What advice do you have for a Marine who is trying to get a job with local police?

2016-05-13T08:15:54-04:00

Help getting a county police job for a outstanding Marine in the reserves. Any tips or recommendations?

He tries but it seems weird non-issues slow him down.

Please suggest input.
Thanks!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 13 at 2016 9:04 AM

2016-05-13T09:04:58-04:00

Define non-issues, because most Marines I know have had zero issue getting jobs with local police. Of course the big question is if the department is currently hiring. He can go to the career fairs at any local bases and they typically have police recruiters at every career fair I've been to. Have him talk to someone who actually deals with hiring, see what the requirements are and then go out and surpass those requirements.

Response by PO1 Patricio Serrant made May 13 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-05-13T09:24:20-04:00

He needs to get out there and start applying. What kind of police department he wants to be with. They are a ton of those who are looking for people like your friend. I work for an excellent Dept who is always looking for people like him. Process is not open right now but it opens twice a year.

Also, what ever happens remind him not to give up. When I first started I got turned down a lot and did not to get discouraged. Preserverance always wins which is I'm sure a trait he has.

https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/WorkingfortheCity/PublicSafetyEmployment/index.htm

Good luck to him.

Public Safety Employment @ AuroraGov.Org

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 9:37 AM

2016-05-13T09:37:52-04:00

A great deal depends on whether he is trying to get in with municipal, metro or county. Sounds like "local" equates to municipal. When I left AD, I went through the process of getting an offer from my local city police, was given the offer, and ultimately, received a better offer I took instead. Here's my experience:

First, I started looking for hiring departments close to where I wanted to live before I left AD. I contacted people at those departments to get a read on what their process was, and what they were looking for. Some city police forces have "revolving doors"...i.e. most guys go in for a year or two to get their certs, then apply to Metro or State. Others, are the "goal hire" for people coming up through county Corrections...but that's normally for the Sheriff's Department (generally speaking, one doesn't become a deputy without a political connection to the department). In my state, having a certification meant you could directly apply, and you could pay for the academy on your own, as part of a scholarship for a CJ degree program, or as a condition of being offered a spot on a local force. I wasn't looking to spend the money, so I went the last route.

I targeted a medium sized force that was looking for permanent, long term minded applicants...it helped that I had formed a connection with the Captain who was in charge of selection. It was small enough I could advance, but large enough that I could get a decent salary. Their deal was that if accepted, they covered the cost of the academy, and paid you while you attended.

They only had three spots, and about a hundred applicants...the initial screenings necked that down a bit, and after a physical, PT exam, practical test, and interviews, I had the offer. Candidates that made the cut, but came in fourth and down, were offered alternate spots-that means the number 4 guy got my offer when I went the other way.

From what I could ascertain, the academy isn't really a "joke"...but for anyone with military experience and in reasonably good shape, I'd say its just getting it over with. Unless of course, you're applying to a major metro department like NYPD...I understand those programs can be pretty daunting. Again, no sweat for a Marine. I started training for it about three months before applying, and figure that if I had gone...I'd have been alright, even at the "ripe" age of 30.

Ultimately, I chose not to become a cop because on top of family pressure not to, I needed, and was offered better pay sitting behind a desk.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 13 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-05-13T10:03:10-04:00

Biggest tip is to not act like a Marine. No offense, but they're looking for skills and leaving certain baggage behind. There is no rank on the job when you're dealing with the public. You're the one with the badge that's expected to go the extra mile in "talking the perp down". Anything other means more paperwork and more litigative risk. Regardless where you think your writing skills are, you can do better by taking a writing course.

"Non Issues" tells me there's a baggage problem. It could be attitude, superiority issue, etc. that's picked up on and the hiring officials don't want to invest the effort into deprogramming.

Response by SGT Micheal Adams made May 13 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-05-13T10:56:30-04:00

What size city?

Response by SGT Micheal Adams made May 13 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-05-13T10:57:40-04:00

What state and why the SO?

Response by SFC Chris Horton made May 13 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-05-13T11:38:57-04:00

Without being in the polygrapher's seat and not knowing all the facts its nearly impossible to decide why he failed. There are many variables that come into play with polygraphs i.e. the administrators experience, in-house polygraph or contractor etc. I can say that the outcome of the test isn't determined by the fact that someone was able to lie about their name. As far as advice, its fairly simple.

1. Be honest- put everything on the table
2. Do not give excuses- if asked to explain, simply explain and accept responsibility.
3. Dont give up- be persistent, it pays.
4. Get face-time with current employees of the agency. Try several agencies, you will find a home if this is truly what you are seeking. (be aware-most officers dont like having an unknown person thrown into their car, so try and meet one first, then ask for a ride along)
5. Be patient- The Law Enforcement hiring process can be long depending on the agency.

Good luck, stay motivated!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 13 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-05-13T11:40:22-04:00

It probably depends on the county. We have a small department (not much money) and due to that, we lose Deputies on a regular basis to counties with more ability to pay better salaries and benefits. So, it would be easier to get on with a small county, get experience, then move on as they do here.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-05-13T11:59:47-04:00

Not sure why but, my first thought was forget he is a Marine while applying for the job.

Yes, I know, a Marine never stops being a Marine. But, sometimes being a Marine can scare others in the civilian world.

Response by LTC Donald Lee Hackle made May 13 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-05-13T13:38:50-04:00

My experience with the Tulsa PD, which is a good PD, was that prior service in the military or smaller PD's didn't matter for much if you were a dummy and did not learn from your experience. Most PD's will actually provide you a study guide in advance when you apply. That would be my first step.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 13 at 2016 1:51 PM

2016-05-13T13:51:38-04:00

He must break through the good ole boy network.

Response by Capt Tj Feeley made May 13 at 2016 2:59 PM

2016-05-13T14:59:45-04:00

Keep trying, took me 6 years to finally get on.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made May 15 at 2016 1:47 AM

2016-05-15T01:47:50-04:00

If you have the means (sufficient employment) then apply, take proper courses, and become a Reserve Officer in the agency you desire. You get to start doing the job, the Agency gets to teach you, and the Agency gets to evaluate you as a full timer. If money is an issue then apply for non-sworn jobs (dispatcher, parking, animal control, custody). You can turn that into an opportunity for a sworn position very quickly.
Breaking into LE is harder than it should be at times. It's very picky yet takes folk that never should be in it. That can frustrate. Nepotism is huge in every agency also. Most agencies have a ready pool of Reserves to choose from too. Furthermore, agencies are required to test and have an active list of prospects each year. In case a bunch of us quit or die en mass Personel is ready to get new bodies. That being said, it does not mean they hire from those tests every year. So find a way to Adapt and Overcome as Clint says. Go Reserve or non-sworn first. Those "issues" may not be as important at the Reserve/Non sworn level. If the agency passes you for a lesser level they will likely pass you later on.

Response by Cpl Brad MarkW made May 17 at 2016 8:21 AM

2016-05-17T08:21:54-04:00

It would seem that that no matter how irrelevant he thinks those "non-issues" are, they are significant enough to keep him from getting a job. I suggest eliminating all "non-issues" first and then come back here if the unemployment exists.

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made May 17 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-05-17T09:34:05-04:00

Wear your USMC tie bar to the interview, there are a lot of Marines in police departments, let them know who you are from across the room.
Bring a copy of your training record, highlight all firearms, and martial arts training that you have. Make sure to point out all awards and combat experience if you have any.
Police departments are looking for people who can deal with stressful situations. They are looking for people who can operate without instruction, and they are looking for physically fit individuals.
You will do fine.
Let me suggest that you go to USAJOBS and try the job code 1800 in your search, this is like an MOS code for the federal gov, there are aprox 130 federal law enforcement agencies. Some are very small like the supreme court police. No normal person would ever think to look for that job but the job classification will show up under 1800
good luck Devil Dog
Semper Fi
Josh Caldwell
Retired Federal Air Marshal

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-05-17T09:41:15-04:00

First, make the resume is solid. Give it to someone else for review. After application is submitted, talk to the HR office and inquire as to the process. Be timely in submitting requirements. Many LE agencies are hiring. Don't put everything into one. It is often easier to lateral to a position than go straight in. Be yourself! Be confident, but not arrogant. The work ethic of Marines is what many agencies are looking for so don't hide it.
Just a couple thoughts...

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made May 17 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-05-17T11:15:07-04:00

Oh Bless the Marine!!! First off, tell him to Gear it back a bit. What works for the Corps, is often way too much for most law enforcement slots in the beginning. The problem I have heard some of my friends having, is that we are trained so deeply in teamwork, and knowing that everyone on your team knows the way you will react, because that's how we're trained. The thing is, often a law enforcement officer is a Team unto themselves, until backup can get there, so RE-Training is often necessary in some areas, but the drive, the push to complete the mission will make him a great officer!
Just make sure you whisper in the his ear now and then, "Hey, chillax... they can't shave your head and send you back to the Rock..." Which usually gets a snort of laughter, and a moment of slow exhale...
Mazel Tov on the job... its a good one for a Marine, because it puts so much of our training into play.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 17 at 2016 1:51 PM

2016-05-17T13:51:42-04:00

Whether active duty or Reserve if you're in S California I highly encourage applying with DHS and the Border Patrol. These are two outstanding law enforcement orgs. Even considering the Federal Bureau of Prisons. remember these are law enforcement jobs but not police per se. Marine Corps boot camp time and in the reserves is something law enforcement agencies admire (im a retired Gs 13 , 1801 with DHS). I would suggest the shotgun effect and apply w as many agencies as possible

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 17 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-05-17T17:39:09-04:00

Contact the Department in question and go from there. Any department website will have FAQ pages and he can always call and get assistance.

He needs to put in some work and do his research and network. Strangers on a forum can't give you much more than that advice.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 17 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-05-17T18:40:41-04:00

If "weird non-isssues" slow him down, is he really suited to be a police officer....?

Response by LCpl Steve Smith made May 18 at 2016 11:37 PM

2016-05-18T23:37:55-04:00

don't mean to dig bit what are the non-issues slowing him down? it might help to know them so the advise you get may be more targeted.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-05-24T10:26:00-04:00

Be truthful in your personal history statement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 11:14 PM

2019-11-24T23:14:37-05:00

I think it's a good idea for a solder to go into a police department, I did, and latter the military training made getting into a SWAT team easy. To bad the young guys didn't know that, I always ran them into the ground, being Airborne Infantry. Lol