Thanking About Enrolling in Police Academy

[Ghost Magnum]

I think I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don't give it a try.

 

[Ματθιας]

With the way modern society views LE, the risks, and the stress, every action second guessed, and the general dislike/mistrust, is it really worth it? Theres the change in attitude and relationship once someone/anyone finds out you're LE. Then there's all the people who remember you, but you don't remember them.

Those were the questions I asked myself as I filled out my application to be a State Trooper so many years ago. I ultimately decided it wasn't worth it.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[DeathGrip]

I think I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don't give it a try.

The education will do you good on any application short of a pot farm.

 

[lkabug]

If you really want to be a police office, make it h happen. You will forever be saying "what if " if you dont.. However it is not just another job.
Some here say stay away from the profession, and some of what they say is true. I loved my time in law enforcement. Although there were many "bumps" along the way.
I have taught LEO professionals in some of the most prestigious agencies in the country. I have seen some of the best and worst. You get to decide which you want to be.

 

[DeathGrip]

I have seen some of the best and worst. You get to decide which you want to be.

No matter what you do in life.

 

[Rpg]

Law enforcement can be a great career. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise. If you're good at it, you won't have a problem with anti LEO sentiment. If you're a yahoo, law enforcement isn't a good choice.

Do your research about what percentage of the Academy actually get employed as peace officers after graduation (and the graduation rate), where they get employed and how the departments you're interested in feel about the particular Academy you are thinking of attending. There may be better training programs out there in terms of actually getting a job on graduation.

Brush up on your writing, grammar, diction and spelling. You've made some errors in this stream of posts that would be problematic to employers. Cops spend more time writing than you might think. Your written work product is a huge part of how you are evaluated on the job. Nothing is less fun than being cross examined over your goofs in a report. Spell check and autocorrect aren't your friends. Develop the habit of proof reading your written work before you finalize your work.

Getting into great careers requires sacrifice: the truck may not get fixed up, you may need student loans.

Develop relationships with the law enforcement agencies that interest you. Visit the departments that interest you, ask to speak to the folks involved in hiring (do your research to find out who these folks are): this includes clerical folks and folks who aren't sworn officers as well as the folks who carry badges. Develop a relationship with some of these folks. Keep in touch with them through school. Dress well: no camos, no polo shirts, no boots. Display good grooming. DO NOT carry when you're visiting!

Make a plan about getting a job. Once you have a plan, implement it! It's a long range plan, something you start executing now.

 

[Ghost Magnum]

Law enforcement can be a great career. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise. If you're good at it, you won't have a problem with anti LEO sentiment. If you're a yahoo, law enforcement isn't a good choice.

Do your research about what percentage of the Academy actually get employed as peace officers after graduation (and the graduation rate), where they get employed and how the departments you're interested in feel about the particular Academy you are thinking of attending. There may be better training programs out there in terms of actually getting a job on graduation.

Brush up on your writing, grammar, diction and spelling. You've made some errors in this stream of posts that would be problematic to employers. Cops spend more time writing than you might think. Your written work product is a huge part of how you are evaluated on the job. Nothing is less fun than being cross examined over your goofs in a report. Spell check and autocorrect aren't your friends. Develop the habit of proof reading your written work before you finalize your work.

Getting into great careers requires sacrifice: the truck may not get fixed up, you may need student loans.

Develop relationships with the law enforcement agencies that intest you. Visit the departments that interest you, ask to speak to the folks involved in hiring (do your research to find out who these folks are): this includes clerical folks and folks who aren't sworn officers as well as the folks who carry badges. Develop a relationship with some of these folks. Keep in touch with them through school. Dress well: no camos, no polo shirts, no boots. Display good grooming. DO NOT carry when you're visiting!

Make a plan about getting a job. Once you have a plan, implement it! It's a long range plan, something you start executing now.

I have long term plans. My security job I have now is part of that. I had to choose what to do next. I plan to pay for training next year. But police academy is the best way to go.

I know I made mistakes in my writing. I'm writing this on my phone. I fill out daily reports at work.

 

[4506517]

Let me save you the hassle of the academy, etc.

Just go outside and find a good size tree. Oak, maple, pine, it really doesn't matter. Stand in front of the tree about 12-14 inches away. Start pounding your head against the tree as hard as you can. If you pass out, you've saved yourself about 45% of the hassle. And that's just dealing with other officers, supervisors, and the agency as a whole.

The public is a different matter. Humans will never change.

I went to college and had a career in business before starting in law enforcement. Should have stayed in that career field.

Not sure how some find it rewarding, I find it as more of a grind. I cannot WAIT until retirement.

I understand your experience in security makes you think "why not take the next step?" but I would strongly caution you against it.

It might have been a "great career" years ago, but it definitely isn't for intelligent people or those that think "outside the box".

Like you I thought "I would hate to regret it", but I wish I had done something different. I understand to some extent because in retrospect I wish I had done the military. That's something honorable. This? Well.........

It's your choice. Many folks start and then realize it isn't for them. Some don't realize until it is too late.

 

[Ranger17]

Last year i took the local PD's citizen academy; and found many of the things we learned to be fascinating. Told them that if I was 3 decades younger and more able I could have seen pursuing it more. On the flip side I see and hear what everyone else does these days, and i dont know if I would have the mental make up to be in that career if I would have tried.

I feel that these days it takes the right person to go into that field and be successful; and to anyone who does i say best of luck.
After all if no one enters it what the heck will happen to staffing in depts across this land.

 

[Old cop]

I got out of the service in 1968 w/no credentials other than a drivers license and a HS diploma. Local law enforcement was recruiting vets b/c a lot of their senior officers were retiring so I took a chance. In reality all I saw was a steady paycheck and benefits but found I liked the job and stayed for 30 years. Go for it!

 

[Onomea]

I think I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don't give it a try.

Then give it a try. Go for it!

(When my eldest son graduated college, he wanted to be a professional singer-songwriter. I told him, "I don't think it's gonna work out, but you are young, have few responsibilities, so give it a shot. Don't want to find yourself lamenting at 50 that you coulda been a rock star!

So, he gave it a go. After a coupla years of this one day he said to me, "Dad, poverty sucks!" I laughed with him at the remark, and he went on to a successful career in business.)

When you are young and able, you should absolutely chase your dreams.

 

[Whitwabit]

My DIL's nephew is a newly hired deputy sheriff (18 months on the job).. low man in the department and will work nights for the for seeable future because of ages of the people above him .. Pays not that great and his wife works 2 jobs and he works as a security guard ..

Long hours and low pay for the amount of danger one is always in ..

Good Luck !!

 

[Old 44 Guy]

My granddaughter graduated from the Academy last Nov. She was hired Jan. 1st. as a Deputy sheriff in a county nearby. She loves her job.

 

[mrchuck]

If you are determined to be a police officer go for it. Where there is a will you will find the way to afford it. I don't know how long you have work in the security field but that is experience. I was married and just had my income cut in half. I had 2 sons, I had to get a part time job that would allow me attend classes. I stuck with it, completed my degrees and landed a job working to mental health and substance abuse. If your mind is set up it do it.

I was 38 years old when I went back to collage.

Ahemmm,,, you mis-spelled College.

 

[Ghost Magnum]

I own my own home on my own land. I don't owe payments on any thing.
I'm not married and I don't have kids. Hell, I don't even date.
I will give it a try. It won't bother me at all if I'm only a reserved debuty sheriff. I can also try to be a constable and keep my security job.