Hey, Dune...
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Category: News And Views
Forum Name: Thoughts and Opinions
Forum Description: Got something you need to say?
URL: http://www.tippmannsports.com/forum/wwf77a/forum_posts.asp?TID=173615
Printed Date: 19 December 2025 at 6:02am
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Topic: Hey, Dune...
Posted By: DeTrevni
Subject: Hey, Dune...
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:23pm
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Or anyone else experienced in the field (even Linus). What does it take to make a good career as a cop? In light of all the bad cop threads, I got to thinking that maybe police work would be an interesting thing for me to pursue. To top it off, my mom called saying that a policeman visited my sister's girl scout troop, and was very interesting. Mom said she could see me as a cop and thinks I'd make a good one. So, thinking as I am, I ask the collective sentient we call the forum, what does it take? Specifically, education, past achievements, health issues and training. Basically, I'm a poorly motivated college student who is out of shape, flat-footed and has heart murmurs. But, I'm intelligent, moral, and an Eagle Scout, so it shows I am willing to commit. Think I could do it? ------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell" 
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Replies:
Posted By: Bunkered
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:26pm
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I have a question to add.
Would it be illegal for a cop to let some teenagers out of a ticket if you caught them with weed? Can an officer use his discretion and just tell them to go home, or is that a no-no? ------------- 
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Posted By: scotchyscotch
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:27pm
| I' pretty sure he can use discretion. and in my experiance he probably would. |
Posted By: Snake6
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:28pm
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PM HIM NEWB! ------------- 
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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:30pm
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I honestly knew that was coming. And I almost did PM him, but I figured he's not the only one of thousands on this forum to know about law enforcement.
------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: Rambino
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:33pm
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I have no personal LE experience, but several of my friends are cops and I have been interviewed several times as a reference. I can't speak to other requirements, but it does seem quite clear that mental stability is a big deal. They will look long and hard for signs of nutballery. A history of not being a hothead is good. A history of drugs is bad. A history of excessive partying is bad. A history of staying out of trouble and showing good judgment is good. From all I gather, LE can be a very rewarding profession (except in the wallet department), and you could certainly do much worse. Good luck with your deliberations. ------------- [IMG]http://i38.tinypic.com/aag8s8.jpg"> |
Posted By: Hades
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:39pm
One of the beautiful things about Los Angeles is their law enforcement get paid extremely well. New recruits start at 60k and it is not uncommon for law enforcement to make 100k a year, factoring in benefits and overtime. |
Rambino wrote:Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:41pm
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Thanks for the info. From what my mom reported to me from the visiting cop, he rakes in about $45k a year (starting? I dunno), which isn't all too impressive. But I've never had dreams of living rich (as long as I can afford 2 things: a 2000 Viper and parts for my Buick), and I think I can live comfortably. I don't drink, I haven't done drugs, and I don't "party," so if mental stability is required, I'm good to go there! :) And it may give me a chance to actually include the phrase, "Eagle Scout" on a resume'. ------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: procarbinefreak
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:44pm
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det... you don't have eagle scout on your resume already? hell, i have a whole heading for it... "awards and achievements" but then again, i'm pretty shameless. |
Posted By: Da Hui
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:48pm
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I am also considering a career in law enforcement.
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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 5:51pm
Well, truth be told, I haven't made up a resume' yet. I've yet to be employed, unfortunately. My folks told me my job was to do my school work and watch out for my grandparents. I'd love to get a job, as I could use some green. ------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: ShortyBP
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 6:28pm
Hint hint... ditch any internet records of the firearms poses with the funny faces. 
Edited to add: And good luck to you should you decide to follow this career path. I've always had an itch to be an LEO. I even chose my colleges out of high school based on whether or not they offered Engineering AND Criminal Justice (of which I ended up doing neither). My parents also thought I would've done well as an LEO, even my wife stated early on when I was looking for a "path" that she could see me in those shoes. Perhaps the biggest obstacle I just couldn't overcome was the mental image of myself that I was just too damn small. 
Yeah, I've seen smaller LEOs out there... but the thought of me being easily overpowered by ANY of my friends, all of which (at the time) were 6-8" in height advantage and 50-100lbs on me (I've since met friends who don't tower over me as much  )... had me continuously put it out of my mind.
Mentally... I'd like to think I could have handled the job. Physically... I never thought I'd be able to. |
Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 6:32pm
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------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: Evil Elvis
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 7:23pm
What makes a good Cop? Well DUH revenge
have the local trendy bad guys kill either;
Then it's time for this!  ------------- 
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Posted By: mamasboi
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 7:59pm
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Well that is the reason i am in school right now getting my AS in Criminal Justice.
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Posted By: Uncle Rudder
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 8:07pm
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Currently I'm a forensic chemistry major and I take a couple classes with the Criminal Justice students and these classes are all taught by former cops who have retired (boy do they have a bag of stories). Some of which were the Chief of Police in their respective city. From these stories I have gathered a few things, a certain level of physical shape seems to be required, and above all a clear head/the ability to think clearly under pressure. Also, in my neck of the woods atleast, potential cops are given a polygraph test before getting a job. They ask questions about previous drug use and all kinds of stuff. ------------- 
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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 10:08pm
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You know, I'd love to be a motorcycle cop. I wonder what kind of requirements that takes, like if you don't have a motorcycle license, can you get one at the academy, or do you need previous riding experience/licensing? ------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: SSOK
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 10:14pm
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You get to carry guns at work, its perfect for you! I've accually heard its relatively easy to be a cop... ------------- 
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Posted By: NotDaveEllis
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 10:17pm
| Being a motorcycle officer is a special assignment and you wouldn't start out there so don't expect it in the academy. Thats really a question that is department specific too. |
Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 20 February 2008 at 10:35pm
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Ah. Well, should I go this route, it's something to hope for. Just trying to get information for now.
------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: ANARCHY_SCOUT
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:01am
------------- Gamertag: Kataklysm999 
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Posted By: Linus
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:12am
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To get in any decent department, they usually prefer some college, and Irving requires a Bach. of Science/Arts at the least.
Most PDs don't hire till 21 though, and even then, from what I've heard, they usually wait until later so you have "life experiences". Though some DO hire at 18, but you have to be at the top of your game, or they have to be desperate considering how many departments get a large number of applicants every time there is an opening. Your best bet for these answers though is officer.com ------------- 
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Posted By: Mack
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:14am
PM each one individually.  On a serious note, there is a certain mindset that is best suited for law enforcement. It could best be described as being able/willing to exercise authority without falling prey to enjoying abusing it. ------------- 
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Posted By: bravecoward
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:18am
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Yeah! You can also strapped a rocket to your squad car!
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:26am
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A Bachelor's seems like a good idea, but an associates will do almost as well. Because of funding you're better off going into a police academy and then applying afterward. Although some departments have their own training, many locals will just rely on you to get the training on your own dime. Be honest..very honest. Minimal drug use is accepted. No felonies. No history of mental problems or substance abuse. The basics for getting any civil service job apply here. However the big one...have contacts. I've come across so many people in the criminal justice department claiming they know an FBI agent that will get them in. Trust me, federal jobs aren't easy to come by, and the only way to get into many of them is by having degrees in accounting and computer technology. There are very few field agency jobs anymore. Be ready for disappointment. It takes a long time to get to where you want, even with a degree. Military experience is a plus though. However, police work is definitely not what people think. If you want a family, be ready to sacrafice a lot. Be flexible as well and be willing to deal with authority figures. These were the main reasons I opted to leave the field. However, don't get discouraged if it's what you really want to do. There are many rewards to the job and job field. |
Posted By: Tical2.0
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:27am
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Lol. I gots told to be an RCMP officer up here you just need your grade 12.
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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:41am
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Psh. Canadians... Anyway, I'm 19 now, and by the time I'm out of college, I'll be about 22, if I go for my bachelors. But what would I major in, if I wanted to go into law enforcement? Right now, I'm pretty much doing the academic basics, so my future is still changeable. So far, other than being in shape ( ) I meet pretty much all the requirements, at least in my view. I'll have to give this some serious consideration.------------- Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"
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Posted By: Evil Elvis
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:46am
Where does the revenge, vendettas and rare martial art skills come in? -------------
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 1:51am
When your ex partner, or Vietnam buddy, gets killed by a drug dealer infront of his family. Then you can easily stick a corkscrew into his forhead. As for a major, try political science. If you don't end up going into law enforcement, you could always try law school. |
Posted By: Linus
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:05am
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DeTrev, they say the degree doesn't matter as long as it's in a related, applicable field. They love accounting/business degrees because it helps them administratively, plus it also leaves you something to fall back on in case you can't become a police officer. But a CJ degree doesn't hurt. -------------
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Posted By: Bunkered
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:11am
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Dune: If I had a possession charge (Lolz maryjane) that was turned into a "Disorderly Conduct" after I completed probation... Could I still be a police officer, or is that too much? -------------
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:16am
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Is there anything on your record about possession, or is it just deemed a disorderly? I'm a little confused. |
Posted By: Bunkered
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:19am
They told me it would be completely dropped upon completion of probation, but I got paperwork saying it had been recorded as a disorderly conduct instead of possession rather than being completely dropped. I was just wondering if they can somehow dig up the original charges and use those against me. -------------
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:21am
| To be honest, nothing truly ever gets expunged. However, it depends on how honest you are. With possession you'll get many questions about past usage and questions on whether or not you sold. |
Posted By: evillepaintball
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:22am
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this may have been covered, but dont worry about the phys reqs. here in IN, the academy exit standards are like 25 situps, 20 push ups, a 16.5 minute 1.5mile
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:25am
| The physical part knock out more than you think, but many people that shouldn't pass do, so I wouldn't worry about it. Although some departments have obstacle courses which are interesting. |
Posted By: Bunkered
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:33am
And are these generally polygraphed questions? I don't sell, but I can't say I've never sold someone a joint or something if they really wanted it. What if I admit that I've sold a couple joints to a buddy before, are they going to arrest me and/or automatically disqualify me? Most people wouldn't think I'm a stoner to talk to me, but if they put me on a lie detector and ask how many times I've smoked, the only honest answer I could give is "ummmm...." I've actually thought about being a police officer, but I don't know if they'd let me have the job. If you get hair tested I'm effed. -------------
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:34am
| If you've habitually used, you got a good shot at being dq'd. They will most likely ask you if you've ever sold anything. |
Posted By: Bunkered
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:35am
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Yeah, but on a lie detector?
Because I'll lie my ass off about that if I'm not on one.
*Edit: I just now noticed a strike from like 2 weeks ago. I wonder what I linked? -------------
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:40am
| Yeah that will most likely show up on a lie detector. |
Posted By: Bunkered
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:41am
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Well yeah... But I'm asking if they give you one (a lie detector test) standard before you work for any PD. -------------
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Posted By: Dune
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:43am
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There may be exceptions, but yes. You will take a standard polygraph examination. |
Posted By: JohnnyCanuck
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 10:02am
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ya sure you did ------------- Imagine there’s a picture of your favourite thing here. |
I have a nephew and a friends son that have been on the waiting list for a couple of years. Being fluently bi-lingual will put you high on the list, they have medical, aptitude and fitness requirements like most other law enforcement agencies.Posted By: Mack
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 10:24am
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Posted By: Ceesman762
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 2:23pm
| If you plan to join for a paycheck, don't bother. Depending on which county you apply to test for, the requirements will differ as well as the starting pay. The higher the start, the more applicants. Get a prep book for that police test, each state has there own prep booklet. Study each and every minute that you have. IF you make the academy, it would be equivalent to going to boot camp for 10 hours a day, you will be inspected and tested and re-inspected and re-tested every day. IF you graduate, be prepared to go to the "hardship" precints where you will deal with the worst that society has to offer and some of it's best. Growing up as a cop's son, my father was a cop at the 40th in the South Bronx for 20 years, it took it's toll and aged him. He patrolled on foot and in a squad car the neighborhood he grew up in. 3-4 gun battles a week in the mid 60's, 70's and through the 80's. Expect all of that. on the other side, yo may patrol a nice quiet suburban area and have little trouble except parking violators. But remember this, it is a personal sacrifice. Are you willing to commit to it? |
Posted By: SSOK
Date Posted: 21 February 2008 at 5:56pm
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16.5 minutes for one and a half miles? Jesus christ! We have to make 9minutes and 45 seconds for one and a half miles. About only four people (not me) will make it, but still... -------------
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