Hello, I am new

[cassb]

Hello,
I have just found this site and it is amazing. I viewed the message board before joining. I know this is going to be the first place I come with a question. Good, bad I think the advice is great. So, if I may get some opinions on where to go from here?
A little about me: I am a 27 yr old single mother that has recently started college. I am currently a first year student in CJ and maintaing a 3.5 GPA. I am also working full time. No Free Time!
For the last year I have been trying to prepare for a career in LE. I keep getting different answers from everybody I ask. Please help!
I am a very strong person and I know I can handle a lot that may be thrown my way, but now I just don't know. I was told because I was a single mother a have had a child that has passed, I would not be emotionally stable. I am very stable.
I was also told that I would not be considered because I have filed for bankruptcy. That is one of the preparation steps I was trying to take. I am not on any type of public assistance, even with 4 children.
I have no criminal record, except the brainless teen things. (nothing major).
I am very dedicated, and this is something I want for myself so bad I think of nothing else.
I know I am brand knew at the whole CJ world, but I would really like some advice. Most people that I saw on the board were not new. So who better to ask?
I do not quit, but what type of shot do I really have?
I will keep going and pushing for the career I want.
I would really like to go for a position at the sheriff's dept. any suggestions?
Good, bad all advice greatly excepted. Thank you.

[DaveTO]

Welcome Cass,

I'm a Canadian, so this might not be 100% applicable for your position, but:


Talk to the recruiting unit of your department of choice. They will be able to give you answers you can trust. They will also be able to give you some idea of what their selection process is, and what areas you need to work on.


It sounds like you have alot of life experience, which is favourable for your chances in a LE career. As for the bankruptcy, how long ago was it, have you learned anything from it, and what steps have you taken to avoid a repetition (You don't have to answer, just think about these things for your interview)

If you can fit in some volunteering into your hectic schedule, do it. It sets you above other candidates with a CJ degree.

I dont know about the U.S., but in Canada, all LEOs are looking for female candidates...

[Charlie]

cassb--

Here are my thoughts/suggestions to consider:

"A little about me: I am a 27 yr old single mother that has recently started college. I am currently a first year student in CJ and maintaing a 3.5 GPA. I am also working full time. No Free Time!"

* As "DaveTO" previously noted, most agencies are often looking for qualified female candidates to fill the ranks. I would suggest, if at all possible, that you stick with the college and earn some sort of degree BEFORE getting into the LEO profession. If you think it is tough now working full time too, being a fulltime LEO is often even more demanding too especially when you're going through the academy or field training.


"I am a very strong person and I know I can handle a lot that may be thrown my way, but now I just don't know. I was told because I was a single mother a have had a child that has passed, I would not be emotionally stable. I am very stable."

* I fail to understand the stability issue and the relationship of it to being a single parent. In my opinion, this issue is without merit based on what you've posted. There are a LOT of LEO's, male and female, who are single parents out there.


"I was also told that I would not be considered because I have filed for bankruptcy."

* Credit issues are often looked at with most any LE agency. It will likely depend upon what sort of policy or criteria a given LE agency has concerning this issue in relation to a given applicant. My suspicion is that if it is a faily recent bankruptcy, this may be an issue but if it has been a few years, perhaps not. The best thing to do is contact the agency recruiter about this for clarification about this issue.


"I have no criminal record, except the brainless teen things. (nothing major)."

* Believe it or not, a lot of cops were "brainless teens" too at one time! ;D

" I am very dedicated, and this is something I want for myself so bad I think of nothing else."

* I would recommend at the appropriate time that you sit down and explore the various LE agencies in your area. Do some research--find out their applicant qualifications, benefits, salary, training, etc. Think about what you're looking for in an LE agency and perhaps decide upon a few departments that you'd really like to work for. AVOID the blanket approach a lot of people often do by applying to a lot of agencies at one time with teh misguided thought that "one out of 10 departments I've applied with is bound to hire me!" Big mistake!


" I know I am brand knew at the whole CJ world, but I would really like some advice. I do not quit, but what type of shot do I really have?"

* BAsed on what little you've posted about yourself, I would say your chances are about as good as anyone elses. I would also suggest that you explore this board and check out some of the previous posts. There's wealth of information here.


"any suggestions?"

* See above previous responses.


--
Charlie

[guest]

I assume CJ means Criminal Justice. Is it tailored to just law enforcement or can you do some other type of job withthat degree? I ask because just taking CJ doesn't mean you stand a better chance of getting into a department. Any degree will do in that regards. If your CJ degree is tunnelling you towards LE only I would seriously reconsider your program. You might have something in your past, finances, etc that might get you disqualified from becoming an officer. If oyu have another degree you will have something to fall back on to support you and your child. In the eyes of most departments a degree is a degree and they don't really put that much weight on what type it is. They will give you all the training you need at the academy. Make sure your CJ degree can get you a job elsewhere in case you don't make it as a LE officer.

[Porl]

Cassb,

Welcome! Its good to see new members join.

I just have a few thoughts. First read the above posts. DaveTO and Charlie always have great advice. Volunteer is a big part of getting hired. It may not be a reserve deputy position but any volunteering looks good. It helps the resume. It supports the reason you want to become a cop "because i like to help people" answer. You can volunteer at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, etc EVEN with the kids. I do that now. Of course, call before you take the kids. Plus your kids will be rewarded in the long run.

Also, I opinion falls in line with guest. You would be much better off with a more general degree. An English major would be beneficial because of all the writing involved in LE. And it could be used outside of LE. Maybe you could have a minor in CJ?

Also, check out your local Sheriffs Office. I just finished my Citizens Academy. It was a 10 week informational course about the Sheriffs office, jail tour, ride alongs, etc. It was a good way in the door, because now the sheriff knows me by name and encouraged me to apply for a position. Many of the speakers were dept heads (commanders, sgts) and now they also know my name. Look at your Dept and see what they have to offer. Do ride alongs. Get to know people inside the dept to give you tips about the process. Who knows the way better than those that were hired.

Gee, sorry about the messy, bad grammar. Maybe i should go and get my degree in English!

Porl