Becoming LEO, Need HELP ASAP

[Che762x39]

I did not take any aptitude tests. I just made a decision to go into the field.

I do understand that I'll be stuck working s$@t hours for a while but that's the sacrifice I'm willing to make to serve my later years.

Ideally, after a few years, I'd like to upgrade to detective work if my capabilities allow me.

How many years will you work if you do not promote. I am always counseling guys/gals who are upset. The job you got hired for is "officer/deputy" you did not get hired to one day be chief/sheriff or K9 cop, motorcycle cop or helicopter pilot. From my first academy class in 1981, you know 100% did not make it to retirement. I really doubt 20% even made it to the 20 year mark.

Son, the tough news is not a few years but 15 to 20 years. On my 20th year I was still cleaning up the backseat from vomit, piss, poop, etc. It is what it is.

[Che762x39]

I took one of those my senior year of highschool, "Hind sight is 20/20", had I taken their advice I'd probably be a lot happier by now with the progress of my career. I love... Ok enjoy my current job, and working to better peoples lives as well as other challenges it offers since I've promoted quickly such as training and overseeing certain aspects we encounter in the field, however it is still just a job not a career anyone takes serious or I can see myself retiring from.

It described me as an "Analytical thinker" and recommended a list of jobs all in law enforcement from game warden to police officer to prison warden. Like a dummy I didn't come to my senses for another 8 years!

To the OP, locate a career center you may discover something else you had no idea you would be suited for or interested in.

I concur. Mine was police officer, military officer and high school principal. Now I am looking for a high school.

[Che762x39]

I took that aptitude test in high school and I used to think it was a load of BS. It gave me 2 possible career choices: Forrest/Park Ranger and Doughnut Machine Operator. Now that I am thinking about LE it makes sense. lol

Exactly. One trainee I terminated during FTO turned out to be a great fireman. A female I terminated, BS degree, 170 IQ and a super gym rat, could not figure out how to write a ticket or what a traffic violation was. From what I hear, she is doing well in the post office.

[tinman1975]

I am not a LEO, but I do work for the fire dept, so oral interviews are somewhat familiar territory. I have never tested for a LE job, but I imagine the process is pretty similar. Having said that, take my advice for what it is worth to you. Just reading your original post, I see two things that jumped out at me that could possibly be hindering you. 1) The attitude that your work experience is holding you back. Instead of saying " I only have been a relationship banker, or I have only been a wireless salesman", work on telling an interviewer why you are the best damn wireless salesman this side of the Mississippi. There are plenty of things that those jobs bring to the table that you just need to learn to sell to interviewers. These days, departments are going to teach you what they want you to know. Most places would rather hire the guy who has perfect attendance, and great dependability, great attitude, and personal responsibility to take pride in your work over the guy who has taken all of his classes and done nothing but eat and breathe law enforcement since graduating high school. Second, I see that you aspire to be a detective, which is awesome, you should always have aspirations to move up and take on more challenges and responsibilities. But one mistake that I see people make in interviews is that they appear too eager to move up and one day run the department. Don't forget that you are applying for an entry level position, a grunt, the boots on the ground. It is very easy to pick out that guy who thinks he is overqualified for the entry position and wants to run before he learns to crawl. Be sincere in your answers and learn that fine line between being confident yet humble at the same time and you will be golden. Good luck

[rollaspeed1]

Those are great tips, tinmam! Thanks

[Caddis]

So you want to be a detective...

You may want to visit the "Reality Checklist" link

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=807590

[rollaspeed1]

Great thread, it sounds just like the title, reality check. I'm glad I got to read it. It looks like I still want to do it after reading it.

[Caddis]

Good for you.

If you are in the Bay Area, your Russian bilingual skills could be an asset particularly at agencies like SF which is a great department and I believe are hiring. Also SF SO. Don't overlook university and college cops in this area as well as BART which are hiring big numbers. Consider CO positions at SO's in the Bay Area which pay more than LEO's outside the area and gets your foot in the door.

Good luck

[rollaspeed1]

Thanks!