Expert: Jim Pastore - 2/3/2009

Question
I will be retiring from the Air Force in 4 short years, at the age of 39.  My wife is originally from Ohio and we would like to retire there, however we are actually Florida residents.  While I would also love to retire to Ohio, is just seems that getting a job in LE there is very competitive and can take several years.  My wife is a nurse, so we could honestly relocate anywhere.  

I have a top secret clearance in the military so my background is clean, an Associate's degree, will have a Bachelor's before I retire, and the physical fitness requirements will not be a problem.  What I'm looking for is advice to transition from the Air Force into a LEO with a minimal time in between the two careers. Is this possible?  From what I have read, it seems that currently LEO positions in Ohio are hard to come by...and Florida may be a better option.  Is it easier to get a job in Ohio once you are an officer, as a transfer, or would that be just as difficult?  How much experience would I need?

We are currently overseas and unfortunately the internet is my only way of obtaining information for now.  Any and all advice you could provide me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Robert,

     Right now job's are probably no better in Florida then Ohio. Lee County which is where I relocated to from Ohio just put on a hiring freeze that will for sure last this year and the Sheriff say's it go though 2010. My former Department in Ohio laid off some guy's but have since passed a levy and are calling people back. To be honest I don't expect the freeze to last in either State passed this year. They are just to short handed now to keep it up.

    Either place you will have to complete the basic Police Academy which is about 600 hrs. give or take a few. Ohio has a lot of civil service Departments which would be a plus having an honorable discharge, as you will get 20% added on to your passing score for the entrance exam. I don't know of any lateral entry from the military though. Another plus is once you turn 40 your protected by the age discrimination laws. Between 36 and 39 your not. The reason that is importance is that many Departments in Ohio have an age limit of 35. But once you turn 40 they can't discriminate. A guy I worked with in Ohio was the office that they (the Federal Government) decided that law on in the very late 70's or early 80's.

    A lot of Departments in Ohio as well as Florida have a reserve force also. By getting into that you can at least complete the academy and spend some time on the street where they will get to know you and your work ethic. That is how I got hired in the 70's.

    My wife is also a nurse. There are not a ton of nursing jobs in Ohio these day's. However in Florida she has now gotten into marketing for a major nursing home company and loves it. The pay is better then the hands on nursing side and the hours are day turn, weekends off. There is still a big demand for nurses here though in Florida.

    I hop this helped out somewhat. If you need more help don't hesitate to write. And thank you for your service to our country. Keep your head down and best of luck.

Jim