Shot in the Dark
 

I know this is a shot in the dark, but I am thinking about becoming a Police Officer. Anyone on here have any knowledge on what it takes to become one. I have a list of general questions on what it takes to get a foot in the door. Keep in mind that this is just a thought. Questions are as follows:

Is there any college requirements, if so, how many hrs ?
What is the pay rate?
What are the physical standards on becoming one?
What are the risks?


I might have more questions at a later time, so bare with me. This is a serious post, so please no b/s comments.

My father has been an officer for 16 years. Be prepared to see things not many see. He does well money wise, has not always been that way. Worked his way up, makes roughly 65k a year.

Certain amount of college hours or military experience.
He works 12 hour shifts and I would like to say its over 30/hr.

Dangers: depression, lost time with family, death, injury, not being there for family, midnight shift you dont see family...

Positives: awesome health/dental, decent retirement, discounts at food places..

Physical includes running, hand to hand, defensive tactics, pistol and rifle qualification, knowledge of the law...

If you are seriously interested, see if you can take a ride with one someday. Interesting to say the least.

My brother is an officer and has no college background. He went through the police academy and that was it. I'm not poking fun here but, you need to be in shape. There are certain tests that you will take at the academy that are about endurance and speed.

If you really are serious about this, give me a call and I will put you in touch with our police chief here. He's my neighbor and a great guy. He could tell you what is required in this state. Or, I can put you in touch with my brother but, the requirements may be different in Oklahoma than they are here.

Jordan could do a job shadow.


BTW, this is an interesting thread title.

They have a ride along program. At least here in north texas

I work for the CPSO you have to start out in the jail 99% of the time and do atleast 1 year or more. In that first year you should be able to go the academy which is required to go to patrol. Once you are able to patrol you have to complete 1 1/2 miles in 16min 30sec 30 push ups and sit ups. Starting pay is around 25k a year once you go the academy you get a $500 state supplemental pay. And you get a pay increase every 3 years or so. The pay now is alot better now than when i started 11 years ago (took home $1200 a month). But if you dont know how to reason with people or have ZERO patience i wouldnt recomend become a LEO. But when you help people that really need you help it is very gratifying but there are days when you wanna just hang it up and do something were you dont have to deal with anyone.

Just thinking about it. That's all. Not willing to pursue until I know I can do it and can put forth all effort towards it

Thanks for the information. It is greatly appreciated. Our town does not have a Ride along program

My niece's husband was a sheriff's depity in Deridder.
From my association with him, they are not too picky
about who they hire.
He quit once and was fired twice. Then he went to
Eunice and got fired from there too.
He had to take a test to get hired at New Llano, but
he failed it both times. He had to pay for the testing,
$750 per test. They are a lil more strict in their hiring
process.

Cameron Sheriff has a 7/7 schedule. Move to Big Lake, fish 7 days, work 7 days.

See if lc or beaumont has a ride along program. Will give you a better idea of what you would do everyday.

When I rode with my dad, worked a couple wrecks, pulled some people over (he let the elderly and pregnant women off with a reminder to watch speed), and he worked an alarm call.

IronMan . . . . . . . only person that can point you in the right direction of awesome tactics and takedowns

Dont forget knowledge of the law...official police business!

Jordan, I'm at the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. PM me your number and I'll call you and give you the information you're after...LL

LL, PM sent. Thanks to all who have helped.

LC for sure has a ride along program.

Yes they do. I got to ride in the back of one. Had the handcuffs on and everything. Lol. Not as fun as you may think.

Especially when they slam on the brakes to miss that dog in the road. ;)

EVO

AKA a screen test.:rolleyes:

Yep as well as Jennings and Na****oches . . . . . . FAIL

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew that was coming!

My Two Cents
 

First of all, you have to really have your heart in the job. I am Reverse Deputy and I really enjoy the job. I went through all the same training as full time deputy and completed the FTO program. I perform the same duties and have same enforcement power as a regular paid deputy but I do it all for NO PAY! Like was previously posted you have to be able to deal with people who may or may not welcome your presence, and most of all you have to be able to ensure that you return home after every shift to your family, you are No. 1. Physical training in not that bad, nor is any of the other training as long as you want it. Hope this helps somewhat.

This is just my experience. I was a deputy for three years. I worked in the prison. I went through both post corrections training and state post certification. If u decide to go with the sheriffs office remember that is very political. It's not what u know or how many years u have. It's who u know. That decides where u go. The sheriffs office can fire u on the spot with no severance pay or anything. With a police department u have union protection. I now work in the plants making triple the pay and work less hours.
IMHO

There are civil service test you can take, if you score in the 90% or up they will give you an app, college isn't necessary, but it helps! Most of the time the physical requirements is running 1.5 miles in less then 14 minutes, 22 pushups and 35 sit ups minimum for male under 35. Most departments that I've applied had several parts of the hiring process,civil service test, Polygraph test, drug test, physical fitness assessment, health assessments, mental assessments, 3 separate interviews. and at the end of it all you might not get hired! a little advice don't apply at more then one department at a time, if they think you want to work somewhere else they won't hire you. a police department only wants people who want to work for them and not move around. the training is intense and cost a lot, BRPD did a study for every police officer they hire it cost them over 100k for there first year. that includes equipment, car, training and salary. that first year salary is less then 30k. the POST academy is very strict on time and excellence, most post courses you start by running 1.5 miles a day and at the end of the academy you run up to 6 miles. there is a lot of people who fail the post academy for being late, or not passing the test, its 10 weeks of craming info and things that will help you survive the streets. if you think your up to it GOOD LUCK!

Jordan. Don't be so cautious. You won't get it if you tip toe. If you wanna be a cop, jump in with both feet and get it done!!! I admire you for even considering it, but testing the waters to me is nothing more than looking for a reason to not do it????

just trying to get all the information i can before i jump in with both feet. Making sure i have what it takes to become a cop. I deal with people all day, every day.

this helps. Best of luck to you Jordan. Your area is not as hectic or crazy as some larger areas, so it will be a different experience (more than likely) than what I posted on the first page.

i understand that Jared. I talked with a Local officer last night. Said they wasnt doing much hiring at the moment, but the SO was hiring (political as said previously). Still trying to weigh the pro's vs. con's. Going to try and see if I can get on a few ride-along programs (not the kind Jason got to go on).