Some thinking to do......

[Ben]

Hello All,

I am new to this board, I just found it today by searching the web. Before I get to my question, let me fill you in.

I am currently a 19 year old student in La Crosse, WI. My dad is the Cheif Deputy of Buffalo County, WI. I entered the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse and decided to go into science.

But now the problem. I have ridden with my dad many times, and have begun to have serious doubts about choosing science. I would like to take up a career in Law Enforcement instead, either local or state. My question is, what do you guys recommend?

I am a B student, have never gotten fired, never done anything illegal. Would I stand a chance in this field?

I would appreciate anything that you guys say. Thank you, and keep up the good work.

Ben

P.S.- I am sure that this is the field I want to go into, so that is not the issue. I just would like to know what you guys have to say about this and what you recommend. Thanks.

[Drakor]

;D Science isn't a bad education to pursue. In fact you could probaly mix the two and be a law enforcement person and use science. I think if would be cool to investigate crime scenes using forensic science.
Does you fathers PD have a cadet program? You could complete your education while learning the ins and outs of law enforcement as a cadet. I know that most if not all departments have the 21 rule and under 21 will be a cadet.
It doesn't hurt that you father is Chief Deputy and probaly sits on the board that hires personel either.
My question is how does you father feel about you joining the force? In my mind you have nothing to lose and are probaly 2 steps in front of everyone else it's all up to you. Good Luck K.U.P.

[Ben]

Hey, thanks for responding.

Buffalo County is too small to offer a cadet program, and my chances of being hired there (due to my father) are pretty slim (don't think the county board would like that). Also, I was thinking along the lines of jsut a regular officer.

What did you mean about being "2 steps ahead of others?" Also, I havn't really talked to my dad about it yet. I am trying to figure out the best way to get into law enforcement from where I am now, but I appear to be stuck/lost.

Thanks

[T.COTE]

Ben,

I think what drakor ment by two steps ahead was that you in general have alot going for you. Clean record, college history, in general a young guy that is showing iniative.

I think lawenforcement has ways of suiting everyone to some degree. For example if you do go into being an officer and 5 years down the road you start wondering about science again, you can go into science and stay in the same field ( L.E.)

I went to college the first time for business. What a mistake on my part. Then I went into Manufactoring and got my degree in that. Now I am working two jobs, one as a machinist making parts for submarines and the second as a reserve officer.

In maine to be a reserve officer you need to complete the 100 hr. pre service course. It is basically two straight weeks.

In your position maybe it would be worth looking into such a thing in your area. If sponsorship to such courses becomes an issue maybe your father can help. He can at least tell you where to look for it. No one would look down upon that.

It could turn into a great summer job for you while you finish your degree. It will let you test out being a cop without completly cutting ties to your science goals.

Alot of departments just want to see some type of degree. If you graduate with a science degree and a couple of summers employment as a reserve, I would venture to say that you would be QUITE marketable.

I think you have more options available to you then you think. Investigate your options. Then make the informed decision.

Good Luck

T.COTE

[Ben]

Thanks to all, you have all been very helpful.

I went down to the local Technical college today to see what they offered (my currenty University has no criminal justice/police science program). I was very impressed by what they said and am leaning towards a transfer. But I still worry about being able to find a job and making my parents happy at the same time.

Anyway, thank you all for the input.

Ben

[Drakor]

;D Believe it or not you best source of information is probaly asking your father. He could be your best source and he probaly knows alot of other officers ... say the state police, other counties and so on.
Most of us would love to have someone we could personaly talk to but of course then Jay wouldn't get any hits on our little website ;D. Its also not unheard of for a son to follow in his fathers footsteps....I'll give you an example....The Maryland State Police is a tough organization to get into, it's almost like hitting the lotto. My friends father is a Captain with them as soon as my friend graduated he went into the cadet program and went to college while in the program . His younger brother did the same thing. He switched over to the F.B.I which is another extremely hard program to get into and his brother is a corporal ready to make sgt. Thats alot lightning to strike in one family. Don't get me wrong they both were super guys and they had alot of merit, but it didn't hurt that their father was a captain either.
:)So the fact is with your education and your merits.... ;D you shouldn't have any problems getting on board with any department and I' m pretty sure the state police in you state has a cadet program. I'm also pretty sure that your father knows in which direction to sent you.
Just a side note if you get your degree in criminal justice when you finally get to the academy it will be a review. Most academies upon graduation give you an AA from an accedited college in criminal justice. I'm guessing that you like science. Thats now a bad degree to pursue.
I wish you the best of luck. K.U.P.

[Ben]

Hey, thanks again for the info.

My only proble right now is deciding if I should remain in a 4-year college or transfer to a 2-year Tech. My current 4-year college has not criminal justice major, and the local tech does (in fact, a vary well looking program at that). So now I have to decide what to do.

Any ideas would be welcomed. Thanks again to all of you.

Ben