07:21 PM	#3
tagrunt XDTalk Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bulldog Country, Ga. Posts: 82	You could work as a probation officer. If you have any military service that might help you get in.

11-28-2006, 05:10 AM	#4
FenderBender XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Kingston, RI Posts: 132	When I said "starting over" I didnt mean that Im going through the mid life crisis thing . Im a 27 year old family man trying to get out of the sales profession to seek a more stable career and Law Enforcement has always been something that has intrigued me.

11-28-2006, 07:38 AM	#5
any4xx XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 248	I'm retired from KA. The age-limit rules there have been ruled out. In the past we've hired guys as old as late-40's and they have worked out well. I've never understood the hiring age requirements for P.D.'s. Why is it that a guy can continue his career well into his 50's as a street cop, but you don't want to hire a guy over 30? Heck, we had one patrol Sgt. that didn't retire until he was 72! And he was STILL one tough SOB. As a supervisor, I've had a LOT more problems (as you can imagine) with the 20-something cops than with the older guys. Give me shift full of 40+ year olds and I can relax.

11-28-2006, 10:32 AM	#6
Pltybx XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 708	I'm kind of in the same boat you're in. I am 34 and getting tired of the IT game. I am now volunteering with my local PD to see if this is something I really want to get involved in. LE has always been calling to me but I had a family young and needed to make money fast. The ability to volunteer is letting me get a feel for the environment and meeting the people. So far so good. Everyone I meet at the station is telling me to join so it's pretty encouraging.

11-28-2006, 01:15 PM	#7
dave421 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 175	Same here. I'm 28 and decided to go back to school after getting a divorce. Figured if I ever wanted to follow my childhood dream and be a cop, now is a good time. Hopefully I'll be done with my Criminal Justice degree right as I turn 30 and then it's time for my BLETs. I'm going to use the next couple of years to get back into shape (packed it on after I got married).

11-28-2006, 02:30 PM	#9
FenderBender XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Kingston, RI Posts: 132	Where can I find out about the different Le career paths. Is going to an Academy required? I dont know if I could just go away for a few months to join an academy, ya know 5 kids and everything. If say I started off in professional security or something like that is there a way to transition into say a PD or other branch?