Thinking about becoming a LEO

[ctrlraven]

So lately I have really been thinking about becoming a Baltimore Co. cop. I like my current f/t job to a point which is just the freedom I have and the benefits but I have zero advancement unless I move out of state and take a engineering position in TX at my company HQ.

For those that don't know what I do now, I run a small shop for a very large company where I install and do monthly servicing of ignition interlocks aka vehicle breathalyzers for convicted DUI offenders. I've been stuck in some small shop for almost the past 4 years, I mean the only excitement I get is when a CAM member stops by or one of hottie clients comes in, besides that it's nice to have a heated/cooled place to work on my car but that's not really important.

[TiTo35]

Talk to twin...good luck...I think bmore county a lil better then bmore city though.

[ctrlraven]

You think? lol

[TiTo35]

I said a lil...lol

[DOOM]

I'll stop by this weekend and do a :burnout: in your parking lot. How's that for excitement? :D

[ctrlraven]

Go for it, though I won't be there but the parking lot will be empty for the most part.

[Blackened300a]

My GF has been a LEO on the NYPD for 10 years and she hates her job. Im not sure what its like in MD but between the quotas the mayor is pushing and the BS she has to deal with on a daily basis with higher ups, she regrets her career choice.
Then on the other hand, My friend has only 3 years on and he loves his job to the point we cant stand listening to him talk about it all the time. I took the NYPD test 3 years ago, scored very well and got the call to come down for the physical, but I didnt have the 60 college credits the city requires.
Besides, $25K a year to start is a HUGE paycut.

[Marauderman]

So lately I have really been thinking about becoming a Baltimore Co. cop. I like my current f/t job to a point which is just the freedom I have and the benefits but I have zero advancement unless I move out of state and take a engineering position in TX at my company HQ.

For those that don't know what I do now, I run a small shop for a very large company where I install and do monthly servicing of ignition interlocks aka vehicle breathalyzers for convicted DUI offenders. I've been stuck in some small shop for almost the past 4 years, I mean the only excitement I get is when a CAM member stops by or one of hottie clients comes in, besides that it's nice to have a heated/cooled place to work on my car but that's not really important.

You might want to hear what "DEFYANT" has to say--he's an LEO there in MD--PM him or maybe he may post up later .....

[Hacklemerc]

I've been an LEO for about 3 years now. I love it, and wouldn't do anything else. I suggest you either try to do a ride along with a local dept before going whole hog into it. Also look into Auxillaries. THere is no pay, and its strictly volunteer but it gives you a good feel for what the job entails. We just got a young kid out of the academy and he hates it so far. It isn't all cops and robbers and the TV show COPS.

I'm a patrol officer in a city with about 56k people, neighboring East St. Louis. I'm also a member of the county SRT (Special Response Team). We do alot of search warrants and get called out for hostage, and barricaded subjects. Its good times. Our crime rate and size is nothing like Baltimores but we stay busy.

Basically what I'm gettin at is this, you'll never know till you try.

[ImpalaSlayer]

what happened to that hottie **** you were talking about :laugh:

[rayjay]

The ride along idea is a good one. I've seen alot of people come and go over 33 years. Its not for everyone. It is a career that you are basically married to, much more commitment than the average job. You really need to look before you leap. With that said, hell yea I'd do it again, can't see me doing anything else. :D

[Pat]

It is a rewarding career. Is Baltimore County a stable political entity, not prone to layoffs or political visisitudes?

Both my daughter and her husband are patrol officers with a mid size city and enjoy good pay, regular raises, solid benefits, and job security.

The down side is that shifts and hours are weird and assignments are hard to change.

Promotion can be slow and sporatic, depends on force levels and who retires/quits in many cases. Some divisions have a higher turn-over rate.

Many County Departments run the jails so that may be where you start. Academy class start dates also have an impact.

My next door neighbor just applied for and was accepted by my local Sheriff's Department.

He had to pass a battery of knowledge tests, pysch profie, even a lie detector test. They reviwed his background for criminal/civil infractions. Physical tests (push ups, sit ups, running, etc) were also administered.

He starts employment as a jailer and has to wait for an acedemy class start date then for an opening in patrol before he can leave the jail.

The Homeland Security Department in Washington has been making money available to some law enforcement agencies to gear up for expanded security roles. For example, we have a river that runs between the two cities and because of certain security needs, our Sheriff's Department now has a navy. With armed gunboats of different sizes. It is expected to grow. That translates into jobs, care and feeding of the boats, docks, shelters and so on. A real economic boost to the department.

Our facilities are new and first class, thanks to the generosity of the tax base.

If you have a stingy tax source, that will certainly impact quality and quantity of the department.

Good luck,

[DEFYANT]

The ride along idea is a good one. I've seen alot of people come and go over 33 years. Its not for everyone. It is a career that you are basically married to, much more commitment than the average job. You really need to look before you leap. With that said, hell yea I'd do it again, can't see me doing anything else. :D

+1!

Lots of good info here.

I've doing this for about 13 years now. This job, like everything, is what you make it. Best advise is, if your serious about this, act like your a cop now. Meaning, do not hang around people with questionable character, watch your driving habits, go to work - do no call sick unless you really are....etc

Check out the Donut Shop at SVTperformance.com. This question comes up all the time. Lots of LEO perspectives there.

I have to get to work, more later...;)

[O's Fan Rich]

My Grandfather was a Cpt. in Baltimore County PD, My Uncle Ted( married my Grandmothers Sister Mary) was also. The both died of heart attacks, Grandda on the job when I was 5, Uncle Ted on his sofa after calling in to be late. My Cousin Ron was there too, but lost the use of a hand in a lockup incident at the jail and had to leave after 5-6 years.

Yep...... I sell Security Systems..... it's safer.

[rayjay]

My Grandfather was a Cpt. in Baltimore County PD, My Uncle Ted( married my Grandmothers Sister Mary) was also. The both died of heart attacks, Grandda on the job when I was 5, Uncle Ted on his sofa after calling in to be late. My Cousin Ron was there too, but lost the use of a hand in a lockup incident at the jail and had to leave after 5-6 years.

Yep...... I sell Security Systems..... it's safer.

Good point. I've been layed up for 7 weeks now due to a on the job injury. I also have a couple of the "traditional" illnesses associated with the job. The job is also tough on relationships. Many women/men do not have what it takes to be a spouse of a LEO. Took me three times to find one that does.

[ctrlraven]

I've done all the ride alongs with several different counties and MSP. Luckily every time I was out there was always some crazy things going on so it was good exposure. I've also helpping out with DUI enforcement over the past 3 years.

Honestly I'll really like to go MSP but not trying to do their training aka boot camp right now but the prestige and honor would mean more to me. Maybe I'll start off BACO then slide over to MSP.

[SID210SA]

Or....we can always welcome you with open arms here in Texas if you choose to stay in the field you are currently in....

[Egon Spengler]

Screw that! Become a firefighter! It is great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlD1vtBe9IU&feature=PlayList&p=7EE9177683A347E4&index=0&playnext=1

[CBT]

Screw that! Become a firefighter! It is great!

Arson inspectors here in the Hampton F.D. (I'm sure it's not just here) wear a badge and carry a gun, best of both worlds if that's your thing.

[rayjay]

Honestly I'll really like to go MSP but not trying to do their training aka boot camp right now but the prestige and honor would mean more to me. Maybe I'll start off BACO then slide over to MSP.

You need to check on the training requirements. There is no transfer in option in NYS for the troopers. You must know how to make a bed correctly. Even some municipal/county agencies will not accept transfers. You have to attend their academy, again. This is basically BS as there is a set of standards that all academies must meet. Of course MD may be totally different than NY.

[ctrlraven]

I hear what you're saying. I know there isn't any transfer thing and would have to start from the bottom again. Some of the MD troopers I know that did Army basic training said Army BT was 10x easier compared to the MSP basic training. Some of them it took 2-3 times different times to get through it.

[rayjay]

I hear what you're saying. I know there isn't any transfer thing and would have to start from the bottom again. Some of the MD troopers I know that did Army basic training said Army BT was 10x easier compared to the MSP basic training. Some of them it took 2-3 times different times to get through it.

Yep, and if it is like NYS troopers, they own your butt for the next 20 years. Screw up and you are in Malone on the Canadian border then next day. Oh, you have a family, home, ties to community? YOU LOSE. Never had any interest in being a trooper.

[ParkRanger]

So lately I have really been thinking about becoming a Baltimore Co. cop. I like my current f/t job to a point which is just the freedom I have and the benefits but I have zero advancement unless I move out of state and take a engineering position in TX at my company HQ.

For those that don't know what I do now, I run a small shop for a very large company where I install and do monthly servicing of ignition interlocks aka vehicle breathalyzers for convicted DUI offenders. I've been stuck in some small shop for almost the past 4 years, I mean the only excitement I get is when a CAM member stops by or one of hottie clients comes in, besides that it's nice to have a heated/cooled place to work on my car but that's not really important.

This is not a good time to be changing careers with an uncertain economic future. Stay where u are until things turnaround. There is always the chance that u wash out of the academy and then u have no job at all!
You're still young enough to wait this out and apply later.
Or go the reserve/auxillary route while maintaining your current job - that will get your foot in the door later when you apply full time.

[TAKEDOWN]

If nothing is holding you back... GO FOR IT!

[Taemian]

What is your true motivation, Raven? Just sheer bordom? I was Army and 2 fed LEO positions until the politics finally outweighed the love of the job. I miss it just about everyday, but I'd never consider going back with the political state of affairs now.

You've done the DUI site and ride-along stuff, and that's great. Just realize that your job becomes an entire lifestyle unlike any other career. Your family has no choice but to accept it and the changes it brings, and they can be a real *****. That's another reason for me staying out. Most of us are "on" 24-7, and your eyes get opened to lots of thoughts you never even dreamed of before.

If you're a self-starter, and self-motivated, that's a good start. If you're looking for attaboys for doing the right thing and keeping people safe...keep moving. Most folks would praise you for saving their lives, and piss on you for giving them a speeding ticket the next day.

If you can do anything else as a career, do it. If you have a deep calling for this career, nothing else will matter and you'll join up.

Please don't misunderstand me; I LOVED THE JOB! I lived, maybe too much, for the job. I got to do some amazing things, got great stories and also horribly tragic memories. I think you're at a great age to start, mature enough to see more than surface stuff, physically able to take the pounding your body will, and young enough to learn so much.

Commit yourself to doing something you don't like right now, to see if you can handle the post first-year disillusionment. Promise yourself to go jogging with a weight belt on every night no matter the weather, volunteer somewhere that needs your help but benefits you personally in no way at all, learn a new language (Spanish?) that might help in your job...just do something that takes time and effort.

If you can stick to it by telling yourself it's to prepare for the job, sign up. If you can't, re-examine your commitment and your options. I say these things respectfully, and appreciate your volunteer service to date.

Ian

[DJCV]

What is your true motivation, Raven? Just sheer bordom? I was Army and 2 fed LEO positions until the politics finally outweighed the love of the job. I miss it just about everyday, but I'd never consider going back with the political state of affairs now.

You've done the DUI site and ride-along stuff, and that's great. Just realize that your job becomes an entire lifestyle unlike any other career. Your family has no choice but to accept it and the changes it brings, and they can be a real *****. That's another reason for me staying out. Most of us are "on" 24-7, and your eyes get opened to lots of thoughts you never even dreamed of before.

If you're a self-starter, and self-motivated, that's a good start. If you're looking for attaboys for doing the right thing and keeping people safe...keep moving. Most folks would praise you for saving their lives, and piss on you for giving them a speeding ticket the next day.

If you can do anything else as a career, do it. If you have a deep calling for this career, nothing else will matter and you'll join up.

Please don't misunderstand me; I LOVED THE JOB! I lived, maybe too much, for the job. I got to do some amazing things, got great stories and also horribly tragic memories. I think you're at a great age to start, mature enough to see more than surface stuff, physically able to take the pounding your body will, and young enough to learn so much.

Commit yourself to doing something you don't like right now, to see if you can handle the post first-year disillusionment. Promise yourself to go jogging with a weight belt on every night no matter the weather, volunteer somewhere that needs your help but benefits you personally in no way at all, learn a new language (Spanish?) that might help in your job...just do something that takes time and effort.

If you can stick to it by telling yourself it's to prepare for the job, sign up. If you can't, re-examine your commitment and your options. I say these things respectfully, and appreciate your volunteer service to date.

Ian

Taemian, your words deliver tremendous wisdom and rare, precious perspective.

I hope all readers take your excellent advice.

[Taemian]

Taemian, your words deliver tremendous wisdom and rare, precious perspective.

I hope all readers take your excellent advice.

Thank you very much, sir. I know the other current and former LEOs on this site have their own take on the job, I'm but one small voice. I urge anyone considering a career in LEO or mil-spec land to get as many opinions as possible.

I hope my words weren't too melodramatic, I just wanted to make my point clearly. I've jumped out of planes, kicked down doors, and loved every minute of all the foot chases. I've laughed til I cried at the stupidity of some inept lawbreakers. Alternatively, I've had to seize and view the most vile child pornographic evidence, watch a man bleed to death trapped in a bad wreck, and go to the funeral of a officer murdered on duty that I had trained with.

There is no such thing as finding trade-offs in this career, it's all one big stack of stuff. Only those with strong backs need apply. Again, I give my thanks to those currently protecting us domestically and internationally.

In life, just as on duty Raven, always have a back up plan.

[TAKEDOWN]

^^^ You are a great man in books... SIR! Now where's that cigar? ^^^

[ebxgsxr]

My GF has been a LEO on the NYPD for 10 years and she hates her job.


a friend of mine is still working & he hates it. he hated it when i came on the job. when i came on, he had about 10-11 years on. now he has 18 & is counting every minute until he can retire. hell, after i was on about 2 years in, he was always telling me i should look for something else. he always said he couldn't b/c he has too much time on & it would be a waste, lol.

i had a lot of fun, but ended up getting caught up in a bunch of politics too. so much to the point i ended up leaving after 5 years. took me 4 years to get approval to get radar certified. and it's not like i was a sluff, got ofc of the month one time for DUI enforcement. but for whatever reason they wanted to give me a hard time about every little thing. i applied at another smaller agency in montgomery couty (at the advise of my old Cpl), but then my fiancee was saying she didnt want me to do it anymore. funny thing was, the Cpl there called me from his home & was kinda talking me out of it too, which was kind of surprising.

all in all, i do miss it, but im glad i am not there anymore. wouldnt be where i am now in life if i stayed. but they say...everything happens for a reason.



This job, like everything, is what you make it. Best advise is, if your serious about this, act like your a cop now. Meaning, do not hang around people with questionable character, watch your driving habits, go to work - do no call sick unless you really are....etc


+1


The job is also tough on relationships. Many women/men do not have what it takes to be a spouse of a LEO. Took me three times to find one that does.

lol. the 1st day of my academy the Lt said that 75% of you will not be with your spouse/S.O. by the time the academy ends. he was right, my g/f & i broke up about halfway through.

an taemian, those are great words :bows:

[Taemian]

So Raven, how did the decision-making process go? Reviving this thread from the dead because I'm interested in what happened.

[Bluerauder]

Meaning, do not hang around people with questionable character ....

I was wondering why you stopped coming to CAM meets. ;)

[W4LTD]

7Qrq48DSqlo&p:lol:

[DEFYANT]

I was wondering why you stopped coming to CAM meets. ;)
:eek:


:lol: For NO other reason other than those that we've discussed already! ;)

[DEFYANT]

There is some good advice in this thread. I would not avoid Baltimore City. I started there and enjoyed 3 exciting years. My reasons for leaving were mainly for family, but the commute stunk too. I took a slight pay cut to lateral out, but made up for it with a take home car and COLA steps over a short time.

Now, I work in a specialized unit, M-F day work, weekends and holidays off, OT, plain clothes, unmarked car.... a real good gig. But I could slide right back into a uniform, marked car and work any shift and be happy about it!

You'll be fine, if you can stay away from and tolerate the catty LEOs and their drama. And the politics. Some are just in this to pin a medal on their chest and "look good in uniform" but cant do a damn thing!

[rayjay]

The "Job" changed so much in the 34 years I was on that I'm not sure I'd do it again... It was a lot more fun back in the day. :cool4:

[ctrlraven]

Still working with the same company, going to stay put for a few years while things settle down for my divorce. Take some college courses and then try to find something in the IT/Intel field for government or private contractor sector. That's really where the money is.

I've got too many health issues right now, got lucky and didn't need to have a double rotator cuff surgery done, just doing some intense physical therapy then have shift focus to my back. A lot of it stems from lots of high school sport injuries and my accident almost 5 years ago.

[4drcbra]

Ive been a cop in metro Atlanta for 4 years and currently in drug interdiction. I love every second of it. Its not for everyone thats for sure but give it a shot atleast that way you can say you did it. If you end up not liking it you will atleast know you tried instead of regretting never trying at all

[Black_Kannin]

I'm in the process of becoming a police officer.....been in the process for 2 years and a couple months now. Alot of soul searching, praying, humbling yourself and listening to GOD. All in all this is my Calling in life, this is what I've been placed on this earth to do. This will be my career!! I'll see you when you when we cross over raven!!

[25el3]

GO FOR IT!! It's just like any other job out there in that if you don't like it you could always go do something else. Chances are though that you will find it fulfilling and worthewhile and fun. I enjoy and look forward to every day I go to work. Make sure you check out all the agencies around you. My personal preference was to learn a lot and work an agency with many different opportunities and that's why I went with LAPD. It is my opinion that if you go with a larger agency in your area you will have more oportunities for different jobs (i.e. we have over 250 different job assignments). If you want to be in the field, work a desk, train at the academy, be a pilot, ride bikes, motorcycles, horses etc etc...I dont know about the agencies in your area but I believe that the more opportunities you have the less likely you will burn-out. That being said you dont want a dept that thinks that you are easily replaced, or doesnt stand behind their officers. My opinion is to talk to as many officers you can from prospective police departments and take ride alongs. Look at pay, cost of living, pay increases (some depts start with less $ but give more raises) RETIREMENT benefits. Small agencies also have benefits in that you really get to know your community and can be more responsive to actual citizens requests (in LA its a numbers game). They all have pro's and cons. Like was said by many other menbers, be responisble, associate with people of good moral character and for the love of GOD, dont go to your interview and say "I want to be a cop, to help people" unless you build on that...Also, look into different assistance they might offer (i.e. we give oral interview prep seminars, physical fitness for academy programs, etc) I told friends of mine that were going through other agencies hiring processes to take advantage of LAPD's free seminars even though they werent applying with us. Some of the large depts in your area might offer the same, and with us, you just show up...they dont ask your status in LAPD's hiring process.....

And, check what schedules they work and hopefully they offer the 3/12 shift. Also, check about how they do their days off....some agencies dont give the officers much say. To me this is the most important thing, luckily I havent worked a major holiday in years and pretty much make my own schedule (but I am a family man, so if youre single you might like the O/T)

I could go on for a while, but I got a few bud lights, a jacuzzi and a beautiful wife waiting on me.......best of luck...PM if any general questions on police hiring...like I said, I know nothing of depts in your area, but would love to help nonetheless

[burtreynolds]

My experience, its a good time but you need to keep yourself in check. It is really easy to get jaded and lose faith in humanity. That is the reason I quit the job.

Watch a lot of chick flicks and do as much volunteering as you can at schools and such when you do become an LEO...it makes you realize why you do your job.

[Taemian]

Still working with the same company, going to stay put for a few years while things settle down for my divorce. Take some college courses and then try to find something in the IT/Intel field for government or private contractor sector. That's really where the money is.

I've got too many health issues right now, got lucky and didn't need to have a double rotator cuff surgery done, just doing some intense physical therapy then have shift focus to my back. A lot of it stems from lots of high school sport injuries and my accident almost 5 years ago.

Thanks for the answer. I was deleting my old thread subscriptions and saw this one, so I wanted to find out. I'm glad your injuries don't require surgery.

Best of luck in whatever you end up doing!

Weirdly enough, out of the blue, last night my wife says "Are you really really sure you don't want to go back? I think I could handle it if we blah blah blah...". Ri-i-i-i-ght. Move along, honey, nothing to see here. But she did ask if I could teach her to shoot a handgun sometime soon. I blame it on all the Eastwood movies she's been watching.:D

[MIDNITEMARAUDER]

Here's my 2 cents. Its the toughest job you will ever love. Front row seat to the world. You'll be amazed at what you can do and view some very unpleasant things. You are at the mercy of your department, having to work on holidays and special occasions. Most departments have decent benefits and you'll never get a ticket. Its not the same job our forefathers had because of the politics. Like anything, you find your nich and make the best of it.

[CBT]

Here's my 2 cents. Its the toughest job you will ever love. Front row seat to the world. You'll be amazed at what you can do and view some very unpleasant things. You are at the mercy of your department, having to work on holidays and special occasions. Most departments have decent benefits and you'll never get a ticket. Its not the same job our forefathers had because of the politics. Like anything, you find your nich and make the best of it.

Don't need to be a police officer for that :cool: