10 Tricks For Picking the Right Department

Allen705- first of all thank you for your service to your community. At the same time I happen to be one of those veterans that will actually receive 10 points on the exam. I was a C5 loadmaster, so I shouldn't receive my points because I wasn't a military cop or civilian officer? With all due respect sir, our military veterans bring to the table what many civilians lack and that is leadership. Regardless of rank or job for that matter. I joined out of high school just separated with four years of active service and receiving masters in the next 2-3 years. Will it not be fair that a 25 yr old with a masters degree, military veteran, and 10 points on the test get a leg up over you. I'm sure I will be more than qualified to work at any level of law enforcement. Our veterans have made an incredible sacrifice in defense of our nation. Don't get upset over points you cannot receive but be a little more appreciative of what veterans have done. Good day sir. (and stay safe as well)

I fully support military personnel being given 5 extra points with civil service agencies and preferential hiring with at will agencies. Its the least the nation can do for those who volunteer for its defense and then the safety of their communities, states, and with federal LE jobs.
Governement jobs will always favor veterans.

I have five years of police experience under my belt, and i think the military points are total crap. When or if I want to move to civil service, i'm out of luck. Why don't state licensed peace officers get those as well???? IA cook or mechanic in the military who has a leg up over me??? Sorry, but I don't think fixing hummers gives anybody a leg up over me.

There are many reasons we get preference points not only the sacrifice I have made. For instance I have to leave my wife and daughter for 8 months in less than 2weeks because of my military obligation, it kills me. Besides that the Military has already put thousands of dollars into my LE training and Security training. Why not give us a few more points...Someone else has already invested money and time.

Well written. I did a ride along prior to making application. I asked lots of questions. I then joined the reserves of this same agency. The chief mentioned to me that I seem to put in a lot of time as a reserve and suggested I apply for fulll time. I did and was accepted. This was in 1972 and I had just turned 21. There was not that many people seeking a law enforcement career at that time and I felt so fortunate being appointed at the first agency I applied at. It was rare to find an applicant with a college degree at the time. I would hate to be seeking a position now days. Best to all.

I have to wholeheartedly disagree with his rejection of the shotgun approach. Putting all your eggs in one (or even just a few baskets) for only a few positions sets you up for possible failure, especially for those of us without military preference points. If there are two openings in a department and there are five guys claiming military preference and getting the extra 10%, you better believe the best I'll get is #6, knocking me out of the rule of five.

This article was kind of a waste of time... Am I the only one getting frustrated with the format of the "lists" where you have to click to the next page for every new piece of information. On a positive note, the #1 Trick is great and really is the reason a lot of Officers end up unhappy. Take the time during your interviews to pick everyones brain and get an idea of what policing is to that department, it could be worlds away from your own ideas.