My Quest to Become an LEO - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

ScottyT · 06-12-2008, 02:32 PM

Posting this here and over at opencarry.org -- My two favorite forums!

In this thread I will relate the steps I am taking to fulfill my desire to be an LEO. Since the process will take a while, don't expect updates too frequently. I hope you will bear with me. I would love to hear any advice or answer any questions along the way!

Back in college I almost joined the Army ROTC, but decided that it wasn't for me. I have always wanted to serve in some capacity, but knew that I didn't have the stomach for politics. I have always loved studying law, but I don't have much interest in judicial employment (lawyer, prosecutor, etc.). I have a strong desire to help people and see justice done upon those who would prey on the weak.

After thinking long and hard about what I want to do with my life, I have decided I would like to become a Peace Officer. My wife is very supportive, my parents will NOT approve (don't plan on telling them until I have a job offer).

My first choice would be to get on with the Salt Lake County Sherrif's Office as a deputy, but that is an incredibly competitive post. I would be more than happy at most of the bigger city PDs in the Salt Lake Valley.

I have done ride-alongs with several local departments, mostly domestic disturbances, a few traffic stops, some more exciting stuff -- a few of the officers even let me sit in on their paper work, so I am well aware of the more mundane side of the job.

Last night I took the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST). It was maybe one of the easiest things I have ever done in my life. Math has never been my strong suit, and I missed one question on the math section (used a calculator when I got home), but I will be surprised if I missed anything else.

Salt Lake County Sherrif's Office is having an employment open house tomorrow and applications are due by the end of the month. Sandy City PD (my home town) is hiring new officers, applications due next week.

Next step is writing cover letters and filling out applications!

Wish me luck!

Wired · 06-12-2008, 03:02 PM

Good Luck. I'm also right here in the valley considering becoming a LEO. I'm just not sure if I would rather go back to school and get my BA before or after. Please keep us posted.

Are you P.O.S.T. Certified? If not, I hear that West Valley City is sponsoring people to go through the academy, of course with a contract afterwards.

IamCPTSpalding · 06-12-2008, 03:13 PM

Just remember you are going to be a paid "public" servant. Don't give up your humanity, after all, you are putting yourself on the line for a low pay, low respect job and it will be easy to lose yourself in the athoritor role.

But, you might make it. Just do your best.

rickett · 06-12-2008, 04:34 PM

Good luck! I've also recently decided to pursue a law enforcement career, for almost the exact same reasons you stated. Just applied with the Portland Police Bureau and testing is next month, so wish me luck too!

astral · 06-15-2008, 03:40 PM

Good luck. I was in your exact position in February of last year. I came here and posted a thread about applying too. It is a long process, so don't get discouraged. I am now about halfway through FTO.

**Alaskapopo** · 06-15-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyT

Posting this here and over at opencarry.org -- My two favorite forums!

In this thread I will relate the steps I am taking to fulfill my desire to be an LEO. Since the process will take a while, don't expect updates too frequently. I hope you will bear with me. I would love to hear any advice or answer any questions along the way!

Back in college I almost joined the Army ROTC, but decided that it wasn't for me. I have always wanted to serve in some capacity, but knew that I didn't have the stomach for politics. I have always loved studying law, but I don't have much interest in judicial employment (lawyer, prosecutor, etc.). I have a strong desire to help people and see justice done upon those who would prey on the weak.

After thinking long and hard about what I want to do with my life, I have decided I would like to become a Peace Officer. My wife is very supportive, my parents will NOT approve (don't plan on telling them until I have a job offer).

My first choice would be to get on with the Salt Lake County Sherrif's Office as a deputy, but that is an incredibly competitive post. I would be more than happy at most of the bigger city PDs in the Salt Lake Valley.

I have done ride-alongs with several local departments, mostly domestic disturbances, a few traffic stops, some more exciting stuff -- a few of the officers even let me sit in on their paper work, so I am well aware of the more mundane side of the job.

Last night I took the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST). It was maybe one of the easiest things I have ever done in my life. Math has never been my strong suit, and I missed one question on the math section (used a calculator when I got home), but I will be surprised if I missed anything else.

Salt Lake County Sherrif's Office is having an employment open house tomorrow and applications are due by the end of the month. Sandy City PD (my home town) is hiring new officers, applications due next week.

Next step is writing cover letters and filling out applications!

Wish me luck!

You should be good to go. There are also openings here in Alaska if you are interested.
Pat

**Alaskapopo** · 06-15-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickett

Good luck! I've also recently decided to pursue a law enforcement career, for almost the exact same reasons you stated. Just applied with the Portland Police Bureau and testing is next month, so wish me luck too!

Good luck. Wear a suit and tie and polished shoes to any interviews. Do not be the guy who is not dressed right. Also have a firm hand shake and remember as best you can the names of the people interviewing you and address them by their name or by sir or mam when answering questions.

Be ready to give a reason on why you want to be a police officer and on what strengths and weakness you may have.
Pat

rickett · 06-15-2008, 03:52 PM

Thank you.

x_out86 · 06-15-2008, 09:01 PM

Good luck, with the new goals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyT

I have always wanted to serve in some capacity, but knew that I didn't have the stomach for politics.

I just hope you already know that politics and law enforcement (unfortunately) go hand in hand. Just got to learn to pick you battles and do your job correctly so people will leave you alone as much as possible when it comes to political issues.

cpd2442 · 06-15-2008, 10:13 PM

I been With Chicago P.D. for over 10 years. This is not a good time to be the police. My department has had so much bad press and low morale in the last couple of years that it's hard to actually do your job without risking a law suit. The general public knows that our hands are tied and crime is sky rocketing.
I remember my 1st 5 years on the job and it was the time of my life. This is just my prospective, but might different in other parts of this country.
Good luck with your progress on becoming an L.E.O.

06-12-2008, 02:32 PM	#1
ScottyT XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 533	My Quest to Become an LEO Posting this here and over at opencarry.org -- My two favorite forums! In this thread I will relate the steps I am taking to fulfill my desire to be an LEO. Since the process will take a while, don't expect updates too frequently. I hope you will bear with me. I would love to hear any advice or answer any questions along the way! Back in college I almost joined the Army ROTC, but decided that it wasn't for me. I have always wanted to serve in some capacity, but knew that I didn't have the stomach for politics. I have always loved studying law, but I don't have much interest in judicial employment (lawyer, prosecutor, etc.). I have a strong desire to help people and see justice done upon those who would prey on the weak. After thinking long and hard about what I want to do with my life, I have decided I would like to become a Peace Officer. My wife is very supportive, my parents will NOT approve (don't plan on telling them until I have a job offer). My first choice would be to get on with the Salt Lake County Sherrif's Office as a deputy, but that is an incredibly competitive post. I would be more than happy at most of the bigger city PDs in the Salt Lake Valley. I have done ride-alongs with several local departments, mostly domestic disturbances, a few traffic stops, some more exciting stuff -- a few of the officers even let me sit in on their paper work, so I am well aware of the more mundane side of the job. Last night I took the National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST). It was maybe one of the easiest things I have ever done in my life. Math has never been my strong suit, and I missed one question on the math section (used a calculator when I got home), but I will be surprised if I missed anything else. Salt Lake County Sherrif's Office is having an employment open house tomorrow and applications are due by the end of the month. Sandy City PD (my home town) is hiring new officers, applications due next week. Next step is writing cover letters and filling out applications! Wish me luck! __________________ ------------------ XD 45 compact Mosin Nagant M91/30 Remington 870 Express KelTec P3AT ------------------ Why Mosin Nagants are the greatest rifles in the world: http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

06-12-2008, 03:02 PM	#2
Wired XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 511	Good Luck. I'm also right here in the valley considering becoming a LEO. I'm just not sure if I would rather go back to school and get my BA before or after. Please keep us posted. Are you P.O.S.T. Certified? If not, I hear that West Valley City is sponsoring people to go through the academy, of course with a contract afterwards. __________________ XD-40 4" XD-40 SC Smith & Wesson 629 .44 MAG 4" Remington 870

06-12-2008, 03:13 PM	#3
IamCPTSpalding XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston, City of Sin, City of Sanctuary Posts: 203	Good Luck! Just remember you are going to be a paid "public" servant. Don't give up your humanity, after all, you are putting yourself on the line for a low pay, low respect job and it will be easy to lose yourself in the athoritor role. But, you might make it. Just do your best. __________________ I am one of "those" people Obama has warned America about.

06-12-2008, 04:34 PM	#4
rickett XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 654	Good luck! I've also recently decided to pursue a law enforcement career, for almost the exact same reasons you stated. Just applied with the Portland Police Bureau and testing is next month, so wish me luck too! __________________ XD-45 service with Trijicon night sights GP-100 6" stainless .357Mag. Heritage Rough Rider 4 3/4" 22LR/22Mag. Savage 99 EG .300 Savage "At long last I have discovered that most shooters are not interested in firearms as tools, but rather as toys. Such people do not acquire their weapons because of what they will do, but rather to gratify the "Christmas morning joy" that we largely left behind in our childhood." -Jeff Cooper

06-15-2008, 03:40 PM	#5
astral XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 350	Good luck. I was in your exact position in February of last year. I came here and posted a thread about applying too. It is a long process, so don't get discouraged. I am now about halfway through FTO. __________________ XD9 Service Taurus 85 Glock 22 Glock 27 Savage 93r17 DPMS AR15 flattop Ruger 10/22 Yugo SKS Egyptian AK47 Charles Daly 12 gauge semi auto Remington 870 express 12ga folding stock

06-15-2008, 03:52 PM	#8
rickett XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 654	Thank you. __________________ XD-45 service with Trijicon night sights GP-100 6" stainless .357Mag. Heritage Rough Rider 4 3/4" 22LR/22Mag. Savage 99 EG .300 Savage "At long last I have discovered that most shooters are not interested in firearms as tools, but rather as toys. Such people do not acquire their weapons because of what they will do, but rather to gratify the "Christmas morning joy" that we largely left behind in our childhood." -Jeff Cooper

06-15-2008, 10:13 PM	#10
cpd2442 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12	I been With Chicago P.D. for over 10 years. This is not a good time to be the police. My department has had so much bad press and low morale in the last couple of years that it's hard to actually do your job without risking a law suit. The general public knows that our hands are tied and crime is sky rocketing. I remember my 1st 5 years on the job and it was the time of my life. This is just my prospective, but might different in other parts of this country. Good luck with your progress on becoming an L.E.O.

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