Thinking about a career change into law enforcement

[dbot]

So I've been thinking about changing jobs for a while now. I majored in Mechanical Engineering and have been applying to couple different places.

Recently I've been thinking about getting into criminal investigation. I wanted to get in on the federal level, however that is tough to do with no investigative experience.

So I then started looking into my local police department. It would be taking a paycut, but I really don't think money is the issue if I am really enjoying what I do everyday (which is not the case now).

Also, they have really great benefits, and would allow me to move into being a detective or special unit investigator after I get some years of experience under my belt.

For those of you who are in law enforcement, tell me about what you went through and how your experience has been so far.

Thanks for any input.

 

[ric1287]

well with your education, it wouldn't take long to move up through the ranks. After probation and a couple years on you could move to the federal level easily.

 

[Agentbolt]

Dude, police departments around the country hire people who barely passed high school. The requirements to be a cop generally involve a pulse and no felonies on your record, and even the 2nd one gets ignored sometimes.

All you need to do is call your police department, ask to go on a ride-along, and pepper the cop with as many questions as you want. The cop will also be able to point you in the right direction to get the ball rolling on this.

 

[se7en]

Money may not be great in the legal tax paying form but what about all the under-the-table perks?

Also what about all the crooked things they do? Not to mention underage girls+ sex in patrol cars = hawt!

 

[ric1287]

wow, ignorant much? Are you 2 seriously that stupid or just 14 years old?

OP, i wouldn't rely to heavily on advice from this forum, but go on a couple ride-alongs and talk to officers.

 

[Kirby]

Send a PM to userman. He's a copper.

 

[dbot]

Bump for the weekday crew!

 

[se7en]

Originally posted by: ric1287
wow, ignorant much? Are you 2 seriously that stupid or just 14 years old?

Just read the news as most people do and you could also credit the fact my head isn't in 2 feet up my rear.

 

[Red Dawn]

Must like Donuts

 

[TallBill]

If it's something that you will enjoy, then its an awesome job. I didn't even like it that much, and time flew every night that I worked. State of federal retirement is very nice as well.

 

[TallBill]

Red Dawn, who doesn't like donuts?

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: ric1287
wow, ignorant much? Are you 2 seriously that stupid or just 14 years old?

OP, i wouldn't rely to heavily on advice from this forum, but go on a couple ride-alongs and talk to officers.

QFT

asking this question on this forum is like Hitler asking all the Jews in concentration camps whether they like him or not....
This forum is so biased against police, it's not even funny.

 

[TallBill]

Looking for more info from ATOT officers...

All the OP has to do is figure out who is a cop. There are quite a few on here.

 

[sandorski]

Go for the head, they go down faster.