Big decision, need some help

[bestbod85]

First off im not sure if this is where i should post this, mods feel free to move it if its not.

i have a decision to make, my wife is a spec. ed teacher and im just starting out trying to make a carreer for myself, my goal is law enforcement.
this past year i took the tests and waited, but unfortunately did not get in.
im 21 and don't have much experience under my belt, so i know i have a long road ahead before i reach my goal, i have recently become a security officer and recieved my guards license, i figure that some security experience might help my resume. recently i talked with an associate of my wife's and he told me the military is one of the quickest ways to become a cop and to gain the experience i will need. i have looked into the marines reserve, 13 weeks of bootcamp, 10 days off then 1 month of combat training and 2 months of infantry training, so i would be away from home for 6 months and after that its one weekend a months and 2 weeks a year - unless i am sent over to serv, my question is with my backround info and my set goal would this be a good step forward or are there better alternatives, any marines out there feel free to share, i need to know if what ill get out of the marines is worth being put through the training and possibly being sent overseas and will it help get me into law enforcement, thanks alot

[Samurai]

Having never served (a MAJOR life's regret of mine), I don't know much about the Marines.

BUT, I have been through a LOT of education and career planning, and I can offer you this advice: ANY direction in your life is better than NO direction. If you want to make a career for yourself, get out there and DO something. If you feel your path leads to the Marine Corps, then by all means, go for it!

John Lennon said that life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. And, that's really true. Don't worry about which "career" you want. A "career" is something you look back on as having done in the past, not something you attain in the present. Just get out there and live. Go do something, and at the end of a full life, you'll look back and realize that, somewhere along the way, you developed a career.

Good luck!

[shooter_john]

You can always get a foot in the door by being a dispatcher or corrections officer. These are also a great way to start learning the policies/ procedures of a department, and as a CO, you can start learning some of the perps you'll be dealing with throughout your career. I also strongly considered the military via the ROTC program when I was in college, but despite the fact that I could do all of the task readily and easily, I didn't meet the height weight requirements. So I began dispatching while I finished college, and upon graduation I got an offer form one of the best departments in state, and I've never looked back!

[sanson]

my dad (about your age) joined the army, did his minimum time, got hired as civilian cop almost immediately. worked for him(and us)

[kennybs plbg]

How about taking a criminal justice class at the local college.

kenny b

[bestbod85]

thanks for the input and great advice.....i have taken a few criminal justice courses at the community college, i would persue becoming a corrections officer first, however i would have to move about 3 hours away (thats the closest hiring prison) and as i said my wife and i just bought a house.
thanks for all your help, if anyone wants to share about their experiences with the military/ marines i would much appreciate it - what did you take away from the experience and how did it work out for you

thanks again!

[lockedcj7]

If you join the military as an MP, SP, etc. You can almost guarantee that you will get plenty of LE training and experience. You will then be a very welcome addition to many agencies. Having military experience as anything else does not make you that much more attractive to LE agencies but it can't hurt.

Unfortunately, you can also guarantee that you will be "called up" from the reserves, placed on active duty and sent to Iraq. There is nothing harder on a young marriage than being apart. Trust me, I know.

I would suggest applying with all of the local departments within an hours' drive, not just the jurisdiction you live in. Once you get on at one dept. it will be easier to make your move closer to home when a postion becomes available.

[shooter_john]

I should have clarified, but by correctional officer I didn't mean at a prison, I mean at your local county or city jail. Many SO's around here require their Deputies to serve a tour in the jail before going on the road anyway.

[trooper3385]

My advise to you, which is worth as much as you paid for it, is if you truly want to go into the military, go for it. If you really want to go into law enforcement right now, keep applying. Larger Dept. are notorious for not hiring applicants on there first go around. It's usually there 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time applying. They want to make sure an applicant truly wants to go into L.E. They want to make sure an applicant has enough dedication, and maturity to reply and it's not just a spur of the moment decision. I was fortunate enough to get in the first time I applied, but out of my recruit class of 112, there was less than 10 that got in on there first time to apply.

[RJay]

I do know that on a several of the posts I've been on, Law enforcement will sometimes come on post to talk to the young troops getting ready to leave the service. You've already learned discipline, how to take orders, how to think, and teamwork. I was accepted into the Border Patrol out of Yuma Proving Grounds that way. However I turned it down to re-enlist. I sometimes wonder how my life would have turned out if I had decided the other way. Oh well.

[DeathRodent]

Heck move - Los Angeles Police and LA County Sheriffs have hundreds of openings each - not only will you get a job you'll get lots of experience too.

[Tbag]

Do you want to end up in Iraq or maybe Iran?

[RJay]

If I was younger and they would take me back in at my retirement grade, In a heartbeat

[evan1293]

Because of the commitment required and what may be asked of you in the armed services, I would whole heartedly tell you to only enlist in the military for a deep desire to be in the military. DO NOT enlist as a means to 'pad your resume' for law enforcement. Ive spoken with many officers at the state and local level and they all told me the same thing.. that military experience is only a minor help in obtaining a position. I was in a similar situation as you, as I too am pursuing LE... However I really wanted to enlist as an mp... even though i was told that for the most part the role of a military mp is so different than a civillian PO that its of little benifit.. for family reasons i choose not to enlist ultimately, but again, if Law enforcement is really what you want, then shoot for that... apply everywhere theres an opening and youll gain a better understanding of how to market yourself as a good candidate for those that will be considering you for a position. ;)

[bestbod85]

thanks for all the great advice guys, i really appreciate it,.... i know i have a lot of questions i need to answer before i can make my decision, on one hand i have a wife and a house, but for some reason i wake up everyday with this "emptyness" like im not doing what i should be, my gut tells me i should be in an action carreer, but i cant tell which one, law enforcement pays well where i am, and is very competitive, the marines also pay well and id recieve the absolute best training there is as well as a lifetime of experience in combat oriented situations, this is a very tough decision for me and its one i wont be taking lightly, thanks again for all your help.

[James K]

Please don't take this wrong, but make sure you want to be a LEO. Far too many young folks want to be a cop so they can swagger around with a gun and dream of playing Dirty Harry. Carrying a gun and shooting is the least of a cop's experience and knowledge. I have known many cops, including me, who never fired a shot on duty. In fact, the gun gets to be such a damned nuisance at times, that you want to throw it away, along with the Mace, the radio, and all the other junk you have to carry, not to mention the "vest".

So if you want a mostly boring and nasty job (looking up a BG's a** for drugs, or cleaning the vomit out of the unit, do not fall under my idea of fun) with, if you are unlucky, a few moments of extreme terror, go for it. Just dump the romantic illusions about blue knights or rescuing fair maidens or Hollywood style shootouts. That doesn't mean it can't be a satisfying job and many times you will have a sense that you did something good. Makes up for the times when you just feel tired and frustrated.

Jim

[Jeff22]

Try to get your associate degree in criminal justice or law enforcement or whatever at the local technical college. At least 60 college credits are a requirement to be hired in my state -- I don't know about where you're at.

Consider enlisting in the Guard or Reserve as an MP in the Army or Marine Corps or as a Security Forces member in the Air Force. However, the MP-type mission in the military has changed over time to be more combat support and less law enforcement oriented. The AF did away with law enforcement as a separate specialty in 1997 or so. So, some of the training that you receive will be relevant to being a civilian police officer, and much of it would not.

Also consider going through EMT school and volunteering on a local ambulance service, if that's possible -- EMT training is usually a positive thing to have in your background, and riding as an EMT will put you into situations where you function under pressure and have to make important decisions quickly, such as at a car accident scene. It's also a way for the local cops to get to know who you are.

And it can be difficult to get hired on as an officer at 21, but it'll be easier at 25, provided that you have established a good employment history and don't have credit problems or traffic citations or other violations in your past.

[allenomics]

Yes, an Honorable Discharge or active service with excellent training, credentials and references should help you gain employment in any profession. As an employer I would view this type of applicant favorably.

[chrisandclauida2]

security experience is a waste. the military is good but you shouldn't need either. becoming a police officer isn't about experience . it is about integrity train ability and willingness to do the job.

unless you failed some part of the testing you will get in. if not in your city you will have opportunity if you widen your search.

there is such a shortage of police officers i cant see you not getting a job.

apply in the larger cities and growing cities. it shouldn't take more than 6 months to get a job in this field..

for instance i live in phoenix az. most apply at several departments at once. we have about 15 cities the county sheriff and highway patrol. those who only apply at one might have to wait thru a few cycles. it depends on what hiring quotas they have[thank you federal government and the strings attached to your money] and who is testing with you.

on the other hand those who apply at say the county the state and phoenix glendale mesa tempe and avondale will most likely get more than one job offer from those departments. just because they didn't get an offer from all doesnt mean they should enlist in the military or go to college to get a degree. \\

at 21 your a highly desirable applicant. you can learn you dont have years of prelearning at a different agency to get trained out of you and you will most likely stay several years. dont give up. dont enlist and commit to years in something you dont really want to do when you dont meed to.

[tepin]

Bestbod85,
My advice is to get out of the security guard stuff and find ANYTHING else while you are trying to find yourself. Like it or not, there is a stigma associated with security guards and that line of work. This isn’t meant to offend anyone; it’s just a matter of fact. Don’t ever list “security guard” on a job application. My opinion; my $.02

You need to surround yourself with positive people and individuals you can look to for advice. Check with your County Sheriffs office about intern work or if that doesn’t pay so well, work somewhere else but signup for volunteer positions with the County Sheriffs office. You can get your feet wet, get to know people and eventually someone might help walk you through the process of becoming a licensed deputy. Get your education while with the county and work your way up the chain. Look for grants and scholarships. Burn all the Visa credit card applications you get in the mail.

If you are seriously considering the military, take a look at the types of people organizations like blackwaterusa.com are looking for. Maybe call their recruiting office and tell them you are looking at joining the military and you are interested in knowing which branch, field and specialty you should consider so that when you leave the military your experience and skills are well aligned with the higher-end and high paying positions in the private sector.

Good luck.

[bestbod85]

well, after MUCH consideration i've decided to give it a shot, it suits me and i think i can gain alot by joining the reserves, not to mention the training i'll recieve.

I had no idea that security guard work was actually a NEGITIVE on my resume, it's the only reason i've been putting up with it!.
thanks alot guys, you've really helped me make an informed decision. i feel confident that this will help me in my career goals, thanks again.

bestbod85

[jr05]

"well, after MUCH consideration i've decided to give it a shot, it suits me and i think i can gain alot by joining the reserves, not to mention the training i'll recieve."

bestbod85,
It sounds like you have given it some thought and decided on a path you would like to take, which is great. I just want to reiterate what others have said to make sure you are making the right decision...

If you are set on becoming a LEO and are only joining the military to get some experience to make a better resume, I recommend you reconsider enlisting. There are numerous opportunities out there which would be a better option for you.

If you are thinking of enlisting because you would like to be in the military, and are thinking it would be nice to be a LEO later in life...then by all means, go for it. I just want to emphasis the point that you should not join the military for an alternative purpose (my opinion). Also, by joining now, the 1 weekend a month and two weeks a year will most likely turn into 2 years overseas....which is extremely tough when you just bought a house with your wife.

Whatever you choose, I hope it is the right decision for you and I wish you the best.

Good Luck,
Jason

[wetdawg]

bestbod85,
my two cents.
After 24 years active and reserve duty in the Army, I'd echo the sentiments of many others who've already posted.

Join whichever branch of service BECAUSE YOU WANT TO SERVE.

Get pre-enlistment documents in your hands to validate your enlistment before you sign the related contracts - there are still unscrupulous recruiting practices being used to fill the quotas.

Do your best.

As a commissioned officer, I can't number the junior enlisted soldiers who've stood in front of my desk, because they were not willing to adhere to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and it started their downward spiral out of the service. I can also say that one strike was enough for many to get them on the straight and narrow path. Success and promotions follow - but it's not like applying for a new job. You're in that billet for a tour of service.
Capitalize on your capability with firearms, but don't be a braggart. It'll start you on the wrong foot - prove your mettle.

That is all.

[5whiskey]

BestBod...

It's very interesting you would post this. I am a seargent in the Marine Corps (active duty) about to get out after a bit over 4 years. Now I wasn't like you in that I joined just to be in the Corps. I wasn't looking ahead or trying to jockey for a resume pad, but it turns out that I have one. I pray you read this as I think I have some sage advice to pass on.

First off... Wetdawg hit it on the head. You can join with the future job in mind as a very nice benifit, but don't join unless you actually want to serve. Also, his advice on recruiting practices and pre-enlistment contracts is very sound. I won't tell my story by the numbers, but I was promised 3000 dollars as an enlistment bonus that I never saw because I never saw it in writing. What really makes me mad about it is the fact that I planned on joining anyway, even without the money.

Number two... if you join, make your time worth it. I've seen too many kids join up and then look for ways to get out. I've even seen some people do drugs just to force getting kicked out. Life is what you make of it. If YOU sign the contract then YOU are expected to abide by it. You're signing away a portion of your life, don't do like some and sit & feel sorry for yourself because you're not a civilian. Make the best out of your time and service that you possibly can. Do the right thing and pick up the leadership ball as soon as someone drops it (and someone will). Better you do your time well and get out as a Seargent Squad Leader than to get out as a Lance Corporal terd. Do the RIGHT THING!!!

Number three... there is some amazing training in the Marine Corps (or Army or any other branch, but I'm still partial to the Corps), so take full advantage of it. You would be amazed at what can happen when you request to go to a school. I found out after 2 1/2 years in that if I basically do the right thing and really show an interest in learning how to (example, rock climbing, hence I get sent to assault climbers course) do something, then all I have to do is ask and I will more than likely be sent to that school. Infantry does have a few more options with that, though. If you're an MP, you will actually work (other than training) when you're in the states. I would advise you to look at the infantry, ask someone who has been there. Most LE looks favorably on infantry as well as MP.

The main thing is this. Serve because you want to serve. Many here have said that already. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. Oh yeah... one more thing. I don't know how long the deployment cycle is going to stay at it's current pace, but if you join the Marine Reserves it's not IF you do a stint in Iraq but WHEN. I want you to know that. Don't listen to a recruiter, you will more than likely wind up over there if you join... even the reserves. That is if we keep the current deployment schedule. Just one more thing I think you should know. If you get a chance send me a private message with any questions before you sign the contract with your recruiter. God Bless

Sgt. Wheeler, Joey A.
2/8 Golf, USMC 0351

[TwoXForr]

I concur with the comments about Security Guards, I spent several years in the Private sector as a Security Manager (CPP from ASIS) (thank god I am now back in LE).
Essentially there were two types of people in Security Guard positions the very young and the older folks. The young guys had too much energy for the postion and would get into mischief just trying to find something to do, and then would lack a lot of people skills and let the power go to thier heads. The second group were mostly retirees who I used to worry about waking up during thier shift for fear of giving them a heart attack. (I would just leave them a nice little note, telling them to see them in my office when they woke up). It is very rare that they get suffiecient training or supervision on the job. (Sometimes you find some gems but this is the exception rather than the rule)
Me, I am partial to the Army myself, but I concur the experiences you recieve in any branch of the service are vast and varied and transferrable to many areas in life.
The only limits you have now are the ones you are placing on yourself, but get out there and learn as much as you can from the best teachere you can find.

[scsov509]

Like it or not, there is a stigma associated with security guards and that line of work. This isn’t meant to offend anyone; it’s just a matter of fact.

I'm not sure what experiences have led you to this conclusion, but I know that in my own department this is not true. Our hiring process is quite extensive, which in turn allows us to set all stigma aside and take people as they come. Many agencies follow this same pattern so that hiring decisions aren't made on superficial judgments, but on the results of miltifaceted testing intended to identify the best possible applicants.

I know that there is a sort of stigma associated with security work in some circles, but I'm not sure how much this carries into hiring in quality agencies. My experience is that quality agencies draw quality applicants from all walks of life, and that in turn the hiring process weeds out the best from the rest. And in this regard, military service is not necessarily a leg up in getting hired in law enforcement. Our agency gives preference to military service only when applicants score equally. If you don't score well on a civil exam, physical test, oral board, psych test, polygraph, or background interview; well then it doesn't matter whether you have military service or not.

My point is that there isn't some magic formula one should follow in getting hired in law enforcement. Generally the formula is simply keep testing until you start getting offers. Don't look for short cuts though, just keep applying. The more you take the civil exam the better you'll eventually score. And the more you interview in oral boards, the better you'll start to perform. And if you don't get hired somewhere, find out why so that you can make improvements for the next application.

[scsov509]

Don’t ever list “security guard” on a job application.

Those considering law enforcement should know that an incomplete employment history is grounds for automatic rejection in the hiring process, especially when things are deliberately omitted. I've helped process background checks on numerous applicants, so trust me when I say that if you lie you'll get caught. A lapse in employment will prompt questions about what you were doing during that time, and then you've got to either lie or come clean. Either way though, a background investigator is going to toss you aside at this point figuring that someone who'd lie about something as benign as their employment can't be trusted not to lie when it really matters.

Don't ever, ever submit an incomplete application if you want to get hired as an LEO. Eveyone's got ugly things in their past that will come out in a background check (criminal, personality, financial, emplyement, etc). But don't try to cover them up or you'll never get hired. And you want to talk about stigma, a reputation for dishonesty is absolutely fatal in law enforcement.

[Erich in Az]

Just to add my $.02:

Joining the Military was the best thing I ever did. I was Navy and worked as an Avionics Tech on EA-6B radar jammers. When I joined I had no direction in my life, and this really kick started it.

I don't do work as an electronics tech as a career, but I never would have been able to get where I am without the Navy. That's a fact.

One thing I will caution you is that if you do join, distance yourself from the folks with bad attitudes. There are a lot of folks that just want to **** and moan about this and that and end up wasting what could be a great opportunity. I tried to take advantage of being in by volunteering for next ship out, etc. I didn't join to sit around, I wanted to see things and learn things that I wouldn't otherwise have been able to. If I wanted to act like a civlian and expect to be treated as such, I would have joined the Air Force! :p

I saw too many people get drug down by others who seemed ****** off that the military was the military and not their Mom's house. I also saw a lot of people change their lives for the better. It's an experience I will never forget and often times still miss 12 years later.

FWIW, I was offered a job at a local PD before I had even officially been released from the Navy, and that was with a medical discharge coming. Don't give up on the dream of being a LEO (I still regret not taking it today), and don't be afraid to serve!


Also, have you considered Coast Guard? My buddy is pretty sure he was considered Military when he was in :D

[tegemu]

I think you will find that joining the Marine Corps Reserves is almost a guaranteed ticket to Iraq. If your reason for considering the reserve is a lesser liklihood of Iraq or Afghanistan, I think you are in for an unpleasant surprise, you might as well go into the Regulars. If you want to serve, Well the Corps is a great choice, but be sure of what you are getting into, if you can, talk to some of the current members of the Reserve Unit near you, some rank and file men, not the Recruiters. The Coast Guard is military and is also Federal Law Enforcement.

[bestbod85]

First i'm not joining the marines JUST to become a leo, thats the goal down the line. I'm joining the marines because they offer the best infantry training i can get, and i'll be paid for it. second, i did'nt choose the reserves to try to lessen the odds of my being sent to iraq, i chose the reserves because it allows me to have a civilian job and be home with my wife and family, my asvab score and my pft are high enough where i can choose any job i want in the marines, even force recon....which is what i wanted in the first place (but my wife won't move to NC) so for now i'll settle for infantry rifleman...

as for getting the most out of the marines, i plan to eventually go to sniper school and maybe if im in a better place to, force recon, i want the most training i can get. third i'd be proud to serve in iraq or afganistan, i will be part of a few who can say they stood up for their country in time of need.

thanks for all your advice, i've signed up for the delayed entry program and im scheduled to leave the end of may for boot camp.
thanks again

[skeeter1]

How about taking a criminal justice class at the local college.


Smart advice. It worked for my brother who went to the local community college and got an associate degree in law enforcement. At age 34 he became chief of police of his city of 33K people and 21sq mi. 18 years later, he's still the chief, and living well.

The time and effort you invest in college will never be wasted. I spent 5yrs in college and an internship in medical technology, and retired several years ago at age 50. I'm not bragging, just saying that a college degree is never a waste.

I'm not knocking military service, hardly, but either one will be a feather in your cap. The college route will allow you to stay closer to home, and whichever you do will get you bonus points toward a civil service position.

A goal toward a position as an LEO is honorable, and I wish you the best. :)

[oldbillthundercheif]

my asvab score and my pft are high enough where i can choose any job i want in the marines

This may actually be a problem. Did you take any standardized tests when you were applying for cop jobs?

If you blew them up with that big brain of yours, your scores may have disqualified you. Many departments don't hire people with excessively high IQs because they think they would be "bored" or "unfulfilled" by the work.

I know it's stupid, but it happens. Welcome to the weird world of standardized testing.

[5whiskey]

Don't get too mixed up with the "cool factor" of force recon. Don't get me wrong they do some high speed training but the problem is you have to do a stint with battalion recon first. No one just signs up and makes it in force, there's an extensive indoctrination that lasts about 6 months out of SOI just to get into battalion recon. 3 months at PI, 3 months SOI, 6 months (some more, some less) at RIP and recon school just to get into battalion. You will pick up corporal quick, but the VAST majority who go to recon battalion stay there untill their first enlistment is up. There are always exceptions to the rule, but this is doctrine for the most part. You have to complete jump school and dive school before you go force, and with the current deployment schedule don't count on doing that right away.

I'm just letting you know, that's all. I think good ole plain jane infantry is as good as it gets. I tried STA (special targeting & acquisition, fancy name for scout sniper platoon) and RNS missions for a little while. It gets real old real fast. Our snipers in Iraq shot way less than the rest of us, though they did get a few CKs. Most of it is laying perfectly still in your own **** when it's either 120 degrees or 30 degrees (no in between in Iraq). Oh yeah, it sounds really cool untill you're there. Anywho, I don't want to knock snipers too bad. That job is a respectable one, but it's no fun at all.

Don't read too deep into the special forces thing, or force recon. I'm not saying they suck, but I will say they spend way too much chasing 1 or 2 very high HVTs while a regular line company that does well has already caught 8 or 9 targets, though they may not be Zarqawi or Bin Laden, and have interacted with the Iraqi people. Catching one regional Al Quidda leader does approximaly not a damn thing except make you feel good about yourself. Catching 10 guys, though they may not be the top of the food chain, actually weakens their support base. Just some thoughts to leave you with. I guess it depends on wether you want really cool training or if you just want to go to war and shoot bad guys, I was always more for the latter. I wanted to do the job I signed up to do.

[5whiskey]

One more thing...

did I mention that reserves usually deploy for a whole year, as apposed to 7 month active duty deployments?

[skeeter1]

Like it or not, there is a stigma associated with security guards and that line of work. This isn’t meant to offend anyone; it’s just a matter of fact.

There is some truth to that statement. I went with my brother to the range and shot the Practical Police Course (PPC), 7yds, 25yds, and 50yds, all timed. On that day the RO was training some security guards. A perfect score is 600. My LEO brother managed a 550, and I shot a 480. Some of the security guard trainees were in the ~150 range. They were terrible. Not to be disrespectful to SGs, but wanting to carry a handgun and learning how to use one are quite different things.

[Para Bellum]

Get a lot of Krav Maga training and practice a sport like IPSC or IDPA. The rest is mindset and wits. I served in the Army. You don't need a doble digit drill freak invading your privacy in order to become a goot fighter or guard...

[Creature]

Well, you could always join the Marine Reserves and go to college at the same time. Just keep in mind that the likelyhood of being activated after your training is very probable these days and could interfere greatly with college classes. I am active duty military and I would recommend getting a college degree first and military service second. Forget about security guard work.

[Tac1911]

Have you already got a Law enforcement license? I didn't see what state you were applying in, however I can tell you a little about Texas.

You can apply through larger agencies (IE County, or larger cities), and they will put you through their own academy. However you can also opt to find a "civilian" academy (not sure if thats the best word for it). Check your colleges in the area, some may offer a law enforcement academy. It will be on your own, and may get expensive. However doing it this way showed a lot of commitment on my part, and helped open a few doors.

I guess it depends on how your state licenses their law enforcement. Also I found it easier to get a foot in the door with a smaller city agency, before I could even get an interview with the County..

Finally, you've chosen one heck of a career to get into. It can be very fulfilling, but can demand alot from you. I'd suggest you call around, and try to get a ride along with a few places to see what your getting into. It'll help out alot later when putting out your applications, knowing what the places are like before hand.

Best of luck to you, don't be discouraged when you don't get the first job you apply for. I had 7 applications out, before one called me back, and I had already been through the academy on my own.

[Mikeyboy]

Try to get your associate degree in criminal justice or law enforcement or whatever at the local technical college. At least 60 college credits are a requirement to be hired in my state -- I don't know about where you're at.

While it is a requirement in some states. A college degree will not automatically get you a Police job, unfortuately CJ degrees are becoming a dime a dozen. Coming from someone who has a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice it opens somes doors in the civilian market, but a CJ will only give very little extra leverage applying for a Police position.

Being in the military helps ALOT in getting a police position, but do you want to be a solider and fight in a war? During peacetime I would recommend the Military to anyone willing to become a police officer, however joining the Marines now will be a sure fire way of ending up in Iraq. Other options are joining the Navy or Air force. Shore Police are less likely to see combat.

Other options are just to GET INTO any department. Some places are hard to get into, while others are dying for new recruits. All you need to be is in good shape, have a clean background, and have a HS diploma and you could get into the majority of the cities police forces. Look into big cities, real small towns, transit police, railroad police, anything just to get in. Once your in, then it is easier to move to different departments, or up to the state or even federal levels.