Becoming an Officer

Everything Patriot said. And... the references you provide will not be the only ones your background investigator relies on. They'll ask those for others, and get at least 3 levels away. So, that dumb thing you did in high school? Go ahead and mention it. If it wasn't an employment deal-breaker, the time between then and now without a repeat, should be considered proof that you've matured in the intervening years.

 

Thank you everyone I spilled everything out as truthful as I could be. I was told I passed the voice detector test so that's a plus but as right now I'm waiting for my backgrounds and references to be cleared...i am in great spirit that this is over and I know I am going to be good with backgrounds being cleare

 

Awesome!!! Good luck!! You are basically on the down hill slope now! hopefully I'll be joining that side of LE within the next year

 

Thank you very much and can't we for more to join also

 

I'm on the corrections side (i don't consider myself LE but department does....to a point)

 

My brother is a CO also at Corcoran state penitentiary. The same one with Charles Manson

 

I'm in the county jail....

 

Ahh ok well be safe out there also

 

thanks i will when i get back

 

I know a lot of officers and deputies having worked within the court system for most of my adult life. My suggestion as some have also said is decided where you want to work, then plan for what you need. Such as if you like the idea of working in the jails and or court houses, then look at your sheriff's office being that's the bulk of where you would end up working, if you want mostly on the streets, then the local city police department, if you want to spend your time on the highway, then your local state highway patrol or state police. I think you see where my suggestions are leading. Also some departments have their own academy that they pay for you to go through which means if you are going to take your own POST training, you have just wasted your time and money. Well it won't be a waste because you will be a hands up going into an agency's own academy, but you know what I mean. I applaud you choosing a career that isn't popular at the moment, we need people who WANT to help others. You might also want to look at the federal side of law enforcement. I have met a few US Marshals over the years and they were great people and loved what they did. Good luck.

 

Feeds require a 4 year degree. my department you don't work mostly jail or courts....it's mostly street. mostly because we have COs....different license. some deputies work the jail not many. i actually thought of going state but i don't think my knee can handle another boot camp

 

Best of luck to you in the career change!!

 

@SlickRick2013Tundra just ALWAYS watch your six! never get compliant....it'll get you killed QUICK. Always give hugs & kisses to the family and tell them you love them....even if you are mad at them.

 

Congrats and you'll do fine.

 

Some states are different. In CA where I just moved out of last year, that's how the breakdown goes.

 

in Nevada deputies start out in the jail then move to the streets. i understood what you were saying. in Texas though it's different