I know we have a few Marines here who have become civilan cops and I was just wondering if I could contact you guys about some questions I have. I am interested in going into law encforcemnt. SF
I can answer a lot of questions about Washington State and, specifically, Seattle PD (who, by the way, are heavily recruiting, and we are getting a hefty raise).
As far as State of Mass. goes most departments want some sort of degree if you have no military time under your belt, Most of the departments in the state are hot and heavy for veterans. Human Resources Division
Most of the federal agencies (FBI, DEA etc.) like a 4 year degree, State and local agencies seem to be more willing to take recruits with a 2 year degree or military experience, What most of them are looking for is a track record to stick with the training.
My wife has a 2 year degree in LE - worked for multiple agencies in NC before coming with me to Oki. Narrow down your questions and I am sure I can get the answers for you.
Most federal criminal investigators/special agents require a BA/BS degree as a minimum; those employing uniformed officers often have different standards.
In general - and specific agency requirements aside - military experience is good; a college degree is good. Having both, however, is even better and will put you in pretty good shape.
Also, keep in mind that when any agency posts any requirements, they are the absolute minimum, and since competition is often pretty fierce, it would behoove you to go beyond those minimum requirements in any way you can - get an EMT certification, work on learning a foreign language, etc.
As far as which degree to get, I would say to go for the 4-year degree if you can. Even if a 2-year is all that's required to get hired, see my post about the "minimum", above. Moreover, if you want to move up later on and become a supervisor, investigator, or do something more specialized within the department - something where the 4-year degree might be helpful - you'll already have it knocked out. It's much easier to get it BEFORE you get hired than trying to go to school part time while on the job. Just my opinion.
Originally posted by hlg6016: Most of the federal agencies (FBI, DEA etc.) like a 4 year degree, State and local agencies seem to be more willing to take recruits with a 2 year degree or military experience, What most of them are looking for is a track record to stick with the training.
One of my officers just interviewed with the FBI and he didnt make it. He is a licensed chiropractor, and majored in chemistry in college. There were people with law degeees being turned away from the FBI in the current process. They are very competative. I'm not saying that someone wont make it, they are just very selective.
Other alphabet soup agencies are just as competative, but their requirements are not as stringent.
I would like to work for a department like in the suburbs of a big city, hopfully minneapolis area, My unit is up there and I really like the area. Working federal would be cool but not really what I am looking for. I know alot of those departments up there are about 50+ officers or so, and usually have a part time SWAT team and a K-9 unit. Main reason I want to work in the burbs is I like most of them and wouldent mind living there.
I am re-enlisting and lat moving to MP (also doing security on the deployment to HOA) so Im sure that will at least help.
Is there some stuff I can do as a civilian when I get back and am going to school that can help. I am going to try to get some kind of security job, maybe try to join a police departments reserve unit. But if there are some other things or extra courses I could take please fill me in.
Myabe call and ask if you can get an internship (paid or unpaid) in the police dept where you want to work or near where you want to work, 1-2 days a week.
