Being a Police Officer?

[DigitalCancer]

I'm sure this is one of the less 'intelligent topics' that're hanging around, but...I'm actually curious about becoming one. I know there are some 'officers' around here...so...I'm looking to get a should I do it or not suggestion thread going on.

I originally wanted to be an RN of some sort but I've heard some bad things about the RN field as of late and around here they've already started the lay-off's so, I'm not sure that's the way to go anymore.

I would love something where I made tons of cash, but it's not needed...I see myself helping people (I am in tech support right now). I'm 27 and really need to get my shit together and I honestly want to leave my computers as a hobby since I'm starting to hate them since I have to work on them all the frickin' time now!

So...I'm 27 - decent shape (5'10" - 200lbs - bulky)....I snagged 3 applications from the places around me (10-15pgs each one!) and I read there websites a little and they mention doing a physical test as well as an intelligence test.
Does anyone know what all is included on the IQ test? I've been out of school since 02', will they let me know what to brush up on if I make it that far?

 

[FallenHero]

I'm sure this is one of the less 'intelligent topics' that're hanging around, but...I'm actually curious about becoming one. I know there are some 'officers' around here...so...I'm looking to get a should I do it or not suggestion thread going on.

I originally wanted to be an RN of some sort but I've heard some bad things about the RN field as of late and around here they've already started the lay-off's so, I'm not sure that's the way to go anymore.

I would love something where I made tons of cash, but it's not needed...I see myself helping people (I am in tech support right now). I'm 27 and really need to get my shit together and I honestly want to leave my computers as a hobby since I'm starting to hate them since I have to work on them all the frickin' time now!

So...I'm 27 - decent shape (5'10" - 200lbs - bulky)....I snagged 3 applications from the places around me (10-15pgs each one!) and I read there websites a little and they mention doing a physical test as well as an intelligence test.
Does anyone know what all is included on the IQ test? I've been out of school since 02', will they let me know what to brush up on if I make it that far?

I'll PM you shortly. Be prepared for tons of ignorant comments from the masses here BTW.

 

[rocadelpunk]

good for you, public service ftw.

 

[Whisper]

I'm sure this is one of the less 'intelligent topics' that're hanging around, but...I'm actually curious about becoming one. I know there are some 'officers' around here...so...I'm looking to get a should I do it or not suggestion thread going on.

I originally wanted to be an RN of some sort but I've heard some bad things about the RN field as of late and around here they've already started the lay-off's so, I'm not sure that's the way to go anymore.

I would love something where I made tons of cash, but it's not needed...I see myself helping people (I am in tech support right now). I'm 27 and really need to get my shit together and I honestly want to leave my computers as a hobby since I'm starting to hate them since I have to work on them all the frickin' time now!

So...I'm 27 - decent shape (5'10" - 200lbs - bulky)....I snagged 3 applications from the places around me (10-15pgs each one!) and I read there websites a little and they mention doing a physical test as well as an intelligence test.
Does anyone know what all is included on the IQ test? I've been out of school since 02', will they let me know what to brush up on if I make it that far?

While I have absolutely no idea what sorts of IQ tests or screeners they might use, I can say this--if it's truly a well-validated test of intelligence, then any general brushing up you do will (and should) minimally affect the results. Thus, I wouldn't worry too much about studying.

RN to police officer seems like a fairly big shift in interests and job duties, though. I can see someone being interested in both, but perhaps (if you're truly interested in going the RN route) look at job prospects in other areas. By and large, from what I know, nursing is generally a great field to be in with respect to job prospects and security.

Beyond that, I don't have much to offer other than to say best of luck. I've thought about law enforcement myself in the past before I ended up in a doctoral program. It's still always an option, but not necessarily one I'm realistically considering any longer.

 

[Soundmanred]

If you think this is 'one of the less intelligent topics', you haven't been paying attention.
Good luck with your endevours!

 

[Theb]

Don't study too hard.

 

[TheNinja]

Don't become a stuck up a-hole cop

Try to get in while they are still guaranteeing retirement packages and medical after 30 years of service. I know a dude who started at 22 and "retired" at 52 with full medical and 90% pay....lucky bastard!

 

[HAL9000]

Good for you! Go for it, I'd love to be a police officer.

 

[nick1985]

Sandeagle will love you!

 

[mizzou]

almost every police department has an extremely well detailed application process on their local public website. look it over first because it probably answers every single question you might have.

read it thoroughly and look for immediate disqualifiers, like eyesight, education, weight (at 200lb 5'10'' you may have to cut to get into their academy) and any other controlled substance disqualifiers. Some also have demands about where you live if you want to get in. Last thing you want to do is spend days getting your stuff together and then find out "holy crap, my uncorrected eyesight is too bad"

Be prepared to take a long time off with no $, make sure you understand clearly what it is entailed to go through your basic training course, and make sure you understand clearly once you start going through the process what guarantees, if any, are available to you after you successfully complete the training program.

Once you've determined that you are eligible on that end, you can start to go through the rest of the application process which will probably include a physical fitness test, it could be a cakewalk, or it could be similar to a military PFT. I would definitely recommend you make sure 100% you can pass their fitness test at any time before getting too serious in the application process, you don't want to seem lazy or insincere.

It's pretty intense, good luck! I say go for it, if you really want to do it, why not try!?

 

[brianmanahan]

computer job will pay more than police job 9 times out of 10. and most likely no one will shoot at you. i say stick with computers.

 

[mizzou]

Don't study too hard.

I don't believe the whole "I'm too smart for this job" complaint. The guy probably came off as a smug prick and thankfully the test comes with a range because they can use that as a means to an end.

You'd hate to have some guy cruise through the process and be act like some elitist dick to people who maybe have more "Street smarts" then "book smarts"

I've never seen a real situation where someone was really too qualified for a job. Usually its just an excuse for tanking on an interview.

 

[jhbball]

computer job will pay more than police job 9 times out of 10. and most likely no one will shoot at you. i say stick with computers.

the non-stop power trip is priceless though!

 

[mizzou]

the non-stop power trip is priceless though!

wait... IT manager or Cop?

lol

 

[CRXican]

have a clean background, might be hard since you're already 27

can you pass a polygraph?

written tests and physical tests should be the least of your worries

 

[Schadenfroh]

Have you considered our federal police, the FBI, instead? Special Agent hiring is frozen at the moment. You need a college degree, but an AJ is not difficult to acquire.
http://www.fbijobs.gov/11.asp

If you prefer more action, there is their equivalent of SWAT:
http://www.fbijobs.gov/116.asp

 

[moshquerade]

Have you considered our federal police, the FBI, instead? Special Agent hiring is frozen at the moment. You need a college degree, but an AJ is not difficult to acquire.
http://www.fbijobs.gov/11.asp

If you prefer more action, there is their equivalent of SWAT:
http://www.fbijobs.gov/116.asp

Or border patrol.

 

[PrinceofWands]

So...I'm 27 - decent shape (5'10" - 200lbs - bulky)....I snagged 3 applications from the places around me (10-15pgs each one!) and I read there websites a little and they mention doing a physical test as well as an intelligence test.
Does anyone know what all is included on the IQ test? I've been out of school since 02', will they let me know what to brush up on if I make it that far?

The intelligence based tests are more about keeping out very intelligent, or very creative people than making sure you're smart enough. You managed to turn on your computer and make that post, so you're qualified already as long as you're not too much smarter.

For anyone who thinks I'm making that up, http://www.1215.org/lawnotes/lawnotes/cop104.htm (sry, couldn't find a working link from a real source, but this was all over the news and online forums as it was going on). This wasn't the only place either. Many departments came out after this broke and said it was a valid policy, as police work was no place for those who thought 'outside the box', or were prone to analyze situations.

There's also no guarantee it's an actual IQ test, but could instead be a general knowledge test, a moral compass test, or other similar thing. Overall I wouldn't worry about it too much. Seriously, as long as you're of about average intelligence and knowledge, you're golden.

 

[PrinceofWands]

RN to police officer seems like a fairly big shift in interests and job duties, though.

Actually it's very common. Both are 'calling' fields related to public service.

 

[brianmanahan]

Good for you! Go for it, I'd love to be a police officer.

they wouldnt let you have a gun though.

the motto of british police: "Stop, or i will tell you to stop again!"

 

[El Guaraguao]

If you don't have a military background, do some volunteering and MAKE contacts! That's what I'm doing!

 

[JDawg1536]

If you prefer more action, there is their equivalent of SWAT:
http://www.fbijobs.gov/116.asp

Not possible without experience on a tactical team or a spec ops background.

 

[x26]

"Have you ever committed any undetected Felonies"...???

 

[Nebor]

Not possible without experience on a tactical team or a spec ops background.

Seriously, recommending the FBI to people at this point is like... I don't know, ridiculous. They give special preference to ex-military, and I know plenty of highly qualified people that either got told it would be a year, or just told to go away.

If you want to be a fed, ICE, Air Marshall or US Marshalls are the easiest to get into. Then you might have a shot at transferring to a "high profile" agency like the DEA, ATF or FBI if you're good at your job.

 

[Raizinman]

I would love to ride around in a police car all day. The divorce rate for police officers is like 90%. People tend to hate 'pigs' and many criminals carry armour piercing bullets just for cops. Police work long hours, are under the scrutiny of anyone with a camera phone, and can be involved in a shooting at most anytime. The perks are normally free drugs, donuts, and sex (until you get caught), at least for the drugs and sex. Yes, stopping a drug dealer or beautiful woman late at night might seem fun and harmless, until your picture is on 60 minutes. Being a police officer is not what it use to be in the old days with Barney Fife.