Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/14/2008

Question
Hi,im a freshman in high school,i want to know what im going to do before i get out of high school. I know that i want to do somthing in the law enforcement field.I need help finding the name of the job that i want.I want to be the person who figures out what really happend.i think thats called a dective,but i dont know for sure.I like the mystery of it.i like to watch crime shows.i do all the time.please help me out!...Thanks! :)

Answer
Hello Stacey,
There are several approaches you can entertain. However, I think it is prudent to engage in some foundation work first.
See if you can talk with a career counselor at school. See if you can take some aptitude tests, to see if you are suited for police work.
Make sure you can pass the physical testing portion. The point, is to investigate the basics, prior to investing time, effort, expense, and your dreams.
Take some time, and visit various law enforcement agencies in your area. Contact their personnel or human resources office. Collect as much literature as you can, so you can start formulating your vision, with more clarity. You can also discover relevant information on the net, by going to those agencies' web site.
Read as much as you can, about the REAL aspects of the work you seek, NOT the entertainment world vision.
If you are near a college that has a criminal justice program, you might consider buying a couple of the required texts.
Or, you can visit a second hand book store and see if they have police text type books. Even the ones that are out of date, still have value.
Try to see if you can do some volunteer work in some capacity at a law enforcement agency. Along with lending a hand, you'll learn some things, and by osmosis, acquire some knowledge about the culture of this field of employment.
Where you are now, it is important for you to stay out of trouble, and those who get into trouble. Sometimes, just being in proximity gets something splashed on you.
No drugs, or alcohol abuse.
Try to stay in shape, upper body and hand strength are good, as is endurance/stamina.
At school, focus on written and oral communications, computer skill set, possibly a second language.
If you have interests in hobbies, consider selecting ones that have a wider utilitarian value.
If you really want police work in your future, know this...it can be tough getting in.
Approximately 10% or less, of all applicants make it through training, and subsequent probationary period.
You would be hired at the entry level position, NOT as an Investigator per se.
You would be a first responder, service calls, and any proactive activity you can scare up along the way.
Don't confuse yourself with TV police, compared with real police. On TV, they enjoy working one case at a time, rather than juggling 60-120 new cases a month.
Again, make sure you have the aptitude, and there are no physical issues that would eliminate you.
Also, consider your spiritual convictions, or theology.
Make sure you can proceed with the use of deadly force, if the situation warrants it.
Well, maybe this is enough for you to digest and ponder for a while.
Let me know how your preparation efforts are doing, as you go forward.
Good Luck, and regards.
loren