Expert: Chris Wagoner - 12/19/2009

Question
Good morning commander,

First off Sir Ithank you for your service.

As of now I'm honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. I spent 4 years in the infantry. I have no misdemeanors or anything on my record. My current situation at this very moment is I'm applying at a local college and getting a job doing security.

I'm interested in becoming a police officer and becoming part of the family.

Now as I understand Special units require you to be a patrol officers for a period of time.

How long if any is required to be part of a Special Gang Unit? What are the requirements for it? Also sir when competing against other officers what is the process? Would it be a board, marksmanship, and a PFT?

I also have the same questions as above pertaining to The Narcotics Unit.

I would like to prepare myself for any tests in the first steps in becoming a police officer. It would great if you can give me some pointers. If there's anything I should refresh on like english or math etc.

Will going to college and applying be OK? Do you recommend in getting a degree first? I want to go to college but I wouldn't want it to get in the way of a job I would like to have.

When applying to a specific department must I live in that area or do they place me where they need me?

Is there any kind of boot camp or school if I pass the step? How long and would I be living in a barracks or would I be able to go home? I have no kids or wife so it wouldn't bother me at all.

Is there any kind of material I can read to learn the numeric codes for the radio. I heard there's a test for that and rank structure also. so I thought it would be safe to ask just in case. I don't want to come unprepared.

Do all departments train their recruits at the same school?

Say if I didn't pass the initial step or fail the school is there waiting period before I can try again?

Last and very important question sir is where do I apply?

Thank you sir for taking time out of your busy day to answer all of my questions I appreciate it and your service. Stay safe.  

Answer
Hi Antonio,

Since you have quite a few questions there, lets tackle them separately:

Q:How long if any is required to be part of a Special Gang Unit?
A:Most agencies require a minimum of a year, some longer but most are between 1-3 years.

Q:What are the requirements for it?
A:There are none that are specially needed, good communication skills, good writing skills and such.

Q:Also sir when competing against other officers what is the process? Would it be a board, marksmanship, and a PFT?
A:Most special units, other than SWAT consist of an oral board and application process, but thats about it. SWAT would have the other two test you mention.

Q:I also have the same questions as above pertaining to The Narcotics Unit.
A: Same as above.


The answers to your other questions can be found in this booklet I wrote just for people like you interested in getting into law enforcement:
http://dept.sfcollege.edu/IPS/CEW/So%20you%20want%20to%20be%20a%20cop.pdf

Read that and if you still have questions let me know..