interested in law enforcement

[wadalaba]

So, I'm pretty interested. I'm still in college though so I won't be doing anything for a few years at the least.

What should I be doing now?

And will my vision be a problem? 60/200 without glasses. My right eye is pretty bad since I can't get a correct prescription since it will mess up my vision.

Also rather small built.

[Ron-Solo]

Your vision might be a deal breaker. Check the vision requirements for several agencies in the area your are interested in working. Most will have similar requirements.

Then consult with a good vision specialist to see what can be done to meet those requirements.

My wife had severe vision problems due to an eye disease but recently had corneal implants (aka: Intacs) , which allowed her vision to be corrected significantly. It can sometimes take a while to get your vision corrected when it is severe and can be corrected by lasik. Don't wait if you can get started now.

Best of luck to you.

Ron

[Jonathan Doe]

I used to have a young man who did ride alongs with me when I was on the streets. LASD didn't take him, because his eye sights were poor. LAPD took him, and he has been on for 18 years now. So, different agencies will have different requirement. Like Ron said, check with various agencies.

[We Are Apocalypse]

The best I've seen is 20/100 uncorrected. Some agencies like 20/40 uncorrected. The CHP likes 20/40 unless you have 1 year proof of successful soft contact lens wear, then your uncorrected vision can be anything, assuming you meet all other vision requirements like normal color vision. That 20/40 kept me out of the CHP (I'll dig my eyes out if I try contacts again). I even asked about waivers and received a nice short e-mail that said NO. So the best options, find an agency that will accept your vision, get contacts (if they have a provision like the CHP) or pay for corrective eye surgery. You may find a place that will allow some type of waiver for vision, I don't know but the CHP told me no.

[nrvnqsrxk]

I'm not a police officer, but I've been preparing for the job just like you. You know that you have to be at least 21, but I feel it doesn't make sense to apply until you have your degree. Hopefully your degree will be something other than criminal justice.

I'm going to assume you're an overachiever than wants to be ranked #1 on the eligibility list. Foremost, you should be in top physical shape. Seeing as you'll be competing against ex-military guys, and since many physical qualification exams require you to do pullups, situps, and running, you'll want to be able to pump out 20 pullups, 100 pushups (nonstop), 100+ situps (nonstop), and be able to run 2 miles under 13 minutes. You may have to do other things based on the agency you're qualifying for, but if you can do all of those, the rest should be cake.

Second, you're going to want to try to do things that would help prepare you for the job. Try to see if you can sit on a few ride alongs. Dress formally when you go. Ask the officer some questions you have about the job. Also sign up for the CAPS program that LAPD offers. It's free, and you get to do some physical training with other interested people. Not only can you get yourself some exercise, but also get an idea of who you're competing against.

Next, you're going to have to practice your interviewing skills. Try seeking out your career center and have them coach you on how you should interview. They'll teach you what you don't already, and help you come up with relevant points that will make you more marketable. Make sure you memorize and hit all these points during the interview while remaining confident, and they will be impressed.

Oh. Here's an important one. Whatever you do don't do drugs. You can try marijuana once if before your junior or senior years, but if you EVER inject yourself with ANYTHING, snort coke, or play with heavy drugs you can kiss a career in law enforcement goodbye.

Hopefully these little things will help you get started. Good luck with you in college, keep that GPA up while destroying some p****

Oh yea, and take some writing classes. In my research, police officers gripe about newbs who can't spell and make a lot of grammatical errors. It will also help you with the exams when they ask you to write a few answers to questions.

[retired]

Oh yea, and take some writing classes. In my research, police officers gripe about newbs who can't spell and make a lot of grammatical errors.

+1000

When I was a sgt. at our jail in L.A. it just amazed me how few deputies/custody assistants write or spell. I got the impression most were socially promoted in high school.

Unless things have changed since I retired, if you are unable to write a good report, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, you will be returned to your unit of assignment. You have one year to remediate yourself and you will then go to another station. If you do not make it off probation for those same failings, you will be given two options: Demote to a non sworn custody assistant position and work with inmates/suspects or resign.

Good luck in your quest.

[tyrist]

You are probably going to need corrective surgery on your eyes.

[wadalaba]

Thanks for the information.

So it's:

No drugs - I'm clean
Physical fitness
Vision correction
Interviewing skills/Ride alongs
And spelling/grammar - which I pretty much can do.

[Ls1FALimpala]

How old are you? Im 19. I am going to get my ged soon and see apply for a sb county sheriff.

[wadalaba]

I'm 18, still first year in college so it's going to be a few more years at least.

[drummerdude1188]

Also sign up for the CAPS program that LAPD offers. It's free, and you get to do some physical training with other interested people. Not only can you get yourself some exercise, but also get an idea of who you're competing against.

You cant just "sign up" for the CAPS program. You have to be in LAPD's hiring process, its not a free for all, come and work out for any one possibly interested in police work.

[SJgunguy24]

Not a LEO do to my own lack of judgement. If you have an idea of where you want to work, get to know the immigrant population. Meaning their language, some of their customs, how they tend to treat their woman. I found that you might be able to diffuse a situation if you can understand how they think. Especially if your dealing with new arrivals and the neighbors called the police.

Also, don't quit. While you might not be the most gifted athlete, the ability to persevere and go 100% at all times will be noticed by the training staff. If you have time, get EMT training. While not a requirement it helps as a first responder.

My Aunt was CHP, she would tell me there are somethings that cannot be taught. The ability to read people, and to see the little things and details. Try to train yourself to notice these things. It's weird, I still do this and I stopped training 5 years ago.
Good luck and don't forget, if you make it, you swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

[wadalaba]

Well working in the city I live in would be nice. But I would take the job pretty much anywhere if I could get it in the future.

[mothermopar]

Some tips, per se.

1. No Turds. Like others have stated, continue to be a good guy and make the right decisions in life. One night of mischief can lead to a life of unrealized potential. Have fun in school, but be smart about it.

2. Education. Don't major in criminal justice. Major in something else, like accounting or language or psychology or whatever. Minor (or double major) in criminal justice. That way, if you don't get hired right away, you'll still be able to find a good job... plus, agencies like to see other areas of education in their ranks. Keep the grades up. I believe some Fed agencies have a 'fast-hire' process for those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher (Jesus, is that scoring system still used?!?! LOL).

3. Who you know. I don't give a crap what anyone says; its not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that matters THE most. Go on ridealongs with your local PD's... get an internship with the Feds... maintain these relationships... open as many doors as possible so there will be more options when you decide to apply. Don't kiss ***, just be yourself, but use the utmost respect and candor. Be real. Show initiative.

4. Money. Be employed now, prior to applying and don't get into massive debt. Keep your finances in order (finances are part of your background checks). This demonstrates responsibility and work ethic outside of just going to school.

There's probably some other issues, but that's what I have for you right now.

[fullrearview]

Being able to write clear and precise reports is key.....Speelling isnt too big of a deal after the academy, since we have spell check, but I can't speel, so I have to double, tripple check my reports before I spell check them.