So I want to be a LEO

[Serbian]

I was thinking something like a harbor cop or trolly cop. (im in San Diego). Any pros or cons you can throw my way? Any info is appreciated!

[ankyle62]

Open up your options, competition is high and there is no room to be picky. Harbor was in a hiring freeze for a long time and opened up recently to new testers and for people that were stuck in the hiring freeze, I didnt make the cut unfortunately after waiting through the hiring freeze.

[Serbian]

My options are open, its just if I could choose, it would be Harbor or Trolly cop. And what are the pros and Cons to being a LEO?

[ankyle62]

I dont think the trolly cops are actually LEOs, they are security guards as far as I know. Sheriff Dept is hiring. http://www.governmentjobs.com/view_j...hit_count=Yes&

[Big D]

The trolley guys are officers that work for the City and have limited enforcement authority. Meaning they can cite you for things and it's a legal ticket. But they are not sworn LEOs with full arrest authority. The guys you see on the trolleys who are armed are private security. Harbor is hard to get into because they don't hire a lot of people. If I were you I would consider waiting. No one is really hiring a lot down here everyone is talking about budget cuts. Spend the next couple years researching what would make you a good candidate for a LE job and then go out and do that.

[Falconis]

I think law enforcement is the best job in the world. So long as you work for an administration that lets you do police work as oppose to being an overhyped security guard. I would advise going on some ride alongs with different departments and talking to the cops of those agencies. It'll give you a better idea if you want to work for that particular agency or law enforcement in general.

[Serbian]

Thanks guys for all the info. Im not ready to commit yet. Still need school, I just wanted to see if the Criminal Justice classes will be worth it. So far so good though !

[ckim34]

Thanks guys for all the info. Im not ready to commit yet. Still need school, I just wanted to see if the Criminal Justice classes will be worth it. So far so good though !

you are better off getting a business/finance/econ degree

[Serbian]

you are better off getting a business/finance/econ degree

Maybe, but all those things bore me to death (except maybe business). I'd rather get a into something I would enjoy. Plus you cant beat the benefits of a government job.

[HarrisonS004]

Maybe, but all those things bore me to death (except maybe business). I'd rather get a into something I would enjoy. Plus you cant beat the benefits of a government job.

I think he means that a lot of agencies like to see degrees other than just criminal justice. Although I am greatly enjoying the classes for the criminal justice degree I am halfway through achieving.

[mixicus]

Pros and cons depend on the person. Example: a married person with a kid may have more issues with night shift than a single officer. Go on some ride-a-longs at agencies you are interested or at least the same type of agency or geographical location. While on the ride actually talk to the officer about his/her experiences and the stuff you don't get in recruitment brochures (i.e. quality of life stuff).

Hiring is tight right now and will be for a few more years at least. Many depts hire to maintain MINIMUM levels and you are competing against experienced LE's. So use the time to make yourself a more desirable candidate. Get a BA/BS degree in a field that interests you and you could make a career out of if LE isn't for you or you aren't for LE. A terminal CJ degree is pretty limiting outside of LE. Consider putting yourself through an academy. Join a reserve program. This will also help you figure out if this is what you really want.

[ckim34]

I think he means that a lot of agencies like to see degrees other than just criminal justice. Although I am greatly enjoying the classes for the criminal justice degree I am halfway through achieving.

Exactly. Plus those other degrees allow you to get into other fields if the LE option doesnt work out or if you want to go a different route.

[Dr Pete]

+1000 on getting the best education.
And another plus getting hired in this State, if you don't already speak Spanish.
Learn that language in school and you will be moved to the top of the 5000 people looking for those 5 open positions. They won't openly tell you this but just trust me

[Serbian]

+1000 on getting the best education.
And another plus getting hired in this State, if you don't already speak Spanish.
Learn that language in school and you will be moved to the top of the 5000 people looking for those 5 open positions. They won't openly tell you this but just trust me

Yeah,l im sure the espenol is important. I still need to learn, i can understand it aright, but i cant speak it for sh*t.

[Roddd]

Harbor PD in San Diego is tough to get into and they hire mostly ex-Navy personnel due to their working on vessels. SDPD is hiring right now (or claim to be). Walmart security guards have more authority than trolley cops.