I am looking into getting into law enforcement for when I get out in 2020. Can anyone give me advice?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 22:55:15 -0400

direct messaging is welcomed too and preferred b/c I have and may come up with more questions.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 15 at 2019 11:02 PM

SFC George Smith — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 23:02:53 -0400

Most interesting ...Thanks for the share...
Check With LEO's In The Area You Plan On Going To Know What They Require...

Response by SGT James Hinch made Apr 15 at 2019 11:09 PM

SGT James Hinch — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 23:09:11 -0400

If you have a college degree, go state or federal. Way better benefits. Just remember that you'll never get rich in this job, and pretty much everyone hates you and is looking for you to make a mistake. The only way you can survive in this job is if your heart is in it 100%

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2019 11:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 23:29:18 -0400

While State and Federal have better pay, maybe better benefits, I say go local first. Get a Police or Sheriff job first. This will teach you how to talk to people, how to be safe with suspects, and how to be independent. Officer safety is #1. I’ve been on calls with both state investigators and feds. The always seem to forget or ignore a lot of the basic officer safety issues we deal with everyday. After that, go federal.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 16 at 2019 1:34 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 01:34:15 -0400

Research the organizations that interest you and remember by and large in law enforcement, when you change departments, you train again and start at the bottom again. Same in fire fighting. Chose wisely.

Response by Sgt Justen Ortloff made Apr 19 at 2019 9:20 AM

Sgt Justen Ortloff — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 09:20:23 -0400

Well, I hate to even mention this, but...
The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons is hiring at many different prisons across the country right now, and probably will be in 2020 when you get out. It is a Federal Law Enforcement position, you get paid Law Enforcement pay and benefits, the money is better than most local or state police/sheriff dept. pay, your active duty military will also count towards your retirement. I just retired at 50 with 32 years total service, 23 as a Correctional Officer. The bad news is, the job sucks. But, if, like me back in '95, you need a job, then this one is there, and your military service qualifies you for it. One really cool thing about the job is, I started in Minnesota, then decided to transfer to Florida, and they will pay your move if that's what you want, so... On the other hand, Minnesota State Troopers are needed, no experience needed, but I think they require at least a 2 year degree in any field.

Response by CPL Chris Mensinger made Apr 25 at 2019 8:14 AM

CPL Chris Mensinger — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 08:14:25 -0400

I've worked for 25 years with the California Highway Patrol and am preparing to retire in approximately one month. If your interested in entering law enforcement, I highly recommended a few courses in English. The phrase "you never forget to ride a bicycle" isn't appropriate in regards to writing, it is a perishable skill. I would also make sure your spouse or significant other is prepared for a career of missed birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. The weight of "family" functions is overshadowed by the gravity of shift work. Be prepared to enter one of the most vilified professions, a standard "lay person" with no training or experience will be given more credibility regarding their opinion on tactical and basic law enforcement matters. In regards to what type of agency (city, county, state, or federal) each have their own benefits and disadvantages, I highly recommend to weigh your options prior to any commitment.

The requirements for a college degree are established by the individual agency and are not a necessary prerequisite across the board.
Lastly, develop hobbies and be sure to include your significant other in those.