What are some things I should consider?

[Wildbillcody]

Well, I'm 19 years old and I am really considering becoming a police officer. I live in a small town and I've been doing construction since I graduated highschool because I didn't want to go to college. I would be taking a pay cut but gaining things like health insurance and retirement. I also wouldn't have to break my back everyday. Am I making a bad decision by going straight to the academy and not getting an education? Please give me your opinions and some things that I should consider. Oh, and by the way, the main reason I want to be an officer of the peace is because I believe I could really serve my community. Not because I think it is an easy job, I just meant that I wouldn't be putting 5/8's ply wood on a 12 pitch roof every day.

[hacker15]

Go to a good community college and get yourself an associates degree in law enforcement before getting into the application routine. The initial education will benefit you and might improve your chances of being accepted. Also, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. Nothing will kill your chances faster than a misdemeanor or two on your record.



While you're getting this degree, seriously think about why you want to become a LEO. Believe me, it ain't an easy life and is usually pretty hard on your loved ones (wife, sweetheart, family in general). There isn't much about it that runs 9 - 5 until you've been there for about 15 years and get to pick shifts. You'll be working LOTS of late night/early morning shifts and usually in the least desirable parts of town.



Good luck and, as we say in the business, "Many are called, few are chosen" (we share that with another "public service agency" but I forgot which one.... )

[jnc36rcpd]

I'd also suggest getting some college. It will make you more marketable to most agencies and serve you well in the future.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally Posted by Wildbillcody

Well, I'm 19 years old and I am really considering becoming a police officer. I live in a small town and I've been doing construction since I graduated highschool because I didn't want to go to college. I would be taking a pay cut but gaining things like health insurance and retirement. I also wouldn't have to break my back everyday. Am I making a bad decision by going straight to the academy and not getting an education? Please give me your opinions and some things that I should consider. Oh, and by the way, the main reason I want to be an officer of the peace is because I believe I could really serve my community. Not because I think it is an easy job, I just meant that I wouldn't be putting 5/8's ply wood on a 12 pitch roof every day.

Go to school and get a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice or english or what every subject you like. Then stay out of trouble get a job and hold it down. Police agencies want someone with life experience and who is educated. The military is also a good option. A college educated vet pretty much has his ticket written for him.

Also don't be afraid to take a cop job that is not your dream job at first. Many people have to start in smaller agencies then later move up. There is also nothing wrong with working for a small agency. But the most important advice is to keep your nose clean. Don't go out drinking before your 21, don't smoke weed, don't do all the crap that gets kids your age into trouble. Pick your friends well as they can also bring you down. Being associated with questionable people is a red flag during the hiring process.
Pat

[hacker15]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

Go to school and get a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice or english or what every subject you like. Then stay out of trouble get a job and hold it down. Police agencies want someone with life experience and who is educated. The military is also a good option. A college educated vet pretty much has his ticket written for him.

Also don't be afraid to take a cop job that is not your dream job at first. Many people have to start in smaller agencies then later move up. There is also nothing wrong with working for a small agency. But the most important advice is to keep your nose clean. Don't go out drinking before your 21, don't smoke weed, don't do all the crap that gets kids your age into trouble. Pick your friends well as they can also bring you down. Being associated with questionable people is a red flag during the hiring process.
Pat

+ a whole bunch on this advice! Stay clean. Just about any blemish on your record will kill whatever chance you have.

[Mike TRT]

most places, here at least, you need to be 21 yoa before even applying, get a degree, military is good, but if you want to be a cop, you'll know it, it'll be "in" you.............but like mentioned above, know what your thinking about getting into......LEO's are at the top for suicide, divorce etc etc etc..........plan on working pretty much every holiday, birthday, important dates of all sorts, missing kids sports, plays blah blah blah......

but with all that negative stuff, I wouldnt do anything else

[spartanws6]

I concur with all the above... I got my degree and did my time in the miltary as well.... not that those two are a prereq but it does definately help. I would suggest you find the dept you think you would want to work for and do some ride alongs. This will give you a chance to see what the job is like and give you an opportunity to talk to the cops and get their thoughts. Also, a lot of large depts have cadets/explorers/reserve, etc. Look at getting involved with these org. until you are 21!

[Glxso201]

That degree is amaaaaaazing. I started out as a cadet, and got my "network" of cop friends set up all over. Once they found out I was getting a 4 year degree from a good school, word spread and now i've got people calling me just itching for me to turn 21...get involved with them somehow, and get that degree!

[stickman483]

Lots of good advice here. One other thing I was told, but learned for myself anyway (it goes back to what Hacker said in his first post): it is better if you find someone "special" after you enter the law enforcement field. It gives them a taste of what life is going to be like with you and your career and if they still choose you, then you have a chance at making it work. The ex-LEO that gave me this advice explained that the lifestyle is very hard on family (like Hacker said) and very few relationships that didn't begin after the job was taken succeeded (but it does happen). I lost the most exceptional woman I have ever known within a year of being on the job. There were other factors, but it was defenitely one of those "big deals." You are young, so don't tie yourself down early in life, and stay out of trouble. Best of luck.

[spartanws6]

Originally Posted by stickman483

Lots of good advice here. One other thing I was told, but learned for myself anyway (it goes back to what Hacker said in his first post): it is better if you find someone "special" after you enter the law enforcement field. It gives them a taste of what life is going to be like with you and your career and if they still choose you, then you have a chance at making it work. The ex-LEO that gave me this advice explained that the lifestyle is very hard on family (like Hacker said) and very few relationships that didn't begin after the job was taken succeeded (but it does happen). I lost the most exceptional woman I have ever known within a year of being on the job. There were other factors, but it was defenitely one of those "big deals." You are young, so don't tie yourself down early in life, and stay out of trouble. Best of luck.

Yup! I am 29 and still going strong! no wife, no kids (I think ). Speaking of good advice from retired LE, I had one a few years ago pass on this lil nugget.... just remember, when you pin on the badge, you didn't go through some kind of spider man thing overnight where all of the sudden you got REALLY hot. It will seem that way on the street where you have ladies who think you walk on water..... just enjoy the ride (no pun intended)