I've decided to pursue an LEO career... advice please!

Status
Not open for further replies.
Sean, as you already have a degree in Psychology, you might look into applying to the FBI.

I know they look for people with skills such as you have. Pay scale is better than most smaller departments. Might have to move around a bit, but what the hey? See the country.

L.W.
 
I am not an LEO, and I decided to stay in the private sector doing work for corporations and individuals instead due to some talks with LEOs. The bigges thing that turned me off of LEO work was the desire most of us have to make a difference, and the frustration of arresting the same people, or watching the wife beater or armed robber, etc get out again and again. Most of the cops I know still enjoy the job but feel a constant sense of meaningless work simply because they watch their hard work go out the window again and again. I am not saying NOT to become an LEO, but if you really want to make a difference, it may not be the best job for you since the legal system and politicians are constantly working against you. As someone said perhaps a fire fighter, EMT, or even a federal job may be better?
 
I think your intership is your best experience

You know what you're getting into and what to expect as you stated in your intern experiences. This factor I would put as the heaviest on the head for this line of work. I think this is the biggest hurdle and you already have a many hours "handling it." Pursue what makes you happy and don't look back.

I second on the, apply for the FBI immediately, recommendation. Your psychology background will open many doors with the feds that a rookie beat cop's experience won't. The fact that you already possess a degree illustrates you ability to commit and follow through.

addendum
I will also second on joining the Coast Guard. My brother is in the Coast Guard and did a lot of law enforcement work. He was stationed in New Orleans during Katrina and did a lot of armed escort type work. It sounds like he really enjoyed it. However, in the Coast Guard, I think he's had about three different careers now. He used to be one of the guys on the boats rescuing people in Alaska waters for a big part of it, then pursued the law enforcement side in New Orleans, and has now switched gears yet again. He now runs a dry dock in Ketchikan, Alaska and certifies all the ferries that run to and from the Seattle area. Quite a run for a 15 year career and he's only about 35 now. And he is financially very well off in near 6 digit income. However, his career has advanced about twice as fast as his peers because he is a "company man" through and through. His career is his driving force in his life, not his wife or kids. It has come at a cost, but he is still married to a woman that's likely much stronger than himself simply because she can put up with all the crap that military brings to a family. Granted, the CG is not military proper, but you have to say yes a lot more than you think is my opinion. I think this angle would offer the most opportunities to you should you be willing to cope with them moving you every year or two. This is hard on his family and I see it take it's toll because he runs like a horse with blinders on and really is not very sympathetic to his family's needs as much as his own personal agenda.

I think it's like any job that can offer high stress situations. You have to love it and say "yes" a lot, and if you don't like that, you might want to pursue other angles since they don't hire police chiefs straight out of college. Personally, I would never ever even consider becoming a LEO. It's not that I don't have respect for the law, it's just that it's a dirty job, it really doesn't pay well, and you have to be there to partcipate in some of the very worst moments in peoples lives. And then see them released to start the same pattern all over again. More power to those that can handle it, I'm simply not built for it.
 
Last edited:
I was a LEO for 12 years and then had to retire due to kidney failure and having to go on Dialysis and i miss Law Enforcent Work so much . When you go in its not just a job but its a life style i think and since you are married i think its one your wife has to be onboard with because it dose affect her as well. One suggestion i have is try to make contact with a cop with several years experience and have a heart to heart with them and about the work and family life.
 
Great thread! I'm in the process of applying at a bunch of agencies as well here in IL. I even applied and already took the written for CPD (yeah, yeah, I know...:neener: ) I'm just waiting for the physical.

But in the northeast part of IL, LEO's are paid pretty decent. I think CPD starts around $45K and you're up to $57K within 18 months. Even most of the small suburban departments start in the high $30's to low $40's.

I have BA's in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I have 6 years of martial arts experience, I'm an NRA Basic Pistol instructor, I have 3 years of private investigation and security work and I also speak fluent Cantonese.

I don't know why I waited so long to apply but the good news is that I'm still young (27). I know I can pass the physical tests easily as I already work out and cover the 1.5 mile run in 13 minutes flat without any training but I'm going to knock that time down.

What are my chances of getting into LE?

Having worked 3 years in my current field of private investigations and security, I'm aware of the things that people will do to one another. I guess I've learned to not take it personal.
 
1st - if it is something you want to do, go for it. It is not an easy way to make a living and you will be under alot of daily stress and there will be sacrifices to make - don't fool yourself on that. Make sure it's something you & your your family can live with.

2 - Go to your local cities, counties maybe even highway patrol and put out interest cards they will all hire at some time & your name w/ as many as possible will get you hired on sooner

3rd - start running & working out - even if you don't get in, you'll be healthier & happier for it ;)
 
My advice being a Indiana Reserve Officer - become a reserve. Now not all states are the same and do not have the best programs. Indiana Reserve Law Enforcement Officers have statewide powers of arrest once the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy 40 hour prebasic has been completed. You may want to check that route out and see if its right for you. We also have paid details such as state required security for school, county functions paying between $15-18.75 an hour depending on your venue. Like they say "Part time duty, full time pride" (US Army Reserve, 2006) haha.
 
A friend of mine was all set to join the local PD until the interveiw. They asked him what he would do if he pulled over a drunk driver and they turned out to be a politician. He said he'd treat them like anyone else. The interveiwer said that the correct answer would be to let them go. My friend simply got up and left.
 
Cop job

If you want aLEO job come on out here to Cali., San Francisco can't give em away. They are advertising all over the place and still, I believe hundreds of officer's short. But of course many departments in the state are hurting for qualified applicants... I wonder why?
 
I'd strongly consider law school and becoming and Assistant DA. The hours are more regular, and the pay is better. You still get to put the bad guys away, and your chances of getting shot are much lower. Plus you can set yourself up for another career after you retire from being an ADA.
I would not recommend a career in the FBI, as they are becoming more and more geared towards bureacracy and domestic counterterrorism (which sounds cool but is generally boring to the point of tears; if you want federal law enforcement, go DEA- they have lots of fun).
In any event, understand that becoming a cop drastically increases your chances of becoming divorced and/or dependant on drugs/alcohol, all for low pay and little respect. You don't become a cop if you think you might like it. You become a cop if you can't imagine doing anything else.
Just my two cents.
-David
 
This is a good thread. I have been wanting to become an LEO for some while, and am actually enrolled in criminal justice classes, but never bothered to post any questions on the forum for fear that they would be off-topic as they were not gun related.
 
Go join the Sheriff's department, instead of the Police department.

Here in Los Angeles, you start out in the jails and once your 5-year term is up; you'll be better prepared working with criminals in an enclosed area. You learn to put them in their place and master take-downs.

LAPD have a hard time with BG, because they know all the tricks on how to overcome a cop. But you mess with a Sheriff, who already has experience in the jails...then you have a better advantage.

Go Sheriff.
 
It is spelled Glock!

& you put your rounds in a magazine not a clip.

Also, I appreciate the spelling correction, I wouldn't want to look bad on an official exam or something. That'd be like being on patrol and not knowing how many bullets are in the clip of my standard issue glok.
Click to expand...
 
f you want aLEO job come on out here to Cali., San Francisco can't give em away. They are advertising all over the place and still, I believe hundreds of officer's short. But of course many departments in the state are hurting for qualified applicants... I wonder why?
Click to expand...

Interesting to see that starting pay for the SFPD is $64,347 to $84,513. LAPD starts at $56,898 with a BA/BS. I have lived in both cities and the standard of living for each is similar.
 
I wish

I think he was screwing with you all.
Click to expand...

No, he is serious.
I have a friend in the Navy who's spelling is just as bad
and is applying to various LE agencies....but at least he can spell Glock
and knows the difference between a magazine and a clip.

In another thread a while ago Sean stated
If you mozambique someone, there's not a court in the land that will let you off. have fun in prison.
Click to expand...

When pressed for a cite or link or any evidence to back up his assertion by myself and others the result was a resounding silence.

(it was a thread about fighting and self defense with ccw)

I have a friend who is a SFPD police officer who doesn't have a clue
about knife law and thinks that you are only allowed a 2 inch blade.

There are enough cops out there who bring their prejudice and ignorance with them on the job.

I bet 80% of younger NYPD officers think NY gun laws are to soft and the 2nd
Amendment means the Nat Guard!
 
Been there, done that

IMO, law enforcement is both a calling and a lifestyle, that has been mentioned above. I went on a number of ride alongs before going into the academy at the young age of 18 and graduating #2 in the class. During 1 of the ride alongs, the cop who I was friends with and riding with, got involved in a very violent shoot-out which opened my eyes to a different world. I loved it and coped with it pretty well.
It is not for everyone. I was in LE for 5 years and it is a good thing I wasn't in any real relationship at the time because it wouldn't have lasted. It is very strenuous and I don't think 95% of spouses understand the toll it takes, which leads to fights, drinking, cheating, etc..
I got out of LE for a number of reasons, even though I LOVED it. Main reasons being: getting shot at sucks; going to grand juries sucks; working some of the worst streets on the east coast USA by yourself with no partner will test your physical and mental toughness and can get very crazy very quickly; seeing friends killed in the line of duty; having recurring dreams with a terrible outcome; money is OK but not commensurate with duties; I found myself becoming a very non-trusting, cynical, confrontational bastard and I didn't like who I was becoming neither did some of my best friends who decided they didn't like it either; etc.
I found the best parts of the job to include: being part of a brotherhood that has a very strong bond no matter where you go; doing something that really matters and really does help people most of the time; no day is ever the same; free meals; drinks, lap dances:) with badge; finding myself in the role of a father, doctor, psychologist, lawyer, life saver/protector, and sometimes someone's only friend...all in just one day's work.
If you have to pay for the academy yourself, start saving unless you have cash to hold you over for 5 months. You will not want to have to work 8 hours at night after spending all day in the academy, if it's anything like where I went through. Start at 6:30am - finish about 4 or 5pm. Then have 2-3 hours of homework or typing all notes, like we had to do. You can see where not only will you be tired and honestly probably not do well in the academy because of that, but you won't see your family that much. If your wife is cool with that and you paint the entire picture for her to see, including the fights and hardships that will come after becoming LEO, then go for it. Like some said, it is a very rewarding personal career but understand what you are getting into.
I left it and do regret it from time to time but I know I made the right decision in the long run.

And if I spelled a few words incorrectly and forgot some punctuation or other grammatical errors, then please all the anal grammar nazis correct me immediately :banghead: :banghead:
 
You Live In Utah?

Well, at least you have a shot at more rural stuff (unless you're hip deep in SLC).

We have a THR member, who is entirely at fault in leading me to this forum, known as LawDog.

He maintains a blog. Very entertaining. In between the lines there are some sobering thoughts. Read his stuff, if you have not already. Talk to him. He's a man of penetrating insight.
http://thelawdogfiles.blogspot.com/

He's more rural. He seems to enjoy what he does. He also has some perspective resulting from his diverse upbringing.

He's not with a city metro outfit, though. He's with a sheriff's department.

My brother is a private detective and works closely with LE on a regular basis. He has intimated some insights on this.

That line of work will test your "personal inner toughness" in ways that few other jobs will. It helps immensely if you have solid connections with your community, and good spiritual support. My brother made the point that a good relationship with your minister/bishop/pastor will do more for your sanity than a whole bracket of psychologists -- kind of ironic, given your education.

Now that I think of it, have you considered private sector gumshoe work?
 
Sean, I retired 18 months ago after 4 years as a municipal police officer and 27 years with a federal agency. You will learn a lot more faster as a local, even working in patro, than you do in the federal government. Federal agencies are where the money is. Don't look at just the FBI but ICE and Secret Service. There are also US Park Police, USFWS, DCIS, IRS and an entire alphabet of federal agencies. The easiest to get into is the Border Patrol and that may not be a bad idea. If you learn how to work the border you'll be prepared to work just about anywhere except maybe a big city. It's easier to get into another federal agency if you're already in one. I would debate one's advice to work corrections first as corrections deals with criminals in a controlled environment.

No matter what the federal agency you need to be able to relocate. If you don't want to relocate then look locally.

Federal agencies can be more demanding than local agencies. Local agencies may call you in and such. Working for a federal agency I sometimes found myself leaving for work in the morning and unexpectedly wind up being gone for 3-4 days. If your wife wants to work she cannot count on you to be home to take care of the little nipper. If you get hired by a federal agency be prepared to be away from home for 8-24 weeks of basic training (VA for FBI, SC for Border Patrol, and GA for everything else.
 
I actually live in southern utah, which is pretty much all rural except for one town of about 60,000.


I've gotten a handful of PM's from people interested in answering further, detailed questions, so I appreciate everyone who has shown an interest in giving some advice.
 
03 shadowbob

well I spelled checked and your spelling is pretty good.

Now be sure to know how many bullets are in the clip of your glok
before you you mozambique someone:evil:

Pardon moi, si vous plait, if I expect a cop to know how to spell Glock.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

L
  • Locked
LEO career advice
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
Erik
E
S
  • Locked
LEO ever harass with conceal/carry permit?
2 3
Replies
61
Views
3K
sm
S
A
  • Locked
Looking for a TX or CO LEO.. re career advise post Military
Replies
13
Views
631
Mot45acp
Mot45acp
H
  • Locked
Career as a BATFE agent?
2 3 4 5 6
Replies
137
Views
6K
ranger335v
R
X
  • Locked
LEO advice
2
Replies
29
Views
2K
tpaw
T
Back
Top