Can anyone give me any advice on how to become a police officer?

[Matt Schumann]

Im trying to get on as a MA police officer... I have taken the test this past may and I am expecting to recieve a very high score when the results come out in early Spetember.

But even with 100% on the test it will be very hard and a great deal of luck to get on as a police officer in MASS. Anyone have any suggestions or is it a smarter choice to try and get on in the surrounding states as well (NH, CT, VT ME? )

any suggestions would be great

thanks,

[Mike Landrich]

Not to be a jerk or anything, but everyone expects to receive very high scores on exams. Wait until you see how you did and go from there. I can't imagine its easier in the surrounding states. They have locals who are doing what you're doing, testing and waiting. Here in upstate NY, there are Sheriff's academies that accept college students who graduate with PO certification. Its almost impossible to get hired in small departments if you're not already certified.

[Brandon Smith]

Matt,

There are a lot of factors involved with different police departments in MA besides the score on the police exam. My brother worked for the Springfield Police department as a dispatcher while he got his Masters degree in criminal psychology from Springfield College. He went to the police academy in Agawam for his training as well. After taking the exam and scoring in the 97th percentile, he was put on a bunch of waiting lists for over a year. He was like 300th on the Boston waiting list and lower on the state police. A lot of the towns he talked to didn't have the funding to fill actual openings. So after getting very frustrated with the whole process, he ended up going to the Corrections Officer Academy in Shirley and is currently working as a CO at the Supermax prison in central MA. So, getting a good score is the first step, but it can be a long process unless you have connections, are a veteran, etc. Good luck though!

[WesleyInman]

Matt,

Whats up!! Hey, just so you know, I used to work in Federal L.E myself, and it's really not that difficult, more the less the right place at the right time as far as Im concerned. I still work in the field as a juvenile P.O, but this is much different, and I lose hair and sleep in comparison with this job, the l.e job is much less stressful, if you can believe that. They pay pretty well too.

I think you'd make a great officer, just on first impression, great attitude and good presence. I know in CT they are hiring all over the place...It would seem to me a local department would be an easier first start than State Police, but then again, CT State Police just did a major hiring that ended a month and a half ago...but here's the site for future announcements...

http://www.das.state.ct.us/exam/Trooper/dps_Intro.asp

The local areas in major cities seem to be pretty easy to get into, even without a degree. Major cities with higher crime rates really seem to be a good stepping stone. In CT cities to look at would be Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, etc...they hire all the time.

I went to FLETC, federal academy which is like 1000x harder than a state academy, say Mass. or CT..my brother in law graduated a few years back, and he compared his to college..wish I could say the same, but in reality, with moderate intelligence and physical ability it's pretty simple.

Poundstone is in the field, he might even be able to give you some better feedback...If I hear anything this way, I will let you know, good luck :)

[Ryan Bakke]

come out to Phoenix......a lot of departments work with skeleton crews (mine included) and cops are VERY needed.


i think the new requirements out here are......well i think if you can spell your own name, they will give you a badge, car keys and a pistola and tell you to hit the road. :LOL:

[LeoKhersosnkiy]

www.forums.office.com

go there...lots of helpful explanations on the process and advice on state by state basis.

The written is just a small part. It's essentially first step in the process. Most people get past this point. After that comes intial interview then physical then background investigator is assigned to you, polygraph, psych evaluation, another interview, blood/urine/hair drug test...Quite a long process.

good luck

[Mac Smith]

come out to Phoenix......a lot of departments work with skeleton crews (mine included) and cops are VERY needed.


i think the new requirements out here are......well i think if you can spell your own name, they will give you a badge, car keys and a pistola and tell you to hit the road. :LOL:

Same thing here in Vegas and southern Ca. All three departments in southern Nevada (North Las Vegas, Metro, and Henderson) are all constantly hiring and the hiring standards aren't very tough.

[Fred Spellman]

Matt,

I've been a police officer for 10 years. I am having the time of my life! Granted some days are better than others, I wouldn't trade the last 10 years as a cop for any other job.

Stay in shape, stay out of trouble, get as much schooling as you can. I dispatched to 2 1/2 years before getting offered a job at a neighboring dept. My Lt when I was a dispatcher was related to the chief where I work now. That was the best reference I could have gotten.

I tested for 10 years before I got offered a job. Some locations are harder to get hired in than others. If you can get certified you are a more attractive prospect than someone who will have to be sent to the academy after hiring.

If you want it, don't quit, keep applying. Some places want to see how bad you want it and don't hire someone until they have applied several times. Apply to every dept that has an opening. Don't get locked into just one or two depts. You might have to start at a dept that you might not really want to stay at. In Okla you have to get hired before you can go to the police academy. If a smaller dept is willing to hire you and send you to the academy, think about taking it and then look elsewhere after you have completed you obligation (2 yrs in Okla).

If a local dept has a reserve program, consider applying there also. You will get a chance to meet and work with people that can be good references later.

I hope some of this helps.

Fred

[Brandon Campbell]

come out to Phoenix......a lot of departments work with skeleton crews (mine included) and cops are VERY needed.


i think the new requirements out here are......well i think if you can spell your own name, they will give you a badge, car keys and a pistola and tell you to hit the road. :LOL:


:LOL: is the badge a sticker you write your name on with crayon? is that why being able to spell your name is a requirement?

did you pass the test ryan? or did you spell R-I-O-N the first time. :LOL: :T:

[chrisklavette]

I hear this question about the fire service all the time. My one quick answer. Join the military. If you don't want the commitment join the Air Force reserves or national guard, deploy for six months and get your vet points. IMHO opinion if one complains about not getting a civil service job (not you obviously, you are just asking for advice) and hasn't sought out vet points I can't feel for them. Vet points make a huge difference (how many guys score a 105 on their tests?) and they are very easy and worth while to obtain.

P.S. is St. Paul, MN is making a huge hiring process this year gearing up for the R.N.C. in '08. hundreds and hundreds of spots. The police department is having a hard time filling the spots and desperatley needs people.

[MarkSikora]

Take and fail some fire department tests. That's how most guys become police officers!! :B:

Or, plan B, (although it might be too late for you)-- get picked on a lot in junior high school. This is how a lot of guys get into the cops too. :LOL:


Just kidding to all the law enforcement guys/gals out there. Nothing but respect for you guys. THankless job.

That said: lots of good advice above. Start testing. Talk to officers where you want to work. Go on some rides to see if it's what you would like to do (it's not all Starsky and Hutch, or even Cagney and Lacy).

good luck

see ya

Mark

[Derek Poundstone]

Im trying to get on as a MA police officer... I have taken the test this past may and I am expecting to recieve a very high score when the results come out in early Spetember.

But even with 100% on the test it will be very hard and a great deal of luck to get on as a police officer in MASS. Anyone have any suggestions or is it a smarter choice to try and get on in the surrounding states as well (NH, CT, VT ME? )

any suggestions would be great

thanks,

Matt, I've been on the job for several years now and have given countless friends advice for getting on. Your best bet is to apply to as many departments as you can afford and manage at one time. Ask anyone you know who is a cop to go over some questions usually asked on the oral boards. The questions are common sense but when asked in the heat of an interview with a bunch of white shirts, its very easy to F up! I dont think its very hard to get on the job as long as you have your head on straight. I see so many guys who apply year after year and dont get on, I hate to say it but that might be a clue!! Dont get flustered if you get passed over a few times thought. If I had to do it a gain I would apply to a larger dept. First off its easier to get on (not the problem I had) and second off, theirs much more room for advancement. Good luck!!

[Matt Schumann]

thanks for all of the advice....... I think i am definitly going to start applying to many different separtments outside of MA as well.....

I seem to do really well with interviews and on the spot tuff questions, then again im sure that the oral questions that potential police officers go through are much more difficult than what i have experienced to date....

Guess ultimately i just have to keep pushing it pushing it and pushing it until i get on. Cant give up

thanks everyone

Derek didnt know that you were a police officer... Im sure between your job and your strongman career you dont seem to have alot of dull moments. thanks for the advice

[Derek Poundstone]

Derek didnt know that you were a police officer... Im sure between your job and your strongman career you dont seem to have alot of dull moments. thanks for the advice
Matt, the job is great and has pushed me in other aspects of my life. Getting hired on the job has changed the way I see things and the way I think all together. I have made it a change for the better as I truly love my job and everything I do. The biggest advice I could give you is to be yourself. In most cases they don't want to hire a cop but someone that is true to themself, honest and trustworthy. I see so many guys that try to get hired just so they can be cops, thats not what its about. Its a career not your entire life. If you make it your life, your setting yourself up for many dissapointments. I hate the guys who want to get on just so they can have power or say their cops. Never forget above all you will be a public servant! Again, good luck and stay safe!

[CHANTZWILSON]

Matt, the job is great and has pushed me in other aspects of my life. Getting hired on the job has changed the way I see things and the way I think all together. I have made it a change for the better as I truly love my job and everything I do. The biggest advice I could give you is to be yourself. In most cases they don't want to hire a cop but someone that is true to themself, honest and trustworthy. I see so many guys that try to get hired just so they can be cops, thats not what its about. Its a career not your entire life. If you make it your life, your setting yourself up for many dissapointments. I hate the guys who want to get on just so they can have power or say their cops. Never forget above all you will be a public servant! Again, good luck and stay safe!

Derek,
That is about the best job description for a police officer that I have ever read. Now if we could just get the public to realize that you are there to serve, and this country would be a better place.

[Matt Schumann]

ive always had a great deal of respect for police officers and what they do. thats why i want to get on so badly. They have a cadet program here in the city i live in.... Where you can get hired at the police station as a cadet, get paid (not very well) but you form a relationship with the department and i believe the training you recieve earns you extra points on the test. But they never seem to be hiring and even if they do its extremely political. Fortunitly for me i worked for a local politician when i was in high school and formed a really good bond with him. but im not even sure if he can get me on.

I also applied to do a civilian cadet program at another police station. Its not paid or anything but its some type of training and after you get to go along with a police officer on their shift. Its also in one of the cities i put down as my choices on the police exam so it might work out better...

[Ryan Bakke]

:LOL: is the badge a sticker you write your name on with crayon? is that why being able to spell your name is a requirement?

did you pass the test ryan? or did you spell R-I-O-N the first time. :LOL: :T:


the 2nd time i took it i was good to go!

[srojv]

Be a fire fighter everyone hates a cop.

Yes I am a Police Officer

[Alan Benninga]

Be a fireman, those guys have it made.



Whoa, SROJV, you beat me to it, I didn't see your post until after it entered mine.

[chrisklavette]

Be a fireman, those guys have it made.



Whoa, SROJV, you beat me to it, I didn't see your post until after it entered mine.
You guys, they have obviously already tried to be fire fighters and that is why they are trying to be cops now.

Just kidding cops.

[srojv]

10 years in law enforcement it just seems that dealing with people gets harder and harder no one appreciates you and everyone blames you for their problems. It gets old real quick.

[Brendan Merchant]

Being a cop appears to be the same no matter what side of the water you live on!

Some days it's the best job in the world, other days it can be the worst job in the world!

10 years in and I wouldn't change a thing (other than my OHP).