Another guy seeking advice about being a LEO

[torino69tap]

So I'm 22 years old and in the past two years or so have decided that pursuing a career in law enforcement is what I want to do with my life. I've done plenty of research into the field and spoken to many people about it and it seems a right fit for me. A friend of mine is going through hiring at a local PD and told me to apply with him. Currently I am still in school, but was also looking into applying around to local agencies to see if I could get picked up and later finish my degree after the academy. I work a job that puts me in contact with local PD regularly and assist them in their investigations frequently. Some of them often comment on how my abilities in observation and report writing would be an asset to their force.
As far as my background goes, I've never been convicted of anything, never gotten into trouble, and apart from one fix it ticket, have a clean driving record. Half a year ago or so I decided to commit myself fully by quitting smoking cigarettes and working out as much as I could with my busy work schedule and school. Question for you guys is, should I still go through the application process, try and do ride alongs etc. or wait a few years until I have a degree and the job market opens a bit. Bearing in mind I'd love to start a career as soon as possible. I know its a big step in ones life to make but I feel up to the challenge. Thanks in advance guys

[<IXOYE><]

Yes

[silversrt]

You need to go to www.policebackground.net. All the answers to your questions are there...

[Ron-Solo]

Go for it, but keep taking classes in the meantime. The hiring process takes a while sometimes.

[Baconator]

You could apply now and be waiting. I know a few people who have been on the shelf for a certain agency for 3 years because of budgetary issues.

[torino69tap]

Thanks guys for the info. Anything I could be doing to make myself stand out some in the app process?

[URBAN COMMANDO]

quit wasting time and don't look back apply

[DEF23]

I would do your academy on your own (out of pocket), get your CAL-POST certs, then apply where you choose to.

And then go back in a few years to finish up on your secondary schooling for any Criminal Justice Degrees later on in your future (yes, they will help you out later on).

I would be hesitant to sign any type of pre-hiring contractual agreement with any department these days, if they were wanting to sponsor you through the academy portion.

It does help to have someone else pay for tuition, uniform costs, give you pay check through the academy and know that you already have an employment contract afterwards.

But by going through on your own, you will be a stand out.

And you won't be locked into any specific contractual agreements.

Also, seriously look at WHICH academy you are going to.

I went through a State ran academy (CHP OR FNG) and those cadets get hired at DOUBLE the normal hiring rate and you have a lot more room for different type of LEO employment later on in your career.

Then again, it takes 9 months -- not three and you graduate being able to enforce more different types of laws.

Also, any secondary civilian firearms training (such as Gunsite, Insights or Thunder Ranch) or martial arts training (Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, ect.) can also be a bonus to you hiring application and career options depending upon which direction you choose for your LEO career to go (firearms or defensive training instructor, range master, ect.).

The main thing is to pass all of the Cal POST certs at academy, think about what aspects of LEO work interest you the most and then the sky is the limit, sir.

And all of the rest from there on out, is purely up to you and where you want to go in your new career.

Good luck and be safe. LEO work can be as interesting and rewarding as you want to make it.

[Falconis]

what did you get arrested for and how long ago?

[torino69tap]

Haha should have made that more clear. Never been arrested; never had any run in with the police that was negative. Always have been respectful to LEOs and their profession, and in turn have been always shown respect. Can't say that for everyone I know though... Lol

[The Bacon Eater]

What are you waiting for. lol

Theres a nice sticky at the top of this forum that was very helpful for me and might save you some time if you are looking for specific questions about background, etc...

Best of luck to you

[retired]

What are you waiting for. lol

Theres a nice sticky at the top of this forum that was very helpful for me and might save you some time if you are looking for specific questions about background, etc...

Best of luck to you

Here is the sticky:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=430642

[mixicus]

Get your BA. The job market is very competitive and will be for several years to come. A BA/BS will put you in a different stack of applications during the hiring process. When you are on the job, the BA will likely get you educational incentive pay (5-10% depending on department), it will shorten the time it takes to get your POST certs(maybe more $ incentives) and will likely be a requirement for promotions later on. The college degree is likely one of the line items that will put you in a shorter stack of applicants. Additionally, if you decide you don't like LE or it doesn't like you or you get injured and can't; you'll have a built in path to immediately follow for a career or at least a job/pay check.

Going back to 'get' or 'finish' a degree takes some doing. Remember you will be on shift work and nights possibly with days off changing every 4 or 6 months. That makes a traditional school schedule challenging. Then you are going to likely have growing outside interests that will cut into school time (i.e. family). Get the degree now.

As for what degree, get it in something that interests you and that you could make a non-LE career out of. Just about any degree can be positioned/articulated as to be a benefit somewhere in LE. I would not suggest CJ as your first choice.

[nas liw]

I am currently employed but have a desire to become a LEO. Is this like college where I should save up and get ready to pay for all the schools and test?

sorry don't mean to thread jack but I just found this section and would love to learn more. I will be looking up more later.

Is there a place where I can see a "step by step" process? And how do you get sponsored? I don't mind paying out of pocket either but I would just love to find out all options. I live in LA and was thinking about becoming a LEO in OC, should I go to an Academy in OC?

Any info will help greatly!

[torino69tap]

Thanks for the tips guys, and Nas I don't mind at all. I already work a full time job with hours and schedules that change every week, so I'm already adjusted to a changing schedule and school. Though I know working as a LEO will be more mentally and physically draining.