Expert: Dick Rogers - 12/27/2004

Question
Hi Mr. Rogers,

First off, I apologize for such a long message but I hope you will be able to provide an experience opinion. ļ

My name is Nathan, I¡¦m 23 and about to graduate from college.  I'm currently in the application process for the Johnson County sheriff's dept and the police dept in Olathe Kansas.

I applied to 3 local police dept in October and hadn't heard from any of them.  I met a deputy with the sheriff's dept and he recommended that I apply with them.  They began the application process rather quickly and it was really exciting and looks promising.  They just finished my background checks and I'm supposed to go in for my polygraph test in mid Jan.

My problem is, I just recently was contacted by the police dept and they want to begin the application process at the end of Jan.  I have talked with another officer and he said that I would be more valuable to a federal agency - ATF or FBI, if I had street experience with the PD or Highway patrol, which is where I think I would like to end up.  From what I understand, I won't be receiving very much street experience with the sheriff's dept.  On the other hand, the master deputy that I have been in contact with throughout my app process said that I would have more opportunities with them.

Would you happen to have an opinion on my dilemma?  A new Sheriff was just elected and I have been told that it's possible that I would be maintaining the detention center for an extended period of time.  I'm afraid I will lower my chances of continuing my career if I go down the wrong path.  

If I am offered a job with the sheriff¡¦s dept and I accept, it would hurt my record severely if I was to quit and go to the PD if they offer me a position.  At the same time, if I pass up the offer with the sheriff and not start their training, I may not get offered a job with the PD.

I really appreciate any guidance that you may be able to give and hope you have a wonderful day.

Nathan


Answer
The old rock and hard place dilemma.  Well, given your age and the fact that the town you mentioned sounds small (and the county as well), I would step right in and get my career started with a federal agency.  There are two things wrong with local departments:  1. Working for a PD really limits one to the local dynamic...within a few years your job will be fairly routine (watch out for the moments when it isn't)and the opportunities for advancement are quite limited.  2.  With the sheriff's dept. you would have more opportunity to advance or find more fulfilling work, but you are right...the job usually starts in a jail or detention center.  You have a college education...use it for the diverse opportunities inherent in the FBI...you can pick up your "street smarts" from your collegues or find a unique area of the bureau that really appeals to you.  I should point out one truism about local vs. federal work as a cop...in local work you become quite "street smart" but on a federal level, you become exposed to things a bit more sophisticated and as a result your experience tends to be quite a bit more valuable...in other words if you have experience on a federal level you would become more valuable to  your agency.  Hope this helps.  Good luck!