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Jordan · #1 12-27-2011, 11:48 AM

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.

mcjaredsandwich · #2 12-27-2011, 11:59 AM

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.

southern151 · #3 12-27-2011, 12:07 PM

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.

Salty · #4 12-27-2011, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich

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.

Jordan could do a job shadow.

BTW, this is an interesting thread title.

mcjaredsandwich · #5 12-27-2011, 12:17 PM

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

bayoublack · #6 12-27-2011, 12:25 PM

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.

Jordan · #7 12-27-2011, 12:27 PM

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

Jordan · #8 12-27-2011, 12:29 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayoublack

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.

Ray · #9 12-27-2011, 12:31 PM

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.

Ray · #10 12-27-2011, 12:33 PM

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

mcjaredsandwich · #11 12-27-2011, 12:33 PM

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.

SaltyShaw · #12 12-27-2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich

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

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

mcjaredsandwich · #13 12-27-2011, 12:58 PM

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

LouisianaLonghorn · #14 12-27-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

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.

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