Cops on the fourm chime in please...

Clean background + good morale character + college degree + military service = shoe in!

 

Yes my recruiter told me to go to school...Get 15 credit hours and come back...Well I was gonna jump on that fast...But this job im at now found me. I loved it at first but now it's getting old. But the pay is great!!!

 

One thing holding me back is my credit...It's ok, But I have one charge off from 3yrs. ago. Im gonna contact that creditor and see about paying it off. It's only about $500

 

ive been wanting to be a police officer my whole life. I turn 21 next month, have some college classes, have military experience, hs diploma, but nobody is hiring in the state of Az. That is where i would like to stay, because i am engaged and y fiance doesnt want to move too far from her dad, who just had a kidney transplant couple years back.

I wish the economy would get better so i can get the job i want.

 

I've been with ^^^ for 15 years and live out past Lake Conroe. Best of both worlds. The drive sucks but I'm far enough away from Houston to get away from the crap. As far as money and cost of living I can't think of a better place. I have several DPS buddies and they are amazed at what we make. But if you don't wnat to work here I would recommend San Antonio PD (nice pay and location) and Dallas PD...

Trust me, after being lied to and crapped on for awhile you'll get he hang of it.

DPS is great but it really depends on what you want to do. As you know they write a lot of tickets. Even though they do lots of other things, places like HPD/San Antonio/Dallas will broaden your experience. You'll deal with SEVERAL different types of calls everyday working in the inner city then you would if you worked out in the middle of nowhere. Also when you decide what you really like to do (write tickets/homicide/narcotics/robbery/Major offenders/etc) there is more room for advancement.

Good luck. Go onto the Houston Chronicle (chron.com) and pull up city employees salaries. Not bad compared to our cost of living down here. Like I said, if I had to choose another Dept I would probably choose San Antonio. I hear a lot of good things about them.

 

I wouldn't rush to "shoe in" Lots of places don't have money to hire new cops. Same thing with getting into the military- They aren't looking to hire a lot right now so you gotta be a pretty solid candidate to warrant them spending their money with you.

That being said- If it's your dream- Don't give up, but be ready to have to work pretty hard at it. You may have to move, work other jobs until a spot opens, consider other departments to get a start and then transfer.

LE is an awesome job. And you might feel that you are a softie, but you'll learn all sorts of stuff that'll help you do the job when it's work hours and still be you off duty. Bet the first time someone tries to kill you or lie to you you'll realize that you are tougher than you think.

 

I think a low IQ is required, and you were picked on a lot in high school

 

SAPD might also be an option for you. The pay is decent, and it is not a prerequisite to have prior college credit. If you decide to go back to school, the department will increase your pay-grade as you gain credit hours and hit the next tier.

 

im pretty sure you would have to pass a drug test buddy

 

Isn't the San Antonio SWAT team #1 in the nation?
I thought I saw that somewhere

 

I have my two year degree in criminal justice. I am currently waiting to hear back from one of the largest departments in the state. To answer your question (at least in NC) you dont have to live in the jurisdiction you are applying to until you are hired and sign your letter of intent. (Highway Patrol) I can not say what your local department requires it is different everywhere. I say get your Associates degree from a local community college, or if you are 21 go get certified. If you have done drugs recently, just forget about it, ever been arrested for a felony, or major crime forget about it. If you have a education, a clean background, and a good attitude more power to you, go for it i need all the backup i can get.

 

No i think it is LAPD Swat

 

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/64334402.html
They are the best in Texas.
Sorry about not staying on topic...now back to your regularly scheduled discussion......

 

that may be true but you said nation..and Texas is not the whole nation..not trying to be an ass promise
http://forums.officer.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-20995.html

 

If you lived in Texas you would think its the whole nation, because really, we don't care about the other 49.

 

a nation full of steers and queers huh?? just kidding had to say it

 

I use to be a Police Officer in Tulsa, Okla (1973-1978) so maybe I can help.
1. Get as much college as you can. The pay is excellent in Okla and they get to pick and choose so you got to do something that will make you stand out.

2. Get rid of the Police Officer thinking and start thinking Peace Officer. That is where your Law enforcement authority comes from.

3. The retirement has changed since I was there as they now fall under the state retirement system so you may have to work longer than 20 years and draw less retired pay.

4. Ask for a packet and answer all questions 100% truthfully. If you smoked MJ then tell it. Hide nothing because they are going to polygraph you. Trust me the guys on the PD's weren't angels either so they realize you allowed to be young and stupid one time.

5. If you have any convicts in the family you will probably get denied but the answer is no if you don't ask.

6. You will train in a local academy and the academics are ball busters so make sure you have or develop good study habits. Remember the government is giving you a gun to use not to fuck up with and get the city sued.

7. My brother currenly is employed by the Florida highway patrol and they are hiring as well. Pay is shit but it gets your foot in the door. Keep a positive attitude and good luck!!!

 

I have a squeeky clean background. And im going to school this summer.

That's also what my dad told me. Don't lie, Well I don't anyways. And shape up for the academy. Im 5'9" @205lbs. So I need to start loosing weight and quit eating pizza every night...LOL


For everybody else...I do like San Antonio, and ive heard great things about it. But it's not for me. HPD pays alot and has treated my dad great for his 25years of service, But I don't like Houston. Dallas forget it...LOL but Fort worth PD is an option, And definantly OCPD.