Expert: Loren Stevens - 9/3/2008

Question
hi, I'm currently working for the US army as a cavalry scout/ recon. I'm getting out in about 13 months and I'm just wondering about what other law enforcement jobs there are because i don't really want to be a street cop. i need something more active and a little bit more high speed if you know what i mean. well if you can help me out i would appreciate it.

Answer
Hello Scott,
Sorry for the delay, your question somehow didn't register to me.
Well sir, my opinion will not mean much, given your assumption that being a street cop is not "high speed" enough to scratch your itch.
It depends on the agency, location, shift etc, but I can assure you, that given the right answers to those questions, you'll experience "high speed" aplenty.
And, it depends on the kind of action you seek.
I believe there are something like 53 separate federal law enforcement agencies, and something like 40k in city, county, and state agencies. Then, there are a mountain of regulatory agencies, that enjoy police powers in specific areas.
Keep in mind, that the larger agencies have an abundance of divisions, subdivisions, and subdivisions of subdivisions. There is a wide variety of assignments, with varying degrees of action.
You might be interested in looking at police service with BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) and Tribal police.
Many of these agencies have a jurisdiction larger than some countries. And, they work alot of action alone. Lots of drug cases, clan-labs, and other rackets.
You might think about being a field operative with the CIA or DIA. Although not technically law enforcement, they tend to engage in alot of challenging activity that may interest you.
My counsel to you, is to focus down more specifically what it is you desire, then research agencies that makes for a better fit addressing your interests.
Hope this is helpful to you.
Good Luck, and keep your powder dry.
loren