Looking for a TX or CO LEO.. re career advise post Military

[AF_INT1N0]

Hey all,
I'm going to be saying goodbye to the AF in about a 1 1/2 years and am starting my job search.. One of the things I was looking at was joining either state or local LEO in some of the areas I was planning on settling in.. Also on my list of places to go are OKlahoma, Kentucky, South Carolina, maybe UTAH.

I was wondering if there was any local/ state LEOs from TX or Colorado(my two primary choices, that can give me a decent Idea of what to expect/ areas to beef up on while I wait.
I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do vs. what I am qualified to do.

My biggest limitation right now is that I can't go to any of these places because I live in CA. But I figured if I could find someone on the board who happened to be LEO from one of these areas that would be almost as good.




Thanks
AF_int1n0

 

[TexasRifleman]

I know a lot of Texas LE agencies are recruiting very heavily.

http://www.fortworthpd.com/

Right on their main page they have all kinds of stuff. They seem to be willing to work with folks to get the certifications and all in order, especially vets.

 

[Morgan]

Most Colorado agencies are always looking for good recruits. The Denver metro area is actually a pretty good place to work, and there are lots of options from small to large departments.

 

[jnyork]

Dont overlook U.S. Border Patrol in your job search. Go chat them up.

 

[Slotback]

Texas agencies are recruiting heavily.

If you can get yourself into a situation where you are going to the "night academy" while finishing up with the USAF, do so. Agencies who don't have to pay for you to go to the basic academy will look upon you favorably. Sure, you might have to go through a "modified" academy, but the TCLEOSE will already be done.

 

[green country shooter]

Yes, the Border Patrol is definitely recruiting. Work on your Spanish. The IRS is also looking for special agents. Obviously you would need some accounting skills, but they do have door kickers who carry guns.

Not too long ago the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was recruiting, but I think they just graduated a new class.

I think the city of Fort Worth is hiring.

edited to say: actually, no matter where you apply, start working on your Spanish right now and you will have an advantage. In a year and a half you can speak pretty good Spanish.

 

[bogie]

What's your MOS? Maybe you could integrate that into a homeland security type thing...

 

[RobNDenver]

Good luck to you. I am a AF vet, and a retired CO LEO. Colorado agencies, except Denver PD and the State Patrol, expect you to have graduated from a community college police academy prior to applying, so that is a hurdle you will have to overcome if you want to come to CO and start your career in Law Enforcement here.

I second the suggestion that you consider Texas to start with, since there are so many local and county agencies that are competing with each other. Ft. Worth PD or the Tarrant County Sheriff would be great places to start your career, but Dallas, Dallas County, San Antonio or Bexar County would also be places I would turn in an application . . . The Texas DPS is also a place to consider . . . if you are ok with highway patrol work to start.

Thanks for your service!

 

[phantomak47]

Houston is hiring big time.

http://www.hpdcareer.com/index3.html

 

[AF_INT1N0]

What's your MOS? Maybe you could integrate that into a homeland security type thing...

Intelligence, been in the service for just over 10 years in January.
Have BAS in Business , working on my MBA.

I was thinking about the Homeland Security thing also but didn't really know where to start. I figured most of the federal LEOs want you to have a couple of years State or Local experience.
So If I liked it I could either stay on with the local/State level or try out for Federal with a couple years LEO +Military/Intel Experience.

 

[8830]

With your MOS and degree I would go federal. You don't state or local experience to get on. CIA, DIA, Secret Service, FBI. If you do decide to come to Texas go with a big department like Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth or Houston or San Antonio. Don't go with small departments.

 

[Area 52]

Might want to stay in California, the Highway Patrol starts at over $70,000

 

[Blue Line]

check out secretservice.gov
call your local field office

 

[Mot45acp]

If you sign off on NFA, come be my sheriff in Hardin county.