OT-Law Enforcement

[Jason_W]

I've long considered police officer as potential career path, but kept chickening out due to fear that I couldn't hack it or wouldn't fit in on a police force. The physical part of the training actually looks kinda fun, but my problem lies in that I'm admittedly somewhat of a bumbling idiot when it comes to a lot of things. I was an clumsy awkward kid who grew into an only slightly less clumsy, awkward young adult. I also worry that I would be somewhat of an outcast since I have no prior military service (I gather that a majority of cops are ex military).

Maybe some of you guys who have been there and done that can provide some insight.

[Buffboy]

Law enforcement officers run the gamut of humanity and backround. Military service is not a requirement. During my academy about 1/3 of the trainees were former military, and the groups of friends formed, crossed those boundaries regularly. In general, the military veterans did no better or worse than those with no military backround. Police work does require a service oriented outlook in that you need to work as a team, be able to relate with people, and take charge of a situation. If you can do the physical part of it, are willing, and able to learn, you can probably do it.

[AJMD429]

The hardest part for me would be enforcing anti-Constitutional, or immoral laws, which unfortunately is sometimes expected. That may get worse in the future, as we move more towards the socialist, police-state we seem to be headed towards.

It would be fulfulling to put a murderer behind bars, or 'even' a burglar, but arresting someone for some of the 'environmental' crimes, 'gun' crimes, and other victimless stuff I don't think I could do. I feel sorry for the career LEO's put in that position.

[don Tomás]

When I went through the academy, there was a lot of us VN vets. When I retired out, probably only 1 in 10 new-hires had any military service. Sounds like you have a lot of self doubt. If you were my son, I would advise you to put yourself through an academy. Like BuffBoy said, you can learn. Put yourself into a new situation with a new set of people and you just might surprise yourself. Are you still hanging around with the same group of people who knew you as a "clumsy awkward kid" and now think of you as a "clumsy awkward adult"? I would bet money that you are not that "clumsy awkward adult", but as long as you think of yourself that way, you're always going to be that guy. I think the fact that you're thinking and talking about changing is a great sign that you don't have to be that guy. Don't like that guy? Kick him out and swap him for another guy more to your liking.

Why am I opening my piehole? I used to be that guy. Wasn't a big guy or a jock, wore glasses, had pimples, couldn't put two sentences together without stumbling. Went into the service where people didn't know me and had no preconceived ideas about who I was. I was very surprised to learn that I was OK and that I actually liked myself. Good luck, I think you're going to be OK and that you will like the guy inside waiting to get out. Like Rodney Dangerfield said, "Puberty is a hair raising experience!"
Tom

[Blaine]

Do a stint in the Army as an MP.....They make Bad Azzes out of Ladies, so the training is good. You will never be more proud of yourself as when you complete your training and realize that you are someone with skills and a job that will serve your country.....That should settle that and you can get a degree in your off time if you apply yourself and not party. The world truly is an oyster if you just reach out a bit. Not to be hard or mean, but reach down and find that much bigger set I know you have hiding down there and go do it!!!

[Cliff]

Law enforcement careers can be rewarding or can burn you out. Military training is a plus but you have to have good person to person skills. Look at what type of agency you would want to work for there are all kinds, local, county, state, federal agencies etc. Most Law Enforcement agencies are shining examples of the "Peter Principal" and can be very tiring to work in. As for "being clumsy" I have seen so many examples in 28 years I probably could write a book on them. Choose wisely and go for it as it is an entirely different world than most jobs. Good Luck on whatever you decide. All the Best.

[reo]

Go to a department and ask to do a ride along. Not all departments do it, but you will find one that will. Be curious, watch how the officer carries himself and talks to people. Ask questions and listen. Then ride along with several different officers and do the same. Like was said, cops come from all different walks of life. Be a sponge and get rid of the Barney Fife self image. Your better than that, your a levergunner.

[Dave James]

I would say go for it , if it is what you truly want to do, remember we hire from the same gene pool as others, there ends up being the good and bad, toward the end of my time I was involved in the hiring center, I would rather have a late 20 some thing educated and willing to "work " the system to help then one whom marches lockstep because we say so. The military can and does produce some amazing young men and women,and is almost now a days a sure fire way to built team playing and courage under fire, but like any thing else,its not a quarantine on good cops. The days of ruff'em and stuff'em are long gone, but you still need the internal fortitude to stand and deliver and protect those whom will not like you for it. And the courage to stand up and say no if you know you have been given an illegal order, that should or would cause your confinement. I spent 37 years on the streets and 2 tours in RVN among other endeavors

[kimwcook]

There's a lot of good advice, but I agree with reo. Go on a ride along. You'll get to see in person what it's like to be a cop and don't just ride along with one person. Go on a few with different agencies and guys/gals. Now, alot of guys/gals don't like to have someone sitting in their car with them, it's their office and they're particular. But, you'll find plenty that want to share and give you a quick education. There are good and bad in any profession, so don't make up your mind by riding with one person. You might just get a hold of that one bad apple. It's one way of seeing what it's like without committing to a huge expenditure and finding out it's something you don't want to do.

[Jason_W]

What I'd really like to be is a game warden, but I know competition is usually pretty stiff for that sort of job. The ride along idea is a good one.

I think I'll just make an appointment to take the preliminary exams and go from there. I've been hitting the gym so I should be ready for the fitness test in a couple months.

[Buffboy]

Game warden is a little different. In my state, they, like the Highway Patrol, train longer though in different ways. Still both HPs and Game Wardens were part of my class. They had to take the same training as I did, they just continued their specific training after we all graduated. At least that's the way it is in my state.

Having the basic law enforcement school out of the way might just help you get into Game/Fish. I know it's a plus with the HP. They actively recruit in the "basic" academy.

It ain't easy, they throw a lot of stuff at you in a short time and the classroom stuff is just as tough as the physical. It doesn't end with graduation. I've had 40+ hours of classroom training since graduating and I've only been out a few months. The academy taught me how much I still have to learn. Like my pilot license, when you get out, it's like a license to learn.

[Griff]

I agree with the ride-along. In some departments you have to pass a quasi-background check to be able to go on one. Many nites are just time-killers, fulfilling that description of "secretary with a gun". A police officer or deputy is a member of a semi-military unit.

It's a career field like no other. As I've told others, if you don't try, you'll never know if you're cut out to fill the role.

If you decide to proceed, I would suggest that continuing your education will always be a boon to your career. Don't limit yourself to one role, advancement is faster and going further in the chain of command is almost always predicated on education level.

[Bruce]

Jason,

You have gotten some good advice so far. I retired last year from law enforcement with 1 1/2 years as a Police Officer, two years as a Deputy and 26 years with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Division of Law Enforcement. Each type of enforcement agency is slightly different in the job demands and skills needed, but each one can be rewarding or frustrating. As a general rule, getting hired with a F&W agency is a challenge as they usually do not have much of a turn over rate. For most officers (Wardens), it is a life style and not a job. Having a military or prior law enforcement background is usually a plus, but not mandatory as a rule. A few things to consider is that Wardens mostly work alone and there is no such thing as a routine schedule for work hours. When the hunting and fishing is good, you are working. The educational requirements vary by each agency and as a rule the academy is much longer than basic police standards. If you go this route and have plans to grow within the agency, be prepared to constantly move. It can be very hard on you financially and "IS" very hard on your spouse and children. I choose to seek the promotions and ended up retiring as a Lt. Colonel. It was worth it, but I had to move about every three years. Many law enforcement agencies have volunteer programs and that is a great way for you to see them and visa versa. I have had the pleasure of working with and coordinating with some fine LE agencies, local, state and federal. If you are into moving and really want to see the country, consider the US Forest Service. They have volunteer, seasonal and paid work positions that can aid you in getting to an officers position. From my experiences, they have their head in the right place most of the time. I find their job to be the closest federal job to a state fish and wildlife job. The job of a US Fish and Wildlife agent has changed and is probably not what most would want. I do not recommend the National Park Service. Good luck with the path that you seek.

[Hobie]

My first thought was that there are, in some departments it seems, too many of the uber-macho tough jocks. Policing (as opposed to law enforcement) requires tact and investigation requires a hunter's mind. You might do very well.

Now, when I was a kid I was the book-reading kid who was always on the outside (we moved 18 times in my first 13 years of life). At least that is how I saw myself. But I'd always wanted to join the Army and when I was old enough I did despite the huge anti-war sentiment in the country, the end of the draft, the threat of possible return to Vietnam, etc. I did 27½ years and had one heck of a good time doing it. I worked at it but at age 40 going through one class I could outrun many younger men. There's no reason you can't do it in your chosen field.

There's a lot of truth to the old saying that if you do what you like you never have to go to work. I loved the military, I love the guys I worked with, I had a great time despite the times of personal discomfort. I tried leaving to save my marriage and it didn't work. I think I made "a difference", too.

[reo]

True point, go in to it with a wife that REALLY understands their will be sacrifices with the job and you WILL change and she understands that.

[budliteguy]

I would agree with the ride along several if possible or see if your town has a citizens academy that you can go through. To tell the truth most of your average citizens have no clue what a police officer, sheriff's deputy or Game Warden or anyone that is in the judical system goes through every day. I have been in Law Enforcement for the past 7 yrs. I got a late start.Not everyone is cut out for it. But its like any job it's what you make of it. I treat everyone the same way I would expect to be treated. I have seen officers that rude, belittling or just plan hot heads. Those are the one's that do alot of use of force writing and answering complaints filed against them. If you have a good head on your shoulders and plain old common sense then you will go far.

[piller]

I'm not in Law Enforcement, but as one who was a non-traditional student in college, follow your dreams. I did and today am happier for it. My wife supported me all the way and then some, but then again we met and married while both of us were in the Army. My job is currently so busy that I am posting here for the first time in about 2 weeks, but I truly wouldn't change much. Again, follow your dreams and be the best that you are capable of and you will be proud of yourself for what you can accomplish.

[Ysabel Kid]

Examine why you are considering law enforcement as a career. If you have the desire to serve your fellow citizen, are willing to put your life on the line to do so, love true justice, you will do a great service to our country regardless of what "type of person" you are. I've seen many of LEO's who "fit the mold" - big, strong, fearless - who also go into law enforcement to exercise power over people, not to serve and protect. I'd rather see 100 less fit people with the right attitude and reasons, than one excellent physical example who is in law enforcement for the wrong reasons.

[Bluehawk]

IN over 37 years of Law Enforcement and Investigative experience, I can tell you "It takes all kinds !!!" Police officers are made up of all types . I Remember well , our dept hiring a guy wha had a Masters degree in FIne Arts back in the early 70s, when most depts were not hiring people with college degrees , for the most part. Lots of the guys thought he would not fit in HE DID very well had a great career . He also used his fine arts skills and became a sketch artist for us doing composite sketchs of criminals . ALL skills can be used in police work cause you deal with PEOPLE who are all different . Good Luck in what ever you decide

[donw]

i am not LEO...i AM a VN vet...i do have VERY close relatives in LE

i do not believe i could, in good conscience, enforce many of the existing laws; especially under the potientaility of lethal esculation involving minor infractions. (you know, a parking ticket being issued and tempers flare type things...)

i am glad there are those who wish to be LEO, but cannot support their sometime, zeal and attitudes in enforcing existing law. in particular the attitudes of "I am always right because i'm LE..." and "You do not have the right to question LE..."

i certainly understand the positive side, too...the "get the bad guys off the streets" and i think most LEO fall into that catagory. (at least i hope so)

most LE training is close to military training and can be character building and very positive.

try it, you may like it and do very well.

FWIW: i hold legislators in more contempt than almost any other profession that can be named. they and they alone, are responsible for more injustice, misery and misdirected rules and regulations and really need to be held responsible. they hold themselves above all and worry about nothing but getting elected, then re-elected.

[Iron_Marshal]

Jason,

I did not see that you posted your age anywhere, but it should not matter. Like Hobie posted, he was 40 and out running many younger kids. I joined the USAF when I was 21 and was a Law Enforcement K-9 handler for almost five years. I got out of the service to save my marriage and it worked. My wife got tired of moving every year or so and the year I spent in Korea she had to stay state side alone with a kid, away from any support. So, in today’s tough times I would only recommend going into the military if you have your eyes WIDE OPEN. You WILL be deployed overseas...PERIOD...END OF STORY. Gone are the days of spending 15-20 years in a cushy German post where the beer is warm and so are the women. You will up to your butt crack is sand, more sand, and even more sand. There will be no beer and there will be no women.

Now, if you think law enforcement is for you, and you cannot get hired on anywhere, I agree with other posters who have said put yourself through an academy. I was lucky and the department I work for valued my military experience and hired me and paid for my academy training. Many places do not want to take the chance of paying to train you just to have you leave and go somewhere else that may pay better. Putting yourself through an academy, on your own dime and time, shows you possess the dedication and sincerity to become a productive member of the department.

After sixteen years of being a cop I don't know what else I might be cut out to do. I love the job, but it is hard on a family. If you are married you had better discuss all of this with your spouse before you jump in with both feet. She will have to be as committed as you are to the endeavor. It is hard on children too. I recently came off a two day suspension without pay because some scum gang member threatened one of my children and I took care of the situation. The department was correct in disciplining me (I guess) but I would do it again in a heartbeat (I would just handle it more discreetly).

So, best of luck to you! PM me if you have any questions.

[Jason_W]

Thanks for all the insight. There is certainly a lot to think about, particularly the part about it being hard on relationships.

To be honest, I can't really put my finger on why I'm interested in the profession. It's certainly not money. If I wanted to get rich, I'd probably learn how to be an investment banker. I'm also not the controlling, power trip type, so it's not about getting high on authority. I really couldn't give a good, definitive answer if asked in an interview why I want to be police officer.

[Paladin]

There are a lot of different department types out there and a few of the guys I went through the academy with just applied to every one with in a 200 mile radius. I got lucky when I applied for the WV State Police I didn’t know the difference and ended up in a police department instead of a highway patrol. It was a long 6 months in the academy but my military training helped a lot to put up with the mind games. I got to do a lot more people hunting and police work instead of just traffic with a few years in the criminal investigation unit working everything from drugs, explosive cases, murders, and money laundering out of uniform. All big departments have a few that give them a bad name but for the most part I was able to work with some of the best people alive. Do not sell yourself short, the only thing stopping you from getting anything you want is yourself and time.

[AJMD429]

I really couldn't give a good, definitive answer if asked in an interview why I want to be police officer.

Some things don't really have 'good, definitive anwers' - despite my reservations about that particular career for myself, I can empathize that sometimes a person just knows what they are 'supposed' to be - whether it is some kind of 'calling' or spiritual/divine thing, or intuition, or just a case of the plain old wannabe's - sometimes when you get right down to it, there really is no choice. Perhaps deep down, you already are a police officer, and all you have to do in life is formalize it with the proper training and go do it. If that is the situation, you will likely be an exemplary police officer, and it would be a shame not to follow that calling. You may not be happy unless you do it.

Unfortunately, for most careers, the predominant motives for entry are money, prestige, or power, and regardless of job, the ones with those motives generally perform poorly, irritate those around them, and do more harm than good for the world. (i.e. see job category "politicians"!). If you have a 'calling' you should do it, and do it well.