LEO Question

[Bassin'ForLife]

Well, I know they say the grass is greener, but a career change is looking more and more appealing. I was wondering if there are any OKCPD members here that might be able to tell me a bit about their jobs. After looking into it, it seems to be a really good option for me. I have another 4 years left on my current enlistment, but I can always go reserve and find an outside job. Just trying to gather a bit of info. I'm not really looking for specifics at the moment, just trying to get a general feel for how the job is. I would greatly appreciate any input.

 

[SgtMojo67]

I'll start with my background. I was an SP in the Air Force for 9 1/2 years, separated and have been a civilian police officer for 5 years.....It's not just a job, it is a lifestyle...You change how you view people, where you sit in restaurants, who your friends are, etc....10% of the job is fun, the rest is paperwork. Criminals get off over a technicality after you have spent hours of time on paperwork, possibly hours away from your family in court etc. etc. etc.....It's not what TV makes it out to be. How many times have you seen a dead child or a person who has been dead for a week on COPS? Never......There are some GREAT things about the job though. A good retirement, usually a company car, OKC gets paid real well, become part of the brotherhood (or your second family). The biggest thing to remember is FIRST you go home at the end of your shift and SECOND, your fellow officer's go home.....The rest can be dealt with later.......I believe God has had to put it in your heart. It is not an easy job, but is a good job. I recommend you do a couple of ride-a-longs with several different agencies (OHP, County, OKC PD) and see if it is REALLY what you want. My wife believes it is a calling. There are alot of people in law enforcement that shouldn't be there. There are pros and cons with every job, you just have to see what works for you.....There is so much else, I will let someone else touch on it. Just a few pointers.....

 

[SgtMojo67]

I forgot to add, don't ever put the job before your family like so many do....you will pay for it in the end. High divorce rate....And have a plan with your family. There has been so many times I've run across people I have put in jail at the store, or QuikTrip, etc...

 

[RaysZ71]

Make sure that you have a very good credit or OKCPD will not hire you, no matter what training you have.

 

[Bassin'ForLife]

Thanks for the input. I have several months ahead to contemplate all this, while I'm deployed. When I get back I will have to schedule some ride alongs and see if its really what I want to do. I know I have not talked to one LEO in any place I've been that has regretted selecting it as a career. Not to say it wouldn't have its bad moments, every job has that, but I would enjoy working alongside folks that have the same job dedication/motivation as I see every day in the Air Force.

 

[Norman]

Sgt mojo seems pretty wise.

RaysZ71, don't you smoke weed? That's a pretty big no-no... A little moreso than the credit

 

[SgtMojo67]

My next question is, how long have you been in the military? I was forced out, but if I would have been able to stay in, I would have had my tweny in at age 39. Then I could have started on my second retirement. Only problem with going guard/reserve is you don't get your retirement until what age 65? If I could change my past, I would have tried to become a reserve police officer for Midwest City or something and finish my twenty in the military. That way when you retire, you would have plenty of experience and already have one paycheck and medical for life. Also, what do you do in the Air Force? Have you looked into OSI? That maybe something to look at to finish your time in. They have (I believe) Counter-terrorism, computer fraud, drug enforcement, and other divisions. Just throwing this stuff out there.......Number one piece of advice I could give, is make sure EVERY medical issue is documented for when you get out so you can file for VA benefits....I'm rated 70% and get $1500+ a month tax free along with medical and other benefits.....

 

[Bassin'ForLife]

Well, as far as what I do, I kinda got the shaft a bit. Been in almost 5 years now. I was supposed to be a network, switching and crypto technician, but instead got stuck working on computers from the 60's on aircraft, because somehow that falls under modern networking. I'm just looking for something with a little more job satisfaction than I currently have. Being stuck under operations supervison in a maintenance world equates to people thinking that I can work miracles in a pinch and getting stuck with crap jobs deployed. Its not that I mind what I do, i had just wanted a job where what I did could potentially have an impact on something important. I haven't looked into OSI too much, I know they offer us internship opportunities. I might look into that more. And yeah, I get every doctor trip for some type of injury documented. Its the only way to make sure you get what you should.

 

[Bootleggn]

Sgt mojo seems pretty wise.

RaysZ71, don't you smoke weed? That's a pretty big no-no... A little moreso than the credit

What the...................

 

[Old Fart]

...don't you smoke weed?...