Posted on Jun 18, 2015
MP to Civilian Law Enforcement; what do civilian departments think of hiring MPs?
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I have heard some law enforcment agencies don't prefer hiring MPs, is this true and how come? Just curious since I am set on going into civilian law enforcement.
Posted in these groups: 
Military Police Officer (MP)
Civilian Career
Law Enforcement
95B: Military Police
Military Police Officer (MP) Civilian Career Law Enforcement 95B: Military Police
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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SPC Seth Lund, good cops always verify, so stop listening to others and apply.
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Legally they can't discriminate on that basis. I encountered the same thing when I got out where I was told off the record by other cops that they prefer not to hire MPs because of the differences in tactics. They didn't want the nonsense associated with un-training bad habits. I doubt it really makes much of a difference these days since the line between para-military LE agencies and actual military is more blurred than ever.
If you're concerned about it, then tailor your resume to emphasize your security, anti-terrorism, and combat training, and downplay your LE training. Either way you'll still have to pass their physical agility test, background investigation, and, in most places, a polygraph.
You might also want to look into US Marshals, Air Marshals, US State Dept, and DHS Police.
If you're concerned about it, then tailor your resume to emphasize your security, anti-terrorism, and combat training, and downplay your LE training. Either way you'll still have to pass their physical agility test, background investigation, and, in most places, a polygraph.
You might also want to look into US Marshals, Air Marshals, US State Dept, and DHS Police.
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SMSgt David Popwell
SFC Lyden, don't know where you are We have the 7th Special Forces Group here, and the Ranger Training School as well as the HQ SF COM. We always look for former Military. Where do non SWAT people think we get our tactics from?
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SFC Jeff L.
SMSgt David Popwell I can only speak from my own experience, but I did make a point to mention that those concerns are probably less relevant these days since the line between military and para-military are virtually non-existant. Regarding the original discussion topic this young man is hearing it somewhere, so there must still be some reluctance still around. And more to the point, neither the original question nor my response indicated a reluctance to hire military veterans, but a reluctance to hire former MPs.
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Good question SPC (Join to see). I would say it depends. USAMPS has started a pilot wherein eventually all MPs who graduate OSUT and successfully meet/pass the Missouri POST (peace officer standardization test) will also be certified as a police office in Missouri.
It depends, for a few reasons.
1. Some Soldiers, MPs, people with previous experience can be hard headed, and hence to train as they think they already know everything. I would say with MPs transitioning to civilian law enforcement, this could be especially true. So, be humble, and don't be too full of yourself. You have a good basis, but you will still be a new guy... so listen, learn, and don't be a know it all.
2. I would say Soldiers (Service Members) are attractive to law enforcement as they bring discipline, fitness, values, and all the other things you gain in the military.
I think you will find a mixed bag, of former military and former military police.
They key is to make yourself as competive as possible, and be humble.
I applied to be State Trooper (AK) when I was a young troop, as was offered and academy seat, and I applied for the FBI as a young captain, and was offered a position there.
It depends, for a few reasons.
1. Some Soldiers, MPs, people with previous experience can be hard headed, and hence to train as they think they already know everything. I would say with MPs transitioning to civilian law enforcement, this could be especially true. So, be humble, and don't be too full of yourself. You have a good basis, but you will still be a new guy... so listen, learn, and don't be a know it all.
2. I would say Soldiers (Service Members) are attractive to law enforcement as they bring discipline, fitness, values, and all the other things you gain in the military.
I think you will find a mixed bag, of former military and former military police.
They key is to make yourself as competive as possible, and be humble.
I applied to be State Trooper (AK) when I was a young troop, as was offered and academy seat, and I applied for the FBI as a young captain, and was offered a position there.
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SSG Paul Lanciault
I found some departments behind the times and refuse to hear of anything different. Thinking MPs did not know what they were talking about. Sometimes better to move on than be humble. But your right, over all be flexible, humble, competive and move where you find the opportunities.
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SMSgt David Popwell
As I said in another post I am a Chief of Police and would hire any MP, SP MA, CID, OSI, NCIS agent/ person any day of the week ahead of a straight police academy graduate. I am a former Military Criminal Investigator, props to USAMPS. FLETC and the FBI Academy were easy compared to my younger training. Thanks Uncle Sam, don't ever think the civilian side is different, what you are taught is the same as what the Feds are taught. Forms have a different number but exactly the same info and administrivia. :) yes we are armed all the time on and off duty, not as cool as you think. The TV show cops have cool cloths, try buying some to cover you weapon, baggy pants or baggy shirts not at all like T.V NCIS agents wear:)
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