A question for Law Enforcement folks

[SARLDO 0]

I am quickly approaching the time to make a huge decision in life. As I knock on the door to retirement from the military, I need to decide what I want to be when I am forced to grow up. I can very likely stay where I am and make pretty much the same amount of annual income (once I add my retirement pay) or I can move on to something new.

Where I am is not a bad job (acquisition logistics), just not overly exciting. Typical cube farm/paper shuffling stuff, with an occasional road trip thrown in to break up the monotony.

What I am also considering is a total departure from what I know and trying my hand at law enforcement. This would entail ~20K yr cut in pay but sounds very much exciting/rewarding (and not in a cubicle). My only concern is that I am in my early 40's and may not be marketable to the local Police/Sheriff dept due to that. I need to make the decision soon so I can pass off my long-term projects here (and pass on this job opportunity) and go to the police academy at night (for 9 months).

So the question is, has anybody else out there gotten into LE later in life and is it worth it?

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest" ~Samuel Clemens

MB#4300
Dudeist Skydiver #68

[LuckyMcSwervy 0]

Some places have a maximum age of hire, sometimes around 35.

Always be kinder than you feel.

[AggieDave 6]

Many departments have a 45yr age cap for unlicensed new hires.

Many departments send you to the academy upon hiring. That saves you a lot of money. Also the money spent on your duty rig. You typically get paid while you're there, too. Some academies won't let you attended with out a department sponsor.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[SARLDO 0]

Sounds like age discrimination to me. If it's due to physical abilities at +40ish age, I'm sure I can hold my own against most 25 yr olds.

I thought certification by the state (in this case FL) was required to apply.

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest" ~Samuel Clemens

MB#4300
Dudeist Skydiver #68

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

I thought certification by the state (in this case FL) was required to apply.

Varies by state and department. Check into the ones that you want to apply for. I also highly recommend doing some ride alongs with the departments you like.

Quote

Sounds like age discrimination to me. If it's due to physical abilities at +40ish age, I'm sure I can hold my own against most 25 yr olds.

Physical abilities and retirement age (typically 20yrs from hire) and a few other factors. Departments have been sued for it before and it was not found to be discrimination. So either way, good luck!

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Beerlight 0]

I'm sure you'll receive an "age extension" due to being a military retiree. But again, that's in Texas. Check with the agency you'll try and be employed with.........good luck.

[freefalle 0]

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Sounds like age discrimination to me. If it's due to physical abilities at +40ish age, I'm sure I can hold my own against most 25 yr olds.

I thought certification by the state (in this case FL) was required to apply.

Florida does not have a max. age for applicants. I was a Police Officer in Daytona Beach up until the time I graduated nursing school. I went to the academy with a guy who was in his 50's he had a job offer before we graduated. It just depends on the department and if you can pass their physical assessment. I'd say go for it, if its what you want to do. Most departments in Florida pay crap but it is what it is. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Chuck

[fossg 0]

You might also look into becoming a probation officer. I have 16 yrs on the job and it is very rewarding.

[SWATcop 0]

I have been a cop right here in central Florida for the last 13 years. I did 7 years in the Army before I went into law enforcement. There are a LOT of guys that go into law enforcement after retiring from the military. Unfortunately with the way the economy is right now, a lot of budgets are being cut. A lot of departments are cutting back on hiring and some are even laying off cops.

Kevin

Muff Brother #4041
Team Dirty Sanchez #467

[AggieDave 6]

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some are even laying off cops.

Really? At least that hasn't been happening in Texas that I know of. As the economy goes down, property crimes go up, but then again, we both know this. This seems odd to me.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[SWATcop 0]

It hasn't come to that yet here but it may. This is OPD that is concerned right now. No talk of layoffs where I work.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-loc-budget-fire-cops-unions-040109,0,4696930.story

I jump at Z-hills and I have heard from some of the jumpers in the Tampa area that they are laying off cops on some of the smaller departments over there.

Kevin

Muff Brother #4041
Team Dirty Sanchez #467

[gmanpilot 0]

Max age for the feds is usually 37...rarely waived but never more than 40. Mandatory retirement at 60 with 20 years.

_________________________________________
-There's always free cheese in a mouse trap.

[SARLDO 0]

Thank you all, mostly for what you do, but for the replys as well.

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest" ~Samuel Clemens

MB#4300
Dudeist Skydiver #68