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What I can do to get a better position on the police?
Police Detective in Los Angeles California in the company Los Angeles Police DepartmentChange #law-enforcement
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Rubiselia’s Answer
Hi Ayline,
I was part of the LAPD Cadets in 2014. I recommend you obtaining a degree before becoming an officer. If you get a degree (no matter what degree) before you become an Officer, you will obtain extra bonus points for your total testing score. In addition, in order to join the LAPD you must be 21. I myself wanted to become an LAPD Officer right after high school. However, I wasn't 21 when I graduate from high school and end up go to CSUN and launching my career within Public Accounting.
Here is the LAPD Career website. Please refer to it for more information https://www.joinlapd.com/careers.
https://www.joinlapd.com/careers
I was part of the LAPD Cadets in 2014. I recommend you obtaining a degree before becoming an officer. If you get a degree (no matter what degree) before you become an Officer, you will obtain extra bonus points for your total testing score. In addition, in order to join the LAPD you must be 21. I myself wanted to become an LAPD Officer right after high school. However, I wasn't 21 when I graduate from high school and end up go to CSUN and launching my career within Public Accounting.
Here is the LAPD Career website. Please refer to it for more information https://www.joinlapd.com/careers.
Rubiselia recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Ayline,
Why LAPD , if I may ask? There are many excellent departments, even here in Texas. While California may pay more, the cost of living there is very high, which means it will take a lot more money just to make it from paycheck to paycheck. If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will need $75,000 in Los Angeles just to keep the same lifestyle! https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/moving-cost-of-living-calculator.aspx
There is a shortage of female officers, so, as long as you are physically and mentally capable, you should be able to get hired without too much trouble. Moving up is different. You want to learn as much as you can, and, earn the respect of your fellow officers. You earn respect by how you handle your calls, and being there to back them up on their calls. Write GOOD reports that hold up in court.
Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Try to become an FTO - Field Training Officer. Being responsible for another officer's success really makes you stay on top of the current law and policies.
Sometimes smaller departments have better opportunities for advancement. A detective in a department of 50 officers will probably investigate a broad range of crimes, as, they don't have specialized divisions. In a huge department, there are separate detectives for homicide, burglary, robbery, auto theft, etc.
Police officers take training classes on a regular basis. Once you move up, they give you more training for your area of specialization. Promotions are usually competitive. There may be a written exam, oral review board, plus an evaluation of your record. Points may be given for education, years of service, etc.
best of luck!
Kim
Why LAPD , if I may ask? There are many excellent departments, even here in Texas. While California may pay more, the cost of living there is very high, which means it will take a lot more money just to make it from paycheck to paycheck. If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will need $75,000 in Los Angeles just to keep the same lifestyle! https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/moving-cost-of-living-calculator.aspx
There is a shortage of female officers, so, as long as you are physically and mentally capable, you should be able to get hired without too much trouble. Moving up is different. You want to learn as much as you can, and, earn the respect of your fellow officers. You earn respect by how you handle your calls, and being there to back them up on their calls. Write GOOD reports that hold up in court.
Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Try to become an FTO - Field Training Officer. Being responsible for another officer's success really makes you stay on top of the current law and policies.
Sometimes smaller departments have better opportunities for advancement. A detective in a department of 50 officers will probably investigate a broad range of crimes, as, they don't have specialized divisions. In a huge department, there are separate detectives for homicide, burglary, robbery, auto theft, etc.
Police officers take training classes on a regular basis. Once you move up, they give you more training for your area of specialization. Promotions are usually competitive. There may be a written exam, oral review board, plus an evaluation of your record. Points may be given for education, years of service, etc.
best of luck!
Kim
Updated
Mike’s Answer
First come education, never turn down the opportunity to learn.
Once you get in to the department that you want, serve your probationary period. Learn what you can from Senior Officers and your Field Training Officer.
Ask Questions find a division that you have a genuine interest in and see what it takes to get there.
There are many divisions in Police Departments, depending on the size of the department.
Divisions range anywhere from Training, SWAT, Dive Team, Community Services, Recruiting, Narcotics, Anti-Terrorism, Bomb Squad, DWI, Vice, etc.
Again find the division you want and work towards it.
See what it takes for promotion and go for it.
What it takes in most departments is hard work, a willingness to learn, keeping your record clean, not being written up and not being a problem officer.
Continue Your Education
Challenge Yourself
Stay Physically Fit
Ask Questions
Once you get in to the department that you want, serve your probationary period. Learn what you can from Senior Officers and your Field Training Officer.
Ask Questions find a division that you have a genuine interest in and see what it takes to get there.
There are many divisions in Police Departments, depending on the size of the department.
Divisions range anywhere from Training, SWAT, Dive Team, Community Services, Recruiting, Narcotics, Anti-Terrorism, Bomb Squad, DWI, Vice, etc.
Again find the division you want and work towards it.
See what it takes for promotion and go for it.
What it takes in most departments is hard work, a willingness to learn, keeping your record clean, not being written up and not being a problem officer.
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Good Luck and don't let anyone tell you that you cannot do it.
Mike Riggs