Talk to me about being a law enforcement officer (ds, not me!)

[elegantlion]

Ds has expressed an interest in possibly becoming a LEO, possibly a highway patrol officer. (insert moment of mommy panic) He starts college this fall and is tentatively looking into engineering or computer science. His school has a training academy as well, so he's going to sit down with them later this year. They also have a criminal justice degree with a law enforcement concentration. 

 

He definitely needs to work on physical strength, I know that and he wants to do a BS or BA, not just the academy. 

 

What questions should he be asking himself and the school? 

 

How are the sections (sorry I don't know the right word) divided? Like do you need additional training to be a highway patrol vs a city police officer? 

 

Would a computer science degree (or other degrees) be helpful?

 

He's kind of at the exploring stage right now, so if there are websites that might be helpful, they'd be appreciated. 

 

Can he do ride alongs with highway patrol and how would he contact them to find out? 

 

 

Share the good, bad, or ugly if you'd like. 

 

[mamaraby]

It depends - on the state, on the agency, etc. Around here, you'd be well served to first get a 4 year degree. Might it help to have your degree in a related field? Sure, but you can also become an LEO with any 4 year degree. Plus, if you're a good candidate, they'll hire you without academy training and then not only pay for your academy training, but pay you while you go to school (mileage, food, etc). They'll also usually include a uniform allowance that will help you buy the gear you need vs. you needing to provide that all yourself. Having that four year degree and academy training can be helpful in a competitive market, but for many agencies, it's the person that matters most. As far as if academy training differs depending on the agency - around here everybody gets the same state mandated academy training whether you work for the university police, a city police department, or the sheriff's office. Not sure about our State Patrol.

 

As for what the requirements are - that will be agency specific. I'd check their website to see if they list any openings. The job description will tell you what you need to have in order to be considered. In my state, there's a clearinghouse type website that lists LEO job listings through out the state. That would be another good resource for trying to make a plan.

 

As for scheduling a ride along, yes, contact the agency. He can explain his interest and they can let him know the process for setting one up. Also, lots of agencies offer internships so that's something to consider as well.

 

Again, all of the above varies upon location so YMMV.

[LucyStoner]

He might look into doing informational interviews with different types of LEOs. I had a friend who was thinking she'd become a cop but once she met lots of different professionals, she ended up in federal law enforcement and has been really happy with her career thus far.

 

One thing to be very careful with is for him to keep his credit squeaky clean as LE agencies are loathe to hire those with bad credit or lots of debt and it can hurt security clearances if he advances.

[G5052]

Locally where I live, a 4-year degree is a must for city, county, or state police. They pay for the academy.  It's fairly competitive, and that's what they are looking for. Something related is best, although that is pretty broad. I know several who had psychology/sociology degrees.

 

If you're OK being basically a security guard at a government building or college, then an associate's will work.

[City Mouse]

He needs to check hiring and training requirements to local departments. In big cities, most will make him go through their own academy no matter what is college degree is in. More rural areas may not care where he got his certification. Physical fitness levels will also depend on the department/academy he attends. Most will have a certain level of fitness test that he must pass in the hiring process, but to pass the academy the fitness standards are often higher, but from the times that my DH has gone through the process at different departments, the physical fitness requirements are not extremely difficult- nothing like what is described in the military academy thread.

 

In most departments, it will not matter what the BS degree is in. Just the fact that he will have any degree will help. Advanced degrees in a law inforcement related area can sometimes increase pay levels.

 

He will probably have to wait for a ride along until he is 18. He can jus call and ask, but sometimes it helps if he knows someone.

 

To ease your fears a bit, my DH worked for a Houston PS for 20 years, and now works in New Mexico, he has never shot his gun at a suspect. (He once shot a hole in our bedroom wall, but that is a story for another time.) and only once does he ever think he was shot at, but that's not really for sure as he could not see who was shooting.

[datgh]

My son is interested in law enforcement also.  The advice we have heard over and over is to have a fall back plan.  As one of our law enforcement friends said, we all hope to go the distance but many don't. Some drop out due to injuries they sustain either on or off the job or see things that they just can't cope with so get a degree in something you would enjoy doing if you ever drop out of the law enforcement field. Many officers we have talked to have also said they wish they had received their degrees in business administration or public affairs. You have a better chance of moving up the ranks/making more money with either of these degrees. my ds is going to get his associates in Criminal Justice at our community college (the police academy happens to be on campus there so he will get to know a lot of key people).  He will then pursue a batchelors but he is not sure in what yet.

 

Talk to your local department about doing ride alongs.  My son has done a couple.

[shage]

There are some good law enforcement jobs (especially federal) for individuals with tech and computer backgrounds.  I would have him talk to people in the field, but I suspect a STEM background would be more helpful than a criminal justice one if he wants to go federal. 

 

[ktgrok]

If he's interested in computers has he thought about computer forensics or information security?

[raptor_dad]

With that combination of interests, he should at least consider the FBI. I know CS majors have the 3 year work experience requirement waived to become special agents... I don't know about the 23yo age requirement...

 

Anyway, that could be a way to use his intellectual curiousity and still be a LEO... Various other agencies have these jobs.... Postal Service... Secret Service... I don't know much about it but all those sound like they could combine a traditional LEO career with his other academic interests.

[elegantlion]

Thank you, all. I will share this thread with him. The computer science would be his fall back. 

 

It's interesting to see him think about the future of who he wants to be. Right now he's a typical scrawny (his words) tech geek with long hair and a beard. If he went into law enforcement, the hair would change and he'd have to built more upper body strength. He says he wouldn't want to do law enforcement long-term, like 30 years, but I can see him doing it for a decade or so and then moving into a related field. 

 

Homeschooling creates fascinating individuals.  :thumbup1:

[Guest]

I'm amazed that you put this thread up today, EL, because I was thinking about this very subject this morning, for my ds! He is currently interested in the military, but I don't think it's much of a leap to consider going the Law Enforcement route if military prospects don't pan out.

[lovinmyboys]

I would advise him to get a degree in what he is interested in. I think a computer science degree would help him more than a criminal justice degree (especially if he would prefer getting that degree). I know at least some law enforcement agencies prefer candidates who got a degree in a "harder" major (cs being considered more rigorous than criminal justice). I also think if he doesn't want to do law enforcement forever, the cs or engineering would open other job prospects.

 

My DH works in law enforcement and he got a degree in accounting. He got his job training at the academy. The people he works with have all kinds of degrees-biology, finance, spanish, cs, education, psychology, criminal justice, and others I am not thinking of right now.

[MedicMom]

I know a lot of scrawny guys who are LEOs. The current crop of hires for our county sherriff all look to me to be about 12 years old. I'm not even sure they have to shave yet.

 

My cousin went the Air Force/MP route. They paid for his BS in criminal justice and he now loves his job as head of security for a large casino. He wanted to be a state trooper but likes this much better.

[livetoread]

Those in the CS field might know more about this, but I would guess that unless he was actively doing CS for his law enforcement job, it wouldn't be a great back up major because things change so quickly. If he were to practice traditional law enforcement for a few years and then try and go back to CS, wouldn't he have to do a fair amount of catch-up training to be marketable?

 

I would guess though, that if he wanted to combine LE and CS all along, there would be plenty of agencies wanting that.

[elegantlion]

Again, thank you all. Now that I'm home, I'll share this with him. I love the wealth of knowledge in the hive. 

[sparrow]

Thanks for posting. I'm reading along with interest. It seems we've had a summer of young men (maybe young women, but I haven't seen anyone chime in yet) seriously thinking about LEO careers. My son surprised me on a walk in July by saying that he's interested. This is the first time he has ever expressed a career interest. Yes, my mama heart flipped when he said it, but it also made a lot of sense, given his personality.

[2ndGenHomeschooler]

I have often heard that it's best to get a degree in a non-law enforcement related field. It is good to have a back-up plan. Career ending injuries are common and some new LEOs decide that it's simply not the job for them.

 

Definitely check out the different types of LE agencies in your state and the requirements for each. In our state we have only city/town police and state troopers. We don't have sheriffs, county police, or separate highway patrol, and corrections is considered its own separate thing. Also, in our state there is no option to pay your own through an academy. You must first be hired by a department and then the pay for all training and equipment. A college degree is not required here but certainly helpful (my DH was one of only 2 in his academy class without one).

 

He should have a clean background free of drug use or substance abuse problems, limited traffic violations, no criminal history, good credit report, consistent work history, decent grades in school, and no allegations (proven or not) of domestic violence. I'm assuming most of these won't be an issue for a teen but something to keep in mind during the college years. :-) Life experience is equally important. My DH's department has turned down applicants with squeaky clean backgrounds because they were lacking any real life experience. Physical fitness and strength is an important part of the testing process but "scrawny" kids make the cut all the time. :-)

 

Also, he should be good at writing. There is an insane amount of paperwork. Think 12 page accident report forms and 2 hours to write an arrest report.

 

My biggest recommendation would be to talk to as many people in LE as possible and really think about if that is the life he wants. It is an important, necessary job that can be very rewarding. It is also extremely stressful and difficult on relationships. My DH works nearly every holiday and special occasion. We have had to reschedule special celebrations only hours before because he gets stuck at work. I attend most events on my own. There is a high risk of injury - and not just from gunfire. My DH has been injured several times and none of his injuries involved a gun. He is sworn at many times a day and called horrible things but seldom ever thanked for what he does. He deals with ridiculous calls on a regular basis. ("My roommate ate my sandwich." "My 8yo won't clean his room.") He sees horrible, hearbreaking things. Many departments are understaffed leading to a lot of overtime and a heavy call volume with not enough officers to respond. The typically low salary can be hard to live on (although some areas are better than others). These things change a person. They are difficult mentally, emotionally, and physically. I don't say this to be discouraging. We desperately need more amazing, eager, young men and women to consider LE. They just need to be aware of the realities and be prepared for them as much as possible. As I said, it CAN be a very rewarding, albeit difficult, job.

[LucyStoner]

Police pay varies but most places, due to strong contracts, they make good money. There aren't many jobs in my area where someone is making $90k+ a year with less than 5 years experience, before any overtime and without an advanced degree required. I don't think that's too much, the work is hard and dangerous but I wouldn't say they are underpaid either, especially with the very strong disability and pension benefits. My friend who is a detective makes more than that with overtime. That's a solid professional level compensation package. I know many people in other fields who make less.

[LucyStoner]

Another thing that helps is fluency in another language commonly used in the area he wants to work.

[Onceuponatime]

Ds has an associates degree in administration of Justice. He is currently a security guard at a big amusement park, but he doesn't want to stay there. He wants to learn lock smithing as a trade now. As long as he pays for it, I don't care.

 

He originally wanted to join the police force, but a lot of things stopped him. One was the physical requirements. Another was all he had learned about the force by the time he got his degree. He did not feel that he was psychologically cut out to handle that kind of pressure. Another thing was he was tired of school and didn't want to pursue a bachelors degree at that time. Even though this area accepted recruits without 4 year degrees, the more education you have, the more benefits you start out with.

 

He did do a lot of personal research as well. A nearby city offered a "citizens law enforcement class" that gave him a taste of the different things a police officer might deal with. He also took security training and certification classes through a private company which helped him not have to start at the very bottom where he works now.

[2ndGenHomeschooler]

Police pay varies but most places, due to strong contracts, they make good money. There aren't many jobs in my area where someone is making $90k+ a year with less than 5 years experience, before any overtime and without an advanced degree required. I don't think that's too much, the work is hard and dangerous but I wouldn't say they are underpaid either, especially with the very strong disability and pension benefits. My friend who is a detective makes more than that with overtime. That's a solid professional level compensation package. I know many people in other fields who make less.

Some areas certainly do offer good salaries to their officers. We live in one of those areas. It's nowhere near $90,000 a year though. We live fairly comfortable, yet simple lifestyle but we have no debt except a mortgage, live in a small house and I teach piano lessons to pay for things like gifts and extra curriculars. We would love to move and have looked for LE jobs in probably 10 different states. Almost everywhere has had a starting salary in the mid 30s to lower 40s. We're just not convinced we could live on that even with the lower COL.

[katilac]

 He says he wouldn't want to do law enforcement long-term, like 30 years, but I can see him doing it for a decade or so and then moving into a related field. 

 

 

He should take into consideration that many of the benefits of a law enforcement career only come in the long-term: higher pay, good private details, pension, and so on. 

[RKWAcademy]

Police pay varies but most places, due to strong contracts, they make good money. There aren't many jobs in my area where someone is making $90k+ a year with less than 5 years experience, before any overtime and without an advanced degree required. I don't think that's too much, the work is hard and dangerous but I wouldn't say they are underpaid either, especially with the very strong disability and pension benefits. My friend who is a detective makes more than that with overtime. That's a solid professional level compensation package. I know many people in other fields who make less.

 

Pay varies wildly if this is true.  We're nowhere near this.  Dh has 20 years as a local LEO, most of it in narcotics investigations.  What's described above is just about the exact opposite of what LE is like in our state.  Do lots of research!

 

My advice would be get a degree in CS and go federal.  At a minimum avoid states without unions, especially the state with the lowest pay in the country.  The only reason we have a comfortable life now is that I worked until we could pay off the house, and will work again to cash-flow college for the kiddos.  I feel for people raising a family on police salary around here.  But my DH loves it and can't imagine doing something different.  I'm an accountant and the thought did cross my mind when I was young that I'd love to work for the IRS's criminal enforcement division.  I can't remember exactly what it is called but it sounded great to me way back when.  They weren't hiring when I finished my master's so I went with public accounting.  The short version is that a financial degree would be good for certain law enforcement areas, too. 

[LucyStoner]

The southern states tend to pay the worst rates.  

 

Honestly the idea of cops making $13-15 an hour like I have heard is possible in places like Mississippi is rather blood chilling.  Why on earth would we want LE officers living at or close to poverty?  That's a major red flag for public safety as far as I am concerned.  That pay is often lowest in higher crime areas is adding insult to injury.  

 

The states with the best LE pay tend to be on the West Coast and NE.  State governments and larger cities tend to pay more than smaller towns and cities.  

[Xahm]

We live in a Southern city and my husband is a police officer. The salary is ok, not great, and the benefits are so-so. Raises are rare these days. A change is in the near future for us. All that said, it isn't all bad and your son isn't crazy for considering it. My recommendations: He should do a ride along and/or whatever training your area has for civilians who want to learn more. Lis different agencies he is interested in (city, county, state, fed, sheriff, etc) Try to meet officer and ask questions, but be sure to find out what agency they work with. Neighboring counties can have very different scheduling, policies about training, methods for handling court dates, etc. Some places near here rotate officers constantly so no one has to work at two am every weekend, while others keep things more stable. I recommend a "real" major rather than criminal justice. Finance and computers seem in demand, but really here they are happy if you can pass their screenings. Practicing shooting would be helpful. The largest number of failures at the academy comes from not passing weapons qualification., but they work on that a lot. Be honest. Loads are also kicked out for lying, usually about something stupid. Automatic firing here if you are found lying, as I think is right. Private security pays a lot here if you are certified leo, so a lot of officers make more working part time on their days off than they do at work. Some even volunteer two shifts a month for a small city so that they keep up their certification while working private security full time. Sorry for the ramble. I'm on my phone. Hope the perspective helps.

[Lanny]

The son of one of my cousins became an Attorney. He worked as an Attorney for 2 or 3 years. He hated working as an Attorney. Then he became an F.B.I. Agent and now he is much more content.  GL to your DS

[Chess Dad]

Good topic,

 

I have been in Law Enforcement for 20 years now.  I have also been in the Army Reserves for nearly 24 years. This would be my advise for anyone getting into Law Enforcement:

 

1-Get a degree first.  Any degree will give you a leg up on the competition and Computer Science would be an excellent degree.  A Law Enforcement degree is not necessary.

 

2- Get in shape.  There are many people on the street that will challenge you and you won't always be able to talk your way out of a fight.  I've been in several, most officers have.  Some people fight due to alcohol, stress, mental state, etc.  

 

3-Ride a longs are good to get to know what cops do.  You WILL start out on the street, everyone does, but there are many jobs inside a police department (bigger the department, more job areas) Example - horse patrol, bike patrol, detective, etc.

 

4-I suggest going into the Military Guard/Reserve.  I did and it was a great decision.  I will now have two retirement incomes.

NOTE: Most police officers have to get a second job after they retire because a police retirement isn't always great.  Here in KY the retirement isn't too bad, but many police officers still have to get a second job.  Something to think about.  Also, with military experience you will get another leg up on your competition.  I did Army Basic Training while still in college. 

 

5-Keep a clean criminal record.  Police departments don't like criminals...duh.  So, don't get a DUI, Shoplifting, Excessive speeding tickets, drug charges, etc, etc.  Don't get me wrong, you can have a couple of speeding tickets, juvenile stuff...just don't have too many.

 

6-Now to the part that is not Politically Correct.  Some people on the street will not like you because you are a police officer.  There are many people, I'd run into several times over the years, that will hate you because you wear the uniform.  Sorry, but that's reality.  Hate towards the police is growing.  Just know that, continue to do your job, and have thick skin. 

 

7-Make sure your family is supportive, especially your spouse.

 

Final thoughts - Being a cop is extremely rewarding and you get the opportunity to help a lot of people.  It's great to help others!  It makes it worth being a cop.

 

The Bad - You will get into fights, some in the public will hate you, pay isn't the best, high stress, and unknown countless other things.

 

When I applied for police officer jobs, it was many years ago, I had a 4-year degree and I was in the Army Reserves (still am).  This made it easy to get a police officer job.  Today, applying for a police officer job is more competitive.  A degree is vital and military would help a lot. 

 

Good luck with this career choice.  It's a good one!!

Jim W  :patriot:

[RKWAcademy]

Good topic,

 

I have been in Law Enforcement for 20 years now.  I have also been in the Army Reserves for nearly 24 years. This would be my advise for anyone getting into Law Enforcement:

 

1-Get a degree first.  Any degree will give you a leg up on the competition and Computer Science would be an excellent degree.  A Law Enforcement degree is not necessary.

 

2- Get in shape.  There are many people on the street that will challenge you and you won't always be able to talk your way out of a fight.  I've been in several, most officers have.  Some people fight due to alcohol, stress, mental state, etc.  

 

3-Ride a longs are good to get to know what cops do.  You WILL start out on the street, everyone does, but there are many jobs inside a police department (bigger the department, more job areas) Example - horse patrol, bike patrol, detective, etc.

 

4-I suggest going into the Military Guard/Reserve.  I did and it was a great decision.  I will now have two retirement incomes.

NOTE: Most police officers have to get a second job after they retire because a police retirement isn't always great.  Here in KY the retirement isn't too bad, but many police officers still have to get a second job.  Something to think about.  Also, with military experience you will get another leg up on your competition.  I did Army Basic Training while still in college. 

 

5-Keep a clean criminal record.  Police departments don't like criminals...duh.  So, don't get a DUI, Shoplifting, Excessive speeding tickets, drug charges, etc, etc.  Don't get me wrong, you can have a couple of speeding tickets, juvenile stuff...just don't have too many.

 

6-Now to the part that is not Politically Correct.  Some people on the street will not like you because you are a police officer.  There are many people, I'd run into several times over the years, that will hate you because you wear the uniform.  Sorry, but that's reality.  Hate towards the police is growing.  Just know that, continue to do your job, and have thick skin. 

 

7-Make sure your family is supportive, especially your spouse.

 

Final thoughts - Being a cop is extremely rewarding and you get the opportunity to help a lot of people.  It's great to help others!  It makes it worth being a cop.

 

The Bad - You will get into fights, some in the public will hate you, pay isn't the best, high stress, and unknown countless other things.

 

When I applied for police officer jobs, it was many years ago, I had a 4-year degree and I was in the Army Reserves (still am).  This made it easy to get a police officer job.  Today, applying for a police officer job is more competitive.  A degree is vital and military would help a lot. 

 

Good luck with this career choice.  It's a good one!!

Jim W  :patriot:

 

This is an excellent summary.  I agree - a lot of people on the street will hate you.  Sad but you have to get a thick skin because more often than not the person you'll deal with will hate you.  My dh has had people verbally abuse him AFTER he has risked himself to help them.  Very little respect anymore.

 

 

[RKWAcademy]

One more thought - it won't appeal to most - but my dh was k-9 for awhile.  That was very rewarding for him.  The dog was a member of our family and the best friend and partner my husband could have.  We still haven't been able to get another dog because our grieving for him hasn't passed.  To the right person, having a k-9 is a lot of fun.

 

Oh, and ride-alongs are very possible and probably essential.

[elegantlion]

This information is great. I thought someone might hit on something that would stand out as not making him a good candidate. Instead I'm seeing ds in many of the suggestions. His personality would work well, I think. He's very stoic but compassionate, doesn't give a hoot about what anyone thinks of him, and is cool in a crisis. 

 

He even talked to his dad about it. I thought ex might freak out. He didn't, I was surprised. 

[ExcitedMama]

I agree with a lot of the advice above. I'd also advise him to try to get to know a local officer who could give him real inside info on agencies. Depending on the area it can be hard to transfer between agencies and you can lose seniority when you do. In our area there are agencies that are well respected...and ones that aren't by other officers. Obviously this is something that would be hard to know in advance of applying so it would be very helpful to know ahead of time. It would also be good to know what the expectations and requirements are of new officers. Here new sheriffs deputies often have to spend years rotating through stints at the jail or court security before hitting the streets, whereas city agencies they go right out to patrol. You definitely want to know how the economy is going for the agency as the city or county is in charge of the budget. Some localities are more immune from downturns than others which affects raises or layoffs. There can also be step increases for things like being bi-lingual or educational levels. Some agencies will pay for school too which is a great perk if you can find it. You can ge hired without a 4 year degree but you generally need it to promote. Getting the agency to pay for a Masters not only saves money but helps down the road to apply for command level or chief positions.

 

I think CA has some of the highest pay and the money can be great. I have a professional degree and my DH still made more than me. But like others said the benefits are often in the long term, like pension and some agencies have lifetime medical benefits after so many years on so its not always a good short term occupation. There are lots of LEO options though so if he really likes computers he should look into the FBI and larger agencies that have specialized computer related teams.