Expert: William Payne - 10/21/2010

Question
I'm currently in the military and plan on getting out to join the police. I've always wanted to be in law enforcement. I have a couple years left so I'd like to know a few things before getting out. I have had a couple speeding tickets from when I was first licensed. I was wondering if that would have a major effect in becoming a police officer? I'd like to be a state trooper, but I don't know anything about the process, the schooling needed, or how long it takes. I would just like to know everything I can about becoming a cop/state trooper. I know I can start processing out of the military about a year out from my last day, so if there's a way I can start the job as a police officer within a couple days of being out, I want to do my best in setting that up. Thanks for you time.

Answer
Matt,


Thanks for the question.

One option you may want to consider while still on active duty is participating in a Police Officer Reserve Program. Usually it is a volunteer position, but you receive most if not all of the same training as the full-time police officers. This would give you a great deal of insight as to what a law enforcement officer actually does on a daily basis, and you will find out if it is the career for you.

Check with some of the local police agencies where you are located and see if they have a Reserve Program. Some Technical or Junior Colleges also offer Reserve Police Officer Training and you receive college credits at the same time.

Start applying for jobs about 6 months from your discharge date, especially for larger agencies. Sometimes the hiring process can take up to that long or more, usually less for smaller agencies.

The speeding tickets should not be a factor if some time has elapsed without any other violations/warnings. Agencies mostly look for bad driving habits or serious moving violations not just a ticket or two.

Good luck and best wishes!