Expert: Dick Rogers - 7/2/2007

Question
Dear D. Rogers,
         Hello, my name is Mike. I am sixteen years old and have high hopes to become a New York State Trooper. I am curious if there is any way to gain an advantage at this age. In other words, is there any way to make me stand out from the rest of the candidates when I do go through the hiring process?(excluding ride-along programs because I have already asked around for them and no departments have them around me.) Also, do you have any idea of the chances of relocation?  

Answer
Mike, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself as a good candidate.  Firstly, plan to attend college...most agencies hire college graduates.  The usual majors center on police administration or criminal justice.  I'm not totally convinced that this background is necessary but it is part of the "hoop" concept that people have to jump through.  Also, as we are products of the many "inputs" we experience, live a clean life...no drugs, arrests, crazy mindless weekends, etc.  Hopefully, you are a common sense kind of person who has a good intuitive mind.  It wouldn't hurt if you learned a language that is helpful in law enforcement, i.e., spanish.  I'm not sure what you mean by "chances of relocation.  Perhaps you mean moving to a state where you would stand a better chance of employment?  Hope this helps.